Amalfi Hotel Chicago, Chicago

I gotta say this hotel really was great! P.S. if you use SweetHotelDeals. Net for booking this hotel they usually have some pretty good hotel deals at this time of the year!

The room itself was fine and comfortable(very peaceful), but the customer service by the so-called, concierge or "experience something or the others" left much to be desired. First, I arrived and the doorman walked me to the desk. I was not greeted with the usual "Hello, welcome to...". Instead, I got, "Your name? ID?" No, "hello", no "welcome to the Amalfi Hotel," just plain old poor customer service from the very beginning! That left a very bad taste in my mouth, but I decided to let it go and see how the rest of my stay was. The next day, I had some questions about suggestions on where to go to eat dinner. We were looking for any restaurant that was Chicago-based, not the usual chain hotel, and moderately priced. I went downstairs and was confused as to which one was the concierge, since in normal hotels, the concierge was separate from everyone else. But, at the Amalfi, there are two desks with hotel staff and by the door is the podium where the doorman stands. Well, I thought for sure the one at the podium was the actual concierge, due to the fact that anyone who stood there was always so pleasant and attentive. Just in case, I asked the ladies at the desk where I could find the concierge. They replied that they were! One of them was the lady who originally checked me in. So, I tried my luck with the other one, instead. I explained what I was looking for, in terms of restaurants, and lo and behold, she couldn't think of any restaurants to recommend to me! She said she lives on the South Side of Chicago, so she doesn't know the restaurants around there very well. Ummm, I'm thinking that if you are a concierge, then whether you live there or not, you'd still make it your business to know things like that! So, the other lady gave me a few names of restaurants, instead. Then, on one occasion, my friend noticed the difference in treatment between one couple and other guests. The couple was made to wait and others were immediately waited on. When the other guests told them the couple was ahead of them, they took the couple's information, without asking them to have a seat, meanwhile proceeding to offer the other guest water while they were waiting. This was the same poor customer service I also received when I arrived, as mentioned above. Then, we decided to order in one night and proceeded to call and ask for restaurants that delivered and we were told that we could order room service, which would come from a nearby restaurant. We did not have a menu in our room, so her solution was to read me the menu over the phone! After much annoyance, I asked them to send someone up with the menu. Also, I noticed when we would go out for the day and come back, they would never say, "Good morning" or "Good Evening" when they saw us. That's what I am accustomed to at other hotels. My friend was so annoyed by this that one evening she passed by and then turned around and pleasantly said, "Good evening!" The response was a confused "Good evening," as if they were wondering why she said it! The other employees were quite pleasant, especially the doormen! They always greeted you warmly and asked you how your day was going! Housekeeping was ok, but after I left the room one day, I had to return because I forgot something. When I got back to the room the housekeeping cart was holding the door open, but the maid was not in the room! So, anyone could have gone in our room and stolen something. The continental breakfast was fine and I liked that it was on every floor. The wireless service was awful!!!!! My iPhone would not work properly the entire time I was there. Once I left the hotel, it was better! The manager ended up calling me(bill issues) and we spoke about the customer service at her hotel. She apologized for her staff, but failed to offer a reduction in the bill! $20 off would have been a good gesture. Overall, there are many hotels in the downtown area, so don't waste your money on this one!

The Amalfi hotel is still under construction but there wasn't any renovation going on during our stay. there are only 6 floors in use so the hotel stays pretty quiet. The rooms were very nicely decorated and large; and the bathrooms were very nice, they come with lighted make-up mirrors and a stool to sit at and also great AVeda products. The bed was super comfortable and was always made when we arrived back to our room from our outings. Breakfast is served on each floor whch is a nice touch(because there is no lobby breakfast area) or hotel bar. But i am sure those things will change once the hotel is completed. My only real complaint would be that the windows arn't sound proof: you hear all the street traffic and during our stay literally 8-10 firetrucks went by over the course of 2 days. and there was also a rattly noise that was constant coming from the air vents which, if i didn't have ear plugs in would have killed me. The hotel is in a great location close to alot of shopping and great restaurants. Short 5 minute walk to the magnificent mile. Over all the hotle is clean nice affordable and in a great location i would recommend it and stay there again.

This hotel is in a great location in the city. The service was great and the room was very clean and nice. The breakfast was nice except for having to eat it in your room. I would recommend this hotel to anyone looking for a great hotel that is a good value.

There was a bit of construction going on but didn't bother us. We had a two room end suite and loved it!!!! Look for certain times to get good deals!

We enjoyed the plush upscale room, but were annoyed by the construction. The happy hour and breakfast is great, but you have to enjoy it in your room. The lobby, bar and restuarants are under construction and will be untill Spring 2009.

We got bumped from another property to the Amalfi on a recent visit to the city. From now on, we'll be booking with Amalfi. We missed it after leaving. The place is hip without being annoying. Staff were helpful in every respect. The rooms (needed furniture upgrade in process) are excellent! The only aspect of this property that needs work is the breakfast on each floor. The selection was limited and offered more simple-carb-laden foods. The hotel staff seemed to struggle to keep all floors stocked, too. The breakfast disappeared early and was not replenished. Otherwise, a superb experience.

No charge for pets and very classy! Very neat chic design and no charge for cocktails and internet either! I loved the two room suite!

Free drinks (just about any) and a fabulous spread (antipasto, cheeses, & breads) for happy hour, Free breakfast (mostly baked goods - which were excellent!) and Free Wireless. We travel a lot - mostly business, so we're surprised when accommodations in places like Vegas, NY, and Chicago offer FREE wireless. They can charge upwards of $16 for one day! Not here though, even the stocked bar seemed reasonable. As far as the robes and slippers-it was a nice touch, literally the softest robe I'd ever found in a hotel (and they're almost always in Large or XL). Then, there's the room. We paid extra for a corner King - totally not worth it. One, because our corner overlooked the top of a building and another hotel's wall. Two, because there's really not much more room (but decorated well). Speaking of overlooking the top of a building, be warned that this hotel only has six floors, the top floors I believe are reserved for condo owners(?) If you travel a lot you know that the lower the floor the more street noise one hears. Keep that in mind, even the 6th floor was a bit noisy with construction (which began very early). The location is very good - near Harry Carey and other restaurants, Starbucks, a liquor store just around the block, and a very fun local pub which features a great band (without a cover charge). Dancing and partying there was the highlight of our stay. The staff upon check in was very very friendly. The bellman was new and didn't know much but very kind none the less. Upon check out, the staff wasn't all that knowledgeable and got us turned around when going to the airport (there are 2 airports in Chicago - duh). If you stay here, and I think you should, I would ask where the room faces and be sure it isn't near construction or the view obstructed (if thats important to you). I would also go to the 6th floor "bar" (converted meeting room - not bad though)right at 5:30 because it gets really busy. I would also forgo the mini bar (even if the prices aren't the worst I've seen) and take a few steps out the building to the liquor store - they have water, wine, beer, etc (and very affordable). Keep in mind because the mini bar (cooler/fridge) is stocked, room will be limited for your own drinks. Valet parking is a bit expensive ($39)but the alternative is parking at an off-property location. All and all - a great place.

Overall Overpriced with average amenities and pretentious yet clueless service associates with smug titles (e.g. Experience Designer) who did nothing. Stayed here over the New Year's Eve holiday 2008. Initial experience was inviting even though front desk was clueless (they could name only one restaurant in the area & even forgot about the Keefer's Steakhouse in their own building!) • Room was clean & well decorated (despite being cramped) when we arrived. A 1970's tub with coordinating tile accentuated the unremarkable bathroom. But the mold along the all the tile was a nice touch! They made a big deal of providing 'Amalfi' robes & slippers. Too bad that I do not have an emaciated physique (just x-large) because no robe fit. • The evening is intended to be accented with an open bar for an hour or so at their top floor lounge (which is really buried in the middle of the building with no windows & resembles a tiny made-over elementary school cafeteria). They denied my wife a drink without ID; I should think a mother of 10 year old twins should exhibit enough experience in her appearance to warrant a martini. Maybe it would be flattering if the bartender did not make a huge scene of it in front of all the other guests. • The convenience of their “Buon Giorno” continental breakfast set up at each floor was about the same quality as a Hampton Inn (no knock but just a lot cheaper). The scones would be a good replacement for a lost puck at a Blackhawks game. In summary, avoid this place unless you like wasting money and hanging around with vapid guests who wish they were real people. The place made me want to leave Chicago ASAP!