We booked a trip to the US in March through an agent who booked our Manchester to Chicago flights and our Flight from Chicago to San Diego 3 days later , but failed to secure any of the 3 Hotel options that we had given her. So we decided to do it ourselves - Hotels in the Chicago area were 'all' fully booked up, the only other option (we were told) was to stay at one of the many Airport Hotels, This I'm afraid is not an option - Who wants to go on holiday and stay 18 mile away from all the attractions that you have come to see ? Not me that's for sure.
So after spending a week trawling through the net to find a hotel , we came across the AFFINIA - The website said that the hotel was having a huge facelift and would be ready by June 2008 (we arrived on May 31st) but the website made the hotel look very very classy - the only stumbling point was the price £730 for 3 nights ! That's over $1400. At this point we were at risk of ruining our holiday before it started, so we bit the bullet and paid it.
When we arrived we were about an hour early , the reception staff and bellboys could not do enough to help, the lady on reception said the 'Suite' they were preparing would be ready in an hour. Id did not click at the time , but that's why we had paid so much, when we returned (from the fantastic Italian restaurant next door 'Ginos East') we were given our key and told to take the the elevator to the 28th floor.
The 29th floor was the new roof-top bar which they were putting the finishing touches to so the 28th floor - with it spectacular views- was pretty much as high up as it gets !
The second we opened the door , we knew that the place was a little special - you enter to your office that over looks the lounge with its floor to ceiling windows (displaying Chicago's impressive skyline in all its splendor) as you ascend the steps into the lounge, the bedroom (a similar size to the lounge) comes into view with its huge bed and 42" HD-L.C.D TV that swings between bedroom and lounge , past this is a dressing room , with ample wardrobe space (complimentary safe, hair dryer, Iron and Ironing board) and the beautifully decorated bathroom.
In my humble opinion this is what luxury looks like, and although it cost more than what I would've wanted to pay, I thought it was worth it to spend 3 nights in pure comfort (always helps after a 11 trip) with views to die for.
The position of the hotel is quite simply unbeatable, You are a 2 minute walk from the 'Magnificent Mile' which is Chicago's 5th Avenue ,5 minutes from more themed Restaurants and bars than you can shake a stick at & a 10 minute stroll from 'Navy Pier' not to mention the great Restaurant next door , so you never have to spend hours looking for somewhere to eat, on that subject - I have one gripe , if I'm paying $1400 for 3 nights in a hotel I don't ever expect to have to pay $50 (inc: tip) for a buffet breakfast for 2, but - I enjoyed my stay so much that I would never knock a star off for something that trivial
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Would I recommend this hotel to my best friend?
Absolutely!
I recommend this hotel for:
An Amazing Honeymoon, A romantic getaway, Girlfriend getaway, People with disabilities, Older Travellers, Families with Teenagers, tourists
I do not recommend this hotel for:
Young Singles
I selected this hotel as a top choice for:
Great food / Wine, Shopping