Our stay at the brand new/greatly historic Blackstone was a terrific experience. The renovations have been very well done, adding contemporary furnishings and gadgets to the classic structure. Our only issues were with some service aspects which appear to be not well worked out yet, such as housekeeping not servicing our room until 6 pm and a clump of valet parkers who ignored us (we ended up in the Hilton lot across the street, marginally less exhorbitant). The hotel has a great future, building on a spectacular architectural treasure in a perfect location.

The Blackstone (So. Mich. Ave. @ Balbo next to the Hilton Chicago) has been beautifully rehabbed and updated by Marriott as a Renaissance property. Having stayed there in '99 when it was independently managed, the improvement is impressive indeed. Friends and I booked 3 separate rooms and all of us were more than satisfied - especially given we had senior rates. My large, marble bathroom had a walk-in shower with a rainfall shower head and top-of-the-line amenities. The staff to a person is eager-to-please. The location is hard to beat being within walking distance of Millennium Park, the Art Institute, Orchestra Hall, and the El. There's an on-site Starbucks and a Spanish-themed bar and restaurant which, while pricey, features well-prepared, and imaginative food. Being as new as it is, the staff really goes out of its way to make one's stay as pleasurable as possible.

When I booked this hotel I had very high expectations, I have already seen the pics on their web page and it simply looked fabulous. I have to say that The Blackstone didn't let me down. The rooms are cozy, you feel at home. They really have made a good job of the renovation. During our stay, not everything went smoothly, we had to move to another room because of some piping works. However we never felt something wrong with our room. Despite this little hitch, my evaluation is 10 out of 10.
I highly recommend this hotel if you can afford it.

Went to the Blackstone following their major renovation and must say it has to be one of the nicest hotels in Chicago now. Classic finish with some modern touches. The lobby is beautiful and the meeting rooms (including the famous ballroom) are exquisite. The hotel rooms themselves are quite nice - flat screens, cool wallpapering done in the bathrooms. I prefer this to the Drake anyday. I received a tour of the famous room where they held the Republica National Convention (The Smoking Room I believe they called it) which is going to be converted into a suite and is still under renovation. Also got to see the meeting room downstairs that used to be a barbershop where Al Capone got his hair cut. The staff here are very friendly and they also just opened up an amazing tapas restaurant in the building as well. HIGHLY suggested for Chicago.