I travel to Chicago almost every week for work, and I've gotten to know the staff at the Westin: Charles and Ty (shuttle, concierge, bell hop, and all around helpers) and Madison (at the front desk) make me feel so welcome! I've got to give a huge shoutout to Charles: I wanted to take advantage of the beautiful weather yesterday, so I looked up a nature preserve nearby and asked him to drop me off there so I could walk a few miles. Charles asked me what I was looking for in a walk and then gave me a recommendation for one of his favorite walking paths: The Prairie Path. He even agreed to drive me a little further than the normal 5 mile radius from the hotel to get me to the perfect starting point, and then gave me directions for where to go and what to see. I wound up walking around 4.5 miles and it was so beautiful! Families, kids, dogs all out walking, running and biking. I walked until it started getting dark and I was getting tired, and called Charles to come pick me up. He couldn't have been happier to do so. People like Charles and Ty love what they do--they truly enjoy engaging with travelers and making their travels easier. I can't wait to try out a few more of his recommendations: the Morton Arboretum and Pappadeaux Seafood, as well as more walking trails. Highly recommend!
Based on my experience, they are like scams. Don't be fooled by the lobby photos. The rooms are very old and smelly. Staffs are lazy and arrogant. I booked this hotel for 3 nights, but after staying one night I couldn't stand with the bad smell of the room and so decide to check out the hotel next day. Before checking out, I checked with 3 different staffs if I could get full refund of the rest of 2 nights and was told that yes I could, because I already stayed one night and the hotel policy allowed full refund of the rest of nights if I stay at least one night. I followed the direction. But, somehow, they charged me for 3 nights!!! I appealed, but the hotel manager said their computer system shows that I stayed 3 nights. OMG, the stupid and lazy hotel staff did not log my check-out in their computer system although I explained the situation at the time of check out, and they just charged me for full 3 nights. I said let's view the camera at the lobby which would prove my check out. But, the hotel manager said that they do not have video films and refused to refund my money. Worst hotel stay experience in my life. Very disappointed with Marriot. I changed my hotel to Hyatt. Hyatt was much better! I'll never stay Marriot again!!!