Pendry Chicago

Good Hospitality

We had a wonderful experience at the Pendry chicago! I booked a small block of rooms for my daughter's wedding weekend and it all went very well ! The Hotel was beautifully decorated for the holidays and we experienced wonderful service from the Staff throughout our stay. Muriel ,at the front Desk, was amazing as she helped tie together room details for our wedding weekend! Thanks to Muriel's amazing patience, all the details came together for a memorable family event.

I wanted to share my experience because my stay was far from what I expected from an FHR property. From the moment I arrived, everything was an issue. I requested early check-in through my FHR booking, but I was told that no rooms were available. That part alone was disappointing, but what made the situation worse was being told that I would receive a text or email once the room was ready. I never received any notification at all. I waited outside the hotel until 4 PM, and eventually went back to the front desk myself, only to find out the room was already ready. The room “upgrade” I received was from a king bed to two queen beds. The room size was identical, and the view was simply a wall of surrounding apartment buildings. I asked if any other rooms were available, but was told there were none. I honestly have no idea how busy the hotel was, but it certainly did not feel like an upgrade in any way. The worst part, however, was the billing. I prepaid for the stay, and the only additional charge should have been the $41 tax. Instead, my card was unexpectedly charged $609. On top of that, the breakfast credit ($60) and the FHR food & beverage credit ($100) were never applied. It took an exhausting amount of time and energy to get these issues sorted out. The staff were friendly, but only one person in the evening actually managed to help. I came here to relax, but instead the entire experience was stressful and frustrating. At this point, I honestly don’t want to think about staying here again. I’m sharing this because this stay did not reflect the standards of FHR, nor the expectations guests have when booking through Amex.

I stayed at the Pendry Chicago this week and experienced something I'd almost forgotten exists: a hotel where people actually care about the guest experience. Post-COVID hospitality has largely devolved into perfunctory check-ins delivered with all the enthusiasm of a DMV clerk. From the moment you arrive at the Pendry you are cared for – the team here radiates genuine pride in their property, and rightfully so. Check-In & First Impressions Check-in was swift and warm – adroit expertise focused on getting me out of the lobby and into my room efficiently while ensuring I had everything I needed: gym location, restaurant options, elevator access. They shared information a guest actually cares about, proving that warmth doesn't require mindless small talk about my travels. The Room My sixth-floor room sat just off the elevators, away from the street – quiet as a crypt. I never heard footsteps in the hall despite traveling with a group notorious for late-night hijinks. The room itself was spacious and intelligently laid out. No hunting for cryptic switches on esoteric light fixtures. Pleasantly fresh with a neutral scent. The bathroom was luxurious: excellent products, generous counter space, and a shower with water pressure that transported me back to 1991. IYKYK. The bed was exceptionally comfortable – they nailed that elusive sweet spot of plush-firm perfection. Perfect pillows and a sumptuous comforter that kept me at exactly the right temperature. According to my SleepCycle app, I logged more deep sleep here than anywhere else I've stayed all year. Others in my group noted some street noise – but to be fair, they're from the sticks of Minnesota, where a moth beating its wings on the porch light is considered a ruckus. Service The staff here gets it. They're warm, competent, and seem genuinely pleased to help rather than put-upon. They even nailed my difficult last name on the first try, which almost never happens. When I requested an iron and ironing board, it materialized promptly – no theatrical sighs, no twenty-minute wait. Location You're on the Magnificent Mile, which means easy access to shops, restaurants, and whatever Chicago's offering up seasonally. It's genuinely convenient without feeling touristy. Value Is it expensive? Yes. But you're not just buying a bed in a nice building – you're paying for the peace of mind that comes from competent execution at every level. If you can't tell the difference between "premium" and "genuinely excellent," this will feel overpriced. But if you appreciate what separates good hotels from great ones, the Pendry delivers in ways that justify the rate.