The Talbott Hotel - Chicago, USA 

Solid value for the biz traveler----Meant to post this long ago, so, not current info; but, I am posting due to fact I looked at Tripadvisor to see how things sounded, as am planning return to Chicago soon, and, will probably stay at Talbott. Have stayed 3 times over last year or so; first time, had never heard of it, a bit hesitant as usually stay Hilton or similar, but a pal who stays Talbott once a month and travels a lot to other towns so very experienced traveler, he just kept talking it up. Excellent value for biz folks who pay their own way. In the middle of most meeting sites for downtown biz, never had a problem getting a cab, fairly responsive staff-all 3 times I thought they were a bit aloof but reality is I think they are just very very business like-if you ask for something you get it, or you get an explanation as to why you will not get it, etc, so, I will take that over warm and fuzzy non-performance everytime--the food/bar was not something to go out of your way for but fine for stay in the room or on property when you are tired or weather is bad. Best suited for business single, would be pretty good for couples and it is well placed for a travel companion to entertain themselves while you are out in meetings, probably not a big hit for kids and teens but if you were truly just looking for solid safe downtown value on a bed and bath to attend a wedding or similar nearby, it is a great option. Take a peek at the bar--it is great wood work and craftsmanship on display, a nice element for a small hotel bar to see cool looking woodwork and not just a cold utility type place.

This is a fantastic hotel in a fantastic location. I stayed one night in June 08 and was upgraded to a suite as the hotel was fully booked! The suite was beautifully decorated and well equipped. My stay was trouble free and the staff were friendly and knowledgeable. Would recommend to both the business and holiday traveller.

We were booked at the Talbott via Hotwire at a very good rate. We had some concerns after reading the reviews on tripadvisor, particularly about the construction noise. First, let me say the staff is outstanding, the rooms are beautiful and we would not hesitate staying there again. Stephanie, the concierge, is very, very good and made a huge impact on our stay. The hotel is relatively small but very, very upscale. Second, we found no more noise at the hotel than any other big city establishment. We were on the 11th floor and the construction was much higher and was not objectionable. Third, the location was perfect for us as we could walk to all the sights and restaurants. All the restauants on Rush St. are about a 3 block walk. Stephanie got us reservations at two marvelous spots. The Hancock Tower, where we enjoyed late night drinks, is also about a 3 block walk. The ONLY negative is you have to call room service to get ice. This is one nice hotel.

I recently decided on a trip to Chicago. Previously I had stayed at the Le Meridien (now the site of the Conrad Hotel) and was debating a return stay at that facility since my previous exeperience was great. I did some research and decided to try and stay at a different hotel. Using tripadvisor as my main source, in addition to Orbitz and Expedia, I kept noticing that The Talbott Hotel came up as a favorite spot, so with some trepidation (I will admit) I booked my 4 nite stay there. Arriving at the hotel, for me the first thing I noticed was the small lobby area....having stayed mostly at Hilton, Hyatt and other business-type hotels, I was used to larger lobbies, and multiple desk attendants, but I absorbed the experience and checked in. I was upgraded due to the fact that I had reserved my room thru the slh.com website (Small Luxury hotels), of which The Talbott was a member. That website encourages the person to create a list of their pet likes, pillow types, food, etc...and I created a list of things I enjoyed. The room, was spacious, wonderfully appointed, comfortable and met all of my needs. A few minutes after I had started to uppack my luggage, the door bell rang, and a waiter appeared, carrying a large bowl of fruits and other items, I was surprised as I had not ordered anything. When I opened the letter, it was a typed welcome letter, indicating that enclosed were a few items I had indicated I liked (chocolates, bottled water, etc....) and that anything I need I was to contact the desk. What a wonderful way to be welcomed, I thought. I had a few things I wanted to do while in Chicago, and so I went downstairs to the Concierge and met Stephanie. Now any of you who have read back reviews from folk who have stayed at The Talbott will recall that many people praised Stephanie as a wonderful host, and Concierge. Well, I cannot say enough about her. I spent the better part of 40 minutes chatting with her about what kind of restaurants i wanted to try (it was my birthday) and other things i wanted to do. She took notes, went online and showed me different restaurants that she could recommend, called them up to make reservations as I was sitting there, and mae a couple reservations at those that the times were amenable to me. I ate at the RL restaurant (yes, Ralph Lauren), and was personally greeted when I walked in. I asked them how did you know my name, and they replied that Stephanie had called them to let them know I was coming over. I was overwhelmed...I had never experienced such special attention at any other hotel. They comped me on my desert, since Stephanie had told them it was my birthday, and all in all, I had a wonderful time. I told her that i wanted to go see a Jazz or Blues show and she pointed me to the Backroom, a few blocks away from the hotel. She looked in her draw and found me a ticket for free entrance to the show (normally $20 at the door). The concert was great, and I was there for nearly 3 hrs, drinking and enjoying the music. The place is small, intimate, but the sound is great, so it is a good place to enjoy a show. Everyone at The Talbott was gracious, smiling and helpful. I felt like I was staying with family....I cannot explain it any other way. Every morning I would come down and chat with Stephanie for a few minutes about what I was doing that day, and she suggested other things that i might do also. It was like a well-choreographed show!!! The location is perfect, near to Rush Street and the bars, restaurants and stores, Michigan Avenue is about a block and a 1/2 away.....there are buses, free trolleys so there is no problem to get where you want to go. In my stay in Chicago I had purchased a few items that could not be packed in my carry-on, and so i asked Stephanie if the Hotel could arrange for the stuff to be sent via UPS to my home. No problem, she said. I gave them my address etc....and all was arranged. I received the items aboout 4 days later. I really was sorry to leave. It was such a wonderful experience. Time and time again while I was sitting with Stephanie other folk would come in and thank her for reservations she had made for them, recommendations for theatre, restaurants, walking tours, etc....and would turn to me while I was sitting there and tell me that they always come back to The Talbott because of her. Some brought in small gifts of their appreciation....I have never seen this at any other hotel I have stayed at. I have to say that I did initially have some trepidation when i booked this hotel. I was not familiar with smaller, boutique-styled hotels, but I was sooo pleasantly surprised that I would feel as if I betrayed them if I were to ever re-visit Chicago and not stay at The Talbott. My trip was that special. That, I can safely say, is the kind of experience that makes it very easy to return time and time again to a hotel. I can safely recommend The Talbott to anyone who is looking for a different type of hotel stay....one that does not revolve around a large, Business-type place (Hilton, Hyatt etc...not that I am knocking them). I cannot wait to return to the Talbott, I was that moved by my time there.

A fantastic hotel overall, with probably the best service that I've ever experienced. The huge drawback, however, is the construction that is occurring on both sides of the hotel. They generally work 8am - 8pm Mon-Sat (we stayed for a week) and one of the buildings had workers present on Sunday as well. This was not disclosed on any part of the website at the time of booking. This hotel will be perfect when the construction's done, though the doorman at the hotel when we left estimated that they'd be working for another 1-2 years.