JW Marriott Chicago, 2022
In February of 2022 with the pandemic still in full go mode, I found a screaming rate at the JW Marriott Chicago for a few days during the week, so I purchased a flight and went.Arrival
I had a very early morning flight into O'Hare and collected my luggage, then onto the subway ($5) for a trip to the Jackson Street stop and walked 2 blocks down Adams to the hotel.The Room
As a lifetime Titanium, I was able to wrangle a corner suite. I had stayed here before in 2011 when I didn't know much about traveling and did not have a great experience. This time it was a difference of night and day.The suite is massive, with a guest bathroom, huge living room and wet bar. The work desk is also in the living room. A small alcove leads to the bedroom with an extravagant amount of unused space.
The bathroom is... well, crazy big with two vanities, a makeup area, a huge central tub, toilet room and shower. I almost missed the walk-in closet, like smack me because it is HUGE. And the view from the room, well one of the directions. Yes, pretty grey.
The Lounge
So I have had some good and some bad experiences with JW Lounges in the USA. I was reserving my judgement, and not getting my hopes up but when I got in there, well, it's pretty amazing, like almost Asia level good which is a high compliment for a property in the states. They serve dinner time appetizers with happy hour priced drinks during 5pm-6pm. And after that, desserts!Facilities
The hotel has a spa, gym, pool, restaurant, bar and tons of event space. Which now I detail with photos below!Around the Hotel
Various interesting elements I found while wandering around the hotel that add so much to the atmosphere.Summary
As you know by now, I have a thing for JW Marriotts. This one is quite great and I'm having trouble thinking the Ritz is better after this stay. 5 stars easily. Amazing service, a complete amazing hotel with all amenities one could want or expect. While I have other hotels in Chicago to visit, I will be going back to this one.Tips: Book a room that contains lounge access if you do not have Bonvoy status to get you in already. Call ahead to see what days they have the lounge open (generally only weekdays). Ask for an east side room, the west is right by the elevated track and the trains can be a tad loud.
Vertigo much? I am very pleased with this picture
Unassuming for the luxury within
The guest bath. I prefer to use this one for very unpleasant needs and keep the main one a little nicer
I didn't use the couch once. Shame on me
Nice, relaxing, comfy
Useful for those in-room cocktails and early morning tea
Very large, very pleasant, I slept well
Another cozy reading nook
The separate area to the right for all your stuff is nice and keeps the sink free
With how sore my back was by the end, I should have utilized this tub for a long soak, but it just didn't cross my mind at the time. You guys should remind me to do this stuff!
My favorite brand of hotel products, alas, they were out of the shampoo
Very large, you could dress in here, but it's not really like a dressing room layout
But, I did make sure to get some color in there
Long lounge
A little more private on the far end from the service area
Sit back and enjoy the large TV
6am to 10pm, get your coffee or tea or look at all those sodas!
Many options for breakfast food (the turkey sausage though, not a fan)
Rolls, breads and pastries, a nice alternative to all the proteins
While labeled an appetizer service, let's be realistic, you could do a light dinner here, and I think they expect it
Both of these were astoundingly flavorful. They change nightly
The pastry chef here is amazing, these deserts were all winners
Large gym with everything I have seen in one all here
100lb dumbbells? I'm feeling a little inadequate at the moment
Not super large, but warm, clean and doesn't smell like a chlorine bath
This one does bubble, fairly elegant implementation
The main restaurant of the hotel, but I did not utilize it with the lounge being open
Where I had wings, because... that's what I do
Huge room, some local event going on that day
The smaller ballroom, but with these ceilings, I like it better
I'd like a serenade before my event
A dozen of these rooms throughout for more low key meets
Ok, so to clarify. Many JWs do not have ice machines, you have to have a bag delivered, which is kinda nice service but there are times I don't want to wait, so... yes, ICE
A key architectural feature they had to preserve due to the classification of the building as historial
Original interior wood, very nice and well kept up
Attached, and in Illinois where you can purchase spirits without having to visit a liquor store if you wish, so I felt this was important to call out