Hotel Felix Chicago

Hotel Felix Chicago, a Michelin Key Selected property, offers guests a boutique experience in the heart of Chicago's vibrant River North neighborhood. It's frequently lauded for its prime location and commitment to eco-friendly practices, making it a solid choice for travelers seeking both convenience and a conscientious stay.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Hotel Felix Chicago is positive, with overall ratings typically ranging from 7.6 to 8.1 out of 10 across various platforms. Guests often express satisfaction, highlighting its central location, cleanliness, and the friendly nature of its staff. While most feedback is favorable, some recurring criticisms exist regarding room size and the potential for some areas to appear a bit dated.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently praise the hotel's excellent and central location in River North, offering easy access to public transportation, numerous amenities, and a generally quiet atmosphere despite being in a bustling area. A significant highlight is the hotel's eco-friendly commitment, being the first in downtown Chicago to receive Silver LEED certification, with sustainable practices evident throughout the property. The helpful and friendly staff, along with the hotel's notable cleanliness, are also frequently cited as major positives. Complimentary coffee and fresh fruit in the lobby each morning are an appreciated amenity.

3. Room Quality

Rooms at Hotel Felix Chicago are generally described as clean, comfortable, and well-designed, featuring cozy beds and plush furnishings. The aesthetic leans towards quiet elegance with natural earth tones, blonde-wood panels, granite-topped side tables, and red armchairs. While guests appreciate features like 32-inch flat-screen HDTVs, iPod docking stations, work desks, in-room safes, and free Wi-Fi, a common observation is that the rooms can be small. Some reviews mention that rooms might appear outdated or "shabby" and may lack sufficient storage and electrical outlets. Bathrooms are functional, often featuring walk-in showers (some without bathtubs) and L'Occitane bath products.

4. Dining Experience

Hotel Felix Chicago provides on-site dining options, including Troquet River North, a French bistro that offers an indoor-outdoor experience, and Taketei Sushi, which is Michelin Guide-recommended. A newer on-site restaurant, Felix Modern American Dining, has received positive remarks for its dinner service, with guests praising appetizers like calamari and well-prepared steaks, though noting a currently limited wine selection. For a lighter start to the day, complimentary coffee and fresh fruit are available in the lobby, though muffins come at an additional charge. Big Shoulders Coffee Shop is also available on-site.

5. Service & Staff

The hotel staff consistently receives high praise for being friendly, helpful, courteous, and attentive. Many guests highlight individual staff members, such as Maryna, for their kindness, patience, and valuable tips for exploring Chicago. The check-in experience is generally positive, with guests appreciating early check-in options when available.

6. Location & Accessibility

The location of Hotel Felix is a standout feature, rated exceptionally high by guests (9.0-9.5 out of 10). Situated in Chicago's vibrant River North neighborhood at 111 West Huron Street, it places guests within easy walking distance of major attractions like the Magnificent Mile, State Street, Michigan Avenue, and numerous shops, restaurants, and bars. Public transportation, including the L Train (Chicago and Grand stations) and bus stops, is also conveniently close, making it easy to explore the city. The area is noted for being relatively quiet despite its central position. The hotel is also committed to accessibility, offering accessible King and Queen guest rooms with mobility and hearing accessible features, and accessible routes throughout the public areas and to dining outlets.

7. Value & Pricing

Hotel Felix Chicago is generally considered to offer good value for its cost, with guests giving it a "value for money" rating around 7.7-7.9. Room prices can start from approximately $67, with an average room price of around $175, which is often seen as a notable value compared to the city's average hotel prices.

8. Common Complaints

While highly regarded, Hotel Felix does have some recurring criticisms:

• Room Size: The most frequent complaint is that rooms are often described as small, which can be an issue for some travelers, particularly those with more luggage or seeking more spacious accommodations.
• Outdated Elements: Some guests have noted that rooms and furnishings can appear a bit "shabby" or outdated, and there can be a lack of sufficient storage and electrical outlets.
• Noise: Despite being in a generally quiet part of River North, some reviews mention noise levels from outside or nearby bars affecting their stay.
• Parking Costs: Valet parking is a significant expense, often costing around $74 per day, and availability can be limited.
• Breakfast Limitations: While complimentary coffee and fruit are offered, the additional charge for items like muffins has been a point of minor dissatisfaction for some guests.
• No In-Room Fridge: One guest specifically mentioned the absence of a refrigerator in their room.

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