The Midland Hotel, Chicago, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel

The Midland has comfortable beds, a beautiful lobby, and mostly friendly staff, and it isn’t a bad hotel. Still, my boyfriend and I were disappointed with our Valentine’s Day stay and expected more for what we paid. Our room had a fridge that didn’t work, hair in the folded towels, and a shower door that seemed improperly installed. It caught on the shower edge and wouldn’t fully open or close without a hard push, which felt risky with glass. My boyfriend was also charged twice for the room. First the lobby staff said it was room service we hadn’t ordered, then TV programs we hadn’t bought, and finally incidentals that would drop off in a few days. I don’t understand why we got three different explanations. We were more disappointed than the stay was worth, and will look at other options next time we’re in the city.

We had a good time and no major complaints. The train didn’t bother us, though we were on the top floor. I was happy with our room: nice view, comfortable bed, decent space, and bathroom products that were nicer than at other Marriott hotels. The front desk staff were kind and helpful. The lobby is a little small, and it took us a moment to find check-in. One small thing, we couldn’t find ice on our floor. It’s on the 6th floor, just to the right as you exit the elevator.

Q at the front desk made a real difference, sharing good tips for places to eat and greeting us with lots of kindness. The staff overall were helpful and cheerful, and the location felt safe and convenient. You do hear the train now and then. I’m not sure the price is always this reasonable, but for what we paid, it was a great find in the Loop. Our suite upgrade gave us lots of room and even a half-bath. It was lovely, and I’d happily stay again. The JW Marriott is right across the street, and I thought this place held its own.

Quincy station and plenty of restaurants and coffee shops are close by, so the location worked well for me. The hotel itself, though, was a huge letdown. I paid over $300 a night and found it nowhere near worth that, more like a Motel 6. I’d only consider returning at around $100 a night. I picked the Midland for a business trip in November 2025 because I prefer Marriott and have Platinum Elite Bonvoy status, and my office is next door. The JW and LaSalle were over our approved budget. Getting checked in was confusing. The entrance I thought was the front door put me in the middle of a packed, loud bar, with no check-in signs in sight. I wandered around, went back outside, and found another entrance just west of the main one. That route bypassed the bar and led to the elevators and desk. The layout is very poorly signposted, and if you do go through the bar, the music is so loud you have to shout to speak with the desk staff. A clear check-in sign would help a lot. My room was, as usual with our Firm’s travel agency booking, directly across from the elevator bank. It also seemed my Bonvoy preferences and elite status counted for nothing. I wouldn’t recommend the property unless you get that much lower rate. Even with the convenient location, I’d choose another Marriott next time, even if it meant staying a few blocks away.