JW Marriott Chicago — Hotel in Chicago

This hotel was my most dissapointing Marriott stay yet. My party reserved 5+ rooms for a weekend Bridal Party.

I booked three of these rooms through the Marriott App. I booked one room on the executive lounge floor and two exterior facing rooms. Two other suites were rented by folks in my party.

The poor experience started for me before I even entered the hotel. I booked the hotel several months in advance and requested a meeting room for a private dinner and wedding dress reveal for Saturday evening. After putting in several online requests and not hearing back from the hotel I called the hotel and was told I would get a call from the events team but my request wouldn’t be a problem. Now this is a beautiful hotel, great location, awesome meeting rooms for context. Never got a call.

I checked into my first room on a Thursday afternoon ( a day early for all of the other reservations.) I had opted to upgrade this room the day before check in when I got an email from Marriott. The room was okay, it wasn’t what was pictured on the website or what I had imagined checking into and it wasn’t city view facing. I called the front office and asked if I could switch over to one of my exterior facing rooms. They would not allow me to do that. They offered an upgrade on the current room for $100 a night but I would need to be out of the exterior facing rooms and back into the old room by 11am tomorrow. That’s what every bride wants to hear right? This hotel was EMPTY. Few people in the lobby, in the elevators, in the executive lounge, restaurant etc. This should have been an easy adjustment. After speaking to several people on the phone that would not accommodate me I finally said forget it and stayed in the room I was in with the intent to change rooms the next day. Let me just say these people don’t speak English fluently so every time I called to the office I got the runaround, transferred to someone else, told they don’t understand etc. SUPER FRUSTRATING.

I went down on Friday to check into my other rooms, got the keys and ventured off to the rooms. I had requested extra pillows, towels and 2 robes per room. These items were not available upon check in. Both rooms were supposed to be exterior facing and spacious of 420 sq ft. One of the rooms fit this description the other room was TINY. Either these folks didn’t check my reservation or they just didn’t care. I was supposed to have three people in this room, my grandmother, mother and sister so I had to pivot quickly. I also asked about my meeting space at this time, I was told they didn’t have a request for me and no one from the event sales was in today so they would need to call me. I reiterated that I’d been waiting for a call but they promised they’d call me.

Saturday morning comes and I still haven’t received a call. I go down to the front office before heading to my wedding dress appointment to check on the meeting room and this time I'm told I cannot be accommodated. At this point I'm a bridezilla. I’m so angry about the thousands of dollars I’ve spent, the runaround and the lack of customer service or consideration. I truly wish I would have skipped this hotel all together. If you’re partial to Marriott properties like I am, I highly recommend to SKIP THE JW MARRIOTT CHICAGO AND stay at another Marriott property. We ended up moving to the Chicago Hotel Autograph Collection by Marriott right down the road and had a WAY BETTER experience over there. Half the price. Better location right on the river walk. Less issues with homelessness as well.

Moral of the story save your time, headaches and money — DO NOT STAY...

My husband and I recently stayed here at the JW Marriott Hotel in Chicago for an extended weekend. Here is my comprehensive review:

ROOM- GENERAL: The room comes with a safe and mini fridge. Windows take up an entire wall and are floor-to-ceiling. Room-darkening blinds. There is one small desk / work space. Small closet in entryway for hanging clothes that has an automatic light. Room is climate controlled by a thermostat (central A/C works nicely). Room is simple but relatively spacious.

ROOM- BATHROOM: The shower is large, and you are supplied with shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. There was also a separate bathtub in our bathroom. One thing I really like about the bathroom is the lighting underneath the bathroom vanity - really nice for when you have to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night. Toilet is in its own room inside the bathroom. One sink with a moderately sized vanity.

ROOM- BED: One major complaint of mine - THE "KING" BEDS ARE ACTUALLY QUEEN BEDS. We paid for a room with a king bed, which is more expensive than a room with a queen bed. However, when we arrived at our room, we instantly could tell the bed was not a king bed. We called the front desk and they assured us that it was a king bed (even though it wasn't). The bed itself is very comfortable. Pillows are down pillows & soft.

AMENITIES: Parking is expensive, which is typical in Chicago ($88 for valet). They have a spa ($$$), a 24-hour fitness room, and a pool - none of which I'd write home about.

DINING: One of the biggest cons about this hotel is the dining. They have NO FREE BREAKFAST. With room prices as high as they are, breakfast should be included for all guests. Instead, the only option they have is "a la carte" room service. However, there is a $6 delivery fee (to your room?!) AND a $20 service fee!! Not to mention, food prices are ludicrous (bowl of cereal $10, small black coffee $13, etc). There is an Italian restaurant and bar on site. Again, nothing to write home about.

SERVICE: Not impressed. No one was rude or disrespectful, but for a "luxury" hotel with ludicrous prices, I felt the service should have been exceptional. When we called the front desk about our queen-sized bed in a king bed room, staff were less than helpful and didn't believe us or take our complaint seriously.

LOCATION: The location is decent. It's near several fast-food restaurants, though, which I didn't like.

NOISE: We stayed on the 9th floor. We could not hear any street traffic. However, it is extremely noisy due to other guests. The entry doors close very loudly, and you can hear footsteps of people both above you and outside in the halls.

CLEANLINESS: Rooms and general hotel areas were clean. No issues.

OTHER: The elevators are oddly small. You can cram 2 people and 1 luggage cart at most in there with no extra room. It is a ridiculously long walk from the elevators to the hotel room. I've never seen such poor building design.

FINAL THOUGHTS: The fact that Marriott is not tracking & commenting on these reviews proves that they really don't care or prioritize the experiences of their customers. All they care about is your money, and they will do everything they can to squeeze every last penny out of you.

For a "5-star luxury hotel," I was NOT impressed. The price is absolutely exorbitant, but you don't get anything for it. I've stayed at Marriotts both around the country and around the world; this one was disappointing and sub-par compared to the others. Will not be staying here again, and I would not...

In the heart of the windy city, Chicago, there stands a magnificent hotel called the JW Marriott. This place was more than just a hotel—it was a luxurious haven that promised an extraordinary experience for weary travelers and adventurers seeking a taste of opulence.

As I stepped through the grand entrance, I was immediately struck by the sheer elegance and sophistication that surrounded me. The lobby was a masterpiece of modern design, with its sleek lines and tasteful decorations. It was like stepping into a world where time stood still, and luxury reigned supreme.

But the true magic of the JW Marriott Chicago was discovered when I entered my room. Oh, what a sight it was! The room was a sanctuary of indulgence, where comfort and style harmoniously intertwined. The bed, so inviting and plush, beckoned me to sink into its soft embrace. The room spanning windows offered a view of the bustling city, its energy and and foot traffic bouncing a beat of urban enchantment.

But the true beauty of the JW Marriott Chicago was not only in its physical allure; it was in the people who made this place come alive. The staff, with their warm smiles and attentive nature, made me feel like a VIP from the moment I arrived. They anticipated my every need, providing recommendations for the best local attractions and ensuring that every aspect of my stay was seamless. Their genuine hospitality and friendly demeanor made me feel like a cherished guest, as if I had found a home away from home.

And oh, the dining experience at the JW Marriott Chicago was a gastronomic journey. The on-site restaurant was a culinary experience, where masterful chefs crafted dishes that danced on the palate. Each bite was a symphony of flavors, a celebration of the finest ingredients and culinary artistry. The waitstaff was like a well-choreographed ballet, gracefully guiding me through the menu and ensuring that my dining experience was nothing short of extraordinary.

Beyond the luxurious rooms and exceptional dining, the JW Marriott Chicago offered a world of amenities that added to the enchantment of my stay. The fitness center, equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, allowed me to maintain my exercise routine while indulging in the hotel's decadence. The spa, a sanctuary of relaxation, melted away the stress of the outside world, leaving me feeling rejuvenated and pampered. And the hotel's prime location, nestled amidst the vibrant city, provided endless opportunities for exploration and discovery.

As I reluctantly bid farewell to the JW Marriott Chicago, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the memories created within its walls. It was a place of wonder, where luxury and warmth coexisted in perfect harmony. It was a place where my work travel became a pleasure, where every need was anticipated, and where I was made to feel like the most important person in the world.

So, my fellow adventurers, if you seek a tale of luxury and enchantment, look no further than the JW Marriott Chicago. It is a place where a business traveller or pleasure seeker can write their chapter in a...