I recently spent four nights at the Thompson Chicago for a business trip, and while I had high hopes, the experience fell short. I booked a king room but was given two doubles due to the hotel being oversold. At 6’3”, sleeping in a short bed was uncomfortable, and I ended up with only 12 hours of sleep over four nights. My room was on a higher floor, but this didn’t make up for the downgrade in bed size. The $50 food and beverage credit offered as compensation felt inadequate, especially with the restaurant and bar closed for renovations, leaving few options for its use.
I paid $378 per night, plus a $68 resort fee, which is likely lower for the area but not inexpensive. While the room was clean, the fit and finish was at best average, and I noticed some wear, like rust in the shower and noisy plumbing that contributed to the sleepless nights. The staff interactions, except for a kind doorman in the mornings, were impersonal and left me feeling like more of a nuisance than a guest.
It’s disappointing because the location is excellent, but the lack of attention to guest comfort and the overall wear of the hotel made for an underwhelming stay. I had expected a more thoughtful experience, and I hope this isn’t indicative of the Thompson brand. Perhaps nearby higher-priced options should be considered for a better standard of service and comfort.