HotelChatter

W Chicago City Center, before.

Here's how our contributor Jennifer Kester described the renos:

Prior to the renovation, one of the big problems in the guestrooms was the noise from the nearby El train. To fix that, the hotel installed soundproofed windows. The rooms were also dark, so new lighting was added, though there's a dimmer if you prefer some mood lighting. Earth tones were added, to open the room up, along with accents of navy and purple. The ceilings heights were also increased to give the rooms a more airy feel.

The hotel also tried to accommodate its business clientele by adding touches to the room like a 42-inch flatscreen TV, which is mounted on a retractable arm so you can move it around. You also can plug your laptop into the TV. Overall, the aesthetic is clean and simple.

If you don't believe us, then just look at the pictures yourself. However, it looks like the hotel is next due for a staff upgrade as TripAdvisor reviewers lament the bad service they received during their stays. Let's hope they make this a priority in 2010.

[Photo of old W rooms: TripAdvisor]