The Talbott, Autograph Collection

The hotel offers a distinctive urban experience, characterized by its prime Gold Coast location and a charming boutique atmosphere that blends vintage appeal with modern renovations. This makes it an excellent choice for leisure travelers seeking to explore the city's attractions and shopping, as well as business travelers who appreciate convenience and a comfortable base. Couples can enjoy the hotel's character and nearby dining, while its pet-friendly policy and spacious rooms make it suitable for families traveling with their furry companions. Guests frequently highlight the hotel's recent updates, which contribute to a fresh feel and overall pleasant ambiance. To ensure a smooth stay, it is advisable to inquire about any ongoing renovations that might impact common areas and to request a room away from alleyways to minimize potential noise disturbances, ensuring a more restful experience.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides a range of facilities designed to enhance guest comfort, though some aspects receive mixed feedback. The lobby and common areas, while recently renovated and stylish, have been described as cramped, especially during ongoing construction. Guests note that the elevators can be slow and small, sometimes leading to wait times, and some have experienced issues with their functionality. The fitness center is generally considered adequate, featuring a Peloton bike, cables, and a pull-up bar, though some find it small and located in the basement with limited equipment. Free Wi-Fi is available, ensuring connectivity for guests. However, some guests express disappointment regarding the lack of in-room amenities like a mini-bar or a sundry shop for basic supplies.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on cleanliness is largely positive, with many describing rooms as well-kept and updated, contributing to a pleasant atmosphere. However, room comfort receives mixed reviews. While some guests praise the comfortable beds and plush pillows ensuring a restful sleep, others find the mattresses hard or the linens thin and not "hotel-crisp," with some even noting a lack of traditional comforters. Noise levels are a significant concern for rooms facing alleyways, where guests report disturbances from loading docks, trash collection, and banging dumpsters, particularly in the early morning hours. In-room amenities vary; some rooms feature Nespresso machines, fridges, and modern conveniences like USB-A and USB-C ports for fast charging, along with rainfall showers and quality hygiene products. Conversely, some rooms are described as small, lacking natural light, or having issues like dim lighting, non-functional air conditioning, or outdated TVs without streaming capabilities.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel features an on-site restaurant and bar that generally receive positive remarks for their quality and atmosphere. The restaurant, Laurel, is praised for its delicious food and value, with some guests highlighting the burger as a standout. Breakfast options are available, though the complimentary offerings for loyalty members are sometimes perceived as limited, and some guests report issues with service or unexpected charges for beverages. The bar is noted for its friendly and attentive staff, creating a pleasant environment for guests to relax. While the overall food quality is good, some guests mention that the restaurant menu can be limited, especially during renovation periods, which might affect dining choices. Room service is available and has been commended for providing an excellent breakfast experience.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is consistently highlighted as a major advantage, placing guests in the desirable Gold Coast neighborhood. It offers easy access to a multitude of attractions, including the Magnificent Mile for shopping, various restaurants, and public transportation options. Guests appreciate its walkability to landmarks like the John Hancock Tower and proximity to downtown areas, making it convenient for both leisure and business purposes. While the location is excellent, parking is a notable point of discussion. The hotel primarily offers valet parking, which guests find to be expensive, and some have reported issues with its efficiency, cost transparency, or in-and-out privileges. Some guests mention nearby Walgreens for basic supplies, though late-night access can be an issue.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel generally receives high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness, significantly contributing to a positive guest experience. Many reviews highlight the front desk team for their welcoming demeanor, quick check-in process, and willingness to assist with requests, including late check-outs. Guests appreciate the courteous and prompt service from various team members, from doormen to housekeeping. However, some guests report inconsistent experiences, citing instances of unprofessionalism or a lack of responsiveness when addressing issues like room problems or billing discrepancies. While many staff members are commended for going "above and beyond," a few isolated incidents suggest a need for more consistent training in handling guest concerns and ensuring all requests are met efficiently.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of the hotel's pet-friendly policy, which is a significant draw for those traveling with animals, though finding suitable outdoor areas can be a challenge. A recurring theme is the destination fee or resort fee, which is charged daily and often includes drink vouchers or restaurant credits. While some guests find these benefits valuable, many express confusion or frustration over the fee's mandatory nature, its lack of clear explanation at booking, and restrictions on how the vouchers can be used. There are also reports of issues with ice availability, with some guests being charged for ice or experiencing long waits. Furthermore, some guests noted that the tap water in rooms had an odd smell or taste, and that bottled water was not provided complimentary.