Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile

The Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile is an excellent choice for Chicago visitors, particularly if you prefer to be within walking distance to the majority of the best shopping, dining and attractions. I have referred this hotel to friends and family members and both they and myself have only experienced good things with the property. The hotel is perfectly situated for one of my favorite days in Chicago — Black Friday — as it’s close to a variety of shops open at or before midnight on Thanksgiving, so you can shop until your arms are full, return to your room to drop off your bags and then head back out into the fray again.

The lobby is typically always crowded, which I believe is due to the spacious and comfortable bar and dining area that takes up most of the circular room. Rush Bar & Lounge is a fine place to watch sporting events while you grab a bite and a drink, but be sure to request you sit somewhere with an unobstructed view of their media wall, which features six large plasma screens. The food is modestly priced and nothing to either complain or write home about.

The standard guest rooms are just that — standard. The rooms are always clean, usually with great views (sometimes you can catch a sliver of Lake Michigan) and plenty of lighting. The deluxe city view guestroom is more impressive, as it’s much more spacious and the décor has been upgraded considerably from the standard guest rooms. The suites are, of course, what you really want to upgrade to if you can.

Overall, Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile is a good hotel that I use for its location, prices and availability rather than its amenities, food and room décor. I will continue recommending this hotel to travelers visiting Chicago during peak travel times.