Chicago Hotels

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Essex Inn

At a Glance

    Pros

  • good value
  • pool
  • free Wi-Fi

    Cons

  • rooms can be drafty during winter
  • staff can be slow to address complaints
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Essex Inn Review

Don't judge this hotel on appearance alone: the nondescript, plain-brick tower is actually one of the city's most accessible and family-friendly hotels. A five-minute walk from the Museum Campus, it offers package deals with such nearby attractions as the Shedd Aquarium, the Art Institute, and the Field Museum. There's also a free shuttle bus to North Michigan Avenue sights. That said, you might not want to leave the hotel; its huge, lifeguard-staffed pool is open year-round and is surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windowns with views of Grant Park and Lake Michigan.

    Hotel Details

  • 231 rooms, 23 suites.
  • Rate includes no meals.
  • Credit cards accepted.
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Fodorite Reviews

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    Décor  
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    Location, location on a budget

    Great area with some rooms overlooking Grant Park, the Museum Campus, and Lake Michigan. Another plus is that the Essex is within walking distance of all of the above attractions. The rooms themselves, however, are rather dated. Had a hard time opening the aging drapes so that we could view the city lights at night. We also found the bathroom to be rather small with old & tired fixtures. But for location, location on a budget the Essex will serve you well.

    by Retired_teacher, 6/10/08

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