Unbelievable Chicago Stay: AC Hotel Downtown Review!
Unbelievable Chicago Stay: AC Hotel Downtown Review! (Buckle Up, Buttercups!)
Alright, folks, let’s talk about my whirlwind escape – my supposedly relaxing jaunt – to the AC Hotel Downtown Chicago. And let me tell you, it was…an experience. Let’s get this out of the way: This isn't your cookie-cutter, five-star, everything-is-perfect review. I'm not a robot, and neither was my stay! So, grab your coffee (or your courage), and let's dissect this thing.
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First Impressions & Getting There (The "Chaos Theory" Edition)
Okay, so picture this: Me, jet-lagged, grumpy, and dragging my suitcase through the bustling streets of Chicago. Finding the AC Hotel was easy enough - it's smack-dab in the heart of the action, right in the thick of things. Now, about that action… It's Downtown, so expect the usual Chicago hustle. Finding a taxi? Good luck, especially when you're hauling luggage. Thank goodness for the Airport Transfer – I highly recommend arranging one. (Although, I did consider taking a bicycle – they have Bicycle parking – but my coordination skills are… questionable.)
Access: Gotta Love a Good Elevator
Accessibility: This is a HUGE plus for the AC Hotel. I’m not wheelchair-bound myself, but I always pay attention to this. They have an Elevator, and the common areas appeared to be accessible. I saw definitely saw Facilities for disabled guests, and while I didn't specifically scope out a room, I trust the hotel's commitment to ADA standards. A+ on this front.
Check-in: Speedy, But Not Sparkling
The Check-in/out [express] option was a godsend after my flight. I was utterly fried. The staff at the Front desk [24-hour] were… competent. Efficient. Not exactly warm and fuzzy. Like, a smile wouldn’t kill ya, guys! But hey, I got my room key quickly, and that's what mattered most at that point. Contactless check-in/out was a bonus, a nice touch in our current… climate (pun intended, given the weather).
The Room: Sleek, But… Is It a Prison?
The room was… modern. Very modern. Think minimalist chic meets slightly sterile. Non-smoking rooms are the norm, which I appreciate. They featured all the basics: Air conditioning (thank GOD), a coffee/tea maker (essential), a mini bar (temptation!), free bottled water (appreciated), and Wi-Fi [free] (more on that later). Blackout curtains? Absolutely. Necessary for that Chicago sunshine that never comes. The bed was comfy, the linens crisp… but it was all… a bit… clinical? Like a very stylish hospital room.
Quirk Alert: I had a "superior" room, which meant a view. I think it was a view of a brick building. Okay, not a terrible view, but a view nonetheless. I'm pretty sure I saw the sun set… like, once.
Emotional Reaction: A little disappointed by the lack of “character” in the room.
Imperfection: The window that opens was a nice thought, But! it only opened like… four inches. Not exactly a breath of fresh air.
Internet: The Bane of My Existence (and a Major Rant)
Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, Wi-Fi in public areas, Wi-Fi for special events
Okay, deep breaths. Let's talk about the Internet. This is where things went south. Promising "free Wi-Fi" is great, but when "free" means "unstable, slow, and drops out every five minutes," then it's a PROBLEM! I needed to conduct some work. I was promised "Internet access – wireless", and "Internet access – LAN" for the extra techy people apparently. But the Wi-Fi was HORRENDOUS! I spent more time troubleshooting than actually working. I had the nerve to try and call a vendor, but the Wi-Fi crashed in the MIDDLE of my important call! In the end, I resorted to just eating my overpriced room service and feeling sorry for myself. This was a HUGE deal-breaker for me. I ended up tethering to my phone, which cost me a fortune. I have to say, the quality of the Internet was truly, horribly, and maddeningly, disappointing. You’d think in a modern hotel, it would be a given! Sigh.
- Emotional Reaction I was furious and very upset with this issue.
- Imperfection: The Wi-Fi. Period.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: The Ups and Downs
The AC Hotel boasts a Bar, the restaurant is called "AC Kitchen" and "AC lounge" (creative naming, guys!). They provide Room service [24-hour]. And a Coffee shop. Here's the breakdown:
- AC Kitchen: Breakfast was okay. They had a Breakfast [buffet]. The scrambled eggs were… edible. I think. They had a Western breakfast, which was fine. However, I heard there was an “Asian breakfast" option – I never saw it. I would've loved to enjoy this. I was able to get some Coffee/tea in restaurant, and had Coffee/tea maker in room.
- Poolside Bar: Did not even see a pool, and this location did not provide this feature.
- Happy Hour: There's one, so that's cool. I had a drink or two.
- Snack bar: Basic stuff – nothing to write home about.
- Restaurants: The hotel’s restaurant offered International cuisine, but I wouldn't call it groundbreaking.
- Alternative meal arrangement: I didn't use this, but its a nice feature for people who need them.
- Desserts in restaurant: The offering were unmemorable.
- Breakfast takeaway service: I did not use this, but its a nice feature for people who need them.
- Soup in restaurant Served warm, it was ok.
- A la carte in restaurant I don't recall a specific A La Carte menu.
- Salad in restaurant The salads were ok.
- Bottle of water Provided, very much appreciated.
- Buffet in restaurant Adequate.
- Vegetarian restaurant The location offered vegetarian options.
- Room service [24-hour]: I did try the room service one night. It was fast, which was a plus, but the food was… mediocre. Needed to be heated up!
- Cashless payment service Available.
- Invoice provided Yes.
- Essential condiments There were condiments provided.
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items Everything appeared clean.
- Safe dining setup Things appeared to be set up safely.
- Vegetarian restaurant The location offered vegetarian options.
More rambling: I hate to be a downer, but the dining experience just wasn’t a highlight. I’ve had better hotel food, and I’ve had worse. It was all just… there. The "Happy Hour" felt a little sad, actually.
Things to Do (or Not To Do): Relaxation? A Distant Dream…
Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]
This is where the AC Hotel really let me down. I booked this trip to RELAX! I needed to recharge, and I was sold on the idea of treating myself. The website boasts a Fitness center, Gym/fitness. Great! I found it; it was tiny and cramped, packed with equipment (but no free weights). I tried it, and it was awkward. There wasn't a Pool with view. I don't think there was an outdoor swimming pool either.
- Emotional Reaction: Despair. Where was my much-needed spa day?
- Quirky Observation: No spa, no pool, and no real sense of “chill.”
**Cleanliness and Safety:
Winnipeg's BEST Hotel Deal: Fairfield Inn & Suites!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's itinerary. We're diving headfirst into a Chicago adventure from the supposed clean lines of the AC Hotel Chicago Downtown, and let me tell you, it's going to be anything but clean. Get ready for a hot mess express, but a fun one. Here goes nothing…
AC Hotel Chicago Downtown - The "Clean Slate" (hah!)
(Day 1: Arrival & Immediate Regret… I mean, Excitement!)
- 1:00 PM: Arrive at O'Hare. Ugh, airports. My internal monologue usually consists of “Don't touch anything. Don’t even breathe too deeply. Is that a cough? RUN.” Somehow, I survived the flight, and my luggage didn't get lost (a personal record!). Uber to the AC Hotel. Praying to whatever deity governs hotel room cleanliness that it's actually, you know, clean.
- 1:45 PM: Check-in. The lobby is all sleek and minimalist. Looks nice. Too nice, maybe? Gives me the unsettling feeling I'm about to defile something precious with my mere presence. Anyway, the person at the desk was charmingly efficient. Bonus points for that.
- 2:00 PM: Room reveal! Okay, not bad. Minimalist, sure, but the view… woah. Okay, feeling a touch more optimistic here. Maybe this isn't a complete disaster. Unpack (haphazardly, naturally – who has time for folding?).
- 2:30 PM: Stumble upon a tiny water bottle and a coffee machine. Okay, they are trying to win me over. I chug the water immediately and then attempt to wrestle with the coffee maker. Turns out, I'm more of a "press a button" type of person, and this thing has options. Sigh.
(Day 1: Deep Dish Debacle & Architectural Amusements)
- 3:00 PM: First mission: FOOD. Deep dish pizza is THE LAW, right? Google Maps to the rescue (or the damnation). I was aiming for Lou Malnati's, but the wait time was… apocalyptic. "Okay, plan B!" I think, and opt for a place a few blocks away.
- 3:30 PM: Pizza Time! The place was bustling. The pizza itself? Look, it was… fine. I’m pretty sure I burned the roof of my mouth with molten cheese. Honestly, I think I’m still judging the experience. A Chicagoan would probably laugh at me, and I have no problem with that.
- 4:30 PM: Architecture River Cruise. Okay, this was actually really cool. The city from the water is spectacular, those buildings are amazing! I was really impressed by the beauty of the river and the architecture. The tour guide was a snazzy woman with a great voice and even greater stories, and I learned more than I thought I would. I was starting to think Chicago wasn't so bad!
- 6:00 PM: The architectural boat tour ended, and I’m feeling pretty impressed with the city that I’ve just spent the last few hours looking at. I wander aimlessly with a slightly glazed-over expression, still buzzing from the river cruise, until I decide to get a little more Chicago in me.
- 7:00 PM: Found a lovely little Irish pub, where I spent the evening, feeling surprisingly comfortable, and had an even smaller buzz going.
(Day 2: Museum Mayhem & Magnificent Miles of Shopping)
- 9:00 AM: Okay, time to be cultured. Museum stuff. I hate museums. I love museums. I never know which one I prefer. Art Institute of Chicago is the target.
- 9:30 AM: Stuck in front of a Monet for way too long and thinking about how I could absolutely paint that in my sleep. (I cannot.)
- 12:00 PM: Lunch! The Art Institute's cafe had great food and I was glad to be fed. Everything was a bit expensive, but the general attitude of the place was quite relaxing and rejuvenating.
- 1:00 PM: Magnificent Mile. Oh boy. This is where the real fun (and potential wallet-emptying) begins. The name does not lie. So much stuff! So many stores! Ended up blowing way too much money on a scarf I definitely don't need. But hey, it's got a cool pattern, okay?!
- 3:00 PM: Coffee break to recover from consumerism fatigue. Found an interesting, local coffee shop. The baristas were all too hip for me, but I had a decent brew.
- 5:00 PM: Found a vintage store. I am very bad at vintage stores. Like, I'm convinced I'd be able to find a gem there, and I probably wouldn't. I gave up, and figured the best option would be to get back to my hotel room so I can get ready to go out.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner and drinks! Went to a jazz club and enjoyed the music. Chicago really knows how to do jazz. I didn't get to bed until very late, which is something I should probably change, but I'll think about it tomorrow.
(Day 3: Parks & Parting – Maybe?)
- 9:00 AM: Attempt at a run in Millennium Park. Failed. I'm not a morning person. The park itself, though, is beautiful. Cloud Gate (the Bean) is ridiculously cool, and I did, against my better judgment, take a selfie with it. No regrets.
- 10:00 AM: Back to the hotel for a proper breakfast. The AC Hotel has a decent breakfast spread, which I definitely appreciated. I was on the ball for it, too! So you can say I started my day right.
- 11:00 AM: A final wander through the city. Soak it up, they say. I'm not very good at soaking things up! But, I am getting sentimental. This city… it’s got something.
- 12:00 PM: Check out of the hotel. Goodbye, clean (mostly) room! Chicago, you’ve been… interesting.
- 1:00 PM: Head to O'Hare. Airport anticipation kicks in. The usual: anxiety, mild panic, and a prayer that my flight isn't delayed. Fingers crossed.
- 3:00 PM: On a plane. Looking out the window, thinking about how the trip went. Not as bad as I feared. Maybe even… good? (Don’t tell anyone I said that).
- 4:00 PM: The plane takes off. Chicago recedes. The deep dish will never be forgotten. Until next time, Windy City!
Post-Trip Thoughts (and Ramblings):
- Chicago is a city of contrasts. Ultra-modern buildings next to old-school charm. Delicious food mixed with… well, let’s just say my stomach isn’t always my best friend.
- I need to learn how to pack lighter. And, maybe, how to not be so awkward in vintage stores.
- The AC Hotel was… fine. Nothing spectacular, but clean enough. The view was a huge plus.
- I would return. Maybe. After all the deep dish settles.
- This travel thing is hard work, but somehow, it’s utterly worth it. Even with the inevitable chaos.
- And that, my friends, is my utterly imperfect, gloriously messy Chicago adventure. Adios!
Unbelievable Chicago Stay: AC Hotel Downtown Review – Let's Get Real!
Okay, spill. Is this AC Hotel in Downtown Chicago *really* worth the hype?
Hype? Look, hotels are *always* hyped, right? "Luxury," "Unforgettable," blah blah blah. Let's just say the AC Hotel Chicago Downtown is... *interesting*. Spent a long weekend there – you know, the kind where you're desperately trying to escape real life? So, the "worth it" thing? It depends. It's a hard maybe with a side of "check your expectations at the door and maybe grab a pre-game cocktail." Okay, I'll get specific. It wasn't *bad*, exactly. Just... complicated.
What's the location like? Is it actually "downtown"?
Oh, the location? Yeah, it's *downtown*. Like, actually *in* downtown. Which is awesome for, you know, being a tourist. You can *walk* to stuff! Millennium Park is practically spitting distance. The riverwalk? Easy peasy. But… and this is a big but… it's ALSO in downtown. Meaning traffic, sirens, the general chaos and glorious energy of a major city ALL. THE. TIME. I swear, I think I dreamt of Chicago sirens the first night. Made it tough to sleep, you know? Especially after you've had a few Old Fashioneds at the hotel bar…
Oh! One thing! There was a *massive* protest marching past one afternoon. Couldn't get out! Not the hotel’s fault, obviously, but just a reminder that you’re in the middle of it all. Plan for the unexpected!
Let's talk rooms. Are they as stylish as the pictures?
Stylish? Yes, in a kind of, "I read Architectural Digest, but I'm also a slightly stressed-out traveler" way. Clean lines, minimalist decor, that whole vibe. The pictures don't lie, mostly. It felt sleek. But remember that whole "stressed-out traveler" thing? That means real-world imperfections! Like… the "amazing city view" I paid extra for? Partially blocked by a (admittedly beautiful) neighboring building. Sneaky! And the bathroom? Functional, fine, but the water pressure in the shower? Weak. Seriously, I've seen garden hoses with more oomph. My hair felt...unfulfilled.
And the lighting! SO. DIM. I'm convinced they're trying to induce nap time. Or maybe that’s just me… I need a good, bright light in a hotel room, you know? I feel like I'm operating in the shadows of the Illuminati otherwise.
What about the amenities? Did they have that cool gym and… breakfast?
Gym. Yep. Small, but functional. Treadmills, weights, the usual suspects. Didn't use it, because, Chicago, and deep-dish pizza. Priorities! (Also, I'm lazy. Let's be honest.)
Breakfast… Okay. Brace yourself. The "European-inspired breakfast buffet" was… let’s just say it didn’t exactly set my world on fire. Croissants (pre-made, obviously), some yogurt, a few sad-looking slices of fruit. It was *fine*, but definitely not worth, like, a significant portion of your soul. Go find a proper diner instead. You *need* a Chicago diner. My god, does that city know how to do breakfast. I swear I'm gonna go back just for that. Seriously, hunt one down!
The bar! I hear good things. Spill.
The bar. Ah, YES. This is where things get a little better. The AC Hotel's bar *is* pretty great. Stylish, with a good cocktail menu. The bartenders were friendly, and they clearly know their stuff. The Old Fashioneds were good. Very good. Possibly a little *too* good. I had one… or *three*… one night before wandering into the hotel lobby in a haze, which, by the way, is also a very stylish space. And then I bumped into the concierge. I think. I'm pretty sure I asked him if they had a secret underground speakeasy. (They didn't. Dammit.) So, yeah. Good bar. Drink responsibly. Or… don't. I'm not your mom.
Side note: The bar's a great place to people-watch. Which, in a bustling hotel lobby, is truly a free show. You see everything from stressed business travelers to giddy tourists to… well, me, definitely getting a little too chatty after a few cocktails. It’s a beautiful, chaotic scene.
Any major annoyances? Be brutally honest!
Annoyances? Oh, there were a few. The elevators. Ugh. Slow. Sometimes, I was convinced they were *haunted*. I stood there, jabbing the button, and just… nothing. Waiting felt like watching paint dry. In slow motion. And the key card! Always, *always* had to be reprogrammed. Seriously, every other time I'd leave the room, I'd come back and… nothing. Locked out. Embarrassing. And a mild inconvenience after the third time. At that point you’re just sighing and trudging back to the desk, convinced they’ll think you’re an idiot. And really, they’re right.
Then there was the… let's call it *situation* with the housekeeping. One day, they didn't come. At all. No fresh towels, no tidying. I’d actually *left* the "Make Up My Room" sign on the door. Maybe someone was sick? I dunno. (Or maybe they are just, you know, understaffed. It happens.) I had to call, which is a hassle. And I wanted fresh towels because, let’s face it, Chicago in summer = sticky. So, yeah, a little frustrating. But, you know, things happen. And I'm pretty sure I'm the only one who cares about fresh towels as much as I do.
Would you stay there again? The big question!
Hmmmm. That’s the golden question, isn’t it? Look, if I was going to Chicago for a quick business trip, and price was the biggest concern, I probably would. It’s clean, the location is good. The bar is great. And I'd know what to expect.
But for a *vacation*? A longer, more *leisurely* trip, where I was *really* trying to treat myself? It's a tough callSearch Hotel Guide
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