This is for the hidden charges. $81 a night (2 rooms) Accommodation charge. Along with the other feee. I prepaid the hotel with the 3rd party booking (Priceline) This is for January 19th, 2023 weekend. Ask about the Accommodation fees! Read the fine print. $286.66 charge on my credit card after my stay. The Accommodation fee is more than what I paid per night for the hotel room itself! Don’t get hoodwink like I did.
This is not a one off, or a singular bad meal experience. This is generally concerning and should be read carefully by JDV/Hyatt management. Additionally, I will always give management an opportunity to address and recover accordingly before posting a poor review on social media, which I did in this case without success. We stayed here for a couple nights in late December after staying at the hotel several times when it was the PUBLIC Hotel. The lobby and restaurant area has not changed since JDV took over (which is very cool), although the main area of the restaurant was closed when we visited, and service during the day was limited to the lobby. No in-room dining, which was a remanence of covid protocol or more likely a staffing issue. Dinner: One server in the restaurant for 14 tables, who was also performing as host. We did not see a manager at all that evening. We were also told that the kitchen staff was scheduled so limited that they could not even open the restaurant the night before when staff called out and they did not have back up to open. When we inquired what was going on, we were told that the management was aware of the poor conditions, limited staffing and the limited scheduling was intentional as they were in the process of trying to sell the hotel. Regardless as whether this is true or not, this was tough to hear and the pain on the staff faces that was stretched so thin was obvious during our stay. The Room: When you are staying in the city during the holidays paying $1,300 for two nights is expected, and not where the issue lies. It was the overall poor service and deteriorating room. The view of our "suite" was of the HVAC system on the roof, the bathtub (clearly painted) was peeling, tattered sheers, bathroom sink was dirty, the slipcovers had holes and were poorly patched. We did not, complain, ask for a discount or take it out on an unsuspecting employee that likely had not been responsible for these issues, this is a bigger issue. With that said, I did however complete the survey sent after checking out to make management aware of all of the challenges above and to give them an opportunity to appropriately and empathetically respond. The front desk managers response to the survey and our feedback was simply. "We apologize that our hotel was not as advertised. We always strive to deliver an experience that meets your expectations. We do hope you give us another try in the near future to better prove ourselves". No acknowledgement to the room condition, poor and limited service and no attempt of recovery. Just a blurb about advertising and striving to meet your expectations and hopes to see us in the near future? Seriously? Here's the thing JDV, a brand and message I loved and supported across the country until they sold to Hyatt. You can't justify raising your room and food rates if you are going to lower your standards. Yes, we are all aware that the economy is suffering, staffing is an issue and food costs are high. So, if you are going to still charge premium, provide premium service and premium accommodations. Maintain your rooms, change your business model in dining if you can't provide adequate service, or lower your rates and food pricing to reflect the service and product you are providing. You can't have it both ways and your guests expect more.…
This hotel is my favorite hotel. It is close to public transportation without being in the noise and bustle of the city. it is located in a quiet, beautiful neighborhood with access to the waterfront. The hotel has a classy and nostalgic feel. The front desk is high class and professional. For those looking for a quiet and upscale hotel with minimal tourist, this is the place to go. You're welcome.
The Ambassador has undergone quite a few changes in ownership over the years and perhaps that’s why it can’t be easily described or categorized. It’s not characteristic of a “Hyatt” property…which is probably the point of the JdV branding. But neither is it the legendary celebrity hangout it was known to be in its heyday. They play up its history to be sure. And it’s a very decent hotel. But it seems like it can’t decide what it wants to be. Hip, cutting edge, trendy, youthful? Or an iconic property reminiscent of, and playing up, it’s elegant, sophisticated, celebrity-heavy past. Two entirely different clientele. Nevertheless, it was a pleasant and enjoyable stay. I will return.
Stayed here before a dead show. Bar is top notch. The hotel is a nice mix of high end renovations and dated charm. Price is great, location is perfect. Easy decision to stay here again next Chicago trip. Bed was perfect. Bathroom was very dated but kind of cool prewar style.
The pictures of the hotel look better than the actual rooms. Furnishings feel a little bit ‘IKEA’, bulbs out and the bathroom had really old fittings. Room was clean but looked like a rushed paint job. Ensure your room is away from elevator which is very noisy. Anyone with mobility issues beware of the steps immediately at the entry
We had a fantastic stay at the Ambassador. It is perfectly located in a terrific neighborhood. We could walk to most things we we wanted to see and only occasionally needed to grab a taxi or Uber. Our Deluxe Suite was enormous and very comfortable. We enjoyed breakfasts in the beautiful lounge area. We enjoyed the High Tea experience. The pastry chef is extremely talented and everything was made in house. The staff was very helpful throughout our stay. Shout out to Security Manager Felix who retrieved an important left behind item and assisted in shipping it home for us. The Ambassador was once a hot spot for celebrities passing through Chicago and local power brokers. Sinatra famously had his own booth in the Pump Room Restaurant. It may not still enjoy the caché of that bygone era but it is a lovely hotel nonetheless. We will likely return to the Ambassador on our next trip to Chicago. Photos of the Fountain Girl statue in nearby Lincoln Park and a few of the many old photos of celebrities enjoying The Ambassador.…
Famous name great location friendly staff . But minimal services-even a vending machine would have been appreciated-made us wonder if we wouldn’t have been better in a less prestigious hotel. Hat water took forever to come on.
Elegantly casual vibe. City neighborhood setting - immediate area seems relatively quiet though only a short walk to Lake Michigan, Rush/Division & Old Town establishments. Dog friendly. Reasonable fitness room, for a hotel. The Library/Lounge were comfortable places for cocktails and apps, though we did not use any food service at the hotel. Very enjoyable staycation for us and our little dog.
From the onset, management not only checked me in a few hours earlier than scheduled; but the attentiveness of the entire hotel staff was exquisite! As well as having a few important packages sent to me via fedex, the hotel staff took notes, asked for email information as it pertained to tracking info so they could keep track of my package so I could enjoy my time in Chicago.
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