Situated one block from the Sears Tower, this trendy design-conscious offering is in the heart of the financial district. Edgy and attitude-prone, this retro-Gothic palace sports dark, moody decor that bodes well with the building's distinctly European and art-deco architecture. Part of the hip demeanor of this hotel is the lingo tossed about, which for arrivals can be confusing: Living Room means lobby, Welcome is front desk staff, Style is housekeeping, Sweat refers to the gym. If you need the business center, just ask for Wire.
Despite its many idiosyncrasies, the hotel is exceptionally well-run and meticulously maintained. The Living Room is a dramatic two-story hall with a spectacular gilded dome ceiling. Here, soft lighting reflects off the plump sofas upholstered in glimmering velvet, and board games, chess and Scrabble are played here, adding to the casual environment. Just like at its Manhattan sib, a burgeoning cast of beautiful people populate Rande Gerber's Whiskey Blue, often lingering about until the DJ arrives for late night fun. Dinner in the high-style Continental cafe is a culinary adventure, with quick service and colorful Italian cooking.
Fitness options are the weak spot here, with the high-tech but small workout room the only on-site facility. Massage services can be arranged through the Whatever/Whenever desk, but a pool is sorely missed. A business center provides computers, faxing and copying round-the-clock, and meeting space is on the lower level, with an Internet wired ballroom seating 550. The W Shop sells everything from coffee cups to condoms. Pay parking is in a garage an inconvenient block and a half away.
Guest rooms, graded Wonderful, Spectacular and Mega are little-to-large havens of comfort and technology. Dim hallways lead to rooms with sumptuous king, queen or double pillow-top beds that are bedecked with down comforters, luxurious linens, and armchairs and chaise lounges. Sleek art-deco design and a deep purple and cream color scheme are highlighted by glossy surfaces and gleaming chrome.
Wonderful rooms are the smallest but still come with desks, TVs, CD players (the CD library is open at all hours), dual-line cordless speaker phones with voice mail and conference capabilities, wireless keyboards for the Web TV, high-speed Internet access (for a fee), snacks, safes and coffeemakers. Spectacular units add minibars and are on higher floors with the best views. Mega rooms are the largest and most lavish. Baths in all but Megas are small but well-stocked with Bliss Spa toiletries, hair dryers and robes. The chrome fixtures and rain shower heads add to the urban chic look. Higher floors seem to bring better digs, but some look towards an inner courtyard where echoes abound. Small pets are allowed here, but a hefty fee applies.
This hotel is on par with Hotel Sax and the Hard Rock Hotel, though its corporate backing – this is a Starwood hotel – gives it an extra foot to stand on. For those seeking a cushy cutting edge hotel in the financial district, this remains a top choice.
