I found Silversmith because Palmer House was booke...

I found Silversmith because Palmer House was booked, and what a lucky surprise! Desk staff is friendly and helpful, bartender is friendly and helpful, doormen/valet are friendly and helpful. The man at the door remembers me, asks how the day went, and I think he really cares. You don't find that everywhere.

The room is huge by Chicago standards. It's one of their premium king rooms, with two windows, high ceilings, a classic feel with modern amenities.

The furniture in the suite is cool, not overly comfortable to actually use, but I'm not using it, so who cares. There are two TV's, but they kind of went on the cheap on the resolution, but who cares. A couple of the pictures are hung too high, but who cares. There's a fabulous mirror element above the desk that's amazing, kind of a deco look that must've been difficult to install.

My room is over the el on Wabash, but you can hardly hear it. In fact I enjoyed the sound of the train going by, no louder than the fan from the heater in the room. Washington/Wabash is the station, with the Madison stairway going right to the hotel door.

The bathroom is large, perfectly appointed, excellent all the way around. The took the tub out for a bigger shower, which I like, but if you like to lounge in the tub, you're out of luck.

Target is next door so you can get food and hooch just a few feet away. Amazing Chicago arts venues less than 5 walking minutes away. My students love the State Street shopping.

All in all, a wonderful experience and an excellent value all the way around.