I stayed at the hotel on the night of July 15, 2011. I was pleased with the cleanliness and service at hotel.

For our annual Red Sox trip, we decided on this hotel due to the cost as the downtown hotels were much more expensive and the fact we weren't renting a car and we were flying in/out of Midway.

The staff was great and answered any questions we had regarding directions, restaurants, etc. KUDOS to them.

With the shuttle bus running every 20 minutes, we were able to jump on the Orange line (Midway airport) to head downtown and switch to the red line to get to Cellular Field. Got to know the Chicago Transportation very well during our 3-days. Granted we had to add about an hour each way but considering everything, this was the best route to go as we didn't have to worry about the traffic and then finding/paying for parking.

As far as the rooms at the hotel, the rooms have seen better days. Everything worked, ie. a/c, lights, tv, etc. but they were dated. As we didn't spend time in the rooms, it was fine. As far as the posts on bed begs....no sign of them as the room was clean.

Breakfast in the morning was typical for this type hotels (ie. waffle maker), although the pancake/sausage roll was different. My only comment was on the microwave they have was a commercial one that really didn't have any clear direction on the buttons to push for how long items needed to warm-up/cook. There was one staff person that did a great job manning this area.

All in all, a nice hotel that fit our budget and had a decent breakfast to start our day.

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 While the Cust Service was very nice, the room and general area seemed musty smelling, old/outdated.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.