Seneca Hotel

We stayed here for 1 night in September 2007. The location is very good, but the hotel itself is just...so so. The lobby was a much better impression than the rooms. Our room was very small and very old. Carpet was old and stained and the bed was rock hard with a very thin very old and worn comforter. Tiny bathroom, very plain. The little kitchenete was a nice feature though, it came in handy. The lock/door to our room was a big pain in the butt, as everytime we tried to get in our room we had to practically break down the door because it stuck so bad. Our view...oh my..never have we had such a horrible view! Our window overlooked a big brick wall that was falling apart and underneath it was about 4 dump trucks and piles of broken concrete and rubble. We were thinking on requesting a different room, but seeing that we were only there for 1 night and hardly in the room at all, we decided not to bother. Also the elevator was broken the entire afternoon and we had to climb 6 flights of stairs. Our TV was tiny (about 13") and had an antenna and got about 3 channels which we barely came in. The only thing this hotel had going for it was the location. But we will not be back.

Our business has reserved rooms for associates over the past few years, and have never been disappointed. Guests are amazed at the quality of the accommodations and service in this unique setting. We are happy to be associated with the Seneca Hotel.

I recently spent a weekend at the Seneca, and was very disappointed in the service and appalled by management's questionable business practices. First, before booking online, I called the hotel and was told that overnight parking was $20/night--imagine my surprise when I received my bill at checkout and saw a charge of $43--per night--for parking! This is egregious! I registered my discontent with the desk clerk, who said "sorry about that" and pushed a comment card at me (which I immediately filled out, and will be shocked if it makes it further than the clerk). Further, I did not receive maid service at all throughout my two-day stay. I was out of the room for at least 12 hours on Sunday--apparently this was not enough time for the staff to bring fresh towels, make the bed and empty the trash. The room was spacious, but in need of attention--the sink was cracked, the sheets had holes, the kitchen needed an upgrade and several drawer pulls were broken or hanging. The location was good, but, then, there are numerous hotels nearby that would provide better accomodations, value and service (I have had positive experiences in the past at the Drake and the Hyatt). Overall, a negative experience--I will not return.

As far as the hotel it is very nice inside a little more upscale than i am used to. Nice interior and decor (supposedly renovated in summer of 2006) it is an older hotel but has been kept up. The rooms come with a in room kitchen and some even have a whirlpool bathtub. The room like the rest of the place shows signs of being of older design and construction but well kept up and clean. What makes the place even better is the staff that was very courteous and helpful. They even gave suggestions of where to go and even printed out all the information for us while waiting.

Great location! Beautiful hotel with excellent service, charm, and ambiance. Room was exactly as advertised and staff was superb. Highly recommend to any traveler heading to Chicago. We stayed 7 days without even the slighest hint of a problem. Hotel is 1 block off the Magnificent Mile next to John Hancock Tower. 1 block from Water Tower Park and the free trolleys and other transportation. 1/2 block from Chicago Tourism center. Well stocked kitchen and more closet space than you can ever use.