I evaluate conference venues for my clients. Here’s a brief review
of a hotel I visited, viewed from a conference perspective.

The Swissotel is a little piece of Europe in the Windy City…and it’s almost all good. 

Property name: Swissotel
Location: Chicago, IL, USA
(Currently the only US Swissotel property)
Date visited: February, 2015
(no points deducted for subzero temperatures)
Purpose of visit: Preproduction

Curb appeal: The hotel is located close to the Mag Mile with great access to the lake, Navy Pier and green space. Excellent location.

 Lobby Love: You walk past the lobby bar on the way to the Front Desk. Slick, clean, shades of gray and some colored lighting. But here, the European design feels a bit chilly. Not many places to sit without being asked to buy a drink.

Front Desk warm n’ fuzzy? Cool podiums rather than a desk. Nice lighting and design elements. Staff is professional and very helpful, but few look up from their screens to greet passersby.

Guest room at-a-Glance: You can see the Swiss influence here. Well-designed, quite large, good beds, fixturing and soft goods; great work and sitting area. Bathrooms are a bit on the small side, but do include both tub and shower. No complaints. Great views from higher floors. (Special kudos for their $10 incentive to skip housekeeping services. Free drinks while going Green!)

Fabulous F&B? (room service, restaurants, bars). The lobby bar,Amuse, is a cut above the usual. The menu is interesting and the food is tasty. Bartenders are friendly and attentive. There’s also a Palmrestaurant right off the lobby. Wonderful, pricey steaks.

Memorable Meeting Space?

Yes. Walk into the Zurich ballroom, and you'll feel like you're in the namesake city. Very sleek, clean lines, and a big step above the usual "conference box." These meeting rooms have style. 

Service. Thus far, we’ve been treated very well. Sales, Conference Services and AV have been attentive and fully engaged in our plans.

Parting thoughts? All the feel of a Euro-hotel in the Second City. Great location, guest rooms and meeting space. A good offering in this city for groups needing a unique feel and plenty of great meeting space.

Recommended? UPDATE: Yes. I produced two conferences there and I can heartily recommend the venue, AV crew and hotel staff.