Comfort Suites Michigan Avenue / Loop

Value, location, and spaciousness are the three common terms used by guests to explain why they like staying at this 26-story, converted apartment building. Guests can expect to see a diverse clientele -- vacationing families who need extra space, business travelers on extended stays or attending conferences, and a good deal of international tourists. As a former apartment building, the building has narrow hallways that are a bit dark, but have been spruced up with colorful framed photos or vintage art posters of Chicago landmarks and skylines. The lobby of this quiet hotel is small and dark but illuminated by soft light that gives it a welcoming feel. Beige, polished marble floors, black leather loveseats, and a nice upholstered sofa add a touch of sophistication. The breakfast area is about the only place where guests mingle here. It’s simple but open and spacious with tan tile, wood tables, and more framed photos of Chicago.  

The hotel is located inside the Loop in the heart of downtown on bustling North Michigan Ave. near the Chicago River. It’s surrounded by numerous shops and restaurants of all types, including some on the same block just outside the hotel entrance. Both fine dining and fast food are within a one- to five-minute walk. The Chicago Riverwalk is about one minute away on foot, and the heart of the Magnificent Mile is around 10 minutes walking. Millennium Park and the Art Institute of Chicago are a 12-minute walk away. Several CTA line stops are within a one- to three-minute walk, making connections to landmarks farther away very easy. By public transit, the Shedd Aquarium and The Field Museum are 15 to 25 minutes away, and Chicago Union Station and the Amtrak Station are about 15 minutes. Approximate travel times by public transit to the airports are O’Hare (50 to 60 minutes) and Midway (35 minutes). Airport travel times by car are about half those on public transit, depending on traffic and time of day. McCormick Place convention center is 20 to 25 minutes by public transit or 15 minutes driving, and the Merchandise Mart is approximately 15 minutes on foot or by bus. 

The Comfort Suites' spacious studio, one-, and two-bedroom suites offer simple yet cheerful decor that features light natural wood furniture, light gold wall coverings, and darker gold drapes and patterned carpet with light brown accents. Deep red accent walls, bright gold throws on white linens, and living rooms with blue sleeper sofas and brown armchairs complete the suites. Each suite also has a full kitchen that includes a bar with two stools, full-size refrigerator, dishwasher, stove, microwave, and one-cup coffeemaker. Cookware and utensils are provided as well. In most suites, there are two flat-screen TVs, and the living space has a spacious desk with media plug-ins and office chair. All rooms include washer/dryer combos, free Wi-Fi, and electronic safes. Guests consistently praise the rooms for being clean and having comfortable pillow-top beds. And views of downtown Chicago from many of the rooms can be quite nice. 

Standard King Suites have doors separating the spaces, but Standard Queens only have partial walls. Double Queen Rooms are loft or studio-style, each with one large room. Two-bedroom suites with second bathrooms are available. There also are four King Executive Suites on upper floors that offer more space and small balconies with tables and chairs. The 1,200-square-foot Penthouse Suite also has a balcony. Bathrooms aren’t as spacious or nice as the rest of the suites. They’re clean but a bit cramped, each with a small, tan granite-topped vanity, gold striped wallpaper, and a white shower/tub combo. Some rooms, like double queens, place vanities outside the bathrooms but have smaller bathroom spaces. Executive kings have whirlpool tubs. Street noise can be heard, especially from the lower floors. And neighbors using their washer/dryers can be heard sometimes as well. 

Though it's missing a full restaurant or bar, this Comfort Suites has plenty of other extras that add to its appeal. A full hot breakfast buffet is included in room rates, with items such as eggs, breakfast meats, waffles, bagels, and yogurt. Coffee, tea, and ice water are available in the lobby 24/7. There's a convenience store on-site that sells sundries and snacks, and the hotel has partnered with a local grocery to offer a grocery shopping and delivery service for guests. There is one meeting space, and the business center has two computer stations with Internet access and printer. Guests also can make free copies, and free Wi-Fi is accessible throughout the property. Free USA Today newspapers are offered on weekdays. A small fitness room has a few cardio and weight-training machines. Concierge services are available, as are valet dry cleaning and laundry. There also are self-serve laundry facilities. Both valet and self-parking are available, but both are off-site, about a one-minute walk away. The hotel offers discount vouchers for both parking options, but they are still pricey. The hotel is completely nonsmoking, and pets are not allowed.