The Godfrey Hotel Chicago

This hotel offers a luxurious urban escape, renowned for its central location and spacious rooms that place guests at the heart of downtown Chicago. Its signature feature, a vibrant rooftop bar, provides stunning city views and a lively atmosphere, making it a memorable aspect of many stays. The hotel's modern design and inviting ambiance are consistently praised, alongside the generally attentive and helpful staff. It is an ideal fit for business travelers seeking convenience to offices and transport, couples looking for a romantic getaway with dining and entertainment options, and sightseers eager to explore the city's attractions on foot. To enhance your stay, consider requesting a room on a higher floor and away from the rooftop bar if sensitive to noise, and take advantage of the hotel's proximity to various dining establishments.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests frequently highlight the convenience of the on-site rooftop bar and attached restaurant, which serve as popular gathering spots. While the hotel does not feature a swimming pool, it offers a fitness center for guest use, though some find it to be on the smaller side. Most rooms are equipped with robes and slippers, adding a touch of comfort. Guests appreciate the provision of free bottled water upon request. However, some reviews mention issues with ice machines on certain floors being out of order, and occasional complaints about elevator wait times or functionality. The hotel provides free Wi-Fi, ensuring guests can stay connected, and some rooms are noted for having ample plugs and storage.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The hotel generally receives high marks for cleanliness, with many guests describing their rooms as spotless and well-maintained. Rooms are consistently noted for being spacious, offering ample room to relax, and often provide good city views. The comfortable beds and quality bath products contribute to a pleasant stay, ensuring a restful night's sleep. However, feedback on room comfort is mixed regarding noise; some guests report significant street noise, hallway noise, or vibrations from the rooftop bar, especially in lower-floor rooms. While many bathrooms are described as clean and spacious, some guests have experienced issues with poor water pressure, clogged sinks, or slippery shower floors. A few reviews mention worn furniture or chipped paint, and some guests were disappointed by the quality of toilet paper.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's attached restaurant and rooftop bar are frequently praised for their quality and atmosphere. Many guests enjoy the happy hour offerings and the selection of cocktails at the rooftop bar, which also serves food. The restaurant is often highlighted for its food quality, with specific dishes like salmon and pita bread receiving positive mentions. However, a recurring theme is the lack of a dedicated breakfast restaurant on-site, with some guests noting that the rooftop bar does not open for breakfast. Similarly, room service is either not consistently available or not offered at all, leading some guests to seek dining options outside the hotel. Some guests also found the drinks at the rooftop bar to be expensive.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is consistently lauded as a major advantage, making it highly walkable to numerous attractions, restaurants, and shopping areas in downtown Chicago, including the Magnificent Mile and River North. Guests appreciate its proximity to public transportation, with easy access to L stations and bus stops, facilitating exploration of the city. The area surrounding the hotel is generally perceived as safe. However, parking is a significant point of contention, with guests frequently commenting on its high cost, whether for valet or self-parking. Some guests also reported issues with valet service, including long wait times or concerns about vehicle handling.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff generally receives overwhelmingly positive feedback, with many guests describing them as friendly, attentive, helpful, and highly accommodating. The quick check-in process is often highlighted, and many guests appreciate the staff's willingness to facilitate early check-in when possible. Housekeeping is noted for being responsive to requests, and the bellhop service is often praised for its efficiency. However, a small number of reviews mention instances of rude staff at the front desk or with rooftop security, and some guests experienced slow service when requesting items like towels. Despite these isolated incidents, the overall sentiment is that the staff goes above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that the hotel implements an urban fee or destination fee, which some found to be an unexpected additional charge upon arrival. A notable and recurring issue mentioned by guests is the pervasive marijuana smell in certain areas of the hotel, particularly in hallways and elevators. While the hotel offers wheelchair accessible rooms, one review specifically noted the lack of a bench in the roll-in shower, which impacted usability. Some guests expressed disappointment over the absence of a microwave in standard rooms and the limited selection of TV channels or smart TV capabilities. Additionally, access to the popular rooftop bar can be restricted for hotel guests during private events, sometimes requiring reservations or leading to long waits.