Sheraton Grand Chicago

The lobby's circular design, with large round columns rising up from a stone floor, and warm tones are inviting, but the ambience dissipates in the huge sprawling corridors and large common spaces. There are innumerable places to sit or work in comfortable chairs along the windows fronting the river, with crisscrossing escalators carrying guests to and from meetings. The big chain furnishings are modern and attractive, but all the character lies in the odd shade of green in the flowing water outside. Business travelers are happiest here, but couples like the location and kids love the indoor pool.

The Sheraton Grand Chicago is centrally located downtown on the north bank of the Chicago River. The river walk is right outside, leading to River Esplanade Park. It's within walking distance of Navy Pier, the Loop Business District, the Art Institute, and many bars and restaurants.The Magnificent Mile, an iconic stretch of North Michigan Avenue known for its upscale shopping and famous landmarks, is three blocks away. O'Hare International Airport is 30 minutes away, but depending on traffic, driving time can take up to an hour.

If not for the inconsistent housekeeping, there would be few complaints about these large rooms with views of the river and downtown Chicago. Not crowded by other high-rises due to the breathing space that the river provides the building, many rooms get great natural light. Textured carpets are threaded with red and gold accents, and the wood furniture has a purposely worn/faded quality (though some of the wear and tear is real). All rooms have Sheraton's hallmark Sweet Sleeper beds and large desks with ample work space and comfortable roller chairs. The bathrooms have notably large vanities, and typical shower/tub combos. IPod docks and coffeemakers come standard, but the hotel uses minibars with sensors that automatically charge for removed items, leaving little space for guests' own refrigerated goods. Some might considered the overall decor generic.

The Sheraton's impressive event facilities are spread over four floors, with 37 different rooms, totaling 120,000 square feet of meeting space. The entire hotel was designed around the convention center concept, and it has the largest ballroom in the downtown area. There are two business centers, one being the FedEx office with limited hours and fees for all services (including computer usage). The other is the Sheraton's Link cafe, which provides free access to computers and Wi-Fi, though not in a private space. For more substantial drinking and dining there's a bar and several restaurants on-site, including a burger joint, French cuisine at LB Bistro and Patisserie, and Shula's Steak House for pricey Black Angus cuts. The seventh floor houses the small indoor pool but a well-equipped fitness center, with ellipticals, free weights, and rows of cardio machines facing banks of windows. There's also a sauna and a sundeck with great city views. A lounge has extra amenities for Sheraton Club members, including Wi-Fi and an unremarkable continental breakfast. The river walk can reached directly through the lower lobby for pleasant strolls along the Chicago River.