Aloft by Marriott Chicago Schaumburg

The first two times I stayed here, the service was decent and matched what we expected for the price and brand. On our third visit, though, a booking mistake turned into a really bad experience. My partner needed surgery at a nearby hospital, so we chose this hotel. We booked one night, then checked with two front desk staff members, once by phone and once in person, and both said we could extend at the same rate. We told them about the surgery and asked them to add the second night. After the first night, I left a few bags in the room while we went to the hospital. The procedure took a long time and left my partner exhausted. About an hour after surgery, I slowly helped them back to the room so they could get straight into bed, but the key card had been deactivated. I went to the desk to ask what was wrong, and was told the second night had never been booked and would now cost 50% more. They said someone new on staff hadn't known that third-party bookings had to be extended through the third party. That didn't seem right to us. My partner ended up lying on the floor outside the room with a bag for a pillow while I went downstairs to sort out the hotel's booking mistake. All we got was a brief verbal apology. Nobody took responsibility or made an effort to fix it.

The rooms were clean and laid out nicely, though the lighting and outlets could use improvement. A microwave would have been handy in the room, but there's one in the lobby. Breakfast costs extra, with a decent selection, and lobby coffee is free. Down by the lobby and indoor pool, there's a lounge with a full bar, games, a pool table in good shape, and a seating area around an electric fireplace. The outdoor pool has a gas firepit. The elevators could be in better condition. The location is convenient.

The pool was a real highlight, so relaxing and great for unwinding. The whole hotel felt clean, well cared for, modern, and welcoming, and the amenities were impressive. I had a great stay at the Aloft Hotel and would come back.

The rooms were stylish, quiet, and clean, with good pillows, and the staff provided excellent service. It's a newer hotel and a great option for business or an overnight stay in the area. Fantastic management and staff.