The Talbott Hotel was exactly what we were looking for. The Talbott is located in a wonderful location (except for construction...I'll talk about that later). It is a very short walk to Magnificant Mile, Oak Street, the lake and just a couple of streets away from a Metro Stop. It is also a five minute walk to some great restaurants (Gibson's, etc.). There are plenty of places to eat and grab a cup of coffee (i need my starbucks in the morning and there is one across the street) near the hotel. In addition to the great location is the value. We booked this hotel for well below what most hotels in the area were asking and it surpassed our expectations. The rooms were a decent size and included a flat screen television, comfy beds, turndown service and great toiletries. Most importantly, the hotel was very clean.
My only concerns were as follows: 1) The hotel is located next to some high rises that are currently under construction and unfortunately our room faced the construction so we were subject to some construction noises in the morning. Nothing unbearable, but obvious. 2) The bellman and doormen were extremely friendly and willing to assist, but some of the front desk attendants seemed somewhat indifferent. I'm not saying they were rude, just not as eager to assist and friendly as I thought they might be (there were one or two exceptions of course). 3) I initially called the hotel to inquire about the best rate guarantee and it seemed as if no one fully understood it at the reservation desk except the manager who called me back later to explain it. I think everyone taking reservations should have a full understanding of the guarantee and how it works, otherwise don't market it. The Talbott isn't the exception here, it seems many hotels put price guarantees on their websites and then when you call to take them up on it the reservation desk often don't know what the policy is or tell you the wrong policy.
Overall, I would stay here again and probably request a room facing the front of the building (away from construction). It is a very cozy hotel in a great location.