Last month, I spent one night at the W Chicago Lakeshore hotel after my flight from CDG-ORD commenced on the last leg from my trip to Israel. My rate was $119 + taxes due to an amazing Travelzoo promotion which offered a complimentary Lake View and 20% off Bliss Spa services. I rented a car since my flight arrived late in the evening and the last thing I wanted to do was take the 45 minute CTA train to downtown and then hop on a bus to get to the hotel. Plus, I had an early 6am flight back to Los Angeles the next day and didn’t want to deal with the CTA to Chicago O Hare airport. The weather was terrible since it had just snowed the night before and it was raining heavily when I got to the hotel.
In a desperate need in search of a lower priced parking lot, I decided to splurge on the $55 W Chicago Lakeshore valet service (no self parking available) since it was raining hard. In my case, there were plenty of lower priced lots ($30) within a 10-15 minute walk to the hotel but it was raining super hard and I had an early flight the next morning where I didn’t want to chance any more rain. I figured an extra $15 was worth the convenience. I noticed that there was a “Text for your car” service where you can text message to request your car to be retrieved. With the $55 valet, you have unlimited in and out privileged as well. I didn’t have a chance to utilize this feature during my stay, but it’s a pretty cool feature.
There is a full service Bliss Spa located at the W Chicago Lakeshore and there was a separate entrance for that right next to the main entrance of the hotel.
The lobby of the W was magnificently beautiful with stunning decor of the living room and bar area.
During check-in, I given two 20% off Bliss Spa coupons due to the Travelzoo rate. I noticed right away that the coupons she gave me were expired in December 31, 2012 and she advised me that it would be accepted. Needless to say, I didn’t utilize the Bliss Spa on this trip since it was closed when I arrived and I had an early flight the next morning. The coupon is good for spas, facials, and even merchandise which is a great deal.
The front desk agent was friendly and cheery and advised me that there were no suite upgrades available since it was sold out. I chose 500 Starpoints as my Platinum amenity and free-wifi was available for Platinum guests. I booked a standard room and was happy to see I was given a high floor with views of the lake and Navy Pier. The standard room was pretty spacious with a king bed and a comfortable plush lounge chair where you can stretch out your entire leg.
The bathroom contained the usual Bliss amenities with a free bottle of Evian water.
The best part of the hotel was the magnificent view of the Chicago Lakeshore and Navy Pier from the comfort of my own room.
I checked out the next morning and the valet pulled up my rental car while I waited in the outside lounge area.
I highly recommend staying at this hotel if you want friendly service, great Platinum recognition, clean comfortable rooms, and blazing fast WiFi. If it weren’t for the $119 rate, I would’ve stayed elsewhere like the moderately priced and often under $100 Tremont Magnificent Mile hotel or even a Starwood property near the airport. I’ve always wanted to try out all the W hotels and will jump on deals when rates are under $150.