Level Chicago - River North

The only snag was finding Level Chicago at first, since it's a little tricky to locate. Once there, the staff made everything feel easy, and everyone I met was welcoming and helpful. My room was modern, clean, and incredibly comfortable, with floor-to-ceiling views that brought the Chicago skyline right in. It was great waking up and winding down with the city all around. The location is close to everything, and the room, views, and service made the stay special. I'll definitely return.

We've stayed here for 3 to 4 years, and the rooms and amenities have been good value for our family. Desk service is usually fine, though once in a while someone seems to be having a bad day. There are occasional quality issues, like a door that doesn't close properly or a washer, dryer, or dishwasher that sounds near the end of its life. The amenities outweigh that noise for us, and we love staying here. A few things could make visits better. For temporary guests who need garage access, provide a transponder for the stay and charge for ones not returned. Serialized transponders could be deactivated if missing. Waiting on the automated phone line or for someone at the desk can block traffic and sidewalks. The kids' playroom also needs an update: after four years, the same items are still there, with incomplete puzzles and missing or broken toys. Finally, if there's room for equipment upgrades at the gym, a leg press, preacher curl bench, angled barbell set, and lateral low row machine would be welcome.

I chose this place despite the mixed reviews because the gym looked better equipped than a typical hotel gym, the location suited my needs, and the room had in-unit laundry and room for two to spread out. A few things to know: Level leases roughly the first 9 to 10 floors, while the higher floors are for residents. The front desk staff are contracted by Level but employed by the building, so they have little control over check-in. I had to fill out the same form online and again in person. It's essentially a short-term rental contract, not a hotel stay contract. The outdoor pool is closed in winter, and housekeeping is only provided for stays of 7 days or more. For a five-night stay, getting only one laundry detergent portion and one dishwasher pod felt stingy. Two of each would have been reasonable. There was also just part of a box of tissues, in Chicago winter. It wasn't clear how to get more supplies. We asked the desk, but nothing ever arrived.

The room was clean, modern, and comfortable, and the location and amenities really set this place apart. Level Chicago – River North has excellent gym and wellness facilities, with lots of equipment, plenty of space, and even outdoor turf for training. The sauna was spotless and relaxing after a workout. Highly recommend, five stars.