I was attending a conference at this hotel. The layout downstairs was a bit weird and the elevators didn't handle the crowds too well. My hotel room was great, and about average price for Chicago. The layout was very spacious, the bed was comfortable. I liked that there was a separate shower and bathtub. The shower was fantastic! The bathroom also included a lighted makeup mirror and a scale. (There's a nice fitness room downstairs) No refrigerator in the room. Concierge was very friendly and helpful. There is a CVS pharmacy nearby, and a great breakfast restaurant around the corner. I stayed here because of the conference, but I would consider staying at this hotel on my own next time I'm in Chicago.

I am writing a review for the standard (run of the mill) double room only. Some friends stayed in nicer, upgraded rooms, so please keep that in mind as you read my review.

I found the Fairmont to be a standard 4 star hotel. I enjoyed my stay, but I was not overly impressed by the room or the service I received. I have stayed in 4 star hotels that had better service and more luxurious decor/rooms. What I liked most about the room was that it was big. I have heard that rooms in most hotels in Chicago tend to run small, so I was glad that my room was a nice size. I also enjoyed the espresso coffee maker and coffee that came with the room.

What I liked most about the bathroom was the fact that the toilet was separated from the rest of the bathroom by a door. I also liked the fact that there was a separate shower and tub as I hate standing in the tub to take a shower. What I didn't like about the bathroom was the fact that it seemed as though housekeeping didn't clean the toilet area very well. I have to admit that I am a bit of a clean freak, so please bear that in mind, but with that being said, the toilet just seemed dirty to me.

The location of the hotel is also nice. We walked to Millennium Park, and we walked from the hotel to downtown and the Magnificent Mile area. Please note that I love to walk, so the hotel seemed to be close to everything.

Overall, the Fairmont is a decent 4 star hotel. If you want a nice place to stay, then I recommend it. If you want luxury, then don't book the standard room.

As I start all reviews, please take a look and see how many hotels I've reviewed, I'm not a jaded one time traveler. I travel often and feel I have a good base to write a good overall review. I'd also like to say I love Fairmont Hotels, I've stayed in several and do prefer them to other 5 star properties (Usually) Before my stay I checked the TA reviews as I often do and was surprised by the amount of negative reviews. But I do take negative reviews with a grain of salt of the person writing the review has only written one review. This stay at Fairmont Chicago was surprising to say the very least. Upon arrival the valet was very prompt taking our luggage and parking our car. The lobby is really outstanding, it's very new and modern. The service was lacking, usually if you are a Presidents Club - Premier you're really rolled out the red carpet. This did not happen, honestly the man checking us in didn't even acknowledge it. At no point did he ask of we would like to upgrade to Gold or if we wanted any reservations for dinner or the spa. The elevators are quick (which I love) We booked a "Parkview Suite" on the 34th floor.
The room was HUGE (living, dining, separate bedroom and large bath) as stated in other reviews the rooms are missing something. I don't know if it was because it was a suite but the room had a cold empty feel. The room did have the usual great bedding and comfortable bed in room coffee full mini bar. It appears that when the last renovation took place it was done quickly and no attention to detail. The paint was chipping in several areas, the bathroom door was out and out dirty the sprinkler head in the bathroom was falling out of the ceiling the pocket door for the water closet did not close. The bath did have an updated sink, mirror, tile and shower which were very nice and on par with other Fairmonts. Another huge disappointment was the lack of plugs and odd places for the light switches. In the bedroom there were two useable plugs and they were across the room one behind a heavy bench the other under the window so if you wanted to charge your phone by the bed you couldn't. Our room was right next to the elevators and unlike other reviews we had no issue, it just sounded like the wind blowing (and they don't have a bell that dings)
As a Presidents club member their workout gear is usually waiting in the room again that was not the case, turndown service was sporadic of the 4 nights only turned down twice. ( I can close my own drapes but if you're going to do it be consistent) During the times we were turned down we received bottled water and a piece of paper with the next days forecast (at other locations these are nicely printed, here is was a very old copy of a copy with the info hand written)
My biggest point of frustration was we decided to add a day to our stay. This in my opinion should not be complicated, yet the front desk seemed as if it was the biggest request ever made. First we were told sure that wouldn't be a problem, then received a call that our current suite was booked and would have to move to a standard room we said fine, then we were told we could stay in the room and then another call to see if we were checking out and then received a voicemail stating we wouldn't have to change rooms. To me it appears as if the right hand isnt speaking to the left. On top of all that once we returned to the hotel at 8pm we reached our room on the 34th floor to find our keys didn't work. We then got to stand in a line for 15 minutes so we could get our keys re-activated.
At all the other Fairmonts I've stayed I like to view our Guest Folio via the tv. This location does not offer the option. The concierge was great, was able to give great transportation tips and suggest good restaurants. (Shaws Crab House, Gaylord Indian)
The hotel restarant for dinner was OUTSTANDING, the food, service and even the decor excellent. It is really top notch and again on par with other Fairmonts. Sadly the breakfast was a total joke. Im sorry but $16 bucks for 2 eggs is a joke. They may claim that the pricing is comparable with other hotels but I still think to price gouge your customers who just paid for hotel room with you is not right.
We do have some great tips, the hotel does not make you aware but they are connected with the Chicago pedway system. You can walk from the hotel all the way to Macys State Street (aka Marshall Fields) without setting foot outside. It is a little confusing and poorly marked but sooooo convenient with the harsh Chicago winters. After seeing the breakfast prices at the hotel we were able to take the pedway to "Wildberry" the breakfast is truly EXCELLENT (ate there all 4 days), everything is fresh and the prices are in line with what they should be. As stated the pedway came in handy, you can also take it to the train station and a mall on State Street. Granted if you look at a map they are only a block or two from Michigan Ave, but to get to the good shopping you must take a taxi or bus. You can walk to State street for shopping but Mich Ave is far better.
Overall would I recommend this hotel? No. This is a nice hotel but does not live up to Fairmont high standards I've received at the other properties. I would have felt very cheated and most likely addressed these issues with the manager if I'd paid full price but they offered a good winter deal.. For the price I'd as you can read in my other reviews recommend the Four Seasons or Ritz if for a 4 star I'd go with the Intercontinental. Those are are very central and very high quality. If you have a chance to ever stay with Fairmont from my past travels I'd recommend them 100% (except this one)
Happy Travels! Cheers!

I stay here frequently on business. It's convenient to both Michigan Avenue and the Loop. I like more traditional furnishings than what this property offers, but the rooms are comfortable and tasteful. Very convenient bus service so you don't have to rely on cabs and an easy walk to the L train. Great fitness facility. Just need to join the Fairmont President's Club to get free wi-fi and access to the spa/fitness center. Always a good choice when you can get a decent rate, but when rates are more than $300 a night, I would like at other options.