The Belden-Stratford, Chicago

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I loved the location in Lincoln Park. It was walking distance to Park West, my reason for being in CHI. The lobby and exterior of the B-S was beautiful. The room, while small was neat and clean. Tony, one if the bellmen was just terrific! That enconpasses our upside of the Belden-Stratford. The downside was lengthy: the water out of the kitchen faucet was murky and stayed that way regardless of how long it ran. The bathroom sink/tub water was fine. The kitchen and bathroom floors were very slick, even in bare feet. Dangerously so. The room air-conditioning system was lacking. Even though the exterior temperature was in the low 50s, the room was warm. We turned on the AC and even after running for 10 hours, we slept without covers. Outside the room itself, the doormen were consistently so involved in conversation amongst themselves that we often opened the doors ourselves, which is fine normally. I'm just not really sure why they were there. The continental breakfast had one employee working it on a Saturday morning. During this time, there were no plates or spoons during the 45 minutes we were attempting to eat. He was apologetic but the spoons/plates never arrived. Plastic spoons and napkins sufficed. Luxury hotel?? When we checked out, we had 6 hours until we had to catch our plane. The B-S staff graciously offered to hold our luggage there until we returned from a walking trip to the Lincoln Park Zoo. One would think that the front desk clerk would relay this information to the bellman who, upon checkout, pulled our car around front...while we were walking through the zoo. Thankfully, he returned it to their lot when no one claimed it in a timely manner. When we returned to get our bags and the vehicle a few hours later. leave it to the bellman to give us some small measure of grief for not retrieving our vehicle upon checkout. Perhaps Barbie at the desk could have relayed said information to the guys so that they would have left the vehicle parked until we returned to leave later in the day. Striking, during our stay, was the lack of any obvious supervisory staff on a Friday night and/or Saturday morning/afternoon. This place screamed for competent supervisory staffing. Having said all this, I would return and stay at the B-S again, only if I was interested in an event at the Park West on S. Armitage. Why? Location, location, location! The Park West is a 10 minute walk away. (Even though one of the bellmen at the B-S told me that Park West on S. Armitage Avenue was 4 miles away. Thank God for Google Maps.) Come on, Belden-Stratford. Get it together!

the hotel was great. the room was great. the food was great. the pool was great. the service was great. i would stay here again.

Gorgeous and grand hotel downstairs, amazingly roomy "efficiency" type suite upstairs. Literally about as big as the first floor of my house. Nicely clean and updated for an older building, and extremely quiet here. Beautiful place with the most amazing view, including the Lincoln Park Zoo and the botanical conservatory in the "front yard". The kids thought it was amazing to wake up and see the camels from the front windows! Certainly kept them occupied. We have to admit that between the (free!) zoo and (free!) park/conservatory we ended up seeing way less of the rest of the city than planned...and didn't miss it at all! We had a great time here, and loved that the place was so big the kids had plenty of play space and could tuck them into bed in the big bedroom and not worry about disturbing them if we stayed up later in the living areas. Parking fees were steep, so we avoided having a car with us on this part of our stay. Continental breakfast offerings were great, but the table space to eat in was limited, so plan to take it to go. Don't miss this gem of a place.

We had a well cared for suite which was tastefully done, with windows looking out at a city view. The kitchen was immaculate, as was the bathroom and the bedroom with queen sized beds. The sitting room was very comfortable and the upholstery and carpets were in excellent condition, and everything worked. The continental breakfast gave us many choices of delicious muffins etc. The entire place was quiet and very comfortable. Don't miss the roof-top view! This will ceratinly be our choice every time we visit Chicago from now on.

My daughters and I stayed the end of February 2008 and had a wonderful time. Our room was very clean and well kept. We'll be back for sure...

This was our second stay at the Belden Stratford. We thought our first stay was something special. The second time around was even more outstanding. We had a corner room with an outstanding view. The bed was truely a king size. This was a one of a kind of room. Would share the room # but can't give all the secrets.

I loved this place! I stayed for eight nights, and enjoyed the coffee and pastries every morning in the terrace breakfast nook. Location is excellent; across the street from Lincoln Park, and one blook to Clark Street where one can find a great number of very nice restaurants, and bus #22 and #35 to catch to the loop or a few blocks from Michigan Avenue. For the price, it was a bargain. The view from the roof was unique to view the Hancock and Sears Tower. It's also listed as a National Registry site.

We knew it would be nice, but the location and space was just lovely. My parents will stay there whenever they're in town from now on. It was a little old fashioned, but perfect for a comfortable stay.

I was a resident at the Belden Stratford for 4 years.....moved in thinking I'd try it for a year and couldn't leave. Arriving home from work each day or from traveling, the lovely ambiance of the European lobby and friendly staff always made me feel welcome. The amenities can't be beat, either. With a call to housekeeping, you could come home to a spotless apartment or have someone check in on your pet. The two restaurants in the lobby are great for entertaining. It was such a delight to be within a block of the lake front jogging path, botanic garden and gorgeous park. A 10 minute cab ride will take you to Michigan Avenue for top notch shopping and eating establishments - five star restaurants and small neighborhood joints abound. Ten more mintutes, you can enjoy the Art Institute, Shedd Aquarium or the Museum of Natural History. As a frequent traveler, it's still nice to return to the Windy City. Don't miss this gem!