Residence Inn by Marriott Chicago Downtown/River North

This hotel stands out for its well-equipped kitchenettes, offering guests the convenience of home-like amenities during their stay. Its prime central location is consistently highlighted, placing guests within easy walking distance of major attractions, dining, and shopping. The friendly and attentive staff are frequently praised for their exceptional service, contributing significantly to a positive experience. Guests also appreciate the spacious rooms and the complimentary breakfast, which adds value to their stay. This hotel is an excellent fit for families seeking comfortable and practical accommodations, sightseers looking to explore the city on foot, and business travelers who value convenience and in-room facilities. To make the most of your visit, consider booking parking online in advance to secure better rates, and aim for an earlier breakfast to avoid peak crowds.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests highly value the well-equipped kitchenettes found in the rooms, which include a full-sized refrigerator, dishwasher, stove, and microwave, making longer stays or family trips more convenient. The hotel also features a fitness center that is generally well-regarded, offering a space for guests to maintain their routines. A coin-operated laundry room is available, providing practical support for travelers. Most guests find the free Wi-Fi reliable for staying connected. The lobby bar is a popular spot for evening drinks and appetizers, with many commending the quality of the beverages. However, some guests have noted that the elevators can be slow and occasionally congested, requiring multiple transfers to reach rooms, which can be a minor inconvenience. There is no swimming pool on site.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests generally find the rooms to be clean and spacious, providing ample room to relax. The beds are consistently described as comfortable, ensuring a restful night's sleep, and many rooms offer pleasant city views. Despite these positives, some reviews indicate that the decor and furniture can appear dated or show signs of wear, with mentions of worn carpets, chipped desks, and stained upholstery. While most rooms are quiet, some guests have experienced street noise, particularly on lower floors, or occasional thumping sounds from elevators. Issues with sofa beds being uncomfortable due to visible springs are also noted. Additionally, some bathrooms have been reported to have minor issues such as low water pressure, drainage problems, or mold, and some guests found the AC to be weak or difficult to adjust.

Dining & Food Quality
The complimentary breakfast is a significant draw for many guests, offering a good variety of options including hot dishes, fresh fruit, and vegetarian choices like quiche and breakfast sandwiches. The breakfast staff are frequently praised for their attentiveness and helpfulness in the dining area. However, feedback on the breakfast quality is mixed; while many appreciate the convenience and selection, some describe it as basic or mediocre, occasionally running low on popular items or coffee during peak times. A few guests expressed environmental concerns regarding the use of plastic utensils and paper plates. The lobby bar also receives positive mentions for its drinks and appetizers, providing a convenient on-site dining option.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is overwhelmingly praised as a major advantage, offering exceptional walkability to numerous attractions. Guests can easily reach the Magnificent Mile, Navy Pier, the Riverwalk, and various restaurants, bars, and shopping areas on foot. Its proximity to public transit, including subway and bus stops, makes exploring further parts of the city highly convenient. The area is widely considered safe for walking, even at night. While the location is ideal, parking is a recurring point of concern due to its high cost, whether through the hotel's valet service or nearby garages. Guests often advise booking parking online in advance to find more affordable rates.

Staff & Service
The staff consistently receives high praise for being exceptionally friendly, helpful, and attentive, significantly enhancing the guest experience. Many reviews highlight their willingness to go above and beyond, assisting with requests such as room upgrades, late check-out, and providing local recommendations for dining and attractions. The check-in process is generally described as quick and efficient. Guests appreciate the responsiveness of the housekeeping team when specific items like extra towels are requested. The bar staff are also commended for their excellent service and drink preparation. While the hotel maintains a policy of housekeeping every other day, guests generally find the staff's overall demeanor and commitment to service to be outstanding.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that a deposit is typically required upon check-in, which may take some time to be returned to their card after departure. The hotel has a pet-friendly policy, though finding suitable outdoor areas for pets nearby can be challenging. While early check-in is sometimes accommodated, a fee may apply unless waived by the front desk. Housekeeping services are provided every other day, rather than daily, which is a policy guests are informed of upon arrival. The hotel implements security measures, including requiring a key card for elevator access to guest floors and having a concierge at the ground-level entrance, contributing to a sense of safety. Some guests have noted occasional noise from ongoing renovations or construction during their stay.