The Renaissance has changed its image from a standard hotel to what they now call an "urban sanctuary" -- and this label could not be more true. The renovations they have made include a fantastic and comprehensive fitness center, stretch room, and pool area. Additionally, their restaurant and lounge are excellent and the rooms are designed with everything that a guest seeking a "sanctuary" would desire.

The best part of this hotel, however, remains the staff and the service. Everyone at the Renaissance goes above and beyond and truly has the enjoyment of the guest as the top priority.

The only downsides to the Renaissance are that it is difficult to get a cup of coffee before 6 am and they have started spraying this very pungent scent throughout the lobby that caused some problems with my fiancee, who is very sensitive to various odors.

Above all, however, the Renaissance is a fantastic hotel that I would recommend wholeheartedly.

I stayed at the Chicago Renaissance for a conference for work. When I walked in I was pleasantly surprised by how nice the lobby was, and check in was a breeze. However, other than those two, my stay was just ok. Nothing wrong, but not great. The room is pretty spacious for being in a city, and the bed was very comfortable. However, the bathroom, while nicely appointed, had a funny smell. It came and went throughout my stay, as if it was coming from a vent to another room? Also, while the TV was nice, flat, wide-screen, the picture still came in fuzzy, which was weird. Not enough to ask to change, but it was weird. Also, I had to ask a few times to get any packages that came for me (the conference was in the hotel). This is likely a reflection on the banquets department rather than the bellhop.

The good news is that the location was very convenient with quite a few restaurants within a five minute walk, and a cute cafe across the street for a quick breakfast.

Next time I am in Chicago and have a choice of hotels, I wouldn't choose this one. There are just too many other, better choices in the same price range. It was fine, but for the price should have been better.

We stayed two nights at the Renaissance last week. We had stayed here several years ago and had security issues at that time. This time, on the morning of check-out, I happened to notice a small corner of a piece of paper that was 7/8ths outside in the hall. It was our bill, not in an envelope, with our name, address, charges and credit card used all out there for any passer-by to see. The room itself was okay though the toilet was rather sluggish. The bathrobe provided looked like it was ready for the rag bag. There were plenty of clean towels provided and the bed was comfortable. Next time we'll stick to the Swiss or the Talbot.

Going to Chicago regularly, I have stayed in a wide array of them, including Park Hyatt, Four Seasons, Hotel Monaco, and others. The Renaissance is best for service, convenience, and internet access. In addition, the bargain cost is a plus for those not on expense accounts.

My request for a certain room and number of beds is always honored. The front desk staff is always friendly -- even in the most challenging of times [checkout], and always greets me by name. The high ceilings of the entrance and lobby and comfortable seating area makes it a pleasure to just hang out or meet with or for business colleagues. And its proximity to downtown as well as public transport makes this a hotel that can also be used for vacations.

Biggest beef is the fact one must pay for Internet service. While at Courtyard Marriotts one gets it free, one must ante up ~$20 for it here. This is a standard practice at "business" hotels but one would think it would go the way of the dinosaur when even European business hotels [as well as tourist hotels] have started including it.

I consider this hotel number 1 in Chicago after trying at least 20 different sites in Chicago, and always stay here if I am choosing.