Budgetel, Chicago hotels

"Oh, River Hotel, how do I hate you? Let me count the ways. It was very difficult to find the hotel. It's narrow and short squished between two buildings which are much bigger. The hotels directions are terrible. All I have to say is that it's right next to the Sofitel, and I would've found it immediately. Despite knowing the city well, I spent about an hour driving around looking for it.My car sat out front, engine running, in the valet area for up to 2 hours before *I* saw it and told them to park it. My first key didn't work so I had to traipse back downstairs to get a new one. After I entered my room and got myself organized I looked for the room service menu. I wanted a bite before I left for my event. No room service. Then I remembered the hotel had a lounge which served food. I went downstairs to the lounge, and what did I discover but a room with some comfy chairs a coffee machine and a refrigerator full of water. Period. After having complained, I will say that the rooms and bathrooms are quite clean, above average. So kudos to housekeeping! Also kudos to the young woman working the desk wearing a dark suit and pink glasses. She was tremendously helpful to me. Unfortunately, that car sitting out front ruined the staff score."

"Centrally located hotel with breakfast included. Reasonable pricing for a new hotel. Recommended "

"Great location. Wonderful staff! Would definitely recommend this hotel. "

"Hotel has a beautiful lobby but rooms are very outdated. Elevators are specially slow, may take you over 5-7 minutes just to get down to first floor."

"My room was spacious and had a nice view of the Chicago skyline and the lake. Loved the fridge & microwave in it. Wasn't happy about the parking charge; however, the location was great with restaurants close. The bathroom sink did not drain well. I will definitely stay here next time I visit my brother in Evanston. I'd like to request the same room!"

"Great view"

"The suite had a 2 person tub with jets & was magnificent. Black out curtains, beautiful view with multiple windows/angles, comfortable bedding, the bathroom separated the livingroom from the bedroom. Every staff member was AMAZING & I greatly appreciated their diverse, beautiful, helpful personalities. They rent out umbrellas, location was perfect for us because we found everything we wanted out of this trip within a 20 min walk or an easy to navigate train ride. I highly suggest checking out nearby places like Macy's & City Hall, The Riverwalk, The Bean. Ramen-San was the best ramen I've ever had & the window seating is great for people watching. 10/10 would visit again"

"Front desk was incredible helpful and friendly. The location is incredible. The room was clean but the furniture and bed in my king room were well worn. Overall it was a great value for the location. "

"I rarely leave negative reviews, but this experience was extremely disappointing. I had a reservation at Hilton Chicago/Magnificent Mile Suites, but shortly before my stay, I was diagnosed with COVID-19 and was physically unable to travel or check in. Due to my condition and recovery, I unfortunately missed the cancellation window. I fully explained the situation to the hotel, sincerely apologized, and even offered to provide medical documentation. However, despite the exceptional circumstances, the hotel refused any flexibility whatsoever — no partial refund, no future stay credit, and no goodwill consideration. I understand cancellation policies exist, but I expected at least some level of empathy and customer care for a genuine medical emergency. The response felt very rigid and indifferent. This experience left a very negative impression, and unfortunately I cannot recommend this hotel based on how they handled the situation."