The Seneca Hotel & Suites, Chicago

We were excited to stay in a suite in a downtown hotel for such a great price, but were very disappointed. While we understand that the hotel is 3-star and not 4-star, the service and room condition was very poor. Multiple light bulbs were out and the shower light fixture was broken with no cover and visible wires. Head-level cupboards in the kitchen would not stay closed, making walking in the kitchen hazardous. There were multiple holes in the much worn sheets and the heater in the bedroom was not working. While the kitchen was nice, there were no towels or napkins provided, making it difficult to actually cook and eat. As far as service, this seems to be an easy way to "pretend" to be 4-star, but the Seneca was not even close to 3-star. The staff was rude and not helpful. We were trying to locate a grocery store in the area and called the front desk multiple times to get different attendants. None of them knew of a grocery store in the area and made no attempt to find out. We were there on Easter weekend and when I called the front desk to find out if there were any stores open on Easter Sunday (I know, it's a silly question!), the attendant had no idea and - again - made no attempt to find out. If you valet park your car - which we did - expect to wait at least 15 minutes to have it brought around (not worth the $43 a night!). We tried to stay elsewhere on our 2nd night, but couldn't find another hotel with availability. The poor service and room condition definitely negated the advantage of the location and price and we will stay elsewhere on our next trip.

We loved our stay at the Seneca. It is so convenient. If you get lost all you have to do is look up and find the Hancock Building and head in that direction. Our suite was very spacious. We had more closet space then we do at home. But it wasn't so nice that we felt out of place. It had a slightly shabby chic vibe that was perfect for us. We will certainly be staying here again when we return to Chicago. But we won't be eating at the Steakhouse again. I think you can find better within walking distance.

Likes: Location, Doormen and the Steakhouse on the first floor. Dislikes: Not clean previous guest papers on floor, room small and musty, wind blows through room, doors don't catch, bathroom not clean upon checkin, bed old and worn out, no abundance of hot water and the staff is rude. In a city that prides itself with tourism, this hotel is not up to task unless you're unable to afford anything nicer or there is nothing else available any closer than O'Hare.

Great location! Beautiful hotel with excellent service, charm, and ambiance. Room was exactly as advertised and staff was superb. Highly recommend to any traveler heading to Chicago. We stayed 7 days without even the slighest hint of a problem. Hotel is 1/2 block off the Magnificent Mile next to John Hancock Tower. 1 block from Water Tower Park and the free trolleys and other transportation. 1/2 block from Chicago Tourism center.

The staff was a little on edge, and not as happy go lucky as before. The door men were outstanding as always. They were always up to see that everyone they came in contact with, were treated with the up most respect and service.

We had a great stay, the prices were very reasonable, the location was quiet, yet convenient, the rooms were HUGE, king w/ sitting area, full kitchen and closets like home. We would go back tomorrow and I've already recommended the hotel. It's an older place so don't expect the Ritz, but you're only there to sleep and shower anyway. Will stay again!

We had a party of five with two rooms. Each of our rooms had full kitchens including a stove. The fridge was very handy. Bathroom could use some updating. Deli had excellent breakfasts. Hotel staff was very friendly and knowledgable. We would stay at this hotel again and have already recommended it to friends. From the Twin Cities Group

Hotel is in a great location but definately needs some updating. We stayed in the suite. The furniture, carpeting and small kitchen was very old. I think my biggest concern was the carpeting. It actually had folds in some places and didn't even go underneath some of the baseboards on the floor. Nice closet space and liked the fact that the windows actually opened. Our bathroom had been updated and was really nice. Not too happy about the old locks on the door. Had a hard time with them and could cause a problem if there was ever a fire. Just got my credit card bill and noticed a $40 charge on it so I called the hotel (not knowing that my husband put the parking fee on it) the girl who answered the phone was rude and to the point. Had the girl been nice on the phone, I probably would not have given the service a bad rap but one bad apple spoils the bunch! The hotel was ok but I would probably stay somewhere else next time.

The only thing good about this hotel is the location. We walked into a lobby under construction. It was in the 90's and there was no air conditioning in the lobby and the staff was incompetant. The room was furnished almost identical to my Grandmother's 40 years ago. The carpet looked like it hadn't been cleaned in the same amount of time. The toilet seats were chipped. There actually was lipstick on our unused towels. We threatened to call the board of health before they changed our room to one just a little cleaner. The next day we were out of there, and checked into The Double Tree around the corner. It was spotless and less expensive.

I LOVED this hotel, I was nervous because I booked it as part of an expedia package, but when we got there...wow! The room was PERFECT and it had a little kitchenette complete w/fridge, stove, microwave, dishwasher & sink. The bathroom had a jacuzzi tub and it was just great. The staff was friendly, the restaurant's in the lobby were really good and most of all the location was UNBELIEVABLE!! Next time I go back I'm absolutely staying here again!