Downtown Hotels with Winter Air Conditioning: where?

Question

Hello,

I'm supposed to visit downtown Chicago in December for a wedding (near University Club). I recently stayed there, and found that there is no AC in the winter and the windows do NOT open. The room was 76 degrees F and I could not sleep a single minute of the night. Due to a medical issue, I'm very sensitive to temperature when sleeping. I'm supposed to visit for 3 nights, and cannot reasonably stay under those same conditions.

I've called around to a few hotels. Some report that they do have reliable winter air conditioning (e.g. Silversmith). Others report the same issues as University club (e.g. Athletic Association). I do not trust hotel employees to tell me the truth. Many hotels report "air conditioning" amenities online, but fail to mention that it is shut off in the winter months.

Does anyone have a recommendation, based on experience, for a nice hotel in the downtown area (the closer to University Club the better) where the rooms either have air conditioning or can open the windows and get reasonably cold and stay cold without the windows open all night (65 F or under)?

Thank you so much

Answer

Finding a hotel in downtown Chicago that can meet your temperature needs during the winter can be tricky, as many hotels turn off their air conditioning systems during the colder months. However, some hotels do offer reliable HVAC systems that can cool rooms in the winter or allow for better temperature control. Based on your requirements, here are a few options you can consider:

Silversmith Hotel: As you've mentioned, the Silversmith is one hotel that reportedly offers reliable air conditioning even in the winter months. This hotel is within a short walking distance of the University Club and has generally positive reviews. It's worth following up with them to confirm their HVAC system can handle cooling in the winter.
The Langham, Chicago: Located just a few blocks from the University Club, The Langham offers luxury accommodations and typically has a robust HVAC system that works year-round. Many guests have praised the comfort and temperature control in their rooms, so it's likely to be a good option for your needs.
The Palmer House Hilton: This historic hotel has a modernized HVAC system in most rooms, and many guests report a comfortable temperature year-round. It’s also centrally located in downtown Chicago, close to the University Club. It's worth calling to confirm their system can accommodate your specific needs.
The Chicago Athletic Association Hotel: Although you mentioned that you’ve already called them, the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel has a more modern HVAC system in place compared to many other historic buildings in the area. It could be worth checking with them again to see if there have been updates to their system, as some rooms may have more flexible temperature control.
The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago: The Ritz-Carlton is another option close to the University Club that typically has a good HVAC system. They offer luxury rooms with temperature control that can cool rooms in winter months. It's a more expensive option, but their high standards might align well with your needs.
The Four Seasons Hotel Chicago: A luxury hotel located near the Magnificent Mile, The Four Seasons offers excellent customer service and modern amenities, including air conditioning that should be functional year-round. The rooms are well-known for their comfort and temperature regulation, making it a good option for those with specific temperature requirements.

Some tips for ensuring the room temperature meets your needs:

Call ahead and request a room with a functional air conditioning system that is capable of cooling the room, even in winter.
If you’re concerned about the room's temperature control, ask for a room on a higher floor, as these tend to be quieter and may allow for better airflow.
Some hotels, even if they don’t have full air conditioning, may offer portable fans upon request. It may be worth inquiring about this if you're concerned about room temperature.

It’s always a good idea to be very clear with the hotel about your specific needs. A direct confirmation regarding the HVAC system and room temperature regulation is essential to avoid uncomfortable conditions during your stay. Don’t hesitate to follow up with the hotel after booking to ensure that they understand your needs.

Downtown Hotels with Winter Air Conditioning: where?

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