It was our first visit to Chicago, and our last night there. We chose the Claridge House Hotel because it looked attractive and clean, with a good location. We were also very excited about the oyster bar and were looking forward to relaxing with a cocktail and some oysters.
Check in was very quick and efficient. We were given our key and off we went. The room was on the 3rd floor with a sole, very smal window that opened to a very close brick wall. No view, no sunlight. Very different than any of the rooms shown on their website. The room had what I can only describe as a popcorn smell to it. When went down, asked about the room and were told that there was one on a higher floor, but with the same situation. It all seemed very different than the photos, so we resigned ourselves and simply stayed put. We then inquired about the well advertised oyster bar and were told that is wasn’t open and wasn’t going to be opening. So okay. We go back to our room to relax instead after a long and eventful weekend before dinner.
We then turn on the tv and the picture was in and out. We called down to the front desk and were told that because it was raining, the satellite wouldn’t be as effective; said it usually worked after the rain stopped - it was going to rain all afternoon into the evening. Woop. When we asked if they had umbrellas we could borrrow, so we could turn to Plan C, we were told they had none left.
One thing after the other it seemed. It was a bit frustrating and certainly a let down.
It seems the Claridge House has fallen on some tough times. Could be cleaner, could be more looked after. Sadly, I don’t think we’d chose it again.