My husband and I stayed at the Westin over 4th of July weekend for an anniversary trip/babymoon. I've traveled all over but never stayed at the Westin, and would highly recommend this property. We arrived around 11, checked in and were upgraded to a room with club level access (free continental breakfast, evening appetizers, and gym). The woman at the counter was lovely and really friendly. The room was great - the bed was indeed Heavenly, though I've seen more impressive bathrooms. We had a computer with free wireless in the room, but it didn't work, and I was charged for a call to the help desk. Small inconvenience, really, because there was also a computer in the club lounge. Breakfast was great- espresso machine, assorted juices, milk, cereal, hardboiled eggs, salted meats and cheeses, pastries and bagels, and fruit. The appetizers in the evening were less impressive, but still nice.

The hotel has a great location right on the river - there are tons of great restaurants within a few blocks. We used the concierge George for restaurant reservations and architecture tour booking, and both were great. Overall, great room, excellent location, great staff. Would absolutely return.

We are loyal Westin fans and Starwood members, but were terribly disappointed with this hotel. We booked online through hotel website and were asked if we cared to upgrade to Executive accommodation that included continental breakfast, internet, health club, etc. Foolishly, we did. When we arrived there was no valet to open doors or help with luggage. Nor was any other staff member willing to do more than watch us struggle in through revolving door,. The front desk staff informed us that they found two rooms in our name and were insistent that we pay for 2nd room since it was not canceled within the deadline. After much discussion we asked to speak with manager and they promised a call when he/she was available. Next they told us our room was not available and none on that level were cleaned as yet (3:30 PM). By 5:00 PM we settled for a 2-double bed instead of king room so we could change in time for dinner reservations. Never heard from manager. For the following two days endured terrible service and were happy to leave. At check out we again inquired about extra room charge and were told it was taken care of, but we'll see. Definitely not up to Westin standards.

The hotel has gone under renovation and the rooms and bathrooms are very nice. We were staying at the hotel for a Wedding. The Wedding was held completely at the hotel. The hotel managed everything. It was so beautiful! The restaurant at the hotel was very good. It is called the Ember Grille and we had a nice breakfast there. The room had a small view of the river. I liked that the hotel was central to many of the great places to go on foot. Directly across from the hotel is the House of Blues. The hotel has a nice lounge in the center with a bar.

My husband and I live in the Chicago burbs and wanted to book a weekend to get away downtown. We've stayed in several Chicago hotels over the years, the Westin River North is at the top of the list. Next time we stay downtown, this will be the first hotel we will try to book.

We used our Starwood points, so our 2-night stay was free. So I can't really comment on the price. However, here's a good tip: Don't valet. It's $41 a night (plus tip). There are parking garages all over the place in that area. We kept our car at a garage a half block away - it was $35 for 2 nights.

Other comments on the hotel:

- The location was stellar. There are so many restaurants/attractions you can walk to that I can't begin to list them. Anytime we wanted to get a cab, the bell staff just waved and it was there waiting for us.

- The lobby is beautiful and very inviting for drinks. There is an onsite sushi bar in the bar - you can just order up some sushi with your drinks - very nice.

- The room service was very speedy (dinner [sushi] took 25 mins, breakfast 20 mins) and delicious. There is 24 hour room service.

- Check-in was fast and the staff was very friendly. We used the concierge as well as the bell staff and everyone seemed happy and was very helpful.

- As other Westin hotels, the "heavenly bed" was a real treat - as was the deluxe shower.

- We didn't pay for or ask for a River view, but got a partial River view that was delightful.

The only negative thing I could think of was our TV was a bit on the fritz. We ordered a movie one night and the movie kept turning off and returning us to regular television. This was really aggravating, but we were credited for the movie.

This hotel is highly recommended, you will not be disappointed!