Background & Location
I was visiting Chicago for the Freddie Awards, which gives voice to the frequent flyer and honors the efforts of the travel industry. For the night before, I was trying to find the best value on where to stay, and so I booked the Westin Michigan Avenue as the price was the best compared to other similar properties.
Situated on the iconic Magnificent Mile, the Westin Michigan Avenue places you steps away from premier shopping, dining, and cultural landmarks like the John Hancock Center and Lake Michigan. Its unbeatable location makes it an ideal home base for exploring the vibrant energy of downtown Chicago.
Travel Agency Benefits
I work with a travel agency, Fora Travel, and can assist in booking hotel stays. Fora is part of Marriott STARS and Luminous. This partnership gives you special perks when booking with me. The Westin Michigan Avenue Chicago, comes with the following:
- Daily breakfast for two
- Complimentary upgrade upon availability
- Welcome amenity
- Early check-in/late check-out upon availability
If you are interested in getting these perks and want to stay at The Westin Michigan Avenue, Chicago, please email me at takeofftotravel@fora.travel, and I would be happy to help you plan your trip.
Takeoff Points for the Westin Michigan Avenue
Date of Stay: May 2025
Pros: Great Westin Heavenly Bed, nice service & excellent location.
Cons: Dated rooms, lack of Westin Signature scent in common areas & rooms, mediocre club lounge.
Takeoff Point: For the right price, the property could be a good choice to explore Chicago with its convenient location in the Magnificent Mile, though room updates would be welcome.
Arrival and Lobby
The morning of my arrival, I saw on the Marriott Bonvoy App that I was upgraded to a Studio Suite, which was nice to see. I arrived pretty late since my flight from Newark was delayed. I was checked in quickly and headed straight to my room to sleep.
Studio Suite
My room was located on the 7th floor. As you enter the room, there is an ottoman to the left for you to sit, perhaps put on your shoes, and it’s a pretty wide foyer. My initial impression was mixed, as the hallway and room smelled a bit off, like it was just old and not fresh. They should pump some of the signature Westin scent.
Then, as you proceed to the room, there is a long couch with a television in front of it. This is the only TV, and far from the bed that’s behind the sofa. It might be a little bit to watch something.
Proceeding forward, there is a desk with a spinning chair and a big cabinet that can serve as a luggage holder. Or, just a table to put things on. There are a few drawers and then a mini fridge for personal use. There’s a coffee machine with Starbucks coffee and some Rituals tea, which is interesting cause I’m used to Westin’s serving Tazo.
Westin Heavenly Bed
There’s a large king-size bed with a nice headboard of an amusement park scene in Chicago. There are two nightstands, one on each side of the bed, with an alarm clock, phone, and one has a sticky notepad with a pen. The Westin lavender balm for sleeping well is provided too. The highlight of the room is the Westin Heavenly Bed, and it is one of the best 4-star bed offerings in my opinion. I got a great night’s sleep.
Proceeding further, there is a small walk-in closet containing an iron and ironing board, hangers, a safe, and luggage racks.
Overall, the room showed some age, but the bed was so comfortable that it made for a great night’s sleep.
The view from the room was fine, overlooking the front entrance and an office building in front.
Bathroom
The bathroom is pretty standard. It has a large countertop with a single sink and a shower-tub combo. The most dated part of the room was the tub/shower combo with the old marble and fixtures. The water pressure was also low, which wasn’t the best for a shower.
A single-use lotion was provided, and the refillable containers of body wash, conditioner, and shampoo were provided in the famous Westin White Tea scent. Since I was a kid, I’ve always loved the Westin White Tea scent, and it remains one of my favorites across hotels.
Westin is known for their workout program, and they have kits for a nominal fee, such as a sculpt and flow kit, and a recover and recharge kit.
They also have a room service style program where there’s just a five-dollar delivery fee, and it serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Hours of operation are from 6 am to 11 pm.
Destination Fee
The Westin Michigan Avenue has a daily destination fee of $25 plus tax per night. It comes with:
- $25 Food & Beverage Credit
- One time entry to the Chicago Architectural Center (up to 2 people)
- One time entry to the Chicago Sports Museum (up to 2 people)
And, Marriott Bonvoy Elite Members receive a complimentary dessert at 909 North.
On the plus side, I needed a lunch, and so I used the $25 F & B credit at 909 North and was able to get my elite free dessert.
Club Lounge
The club lounge is located at the end of the hall on the 14th floor. As a Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite member, I was able to access the lounge during my stay.
Hours of operation during my stay were from:
- Monday to Thursday from 6 am to 10 pm
- Friday from 6 am to 2 pm
- Sunday from 5 pm to 10 pm
Breakfast service is served from 6 am to 10 am Monday to Friday, while hors d’oeuvres are from 5 pm to 8 pm Sunday to Thursday. I didn’t make it in time to sample the hors d’oeuvres when I arrived Tuesday night, but did go for the Wednesday breakfast service.
I found the lounge to be basic, and for breakfast, they had a limited spread.
For hot items, they had sausage, scrambled eggs, potatoes & oatmeal. Cut fruit included cantalope, honeydew, and pineapple. And, there was a limited number of bagels/pastries as well as yogurt.
Amenities
Fitness Center
There’s a 24/7 WestinWORKOUT Fitness Studio, and it was quite expansive. I didn’t have time for a workout, but it would have been a great gym to have a session. It had a lot of equipment for a hotel gym, as well as 2 Peloton machines.
4th Floor Day Spa
There is a Body Rituals Boutique Day Spa that offers massages, beauty treatments, and wellness therapies. They also provide in-room massage services.
Dining
909 North
The main restaurant at the Westin Michigan Avenue Chicago is 909 North, which serves American cuisine and offers a bar as well.
I had lunch at the bar area and found the burger to be pretty tasty.
Cafe À la Carte
There is also a grab-and-go style coffee shop in the lobby area if you need something quick.
The Verdict
Overall, for the right price, the Westin Michigan Avenue Chicago could be a good option to explore the city. I think the location is great, and the Westin Heavenly Beds provide an amazing night’s sleep. But, the dated rooms & small club lounge detract from the overall experience.
Have you stayed at the Westin Michigan Avenue Chicago before? How was your experience? Comment below!
Cheers,
Ty
Have any questions? I’ve also started working with a travel agency, Fora Travel, and can assist in booking hotel stays or planning trips. Comment below or email me at takeofftotravel@gmail.com. You can also view all my other posts here! Thanks for stopping by!
