$
Hotel Chicago West Loop, Surestay Collection By Best Western
A plain West Loop base with snack-bar dining and convenient access to neighborhood restaurants.
Strong · Deep coverage · read from 18 sources · 134 traveler insights
78
RoomExpert Score
Strong
The verdict
Who's travelling?
Pick a traveller type to re-weight the scores and re-rank the rooms around what you actually care about.
Read it your way
Located in the West Loop of Chicago, this property offers a convenient base for exploring the surrounding neighborhood. Guests value the access to area dining, though the property itself only provides a snack bar. However, reviewers consistently complain that the rooms are outdated and plain, with uncomfortable beds and recurring maintenance issues. 1712
Every line below traces back to something a traveler actually wrote — open a line to read the original sentence and follow it to the source.
What travelers noticed
- The hotel provides a convenient base located in the West Loop of Chicago. 171210
- On-site dining options are limited to a snack bar, prompting guests to plan for outside meals at neighborhood restaurants. 1710
- The lobby spaces feature old-school charm, while the guest rooms remain plain and basic. 12
The catch
Who it's for
- — Travelers wanting a convenient West Loop base
- — Guests planning to dine out at local restaurants
- — Short, budget-conscious trips
Skip it if
- — Guests expecting full on-site dining options
- — Travelers bothered by outdated room furniture
- — Anyone sensitive to uncomfortable beds
Seen on camera
3 moments · 1 video · Hotel Chicago West Loop, Surestay Collection By Best Western
Each moment is pulled at the second a cited reviewer said the words. Play it here, or open the original video at that timestamp.
“Located in the West Loop of Chicago, this hotel offers a convenient base.”
youtube.com0:16“Families are welcome, with children age 0 to 17 staying free of charge. This is a considerable benefit for families trav…”
youtube.com1:14“This is an important consideration for travelers who require accessibility. There's a snack bar. Dining options might be…”
youtube.com1:53Frames are citations: each one links to its second in the source video, attributed to the creator who filmed it. Nothing here is supplied by the hotel. Creators who want a moment removed can ask and we take it down.
How to book
With points
Bookable with Best Western Rewards points. We have not priced this property yet.
Book with us
Score breakdown
How the 78/100 is built, category by category — each one with the strongest thing travelers actually said, and the source it came from.
Bathroom
81read from 1 source · Deep coverage
Food
87read from 4 sources · Solid coverage
- “The hotel's crown jewel is Somerset, the ground-floor restaurant with Mediterranean fare, retro glam interiors and an open-air patio in the summer.” 10
- “There on-site restaurant, Mercat a la Planxa, serves Spanish small-plates offering fresh seafood and cured meats, and the 1600 Club is open for Breakfast and Cocktails & Snacks Monday to Friday. There's also a 24-hour state-of-the-art gym with stunning views over Lake Michigan and Grant Park.” 10
Location
86read from 1 source · Deep coverage
Noise
92read from 1 source · Light coverage
- “Housed in what was once the historic 1920s-era Cedar Hotel (the original brickwork still graces its base), the property blends old-school Chicago character with modern elegance. It's a visual treat, every hallway, fixture and velvet accent feels curated, and the city views are jaw-dropping.” 10
Room
76read from 1 source · Deep coverage
- “The best rooms look out over the Chicago River and riverwalk, with panoramic views of Lake Michigan, nearby restaurants, hotels and bridges. Their layout is thoughtful with floor-to-ceiling windows, hardwood floors, punctuated by built-in rugs and have a sleek, high-end feel.” 10
- “During my stay in a two-bedroom suite, I loved the mix of velveteen sofas and the choice between a peaceful view of the St. Boniface cemetery or a glimpse of the city skyline.” 10
Service
84read from 1 source · Deep coverage
- “Not once in Chicago have I ever experienced such caring staff ever other than the St. Regis.” 12
- “ruly special was when my butler arranged a free car service to the airport after my flight got cancelled. He ended up rebooking my cancelled flight for me by calling American himself personally, and made my experienced truly amazing.” 12
Bed & Sleep
79read from 1 source · Deep coverage
- “The bed isn't the best though and the housekeeping can easily be improved.” 12
Where it is, how to reach it
1622 W Jackson Blvd
Chicago, Illinois
60612-3208 USA
Details checked 2026-09-10
Where it sits
Hotel Chicago West Loop, Surestay Collection By Best Western and the 38 other hotels we cover in Chicago. Hover a marker for the hotel; click to open it.
Stay value
How this property reads against the hotels we cover alongside it. Measured on review evidence, not on a nightly rate.
Trails its peers
Falls short of what $ usually buys
Scores 4 points below the modest median of 82, across 404 hotels in the same bracket. In Chicago it sits 10 points below the local median of 88.
Price bracket
$
Modest
- This hotel
- 78
- Bracket median
- 82
- Index median
- 86
Based on 404 comparable hotels.
Which room to ask for
What reviewers say about where to sleep inside this building — by room number where one is named, and otherwise by floor, wing, aspect and position. Every line opens onto the quotes behind it.
Ask for
- 3 mentions
- 2 mentions
- 1 mention
- 1 mention
Avoid
No location within the hotel draws repeated complaints yet.
Where travelers agree — and don’t
The topics reviewers split on most. A wide bar means your experience depends on which room you get — or whose opinion you trust.
Value
81
Service
65
Bathroom
54
Room
48
Location
47
Food
36
View the 89 things travelers said behind this verdict▾
Quotes run exactly as travelers wrote them — spelling and all. We trim for length, never for tidiness.
Location16 mentions · 1 filmed
- “You're also super close to most of the attractions and event-spaces you're in Chicago for. Whether it's the theatre district, nightlife, or Water Tower, it's all within walking distance.” 10
- “If you're craving a luxe-yet-lowkey weekend in Chicago, The Langham delivers. You're steps from Millennium Park, the Art Institute, and some of the best food in town.” 10
- “Outside, you are steps away from high-end shopping and a short walk to the DuSable Bridge for architecture tours.” 10
- “The rooms are very plain and basic and the beds are pretty uncomfortable. There were frequent maintenance issues at this property and the location is a little farther away from many of the attractions.” 12
- “I pay around $450 to stay here per night and I often choose it because I am a Hyatt member and I love the location.” 12
- “Located in the West Loop of Chicago, this hotel offers a convenient base.” On camera170:16
- “The location is as central as it gets, right on the Chicago Riverwalk and close to multiple attractions.” 12
- “The location is located in an upscale area of Chicago and the rooms have great views.” 12
- “The hotel for $500 has a strong location and great views, but the rooms and the service could be better.” 12
- “While the location was alright since it wasn't the most central, I loved the rooms and it feels like they don't overdo it. This is one of the cleaner properties I've stayed at in Chicago, they have that nailed.” 12
- “While the location was alright since it wasn't the most central, I loved the rooms and it feels like they don't overdo it.” 12
- “We offer a full size refrigerator for all rooms giving each guest plenty of space if needed! Just $2.50 get from our hotel to either airport terminal and sport stadiums! Hotel Chicago West Loop's location is unmatched!” 4
- “Fair, the location might be nice, but this property is VERY outdated.” 12
- “The location in The Loop is exceptional.” 8
- “The rooms are modern and the location is incredible, in fact unbeatable.” 12
- “The major drawback of the St. Regis is the location, though it is close to Navy Pier. It isn't that bad if you have a car but it is more away and farther from other parts of the city.” 12
Food12 mentions · 1 filmed
- “The hotel's crown jewel is Somerset, the ground-floor restaurant with Mediterranean fare, retro glam interiors and an open-air patio in the summer.” 10
- “There on-site restaurant, Mercat a la Planxa, serves Spanish small-plates offering fresh seafood and cured meats, and the 1600 Club is open for Breakfast and Cocktails & Snacks Monday to Friday. There's also a 24-hour state-of-the-art gym with stunning views over Lake Michigan and Grant Park.” 10
- “Time Out tip: Don't pass up the breakfast. Cooked by owners Shawn Uldridge and Kimberly Lowery, it features just-baked pastries, fresh juice and cereal as well as a few daily specials from the kitchen.” 10
- “While the contemporary Chinese spot, Shanghai Terrace, was closed during my visit, I enjoyed an excellent dinner at The Lobby, an airy space with 20-foot windows.” 10
- “The on-site restaurant and bar are highly regarded and wildly popular, but that makes them difficult to get into sometimes and adds crowds to the lobby.” 8
- “Feeling hungry? Zombie Taco is a fun, casual taco counter with a large menu of Mexican classics, and don't Bar Moxy is the spot for custom cocktails and is a laidback spot to catch up with friends.” 10
- “Cindy's rooftop restaurant is a jaw-dropping location for lunch and dinner with its impressive domed glass roof and sweeping views of Lake Michigan.” 10
- “Dining at the Park Hyatt is just as impressive.” 10
- “For a sit-down meal, Travelle offers seasonal American dishes with stunning views of the river.” 10
- “This is an important consideration for travelers who require accessibility. There's a snack bar. Dining options might be limited, so plan for outside meals and consider restaurants in the West Loop.” On camera171:53
- “Fuel up at the River North Bistro, a sleek eatery serving classic US dishes made from fresh, local, seasonal ingredients with a spacious bar area, intimate dining room, and an outdoor dining patio, perfect for the warmer months.” 10
- “However, everything else at this property is AMAZING. They have incredible dining options, luxurious rooms, modern spaces, and the most important, amazing staff.” 12
Room14 mentions
- “But room quality is uneven -- some rooms still have dated decor and tube TVs -- and all the extra fees can add up.” 8
- “The quaint but impressive space houses 11 unique rooms (from cozy to XL) that are outfitted with cowhide rugs, clawfoot tubs and funky vintage furniture.” 10
- “Rooms have beautiful, modern decor along with automatic window curtains and marble bathrooms with rainfall showers.” 8
- “I also love the decor, but that said the bathroom was a little lacking.” 12
- “I felt that The Gwen was a little basic for a 5-star hotel, but I loved the decor.” 12
- “Rooms feature trendy decor and include flat-screen TVs and spacious bathrooms, plus some have lake views.” 8
- “If you're feeling adventurous, the hotel even offers the city's first urban glamping experience, where guests can sleep in a swanky, festival-style yurt on the private terrace of the Gwen Lux Suite, with picturesque views of some of the city's most iconic architecture.” 10
- “The best rooms look out over the Chicago River and riverwalk, with panoramic views of Lake Michigan, nearby restaurants, hotels and bridges. Their layout is thoughtful with floor-to-ceiling windows, hardwood floors, punctuated by built-in rugs and have a sleek, high-end feel.” 10
- “Rooms have beautiful, modern decor along with automatic window curtains and marble bathrooms with rainfall showers. There is a seasonal, lovely rooftop terrace and cocktail lounge offering great city views, plus a lobby bar that serves breakfast, but there is no fitness center or spa.” 8
- “During my stay in a two-bedroom suite, I loved the mix of velveteen sofas and the choice between a peaceful view of the St. Boniface cemetery or a glimpse of the city skyline.” 10
- “The rooms here are heavily European influenced but I love the walk-in showers and the marble in my room.” 12
- “The rooms are modern and sleek with floor-to-ceiling windows, in-room tech, and a fridge stocked with wines available for purchase (bonus: most are very reasonably priced).” 10
- “The decor offers plenty of touches to warm Cubs fans' hearts, but without veering into theme-park vibes. The baseball memorabilia is countered with sophisticated mid-century stylings, think dark green Chesterfield sofas, wood panneling and black-and-white sporting photographs.” 10
- “The rooms at this property are nice but they don't really work well for a modern traveler, especially with outdated furniture and uncomfortable beds.” 12
Service24 mentions
- “The service at Waldorf Astoria is generally good and I have had no complaints, though there seems to be some cleanliness issues here and there but they are minor fixes.” 12
- “Not once in Chicago have I ever experienced such caring staff ever other than the St. Regis.” 12
- “The service is nice but not over the top compared to other FS properties.” 12
- “From check-in to check-out, the service is five-star without being stiff.” 10
- “Service here can be hit or miss, during peak times the staff just seem to freeze up.” 12
- “The service at The Peninsula is really good.” 12
- “Its 369 guest rooms and suites can feel comparatively small and bland, especially the entry-level option, though they have nice amenities like 42-inch flat-screen TVs and minibars (but no coffeemakers), not to mention the W brand's signature comfy beds.” 8
- “I have found a few minor cleanliness issues when it comes to the bedsheets, such as black dots but overall this hotel is very nice.” 12
- “The bed isn't the best though and the housekeeping can easily be improved.” 12
- “Rooms were cozy and clean, the bed was comfortable, and the staff was friendly and helpful.” 4
- “The hotel for $500 has a strong location and great views, but the rooms and the service could be better.” 12
- “However, everything else at this property is AMAZING. They have incredible dining options, luxurious rooms, modern spaces, and the most important, amazing staff.” 12
- “The butler service was a nice perk but what really made my stay t” 12
- “The bathrooms are really nice though.” 12
- “The service is impeccably warm; despite a weather-delayed arrival in the early hours, the local staff had my room ready for a seamless check-in.” 10
- “I got my Switch stolen by housekeeping which enters without anyone's consent. I had this shit in a backpack between the lamp and the bed, so they went LOOKING for things to steal.” 1
- “Opened in 2001, the property exudes a sense of sparkling charm, and whenever you walk into a room, it feels as if a massive cleaning crew just finished polishing every surface.” 10
- “The public spaces are decked out with Italian marble, glittering crystal, and exquisite woodwork; rooms and suites come with classy furnishings, high-end toiletries, and twice-daily maid service.” 10
- “The butler service was a nice perk but what really made my stay truly special was when my butler arranged a free car service to the airport after my flight got cancelled.” 12
- “The bed isn't the best though and the housekeeping can easily be improved. That said the lobby, service, and facilities are very good and I'm impressed for a hotel with such low pricing.” 12
- “The staff seem non-existent whenever I go down as there is really only one person handling check-in every time.” 12
- “ruly special was when my butler arranged a free car service to the airport after my flight got cancelled. He ended up rebooking my cancelled flight for me by calling American himself personally, and made my experienced truly amazing.” 12
- “The service at The Peninsula is really good. This is the best property in Chicago if your looking for great location and huge lobby spaces, as well as some nice rooms.” 12
- “The service at this property is also very good and I'm surprised it is negatively reviewed on Google.” 12
Value14 mentions · 1 filmed
- “Families are welcome, with children age 0 to 17 staying free of charge. This is a considerable benefit for families traveling to Chicago.” On camera171:14
- “The St. Regis is usually the most expensive hotel in Chicago, but it is 100% worth the price.” 12
- “The hotel is, as you might have guessed, right on the Chicago River on the northern edge of the Loop; rates are among the most affordable you'll find in this tourist-centric location.” 8
- “I'd absolutely not recommend the JW Marriott Chicago for anyone. Just remember, JW Marriott Chicago, HARD NO. Absolute rubbish for the price.” 12
- “The hotel is in poor shape and the maintenance issues I've found can sometimes be higher than the price they put for the rooms.” 12
- “Lets just get this out of the way, this is the most overpriced, garbage luxury hotel in Chicago that anyone can pick.” 12
- “The wellness center occupies the entire top floor, and the views are worth the trip alone.” 10
- “It isn't necessarily a "peaceful" 5-star hotel in Chicago but the way I'd describe it is a very high-end commercial hotel with great amenities. It is good, but not great though the pricing is pretty attractable.” 12
- “The bed isn't the best though and the housekeeping can easily be improved. That said the lobby, service, and facilities are very good and I'm impressed for a hotel with such low pricing.” 12
- “But room quality is uneven -- some rooms still have dated decor and tube TVs -- and all the extra fees can add up.” 8
- “his size, it's surprising that there's no pool and that in-room Wi-Fi incurs a fee.” 8
- “Four Seasons Chicago: The Four Seasons is one of the priciest options to stay at for Chicago, but they don't deliver for the price I paid.” 12
- “Expect some hefty extra fees for things like parking, pet stays, breakfast, and even in-room Wi-Fi.” 8
- “The bed isn't the best though and the housekeeping can easily be improved. That said the lobby, service, and facilities are very good and I'm impressed for a hotel with such low pricing. Hands down Sofitel is the best luxury for value.” 12
Bathroom5 mentions
- “The rooms are starting to feel plain and tired but I like the bathroom.” 12
- “I also love the decor, but that said the bathroom was a little lacking.” 12
- “The Carrara marble bathrooms also come with premium fixtures, such as rain showerheads and custom C.O. Bigelow bath products.” 10
- “The bathrooms are alright, nothing special, but they have the basics and a nice walk-in shower which is always good.” 12
- “The rooms are modern and the location is incredible, in fact unbeatable. That said, I found the bathroom to be a little lacking with amenities and it was slightly outdated.” 12
Noise1 mention
- “Housed in what was once the historic 1920s-era Cedar Hotel (the original brickwork still graces its base), the property blends old-school Chicago character with modern elegance. It's a visual treat, every hallway, fixture and velvet accent feels curated, and the city views are jaw-dropping.” 10
View2 mentions
Bed & Sleep1 mention
- “The bed isn't the best though and the housekeeping can easily be improved.” 12
What we still don't know
What we can’t tell you yet, said plainly. These close as we read more coverage of this hotel.
- No reviewer has named an individual room number here yet.
- Nothing reliable said about room types.
- Nothing reliable said about building or wing.
- Nothing reliable said about which side it faces.
- Nothing reliable said about position on the floor.
- Noise rests on 1 source — too thin to rely on.
- 11 sources carry no publication date, so we cannot tell how current they are.
Ask about Hotel Chicago West Loop, Surestay Collection By Best Western
Answered only from the coverage cited on this page. If nobody has written about your question, it will say so rather than guess.
How much we read
Deep coverage · 55/100We read 18 sources for this property, and pulled 134 traveler insights worth knowing. Last checked 2026-09-11.
0
Editorial
17
Blogs & sites
1
Video reviews
0
Podcast segments
Breadth
38
Depth
49
Freshness
98
Watch this hotel
We keep reading Hotel Chicago West Loop, Surestay Collection By Best Western. Tell us when you're staying and we'll follow it until then — you'll hear from us only when the verdict is rewritten, the score moves, or new reviews land. No daily mail, and the watch closes itself after your stay.
Sources
Everything quoted on this page, grouped by traveler insights, outlets, and video & podcast. Counts beside each group show everything we’ve read of that kind; no one kind can carry the score on its own.
5 of 5 summary lines above are traced to specific quotes. The rest summarise the read as a whole rather than any single document.
View all 18 cited sources▾
Everything quoted on this page.
- 12The Luxury Hotel Guide for Chicago, IL: All 5-star ...reddit.comForum thread2026-04-13Current69 quotes used
“The lobby spaces and amenities are lovely and I love the views from the rooms.”
Read originalreddit.com - 1015 Best Hotels in Chicago for 2026timeout.comReview site2026-04-10Current38 quotes used
“You're also super close to most of the attractions and event-spaces you're in Chicago for. Whether it's the theatre district, nightlife, or Water Tower, it's all within walking distance.”
Read originaltimeout.com - 7Is the west loop a safe area to stay as a tourist?reddit.comForum thread2025-09-09RecentRead originalreddit.com
- 11Staying at Hotel Chicago. Is it a nice place for a concert ...reddit.comForum thread2025-08-23RecentRead originalreddit.com
- 5Nice(ish) Hotel Recommendations? : r/AskChicagoreddit.comForum thread2025-05-06RecentRead originalreddit.com
- 9Question regarding Hotel Chicago West Loop.reddit.comForum thread2023-07-21AgeingRead originalreddit.com
Showing 6 of 18 cited · 18 read
1/3
More in Chicago
All Chicago hotels →ACME Hotel Chicago, Outset Collection by Hilton
$
Boutique River North hotel in a restored 1920s building with funky decor, compact rooms, and lobby bakery treats.
Best Western Grant Park Hotel
$$
An affordable hotel across from Grant Park with friendly service and easy access to top Chicago attractions.
Crowne Plaza Chicago West Loop by IHG
$
A comfortable West Loop base with plush beds and balconies, though low-flying aircraft noise can disrupt sleep.
Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile
$$
Spacious family suites near the Magnificent Mile with free breakfast, marred by paper-thin walls and elevator delays.
Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Chicago Downtown/Magnificent Mile
$$
A budget-friendly Magnificent Mile base offering free breakfast, pillow-top beds, and family value.
Fairmont Chicago Millennium Park
$$
A spacious, well-located downtown hotel with great service, though room upkeep can vary.
Browse hotels like this