Hard Rock Hotel Chicago

More Than I Could Have Expected - Rock Star Treatment

Stayed at the hard rock hotel Chicago for a business trip. I was more than pleasantly surprised by the atmosphere and ambiance, the place is a bit dark, but that only added to the hard rock feel for me.

Guest services were top notch, I was able to get the information I needed from the concierge, and the waitstaff in the bar (Angels and Kings) were great. There was live music in the bar/club every night that I stayed there.

Something I found very novel, and also very cool, was that you could rent a fender guitar to take to your room?!?!? If the guitar was brought back in the same condition it was rented there was no charge.

Overall the location, service, ambiance and staff were all amazing. I'll be staying at the hard rock hotel chicago again.

Hard Rock Hotel Chicago

Hard Rock Hotel - Cool lobby, solid location

I'm a pretty big fan of Hard Rock hotels in general; something about them just give off that "cool" vibe, the rooms are pretty decked out and the lobby areas are usually a great meeting point. After a brief visit to the Hard Rock Chicago, I came to the conclusion that this hotel was no exception.

First, the doormen were cool with letting me in to sample the lobby area and take in the Hard Rock "atmosphere." Not that I looked suspicious or anything, but still, I appreciate quality service. I do agree with my colleague Joey that the lack of free Wi-Fi is completely bogus, but maybe it keeps lingerers like myself from posting up in their lobby all afternoon. (I suppose there's some upside there.)

One thing I noticed is that the decor in the lobby was (not surprisingly) really fun and modern, and they have some comfy velour chairs if you're waiting for a cab, a friend, etc. Also, another plus is that this hotel is located on the North Side of The Loop, which is where I found the best bars and restaurants Downtown to be located. However, if you're looking at staying at the Hard Rock Chicago, you should be warned that the neighborhood is pretty dead after dark, and essentially a ghost-town on the weekends, which isn't very rock and roll in my opinion. However, it is close to one of my favorite spots in Chicago, Millennium Park, so I'll consider that a plus.

Overall, like other Hard Rock hotels that I've been to (including San Diego, Las Vegas and Philadelphia), the Hard Rock Chicago is a great option for luxury travelers that like their hotels to have a little style.

Hard Rock Hotel Chicago - Doesn't Live Up to Other Hard Rock Hotels

I think it’s important to first note that when you’re staying in a hotel that’s this expensive and nice, it should come with free wireless internet. Well, this place doesn’t so that already knocks off big points with me. But regardless of that, it’s still not that great.

I typically love Hard Rock Hotels, but this one doesn’t quite measure up to other ones I’ve been to in Las Vegas, Orlando and San Diego. It’s in a cool, old historic building built back in the 20’s called the Carbide and Carbon building, but the inside is kind of boring. The lobby has the typical rocker chic Hard Rock decor, but for some reason it just comes across more like gothic. I think it may be the lighting, it’s very poorly lit. The bar was alright, nothing to write home about, especially compared to other Hard Rock bars. The rooms are great though! Very stylish but they’re still poorly lit as well. It’s in a really great location. Right in Downtown between Millennium Park and the Magnificent Mile.

Overall, the place is ok, but for the price, you’ll probably be able to find somewhere better that actually comes with free internet.