Howard Johnson Inn Chicago Downtown

This was possibly the worst hotel I have ever stayed at. The room was stinky, to the point that all my clothes stink now. It smelled like an ashtray. The smell was so bad that it made it impossible to stay in the room for any second longer than was absolutely necessary. When I asked to be moved to a non-smoking room, they said none were available. To be honest, their ad did say these were smoking rooms (I discovered that later), but I never paid any attention, as I thought most rooms in the US are non-smoking by default. Also, I saw a huge rat running outside, right by the entrance door. On a brighter note, the staff was friendly, and bed and the bathroom were clean (despite the ubiquitous smell), and the location was very convenient. All in all, it was definitely not a pleasant experience and I I will not go back there again. It's better to pay more but stay in a more decent room.

While the location is great (walking distance to everything downtown), the hotel needs a lot of work. I only booked here due to the free parking, but then didn't even end up needing my car. Next time, I will book one of the high rises on Michigan Ave. and leave the car at home. The outside is very rundown; I felt like I was in a very bad neighborhood as soon as I walked through the parking lot. But there appeared to be other guests who seemed "normal" there, so I didn't worry. Inside the room, the walls were cracked and peeling, and there was mold in the shower (which also hummed the whole time I showered). The beds and sheets appeared clean, but the chairs were stained and gross. If you are picky about hotels, do not stay here. If you only intend to sleep here and need to bring a car, this hotel will pass.

The front desk staff was very kind and helpful. The room was in need of remodeling and cleaning. Most attractions are further than most feel comfortable walking to, but taxis are in good supply driving by the hotel. Fogo de Chao is a block away and a nice diner is attached to the hotel for breakfast and lunch.

I stayed at this hotel for a week while on a trip to the RSNA (Radiology conference held every November in Chicago). Initially I thought the hotel looked pretty run down but I got used to it very quickly. Within a day I felt as though I was right at home. The place was clean and there is a decent cafe attached to the hotel. The heat, though, was very hard to control. It would either get really hot when I turned on the heat or very cold when it was off. The room thermostat didnt work which made some nights unbearable. The front desk staff were decent but not great - 2 of them just didnt want to get out of their chair to do anything. Overall it is a pretty good budget hotel for downtown Chicago within walking distance to John Hancock Observatory and Magnificent Mile. Recommended for budget travelers for sure. I think I would personally stay there after they fix the thermostats.

The first thing I noticed when I walked into my room was that that the temperature was cool and comfortable. Most hotel rooms would be stifling this time of year because you don't expect it to get that hot in November in Chicago. But 60 degree outside temps make for hot & stuffy rooms. The room was big enough for me to move around in and everything was really clean. They have a little restaurant on site where you can get a good breakfast, lunch or early dinner for a decent price. The staff at the hotel and the restaurant are very friendly too. The location is good, it's close to just about everything downtown and you have great access to buses and mass transit. I have stayed at more than a few places in Chicago and have to say that this is one of the more pleasant visits I've had, especially when you figure in the price. I would definitely recommend it and consider it again if I ever go back.

Conveniently located within walking distance to shops, restaurants, post office and the Merchandise Mart. The Motel rooms would need freshening up and the equipment (air conditioning, coffee machine) need to be checked and repaired, but it was a good deal for the price.

While in Chicago I went to a Cubs' baseball game, visited Market Days on Halsted Street where I had my picture taken with Eric Himan of Eric and the Adams (rock band), and did a great deal of walking. The room at the hotel would have been great if I had a couple of people to share it with as it was too large for me.

the last motel i stayed at in chicago had more to offer

If you are looking for a Hotel quality this is not it, this place is a Motel! The service is good, the room is ok, location is excellent, the price on memorial day weekend was $137 total. Check in time is 3pm and I don't like this idea too much. Just need a place to sleep/shower, this is it!

The place is rather disgusting. I will not stay here again.