I was trying to find a good place for a weekend stay with my wife for our anniversary. I had made a great deal of research on Chicago downtown hotels (I'm local to Chicago)prior to making reservations. It came down to Sofitel, Fairmont and Swissotel when I made my selection throwing a coin. So, Swissotel became my choice. I opted for an Executive Suite for $229.00 (a fall sale price) on the 37th floor.

1. The room: too predictable, uninspiring, small (to carry the name of "Executive Suite"); the bathroom, however, matched my expectations. There's a number of tools to keep a business person in touch with his business: Ethernet cable (fast internet), modem line, WebTV, fax. The minibar was full and (of course) quite expensive. While my room was just next to the corner room, the view was just OK but not terrific (KPMG building blocks most of the view to the west). Opt for Sheraton (Towers) - just across the river - for a better view to the west.

2. The hotel: Executive Lounge, access to which is a part of Executive Suite package, was too little of a perk - just a nice coffee/juice/pastry in the morning. The exercise room was quite good, so a traveling person can keep himself in shape during the entire stay; however, the "swimming" pool is a joke. I need to say, though, the view to the lake/Grand Park was an impressive one. It definitely adds a notch to enjoy the view while exercising.

3. Restaurants/bars: terrible, i.e. bad AND expensive food. Well, everybody in Chicago knows that but I was particularly shocked when everything was simply closed around midnight with an exception of a small bar downstairs which resembled a regular (and boring) neighborhood bar. Is it a four-star hotel???? So, we went out to have drinks up until 2 am in the Fairmont Hotel ("Aria" lounge/bar)

4. Location: Good for business since it's located south of the Chicago river - closer to the Loop; Not bad for entertainment (the theater district is just 15-min walk away); Not suited for night life - North Avenue, and Rush/State intersection is quite far, so no romantic walk after drinking there. Well, cabs are plentiful but that could be said about any Hotel. For the location - Sofitel is your best bet. The views, though a better than in most of the hotels in the downtown area.

5. Service: Good but not exceptional. They spent a lot of time trying to please me when I asked for tickets in some of the theaters. However, when my plans suddenly changed (a true emergency related to my business), they didn't do anything to truly help me out to accommodate it. Finally, I was able to be at the theater on time but the concierge could have been more helpful. Another flaw, when you're asking for your car to be retrieved from their parking, you need to do it at least 15 minutes in advance, and it's still not enough time. However, as I said, to get a cab takes 15 seconds since they're waiting in line.

Overall experience: Acceptable for Business travelers (actually quite good for that), and not quite suitable for leisure stay.

Recommended: No