The James Chicago

I haven't actually stayed at this hotel- yet- but am already disappointed in their customer service. I visit Chicago quite often and usually stay at the InterContinental, but yesterday I read some online articles advertising The James Hotel's "Cyber Monday Special". The promo states that if you buy a gift certificate from their website, the hotel will match that amount in "James Credits" that can be used toward your stay. None of the articles gave an expiration date for these credits. My next trip to Chicago is in April, so I thought I'd give The James a try. I travel frequently with my pet and I've heard they have a very liberal pet-policy. So today I went online and bought a $500 certificate. Me, having the one track mind that I do, somehow missed the part about the credits expiring March 31, 2010. I realized my mistake immediately and called the hotel front desk to explain my predicament. I said I couldn't be in Chicago until April (I'm overseas on business until then), and asked if they could extend my credits an extra month, or it not, refund my gift certificate purchase. I had only just made the purchase minutes before and hadn't even recieved my email confirmation yet. Most businesses offer a 24 hr grace period. The girl at the front dest was extremely rude to me- basically saying "too bad, it's your problem now". She didn't even bother to act polite or pretend to be sympathetic about my situation at all. So now that I know this is the kind of service I can expect from The James, I might just call it a wash and stay at my usual hotel, or try Hotel Monaco. I hear they have great service and are good with pets too.

Beds were wonderful and I always like a robe in the room. Kind of pricey for what we used it for (girls overnite in Chicago) but had massage in Aveda Spa on site. Great location too-close to Michigan Ave. and Rush street night life.

This hotel does not belong in the same league as The Peninsula, Four Seasons, or Ritz Carlton. It was more like staying at an overpriced W Hotel. Staff was very nice and attentive, but the lobby is cramped, and only two small elevators for 17 floors!! Several times the elevator was full by the time it reached our floor, and we were forced to take the stairs. The hotel must be flooding the travel websites itself with high reviews.

we had a great time visiting our home town. always worried about staying downtown but it was a great hotel, the service was great and the location was perfect . Though it did seem like there were more business people there...we traveled with a 2 yr old and a 4 mnth old and every time we went out for the day they always acknowledge my kids which is a huge plus for me. They even assisted with opening doors which was a huge help trying to get the stroller out the door. I would go back again. The beds are GREAT! i actually slept better on vacation then in my own bed. housekeeping was excellent, i had to travel with bottle so they always left me a spare clean towel to put the washed bottles on. VERY THOUGHTFUL! can't wait to plan our next trip

Hotel staff was friendly and helpful, room was nice and comfortable. Good location, convenient to everything. Would stay here agatn.