THE MIDLAND HOTEL, Chicago, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel

The hotel presents itself with a stunning lobby bar and a historic building aesthetic, often praised for its vibrant atmosphere and unique character. Its central location is a significant draw, placing guests at the heart of downtown and making it an ideal choice for sightseers eager to explore the city's attractions and business travelers seeking convenience. Many guests appreciate the generally friendly staff and the hotel's efforts to maintain a clean environment, though experiences vary. While the hotel aims for a modern and stylish feel, some aspects of the rooms may not meet contemporary expectations. For those considering a stay, it is advisable to manage expectations regarding room size and age, and to be aware that rooms on lower floors or near the elevated train line may experience significant noise, suggesting a request for a higher floor if possible.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel features a popular lobby bar that many guests find to be a cool and lively spot, often enhanced by live music and a good selection of beverages. Most guests appreciate the availability of a gym, though feedback is mixed; some find the equipment selection limiting or the space too crowded, with specific mentions of Peloton bikes but a perceived lack of other appropriate cardio machines. A common point of feedback is the absence of an in-room coffee maker and refrigerator, requiring guests to visit the lobby for complimentary coffee during limited hours. While Wi-Fi is available, it typically incurs a charge for non-loyalty program members, which some find inconvenient in modern hotels. Some guests have noted issues with non-functional ice machines on their floors and a persistent, unpleasant odor in the lobby area, impacting their initial impression.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on cleanliness and room comfort is notably mixed. While many reviews praise the rooms as clean and tidy, others report issues such as stains on beds and walls, peeling wallpaper, buckling carpets, and a general sense of being dated or worn. Rooms are frequently described as small or cramped, with some lacking expected amenities like a closet or dresser. A significant concern for many is the abysmal water pressure in the showers, with some even reporting a complete lack of hot water or slow drainage. Noise from the elevated train line is a very common complaint, impacting sleep for light sleepers, even on higher floors. Bed comfort also varies, with some finding them comfortable while others describe them as uncomfortable or having sunken mattresses.

Dining & Food Quality
Feedback on dining experiences at the hotel is varied. The breakfast receives both praise for its quality and criticism for its pricing and perceived limitations. Some guests highlight the amazing breakfasts and good menu options, including dishes like smoked salmon avocado toast. However, many find the restaurant food, including breakfast, to be overpriced, with some noting a lack of vegan options. There are also reports of issues with complimentary breakfast benefits, such as restrictions on receiving both juice and coffee. The bar area is generally well-regarded for its atmosphere, but its menu is sometimes described as lacking sophistication and being expensive. Some guests have found the burger and fries to be excellent, while other dishes, like the cheese board, have received negative comments regarding quality.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is consistently highlighted as one of its strongest assets, placing guests within easy walking distance of numerous downtown attractions like Millennium Park, the Art Institute, and the Willis Tower. Its proximity to train stations and public transportation, including the El line, makes it highly convenient for accessing various parts of the city and airports. While the immediate area is described as quiet on weekends due to its financial district setting, it remains a safe location for exploration during the day. Parking is a notable concern for many, as the hotel does not offer on-site parking and nearby options are often described as expensive, with guests frequently resorting to off-site garages.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel generally receives high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness, with many guests highlighting positive interactions from check-in to the bar and restaurant. The check-in process is often described as smooth and efficient. However, there are recurring concerns regarding specific service aspects. Some guests report issues with late checkout requests, stating that benefits for loyalty program members were not consistently honored or were met with unexpected charges. There are also instances of billing discrepancies and challenges with staff communication, such as unreturned calls or perceived unresponsiveness to in-room issues. Despite these specific points of frustration, the overall sentiment towards the staff's demeanor remains largely positive.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that Wi-Fi is typically not complimentary for those not enrolled in the hotel's loyalty program, which can be an unexpected cost. Many loyalty program members express disappointment regarding the inconsistent application of their benefits, such as late checkout or complimentary breakfast inclusions, leading to unexpected charges or frustrating interactions with staff. The hotel's rooms are frequently described as being in need of renovation, with some guests feeling that the property has not been adequately updated despite a recent rebranding or transition period. Furthermore, some guests have reported discrepancies between the advertised room descriptions and the actual room features, such as missing amenities like a mini-bar or refrigerator, or inaccurate layouts compared to what was booked.