Chicago's Essex Inn

Great Location

The Essex Inn is ideally located for visiting Chicago. Rates are moderate, probably hard to beat considering the area. Room was clean and comfortable (although sink drain was broken); pool and exercise room were better and larger than what you'd expect for most mid-range hotels. Staff was helpful, and they store bags after checkout for $1. Restaurant is fine, but there is no free breakfast food or coffee.

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You get what you pay for

The location is excellent! I stayed here many years ago and it is much better than before - but still old with small rooms, Unless you get the corner "king suite". Noise from the hall was disruptive - but over-all a good bargain.

Great

Great place!

What a Bargain for downtown Chicago

This was the 3rd time I have stayed at the Essex, and I definitely would return again. The room was a bit smaller than your typical 'chain' hotel, but for the bargain price paid, the room and proximity were well worth it. Every room has a refrigerator, hidden in the dresser, with a nice flat screen TV. The in the room coffee maker, iron, shampoo/soap and hair dryer are also all there for use, without asking. They also have a very nice pool, with a lifeguard, and exercise equipment to use. Due to its location, you can easily walk to the Art Museum, Shedd's Aquarium, Field Museum, Planetarium, Buckingham fountain, as well as Millennium Park, since they are all within a mile or so of the Essex. Additionally, the Essex provides free Shuttle service to the Hancock building at periodic times through the day, and an upgrade for a night visit, if wanted was printed on our hotel electronic room key. The staff were all very friendly, especially the bellman, who was very helpful with suggesting ideas of what to see, and knew the details of what was happening in Chicago each day. The only downside was having to ask for a TV station list & paying $35/day for the parking, but with the room price being cheaper, this is still a bargain. Great location, super friendly staff, I'd not hesitate to recommend the Essex to anyone who is looking for a bargain in downtown Chicago. The entire package made a super visit, which was super easy on the wallet. Very nice, safe and family friendly. We loved it!

Comfortable and Friendly

I found the staff to be very welcoming and helpful. The room was very clean and comfortable.

Excellent Value

Considering its great location on Michigan Ave. facing the park and the moderate rate, I was really pleased with this hotel. The room was clean, in good condition, and quiet (including the A/C). The only negative was that it was a bit cramped for space. The staff were friendly and helpful. The lobby was comfortable although a bit oddly arranged for a hotel (the front desk location is not immediately apparent). All the expected amenities are there.

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Exactly what we were after

One gets the feeling that The Essex Inn was renovated recently: the rooms are quite clean with furnishings that seem rather new, all done in a slightly hipster/retro-chic style. Otherwise, rooms were straightforwardly simple. Excellent location: three blocks from the Harrison station on the Red Line El, across the street from a nice park, and generally in a neighborhood that's seen much re-investment lately, with several good restaurants nearby.

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Fantastic Hotel

Essex Inn is the perfect location for walking to many area attractions. A very short walk to the Shedd Aquarium and Field museum. Beautiful views of the park across the street. Great indoor pool with a balcony that overlooks the park. Perfect for vacationing with a family. We had our 3 year old and 2 month old with us. We were able to adventure out more because the hotel was alway close to run back to!

Okay for the money during a high-traffic season downtown

Comfortable room; okay for the money during a high-traffic season downtown. Room unexpectedly equipped with a mini-fridge, which was a nice surprise.