As a longtime fan of Ian Schrager's hotel properties, I was confident my stay at Public Hotel would be excellent. I was not disappointed. I arrived late at night, but the Pump Room Bar was thriving. The Le Labo candles burning throughout the lobby and common areas create an amazing olfactory experience. Checkin was quick and efficient, the staff extremely competent, friendly, and stylish. The room was beautifully appointed in every way and I was disappointed that my trip was for business and didn't afford me more time to spend in the room and exploring the amenities of the property (restaurant, bar, lounge, gym, etc).

If you want a sublime experience in Chicago, both the hotel and its location nestled in the Gold Coast are perfect. I've stayed in numerous high-end boutique hotels around the city, usually with excellent experiences. But Public is my new favorite and will be my first recommendation to friends or colleagues spending time in Chicago.

I had stayed many many times at the Ambassador East and this was my first visit to the redone property. The remodel of the rooms was sorely needed and I believe that the new look of the rooms is very modern and comfortable. I am not a big fan of the dark hallways, but I didn't stay in the hallway. The lobby is very stark, but the library area is very comfortab le and inviting. The Pump Room has lost much of it's charm, but is certainly a popular spot with the neighborhood at this time. I am convinced that anyone staying at the PUBLIC would be very satisfied, and this is a terrific location for business or pleasure in the Windy City.

We've stayed here a few times (4 ?). Name has changed since the last but it is the spot we'd always pick first. There are better hotels I guess - but we like this one.

We stopped here first many years ago on a trip from Oz. We had a Rt 66 tour starting. Since then we've picked it as our hotel of choice 3 more times. To give you an idea - last time we arrived it was a catastrophe happening. Water broken - and bathrooms unusable. We were told they were fixing but if we wanted they would transport us to another hotel. We said we'd chance it - much to the surprise and thankful reponse of the lady in charge. The water was fixed quickly and things got back to normal very quickly. They are an efficient bunch.

We stopped in our normal room - not the swankiest in the hotel - but we like it. Front of the hotel - about 7 floors up. They have an awesome restaurant - where you can feel the atmosphere and almost see the ghosts of old crooners and mobsters of days gone by.

Easy walking distance to the Mag Mile, fabulous restaurants, and even Navy Pier. A short block to the lake and an easy walk to the train stop if you want to go to a ball game. Or an early morning walk is lovely - just you and the squirrels.

Almost every restaurant style you could want nearby.A wonderful bakery around the corner for brekkie too.

When we think Chicago - we think this hotel ! Would love to go back soon.

I was rather excited when I got a reservation at the Public through Priceline. I recently moved from Chicago and I return weekly. So, I know the area (used to live just mere blocks away), and I'm a frequent traveler. I like modern and contemporary decor. I knew of the remodel and relaunch of the Pump House, so I was excited about trying it out. First off, despite there being valet and bellhops running around, no one apparantely noticed me getting out of the cab. No biggie, I can manage on my own. Then there are steps to get up (with a suitcase... no fun and I'm recovering from a knee injury).... There is someone standing in front of me at the front desk. One of the front desk receptionists looks up and half smiles at me. I didn't know if that was a, I can help you over here half smile, or I'm looking up and half smiling to be polite. She finally gives me a look (never says "I can help you") I go over to her, and get checked in. It was the most awkward greeting I've ever received checking in to a hotel. She asked for my name, and my credit card. Confirmed I was here for one night and handed me my key. It wasn't the usual warm greeting you get when you check into a hotel. It was just the facts, and barely the facts. No, the elevators are this way, no, the restaurant is that way. No nothing. Ok. weird. And this is supposed to be a 4-star hotel? This was NOT 4-star service. I was excited to try room service since it's from the Pump House. I was less than impressed with the selection and settled on a burger cooked medium well. I ordered a Diet Coke and a glass of water. The room service menu specified they carried Coke products... Room service guy shows up with a Diet Pepsi. I'm very particular about my soft drinks, I don't order Diet Pepsi because I don't drink it. And there is no water. The room service guy says he thinks they have some Diet Coke anyway and he'll be back. Luckily, I'm in the habit of cutting a sandwich in half before eating it... The burger was medium rare at best, I had ordered medium well. The french fries had so much pepper seasoning on them they were inedible. For the first time ever (and again, I'm a frequent traveler), I had to call to refuse my food it was that bad. The worst part was it was 10 minutes before I had a client call. They offered to send me up something else. With no time, and not impressed with the menu, I passed and instead later, (at 10:45 pm) resorted to ordering pizza. No one came up to get my tray - rather the security escort to the delivery guy (2+ hrs later) took it away. And the guy who promised me a diet coke, no sign of him either....And with no water, I had a 2+ hr client phone call with nothing to drink.... Quite disappointing. Luckily, I have a rare breakfast meeting and not relying on the hotel for my meal.... The room itself is not bad. The bed is a little too low to the ground for my knee. I find it amusing that the hotel went through a multi-million dollar renovation and yet they did not replace the interior doors (bathroom door, closet door, connecting room door), or crown molding. These old doors do NOT go with the rest of the modern theme. To echo another reviewer, If one sets the thermostat at 72 (which I did), the heater blasts heat until it is too hot, then blasts cold until it is too cold, then blasts heat again. I couldn't find anyway to turn the fan down low or maintain the room at a constant temperature. (Think hot, cold, hot, cold...) And it's drafty by the window. I have written maybe 1-2 reviews in my life. I've only been here a few hours and was compelled to share my experience. If you are looking for a 4-star hotel with 4-star service, this is not your hotel. If you are impressed by modern decor only, this beats a Best Western. But, I've had better service at a Best Western.