We live in downtown Chicago but decided to do a mini-getaway at the Trump because the prices are roughly half what they will be when construction is finished and we wanted to experience it ourselves. We had a standard room which is generously proportioned (about 650 sq. ft.). It came equipped with a large flat panel HDTV and a flat panel TV built into the bathroom mirror - very cool little feature. All rooms also have a kitchenette with Sub Zero mini fridge, a full size Miele dishwasher, 2 burner Miele cook top, a microwave, and all the cookware, utensils and service items you need. The fridge is nicely furnished, but the attentive staff will customize it with whatever food and beverages you like. The room was nicely laid out with a king size bed and a sofa sleeper. Wireless internet and local calls are included in the price. The robes are plush and the Trump slippers are a good touch. The bathroom is nicely appointed with high quality toiletries, and a unique granite shower/tub combo with rain shower head and a waterfall spout in the tub (which is big enough to lounge in and has a good view of the in-mirror TV). The furnishings and decor in the room and throughout the hotel are highest quality. Very modern with dark woods and unique fixtures. In room there's an iPod docking station, CD player/DVD player, and a good selection of TV stations (even Fox Sports which delighted my British husband). They'll even bring up an X Box if you'd like. We were on the 24th floor and never once heard any construction noise.

Even though the hotel is still in soft open, the staff was superb. Friendly, gracious and went out of their way to help. The Trump obviously values service...it seems every corner we turned we encountered a training session. It's clear the staff are proud of the hotel and are quick to give a tour or point out a unique feature. We stayed with our 3 year old son. While this is not a family-oriented hotel, every single staff member went out of their way to make us feel welcome and to accommodate our needs. They loan out strollers and any other baby item you can think of. By the end of the first day every staff member we ran into seemed to greet our son by name. The concierge is a fountain of knowledge. He gave us a dining recommendation that fulfilled our very specific criteria and it was perfect. He, and the rest of the staff, enthusiastically greeted us by name after the first introduction.

The restaurant (Sixteen) is now open. The adjoining nightclub Re-Bar isn't open yet, but the bar is set up and serving and there's plenty of seating. As a Chicago native I can tell you -- the view from the restaurant/bar doesn't get any better than this. A beautiful outdoor veranda with circle-around balcony. Fabulous views of the lake, river and nearby historic architecture. This was really well planned. You practically feel like you're sitting under the towers of the Wrigley building. Food and service at the restaurant live up to the expectations of a fine dining experience. The chandelier is amazing, the space is breathtaking.

We were fortunate enough to be there for the opening of the fitness center (spa is not open yet). The fitness center is terrific with plenty of equipment including treadmills, ellipticals, spinning room, studios for classes, yoga mats, etc. And all with floor to ceiling views of the skyline, river and lake. The locker rooms are an experience in and of themselves. Again, the staff went out of their way to accommodate and highlight all the features. The pool is a real treat. It just opened -- we have the unique privilege of being able to say we were the FIRST people to swim at the Trump Tower in Chicago. Very serene setting, nicely appointed and, again, with floor-to-ceiling views.

There are sure to be a few glitches as they roll out, but they try hard to compensate. We had a strange situation where 3 wine openers in a row broke when we used them (the door man immediately came upstairs with his own personal wine opener that he had with him because a few other guests have had the same problem). Another downfall is the outrageous room service pricing. It's beyond Chicago luxury standards -- even beyond New York standards. We felt compelled to order the $26 cheeseburger, just to see what could possibly justify that price. Alas, it was just a plain, ordinary burger...not even on the big side. And the quality of room service dining was just acceptable, not great. Prices in the restaurant are typical for a 5 star hotel, but much more reasonable than room service.

Overall, a great place. I hope they can maintain the standard of attention and service as more guests arrive. But this is a no-brainer -- go while the price is low, it's a truly first rate experience. Compared to other 5 stars we've stayed at like the Palace in NY, the Phoenician and the Four Seasons (all places we love), this actually seems to take luxury a step further.

I loved the large sized rooms! I'll be coming back for more!