I just returned for travel from business & selected this hotel for proximity to workplace. I'm often use Marriot hotels for all business travel (30+ nights/year) having used all sub-brands & price points.
For $179 per night for Fairfield Inn... I would have expected a cleaner & more updated establishment. While the Cust Service was very nice, the room and general area seemed musty smelling, old/outdated. Only available eating was TGIF , some small restaurants across the street & some other hotel sports bar.
Breakfast was typical of most Courtyard, Springhills Suites, etc.
For the price paid per night, I changed hotels to Courtyard Chicago Downtown (on Ontario) for about same price per night (though have to deal with parking $ for downtown and be walking distance to Magnificent Mile & all different choices for dining.
Only plus items: (1) proximity to MDW, (2) still drivable distance via streets to Downtown (20-25 min). Cons: (1) area north of MDW is industrial & what looks like lower class area, (2) limited dining options for relative area of MDW hotel area, and (3) just as much $$$ as Downtown Chicago.

Of course in Chicago, you are going to pay more to be downtown - but you will also pay more if you want to be close to Midway Airport if you are flying in and out of there. This hotel is only a couple miles from the airport, so it's certainly convenient. We came into town with no reservation and first tried the Holiday Inn next door ($200 a night) - similar for the Marriott and HIlton here - all these hotels are in a hotel 'circle' right next to each other. The Fairfield Inn was $170 a night (with AAA discount) and all the properties charge for parking ($13 a night) - they claim it's due to airport regulations. Which is why I only gave it an average - the value is inflated due to location. The room was fine, but an extremely small bathroom area - only about 6 inches on either side of the sink for your 'stuff'. There's a small pool/jacuzzi and fitness area. The breakfast is very nice - they make waffles for you, plus have egg sandwiches/omelettes you can heat up in the micro along with all the standard continental breakfast items. The staff was nice. I used my own car, so can't comment on the walk to the El, etc., but this is really not such the 'bad neighborhood' that everyone seems to comment on. Costco/Walmart/Target right down the street for any needed items. Only 9 miles from downtown/Lakeshore drive. A TGI Fridays across the parking lot - food was good, service was a little spotty, but it was popular.

Came in for a convention and was one of the best options I could find. The room was clean but there were stains on the chair, floor which kind of creeped me out. Location does not seem to be in a good area. We felt safe but didn't want to leave the compound of hotels to go elsewhere.

location was a little far, but the place is exrtremely nice and quite, very difficult to find a cab from the place although, the breakfast felt like eating at home, cozy place, but the hotel has no restaurant (neighbouring one has although)