49th Street Beach

One of the best hotels I’ve stayed in. Great location for seeing the sights of Chicago. Breakfast buffet was top notch! Rooftop bar was really cool. The hotel was busy but didn’t feel crowded. The only downside is the elevators could get full during the peak hours of the day. The staff is very friendly and helpful.

The first room we were assigned smelled like a cat. I'm severely allergic, so I knew right away (room 2204). The second room (1404) was nice and clean. Unfortunately the noise from Michigan Avenue is pretty much unbearable. It's an old building and no sound proofing has been done to the walls ... even from the 14th floor I could hear sirens all night, cars drag racing, and even gun shots. There are 5-6 elevators on this property, but the first set of 3 services the lobby to floor 22, and the second set services 22 - 30something. I found myself constantly waiting on an elevator. One morning at 8:30 am, I had to wait for 3 (very full elevators) to pass by. If I wasn't carrying a bunch of things I would have taken the stairs. On another occassion I actually got stuck in one of the elevators, as it wouldn't open at the lobby level. I had to take it back up and use the stairs. On a positive note, the location was nice. The gym was excellent, and the food on property was very good. I just won't be back because of the noise and the elevator issues.