W Chicago – Lakeshore Hotel review – Chicago, IL
644 North Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL US 60611
By: Dave Grossman, HotelMagician.com
June 2010
It was going to be a warm, sunny weekend in Chicago and I wanted someplace happening and near the lake to enjoy the weekend. The W Chicago – Lakeshore is located on N. Lake Shore Drive at Ontario Street. That’s a 5 minute walk to the nearest beach spot on the Lake and under a 10 minute walk to Navy Pier.
I checked in around noon on a Saturday and asked for a room facing the lake – a request they were happily able to grant on this location. You can see why I asked – look at the amazing view from my 14th floor room!
This is a slightly older W property but the age doesn’t show in a notable way. The rooms are modern with the standard plush W bed and modern look and feel. Flat panel TVs and modern bathrooms are in each room.
But the modern bathrooms (see picture) do warrant special attention for how, well, revealing they can be. If you look in the picture you’ll notice shutters that open the view of the bathroom right into the main living area. I suppose the idea is you may want to watch your significant other showering.. which is interesting, but also worth noting s that if you are sharing the room with friends rather than an SO, even the closed shutters and sliding door may gnaw at some people’s desire for complete privacy in the loo. I’d also comment that I didn’t love the rain shower. It’s very much like trying to get clean in a light rain – a bit unsatisfying.
The W Chicago Lakeshore features two bar areas – one in the lobby and the 
Whiskey Blue lounge on the top floor. The Whiskey Blue does have amazing views but both times I’ve been there it has felt a bit cramped. The crowd totally varies by the night – it could be packed with models one weekend and empty the next, depending on who’s staying the the hotel and how occupied it is overall. There is also a signature W Bliss Spa in the hotel along with a nice workout area and pool which are included in the room rate.
-DG
