Liv S.

Review of Waldorf Astoria Chicago

My best friend booked me and my now-husband a room...

My best friend booked me and my now-husband a room here as her wedding present to us over Labor Day weekend. We were incredibly touched by her generosity, and were excited to stay here because of all the wonderful reviews. Unfortunately, our stay was not great.

My friend made a point to call the hotel ahead of our arrival and arrange for flowers and champagne to be put in our room to help us celebrate. Although the flowers arrived, the champagne never did.

Additionally, the front staff told us that although the hotel s restaurant and room service were not available, we would still be able to use the room meal credits my friend paid for at their cafe, Petit Margeaux, which they promised would still have the same high quality food available.

We went to the Petit Margeaux, and although our cashier was helpful, what was served to us was about on par with what you d get at a grab-and-go kiosk at an airport. The price was about the same, too ($80 for a salad, a veggie wrap, and a 10oz pre-mixed and pre-package cocktail). Upon returning to our room, we discovered they gave us the wrong salad (we re vegetarian, and the salad they gave us had meat although the salad I ordered was meat free), and the veggie wrap was soggy and incredibly greasy. They did replace the salad after I went down and told them of the mistake, and when I showed them the veggie wrap, they said we had purchased the last one they had in stock. All of these charges, as confirmed by the cashier, were supposed to be covered by the meal credits my friend purchased for us, but they were charged to my credit card, which I gave at check in to cover for any room incidentals.

I understand that amenities are subject to change during COVID-19, but I do not feel that these changes were adequately communicated. Their website was confusing at best, and they definitely under-delivered on the amenities that were still available. Although the room was lovely, we were both very disappointed by all other aspects of our stay especially given the stellar ratings from other guests.

We only stayed at the Waldorf Astoria for two nights before heading to the Radisson Blu for the rest of our honeymoon, where we ve already received incredible service (and amenities and food!) at a fraction of the cost.