Superb service and staff, excellent room, comfortable beds, excellent internet..what more is there to day?

If you're looking for an eclectic, modern spin on a historic hotel, then this is the place for you! Known as one of Al Capone's favorites, and completed in 1910, this one is one from the movies! On Michigan Avenue, within walking distance of nearly EVERYTHING in Chicago. Valet was exceptional, check-in was a breeze. The on-site Tapa's restaurant was wonderful. Our room was decorated to the "T" for a restored hotel. Tiled floors, down comforters, bright colors and EXTREMELY clean. Our view in the day was nothing to write home about, but the night view of the Sears Tower and Hancock was SPECTACULAR! The other side of the hotel would face Michigan Ave and the Lake, so it would be even more beautiful. We loved every minute that we spent in our room (almost as much as our Chicago experience itself!) Would recommend again and again and again! We'll be back!

I was there for a conference from May 22-28. I would give it a 3.5 because of some issues, but some issues were probably specific to our situation.

The Good:
1. newly refurbished, modern furniture etc.
2. very clean room
3. very nice staff
4. cute bar, although a little small
5. nonsmoking
6 Starbucks in front
7. good lunch restaurant
8. great location

The Bad:
1. Even though this was a conference and there were 4 of us in the room, we had a difficult time getting them to guaranteee 2 beds
2. Beds were soft and there were too many pillows.
3. Too much cuteness without practicalities - e.g., the shower stall door went from floor to ceiling, but opening it produced a lot of noise in the bedroom; lots of metal bathroom fixtures (soap dish, garbage can), which also made noise if touched; only one towel rack in bathroom, so we couldn't conserve our towels
3. Housekeeping continually left us only decaf coffee. They quickly brought us more when we called, but this happened reapeatedly.
4. We were overcharged for internet use and for parking (we didn't have a car). It took a long time for them to sort this out when we departed.
5. Bar closed early on Memorial Day - we were told it was last call, but then people (apparently bartender's friends) came in and were served.

Special Issue
We asked for a fridge and microwave because of a medical condition requiring preparing own food. They provided a fridge, but the only outlet in which it coudl be plugged was controlled by a hall-switch by the door. Even though we put a sign over the switch, housekeeping kept turning it off. Hotel couldn't provide a microwave and told us that the Executive Floor was still under construction (which it wasn't). My husband had to call them to come get his food and take it downstairs to be microwaved. Bit of a pain, but in the future we know to find a hotel with a kitchette.

Stayed here in the 30th April 2008. Was extremely luck as the night we checked in we were informed it was the official opening and were treated to explore the hotel and sip champagne. In the ballroom we ended mingling with Chicago's high and mighty. After a good start it got even better. The room was beautiful, fantastic bed, flat screen tv and tastefully designed BUT as much as I don't want to fault The Blackstone I unfortunatley have to. I brought to attention 3 times the fact that our bedside lamps were not working and nothing was done, it was not a big deal seeing as we were only staying 2 night but still after 3 complaints even an acknowlegment would have done for me . I think they should also reconsider their windows. We woke really early from the sounds of the morning rushhour and L train. I understand it's downtown Chicago but I never had to wear earplugs in a hotel before. Again under the understanding of location and prices etc.... I still thought that the breakfast in room was ridiculously over priced. It cost nearly $70 for two unspectacular omelettes and a pot of coffee, $18 for the coffee alone and not as good as the Starbucks at the front of the hotel. There was not much choice on the menu either. Ironically I really enjoyed staying in the blackstone. All the staff were very friendy. The location is perfect for anyone visiting Chicago as you are right in the middle of all the action. Shopping is 5 mins left as you walk out the front door, tourist trails and spots are right on your doorstep. The gym has all state of the art equipment with beautiful views from the 6th floor. A hotel that is steeped in history and class, somewhere I would definitely stay again