I was a bit scared to book this hotel based upon some comments, but I must say, I experienced no negative aspects. I think the renovations are all done, except for the elevators (which are kind of slow). My room is excellent, and I am a hotel snob

The Allerton is a grand, 26-storey hotel, with a fantastic location on Chicago’s ‘Magnificent Mile’, surrounded by shops and restaurants, and a ten minute walk from Lake Michigan.

Built in the 1920’s in the Italian Renaissance style, the public spaces feel rather like a gentleman’s club, with lots of chandeliers, wood panelling and comfy sofas.

The rooms can be on the small side, especially by US standards, although my Executive Guest Room was perfect for a week-end stay, having a small lobby between the sleeping area and bathroom, with a desk and comfy chair (and 2 TVs) - at around 250 square feet all told, it would be a veritable palace in London or Paris. All rooms have free TV (zillions of channels), Pay-TV (movies - and naughty stuff, I presume…) and hair-dryers, ironing facilities and in-room safes.

It’s completely pot luck whether you get a stunning exterior view from the 18th floor, as I did, or a less nice view of the interior light-well, which my colleague had. The other quirk is that the lifts (or should that be ‘elevators’?) take some getting used to (you can’t access the rooms directly from the lobby) and can be rather slow. In contrast, I found the service to be very good, with helpful and professional staff, and everything was spotlessly clean.

Like most American hotels, breakfast is not included, and is relatively pricey: but the area is stuffed full of Starbucks and other coffee shops, so you won’t go hungry.

The hotel is currently undergoing a major refurbishment, which should see rooms upgraded (although presumably they can’t do anything about the size). There are some great deals available on-line: it’s worth paying the little extra to upgrade from a ‘Petite’ standard (really only designed for single travellers) to a Standard sized-room, at £80 or less for a two people. For the location, it’s hard to beat.