Chicago's Essex Inn

Location is great if you want to stay in the south loop. Although for the price it's insane considering what kind of room you actually get. You pay for the location. That's about it.

I stayed at Le Méridien Essex Chicago and was honestly disappointed with the customer service from the daytime front desk staff. They were not friendly, seemed to have an attitude, and barely explained anything regarding the hotel charges or fees. Communication was very minimal and it felt like guests were an inconvenience rather than welcomed. The hotel itself is in a good location, but the overall experience at check-in left a poor impression. Better customer service and clearer communication would make a huge difference.

Rooms are in nice condition and clean however, the rooms allow a lot of noise in. I can hear every person in the hallway pass by. My biggest complaint is the rooms does not get colder than 72°. Since we got here two days ago, it’s been set at 65° (just to cool down) and it has yet to cool below 72°. Every night having to sleep with the top bed sheet because the comforter is too hot. Those are my only two complaints.

Clean, good location, great service

This somewhat boutique hotel is located near the heart of downtown Chicago’s shopping and cultural districts and features a nice restaurant adjacent to the lobby. Recent upgrades appear to have been completed, and the rooms are clean, comfortable, and thoughtfully designed, even if slightly compact by today’s standards. Check-in was efficient, but what truly stood out was Kiera's friendliness and professionalism at the front desk. She greeted us warmly and enthusiastically, and took the time to help us navigate the elevator system, which includes a nice security feature that requires a room key for floor access. Small touches like this help create both a welcoming and secure environment. The room itself was comfortable, quiet, and well-maintained. The bathroom was somewhat small but functional and clean. Throughout the stay, the service remained exceptional. When we needed assistance, Jesus was quick to help and handled everything professionally and graciously. Overall, this is a very solid Chicago hotel option with excellent service, a convenient location, and a boutique-style atmosphere that feels more personal than many larger downtown properties.

After an awful travel experience and issue with a reservation at the Hilton Garden, my family limped over to the Le Meridian Essex desperate for a room and some sleep. Pat, who was meant to be focused on accounting as the night auditor, went above and beyond to help us out. I am so grateful for his kindness, patience, and thoughtfulness. He completely turned around the trip for us. Thank you, Pat.

Good budget Marriott hotel.

What started as an awful experience quickly turned into an amazing one thanks to a front desk employee named Sam and the concierge, James. Somehow, our reservation didn’t include our first night at the hotel. I was panicked since I had booked 4–5 months in advance and had verified the reservation multiple times. We needed to get ready for a rehearsal dinner and had no other options for places to stay due to several large conferences in town. I was worried we’d have to stay outside the city, which would have been really difficult with the rehearsal dinner that night and a wedding the next day. Sam came up with a plan and got approval to upgrade us to a large suite overlooking the park. Both Sam and James truly made us feel cared for and showed genuine concern for what we were going through. The room was gorgeous, and the bed was incredibly comfortable. They even gave us vouchers for food and drinks at the on-site restaurant for the inconvenience. I felt very well taken care of and would recommend this place to anyone. I will definitely stay here again the next time I visit Chicago. My only regret is that I didn’t see either of them again to be able to express more gratitude towards them.

Great location right across the park. It was rainy when we visited so we didn’t get to enjoy the park. Modern decor. Service is ok. The $16 voucher got us two yogurt and granola for breakfast. The rooms are small, but it’s expected in Chicago. There were holes on the bedsheets, not expected at this price range. We use a parking app to park Nextdoor and saved $50 on valet parking. Overall good stay.

City view is worth it