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A Review: Sofitel Water Tower - Chicago
When we booked our trip to Chicago, Daniel used Expedia. He wanted a top notch place to stay in the Windy City and let me tell you, he definitely found it.
The Sofitel Water Tower is located at 20 East Chestnut Street. Many wonderful things are within easy walking distance including: The Historic Chicago Water Tower, Water Tower Place, The Hancock Building, Navy Pier, Michigan Avenue (Magnificent Mile), and McDonalds (for those picky eaters).
The accomodations are luxurious. We had two rooms, one for the girls and one for the guys. Katrina and I had a king size bed with the softest mattress and pillows you could imagine. There was a desk and chair. And a bathroom with a shower and a bath. Instead of the tiny bottles of shampoo and conditioner that one usually receives, there were larger containers that lasted our entire vacation. There was a mini bar/refrigerator, which we didn't make use of. A flat screen television. Robes to wear, a safe and plenty of closet and dresser space. There were magazines and information on places to see in the Windy City.
Daniel and Jack's room had a bath that was the same as ours. Daniel had a king size bed and his bedroom could be closed off by doors. Then there was a living room type area with television, sofa bed, computer table which we also used as a dining table, a coffee table and chairs. Plenty of space for us to spread out in, relax in and eat in.
The first day, we checked in and because we are such computer people, the first thing we did was plug in. Well, we were disappointed that it was 10.00 a day, but Daniel went on and paid it. I got unpacked and then headed out with Katrina to pick up our Go Chicago Cards. As we were leaving the room, Melodie, a Conceirge, came to our door. She apologized for not being at the front desk when we arrived and she had some items for us. There were pamphlets about things to do in Chicago and an envelop with something that she said she was sure we would enjoy. She told me to let her know if she could help us set up anything during our stay and she stayed at chatted with us for several minutes. In the envelope was four tickets for four free days of internet usage...this would have been great had we not already signed up for our four days. But I was so tickled with the gesture.
Throughout the stay, there was that constant feeling of being special. And the feeling that the staff wanted to make our stay there the best.
Katrina and I headed into town. Upon our return, we found trays had been delivered to both of our rooms. On these trays were a few sweets and water and sparkling mineral water along with a note from the manager welcoming us to the hotel. WOW! I also noticed that the girl room had soaps and lotions that were more 'girlie' and the boy room had manly ones. Talk about attention to detail (also, there was more chocolate on Katrina's and my tray than on Jack's and Daniel's....
Each night, turn down service was offered. This included fluffing of pillows, turning down of bed, water for everyone in the room, replenishing of towels and refilling of minibar if needed.
There were people waiting to open doors for us when we left and entered the hotel and they were always pleasant and smiling and said stuff like 'Have a great day.' When we called for room service or any questions, whoever answered the phone addressed us by name.
Probably the thing that impressed us most was when we returned to the hotel on Sunday evening. It was about 6:30. We were hungry, tired and still a bit disgruntled over our cancelled cruise. Melodie, who had only seen us three days previously in our room, came from the concierge desk and greeted us by name. She asked how everything was going and talked with us for about 10 minutes. I was floored. Within about 15 minutes of our return to the room, two more trays arrived. The one in Katrina's and my room had sweets , water and sparkling mineral water. The one in Daniel's and Jack's room had sweets, water, sparkling mineral water, and a bowl of fruit, along with a note from Melodie. It was a much appreciated gift that refreshed us and just really topped off our day.
Monday morning, I took postcards downstairs to mail to friends and family. Melodie was at the concierge desk, so I stopped to speak with her and thank her for the trays from the evening before. She said that it looked like we had had a long day and could use some refreshments. We talked again for a while and she wished us a good day at the Science Museum (we had told her the night before we were going there, even though later we changed our mind). I was impressed with her service and her kindess and her attention to detail. While we were talking, she asked if we had been able to use the Tmobile cards that she had given us for free internet. We told her that we had already logged in, but we really appreciated it. She told us she couldn't believe we had been so quick (obviously her experience with computer geeks is a bit limited;) I told her that it was fine, that we really appreciated their thought. She said, 'But it was our intention for you to have that gift.' So then she comped one night of our valet service (which was 44.00 a day). Absolutely incredible.
When we were ready to go, the bellhop got our luggage. The valet brought the car and we were on our way.
I don't know if we will have the opportunity or means to stay in a Sofitel Hotel again, but if so, I look forward to it. The service makes all the difference.
pleased you enjoyed your stay there :)
