I have stayed at the Renaissance Chicago @ State and Wacker a handful of times in the past 7 years. It's not always my top choice when I have to go to downtown Chicago but it's definitely in the top three. It's also located near our corporate offices so that's a bonus.

The hotel is large and stately. It has a nice lobby with a great lounge. Rates are average for this class of hotel. You will pay for parking here just like everywhere else. The staff is average for the size, they are neither too friendly nor too cold. The rooms are average-sized and the decor is neoclassical roman. The hotel has a lot of traffic so it's no surprise that the rooms look a bit tired (not that they should); dinged furniture, bathrooms less than perfect, etc. The cleanliness is fine. The cable TV is standard fare but there is high-speed data access available if that is important to you. Phones are standard analog with voice mail.

I have not tried the two in-house restaurants (too many tempting choices near the hotel) but room service and the desserts in their large lounge are good. They usually have live music; duets, trios, piano, which is low-key. The atmosphere is very nice in the evenings.

The location of the Renaissance is good, one block north of the loop (the heart of the business area) and a few blocks from Michigan Avenue (where the tourists and high-end shopping is). It's also on the Chicago River; north side rooms have views of the river along with other architecturally beautiful/significant buildings. Great nearby restaurants abound; there are too many to name! Most are a short walk.

Overall a solid value. They are part of the Marriott chain so you can get frequent flyer/stay points.

Recommended: Yes