The house is nice to look at, is furnished well, and had a sitting room on the first floor to enjoy. Unfortunately, we were disappointed with the B&B beyond that. We arrived in the afternoon, and the door was locked - no doorbell, no way to call anyone on a speaker, or instructions on how to gain access to the B&B. No information was provided in our e-mail confirmation prior to arrival. After knocking several times, we called the only number we had from the e-mail. Someone answered after the second call and let us in out of the cold. The unknown/lack of instructions was frustrating. The check-in process lacked information/communication. The person checking us in told us to let him know if we needed anything, but later that evening we weren't able to find anyone in the B&B except for guests. We later found out that no staff are on property after hours, and no phone number(s) were provided to call if there was an emergency or if we needed anything. I find this unusual for a B&B, and also a potential safety concern. There were also no instructions provided for checking out. When we first got to our room, we noticed it was cold. My husband found that the glass on one of the windows wasn't sealed within the frame, and had slid down to allow cold air in the room. He slid the glass back up so most of the winter air stayed outside. We asked if the fireplace in the room worked, and he said that it should but it turned out the battery for the igniter was bad. He offered to bring a new battery for it, and we asked him to do that. We waited until after housekeeping the next day, but he didn't replace the battery, so my husband bought a battery and put it in. The second night in the B&B was very windy, rainy, and cold. Our room stayed relatively comfortable; however, something was leaking around the windows because we had water on the floor under the window the next morning. I advised of this to the same person we checked in with, and he said okay, and that its just an old house. There are some significant maintenance issues that need to be addressed on the Wheeler Mansion. Breakfast was very disappointing. The majority of the food photos found online for this B&B are likely related to special events/catering. They are not representative of the breakfast provided for guests on a regular basis. Most mornings were plain scrambled eggs and sausage or bacon in electric skillets that are not plugged in, fruit, and plain yogurt. This was okay (though I expected more quality for breakfast from a B&B rated 4 stars), but the eggs and sausage or bacon were usually cold and not enough for all guests. The amount of food available was not checked on a regular basis, and we usually had to ask for a new pot of coffee when it was empty, or more food if it was gone. The person who checked us in to the B&B provided very little information about anything, and did not make us feel as if he was available or interested in answering questions. We stopped by the "office" located towards the back of the house several times during our stay, but only found someone there around breakfast time. On day of checkout, we came down with our luggage, went to the office, and no one was around. We had not received any instructions about check out when we arrived, so we started looking around the first floor for someone. Finally, we heard some sounds in the basement kitchen. My husband hollered down the stairs a couple of times, and someone came up. They were nice about storing our luggage for us until we left for the airport, but of course, we had turned in our room keys, so we had to find someone to come open the front door again when we came back to pick up our luggage. I believe they have a third-party company that performs housekeeping, and that was who let us back in to the house. She walked with us from the office to the front doors (2 sets of doors), and only stood by while my husband and I dealt with our luggage and tried to open/close both sets of doors. We both felt this was odd, and were surprised that she didn't try to get any doors for us with our hands full of luggage. read more

Shockingly bad service. I booked one of my salesmen for a three night conference here. I booked over the phone for him, and I have the gentlemen at the front desk the salesmen's contact information should the need arise. He briefly told me the times of check-in, but I didn't note them as being anything unusual. Come to find out, check-in here is between the hours of 3pm and 6pm EXPRESSLY. If you don't check in during those times, they lock the doors and their system cancels your reservation. My salesman's flight didn't even get in until 8pm, so color him surprised when he shows up to a darkened porch and a locked door. Jorge, the manager on-site came to open the door after a certain amount of noise was made and let him in begrudgingly. He told him he was late and that they assumed he wasn't coming. They couldn't call to check? To make matters worse, on my salesmans 3rd day, he returned to the hotel to find Jorge waiting for him with bad news. Because he checked in late and his reservation was cancelled, they had double-booked the room. The couple waiting to check-in to his room was currently waiting in the bar. He was given 20 minutes to pack and get out. When he asked Jorge to call him a cab, Jorge told him that cabs don't come to that area and that he would have to walk four blocks to catch a cab or a bus. HONESTLY! My salesman is a better person than I as he handled it with grace, but I am furious over the way he was treated and how the situation was handled. It's a shame too, because the space is gorgeous and we would probably use it again if it weren't for the ludicrous business habits of the staff. Stay away unless you plan to play by their crazy rules and pay their crazy prices. read more

Absolutely the worst service I have ever had in my entire life. I wont go into details but basically here are some - No one is ever there besides a number they give you to call "just in case" - No extremities and if there was it was tampered with and broken - Paid for a suite and got a downgraded room with no comps. - Place is so old that when I went to open the curtain the pole came swinging down and knocked me unconscious. My boyfriend went to go look for someone and no one was there to help. - When we went to checkout guess again NOONE was there but finally an hour later showed up and tried accusing me and him of leaving without checking out? Fast forward to Monday.. They placed 650$ worth of "damage" on my boyfriends card and preceded to ask him "I don't know where your from but where Im from etc..".. she claims we stole pillows, bath robes and soap lol and has no apologies for a broken toilet, curtain rode, and shit room she had us stay in. the management or owner of this building is obviously desperate and looking for money. we got this deal off of living social and regret ever going. before you even think about going here I advise you look at other reviews on this mansion, their not so great either. To the manager: either go bankrupt or hire some staff, clean up the place, and do what you promise. To all my fellow yelpers: please, lets get this place shut down before something like this happens to you! read more

This is simply a review of the space as an event venue, not hotel lodging. The place is simply beautiful. It's a true hidden gym nestled between two large condo complexes in the south loop. It has a very traditional and classic feel with modern accents. The back yard oh my goodness it's immaculate. It's perfect for any type of function. *The downside is that for an event, there were only 2 accessible restrooms one of which was inside one of the bedrooms. Made for long lines. I'm very curious to learn more about the space. read more

Booked online. Then hotel called me and nullify my reservation on line. They required for me to stay for 5 days. I told them I only need to stay for 2, and they want to increase rate from 295 to 400 per night. I cancelled right away. Their website should have warned clients of the minimum stay. After a few mins, they called again and told me that they can accomodate me for just 2 days I originally requested. With a questionnable practice like this, I turned them down. I called and made reservation with another hotel 2 miles from the conference venue. I dont care if I have to take the cab to and from the conference venue, but they are not earning business from me. MUST STAY AWAY FROM THIS HOTEL. I stayed at Renaissance blackstone chicago hotel instead. read more

went yo farmers market and not worth the effort let alone an admission fee. Thought it was a Farmer's market, hope it is not an indication of there services read more

This is a wonderful place to stay. Staff are superb. The mansion is gorgeous. Beds are confortable. Breakfast is included and all the food is prepared by the staff so absolutely delicious. There is a wonderful patio and garden and you can eat breakfast there. Also wonderful to sit and relax. It is 2 blocks from McCormick Convention Center. You can leave there and come back and relax....a true "oasis in the desert". read more

Came to Farmers Market on your property and was so grateful to be there. While I realize you are Boutique Hotel I can not help but thank you for holding an amazing event on your property. I have been in the South Loop for 35 years and have been hoping and praying that one day there would be a farmers market in the South Loop. People were so happy to be around fresh foods, good friends and great music. Thanks for all your effort to bring such a wonderful experience to the South Loop. It was very very generous of you to organize and facilitate it. Can't wait till next week to come by again! read more

We came to stay at the Wheeler Mansion as a special treat for my husband's 50th birthday. Knowing the price of a one night stay here we expected only the best. They fell way short of that. When we arrived just after 3 o'clock to check in we couldn't even figure out how to get into the hotel being that the front door was locked. A guest of the hotel eventually let us in the front door. We were finally able to check in and the room was lovely. But it just seemed like there were little things that should have been in a high-end hotel room that just weren't here. The free breakfast in the morning left little to be desired. Not really sure if this place is worth the high-end amount they charge. read more

If I could give negative 20 stars, I would. I'm having the exact same issue as Brandon D. My fiance booked 2 nights here back in Nov. 2013 for our wedding in May. Just got a call that they have a policy, stated on the website (which it is not), that when there is a convention in town there is a 5 night minimum stay. They also stated that the less expensive room we had booked was actually not available at the time of booking, so we would need to pay extra for a suite and stay 5 nights instead of 2. I'm sorry, but go fuck yourselves. It's not my fault you can't seem to keep your website up to date. Also, you don't need to blatantly lie to customers who have already paid in full. Clearly you'd like to make more money seeing as how there is a HUGE oncology convention in town, and someone of more importance needs the room we booked. Just say that instead of making this seem like our fault. read more

I stayed at the Wheeler last September with my wife. I contacted their office to reserve a particular room that we had stayed in on a previous visit. Stephanie returned my email and confirmed my reservation. However, when I arrived, I was told the room I reserved was unavailable, and that they would substitute another room. The reason the room was unavailable was because the entire hotel (except for the room they gave us) was being renovated. Now, I'm no fool. You don't just forget that you are renovating your entire hotel. They had to know the room was unavailable when I booked it, but they did not tell me until after I arrived and they had my non-refundable deposit. This is the worst possible service, deliberately lying to your customers. Although the room I was given was very nice (and larger than the room I asked for), my attempt to recreate a previous special getaway was ruined. I really wish I could give them a higher rating, because the mansion is very beautiful inside, and the rooms are extremely comfortable. The breakfast in the morning was also great. Everything about the place is relaxing and luxurious. This could be such a wonderful place to visit, but I don't feel I can recommend it to anyone because of their current management. Edit: I have been informed that the Wheeler is now under new management. The building and amenities were always four stars in my book, and so I now feel comfortable recommending it for special occasions. I have adjusted the rating from two stars to four. read more

There are only a sparingly few times that I hand out a one star. If there was a zero star this establishment deserves it hands down. Dog doo on the stairs, not knowing how to take and keep reservations, canceling at the last minute... read more

Wheeler Mansion Hotel - Dig shit - Hotels Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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A very classy place to stay in Chicago. Friendly staff and an amazing find! I would definitely recommend this hotel. Might be out of your price range, but worth checking out since the amenities more than make up for it and they offer some awesome packages. Worth the splurge if you want to experience Chicago and leave relaxed. read more

A hotel's front doors should be open at noon, right? Not at the Wheeler Mansion! Similar to others, I arrived at noon to find the place locked up. Called the phone number to discover it had been disconnected, as others have noted. Reservation email bounced back. My exchange with their manager Debra is below, my name removed. They have refused a refund and now I'm working through the credit card company. Be warned. Do yourself a favor and stay at the Marriott. ----------------------------- Debra, I don't think I'll be staying there if this is how you guys operate. I respectfully request once more to please refund my money. No one was available to let me into the hotel today. The front door was locked at noon. No one answered the phone number you had posted on your front door. It indicated it was out of service. Also, your reservations email address bounces. If a refund isn't possible, and this is your standard approach to serving customers, certainly you won't mind me posting this exchange to yelp and other travel sites. Thanks, XXX Dear Mr. Xxx, You certainly can use your reservation next month when you come to Chicago if it is not during a peak convention. We are a luxury small hotel and when you arrive you receive a fob key for your 24 hour access. We have a beautiful hotel that provides the special attention and amenities our guests desire. Let me know next month when you will be staying. Sincerely, Debra On Jun 17, 2013 1:47 PM, "Customer" wrote: Debra. I think that is an unfortunate and poor decision. Why was the door locked? I sat outside on the stoop for 10 minutes knocking intermittently. I emailed your reservations address and got a bounce back. Take a minute to think about this. What would you have done if in my shoes? Sent from my iPhone On Jun 17, 2013, at 1:43 PM, "Debra XXX" wrote: Dear Mr. Xxx, Due to the convention I am unable to cancel your reservation. Our phones were down for less than 30 minutes because someone hit a phone pole in the area. We have a full staff at The hotel. If you emailed us we could of let you in. We apologize for the miscommunication. Sincerely, Debra Front Office Operations On Jun 17, 2013, at 1:34 PM, Customer wrote: Right, I wasn't trying to check in, I needed to just drop by bags to go to a meeting. I expected that someone would be there or at least answer the phone? The outer door was locked, too. Please cancel the reservation. I like the place and wish it worked out. I'll be back in a month or so and will try you again then. Thank you. From: Debra Sent: Monday, June 17, 2013 2:33 PM To: Customer Subject: Re: Please cancel reservation Dear XXX, They were working on our phones today, you may check-in now if you like. Check in per your reservation is from 3-6. Sincerely, Debra Front Office Operations On Jun 17, 2013, at 1:22 PM, Customer wrote: Guys, I came by the place around noon and no one was there. I called your number 312-945-2020 and it says it was disconnected. Please cancel my reservation and refund my deposit, I had to go elsewhere. My reservation info is below. read more

This hotel is beautiful. The bed was amazing I sleep like a baby. The Kristin who manages the hotel is so nice and went out of her way for me. read more

Horrible event venue. I attended an event here in May and the building manager just seemed insane. The way she was speaking to the event staff and the guests was totally inappropriate. I would NEVER host an event here. Honestly the woman who seems to be managing the building was pretty disrespectful and unprofessional. Very disappointing because the venue is beautiful, difficult management though. read more

DO NOT BOOK ONLINE- In Fact, just stay somewhere else I was traveling to Chicago for a work conference and booked the nearby Wheeler Mansion because it looked like a nice change of pace from the standard hotel and it was very close to the conference center. I guess my mistake was relying on their online reservations to book my stay. I received a confirmation and my credit card was charged half of the cost of the stay as a deposit. Silly me for thinking that meant I would have a room when I checked in. A few days before my trip, I received an email with a refund on it but it was not for the full amount of the deposit and nowhere did it state that my reservation had been cancelled. Granted, I should have double checked but I have never had to follow up on a reservation before. Fast forward to this past Monday afternoon. After waiting around to check in (you can ONLY check in 3-6 because that's convenient), we walk in only to find out that they have no room for us. A manager of sorts (in jean shorts and a t-shirt) eventually comes down and combatively informs me that I should have known that the refund email meant that my reservation had been cancelled. No apology, nothing. According to her, all of the hotels in the city were overbooked 30-40% that day. What that has to do with them cancelling my reservation without an explanation, I am not sure. I will admit that looking back, I should have followed up and made sure that when they refunded part of my deposit that I still had a room. I will do that from now on. The least they could have done was apologize for not being clear and leaving us stranded. Instead, we were met with an out of breath, unprofessional woman who was looking for a fight. We just simply asked if there was anything she could do to help us at this point. When she replied that she could not, we just got up and left. Now, there is the matter of the $25 fee they kept. Not sure why they believe they should have kept $25 from the deposit they initially charged, but they did. When we called to inquire about it, we were informed that the billing lady wouldn't be in until the next day. We are still waiting on a call back, but I am not holding my breath. We ended up 20 miles away at a Holiday Inn in Oakbrook (that's what happens when you try to book a room the day of in Chicago) where the staff was as nice as could be. read more

Would give 0 stars if possible. The WORST customer service and management I've ever experienced. I made a reservation in Jan. 2015 for 4 nights in July 2015. Called and emailed to cancel TEN WEEKS before the date of my reservation, only to be told that those dates were completely non-refundable. Thought they'd be reasonable when I explained that I hadn't been informed of this or never would have made the reservation in the first place - who knows what can happen between January and July that might change one's travel plans? The manager was inflexible, adversarial and the complete opposite of what someone in customer service ought to be. I tried to get the money back through my payment method. Wheeler Mansion fought this tooth and nail for the last 4+ months. They thought they should be able to keep the full amount when I received nothing in return AND cancelled the reservation ten weeks before the dates - based on a cancellation policy they didn't inform me of and I couldn't find out for myself because it wasn't on their website! I have never before encountered a hotel that didn't have a reasonable cancellation policy and fully expected there would be no problem when I cancelled in APRIL for a JULY reservation! All I can say is, Buyer Beware. I wish I had read the Yelp reviews before I booked the reservation. If I had, I never would have made a reservation there in the first place. I'm not the first person who had a negative experience, ended up feeling unfairly treated, and wrote a Yelp review about it. read more

My husband took me there for our anniversary. It is very pretty and we had a great time on our own but somehow i felt we over paid. First, room was all the way upstairs when there was only 3 cars there all night. Second, our fireplace did not work which it is extra if you want a fireplace. Then, on their paper it said call 0 for the operator or if you need anything, but there is no phone in the room. There is no cable tv, which was fine but after my husband fell asleep i had nothing to do and wanted to watch something. The view is horrible. I only saw the McCormack place. The staff was not friendly. They said hello, asked for our name, walked us to our room and didnt even say good-bye. For breakfast, again, the staff doesnt speak to you or ask if you need anything. Dont get me wrong, it is a beautiful place but everything else just takes the beauty out of it. Last thing, not that important, it says spa room but there was nothing spa looking about the room. Not sure if $292 was worth it for one night. read more

The Wheeler Mansion is an amazing bed and breakfast and has been such a great asset to the South Loop. I was truly surprised they would go out of their way to hold a free Farmer's Market every week on their grounds. The vendors were great, the music was great and a lot of tasty things to eat and buy. Can't wait to go back and support every week!! What a wonderful market at a classy venue. read more

Wheeler Mansion - Aug 2014 Fantastic stay! My wife and I chose The Wheeler Mansion for our extended stay in Chicago. My company had a booth at McCormick Place, and later stayed for some leisure time. It was an unforgettable experience for both of us. Staying at a mansion situated on the expensive grounds, done in European garden style made us feel like a king and queen. I could not believe that I could attend the show with such ease due to the proximity. I am already discussing with the mansion to host several corporate meetings and after show events for next year. The mansion was impeccably renovated into an elegant boutique hotel with each detail thought through. The unbelievable convenience to walk across the street to McCormick Place is an exclusive privilege. Our room, as well as the whole mansion, was impressive. The room was grand, cozy, and elegantly appointed. We simply loved the gourmet home-made breakfast that was served every morning in the grand dining room. The service was outstanding and the staff was friendly and accommodating. The artwork and antique furniture collected from all over the world made our stay at the mansion truly enjoyable. With its astonishing atmosphere, convenient location, and welcoming staff, The Wheeler Mansion made us not wanna leave EVER. Everything about this hidden gem among the hotels is relaxing and luxurious. Great place to stay at and experience Chicago. We booked direct and received a complimentary upgrade to a suite for our extended stay. read more

Our visit could not have been lovelier. From the reservation process - check in - tour - and breakfast - the staff was a delight. Special thanks to Stephanie. This beautiful building is rich with a feeling of history. Our room was perfect - comfortable - very well appointed. Breakfasts were yummy and enjoying the parlor after was great way to start our days. Can't wait to return. THANKS!! read more

I made a last minute reservation for Labor Day weekend and my experience at the Wheeler mansion exceeded my expectations. Upon arrival my husband and I were met by the very friendly hostess and she proceeded to upgrade our room! The bed was luxurious and the decor of the room and entire building was very charming. They are doing some work on the outdoor/patio area which was beautiful (they even had beers available to enjoy) and breakfast was difference and delicious every morning. Its in a great location right down the street from the Hyatt and only about 3 miles away from touristy attractions. If you're thinking about staying here... DO IT! A very different and very lovely experience. read more

I had a wonderful time staying the the Wheeler Mansion Hotel Chicago. The accommodations were exquisite, quiet and clean. The new manager, Stephanie, made sure all my needs were met. It was perfect for me as I was attending a McCormick convention which is only one block away with plenty of bus/taxi transportation. read more

The building is very beautiful and the rooms are upscale and comfortable...albeit a bit pricey. The woman who checked us in was helpful and friendly but that was the last time we saw anyone. You need to check into this hotel by 6 pm and are given a key to enter the building and your room. Breakfast is not served until 9:30 am (no special requests) and once it is put out it is not attended to, so after a few folks came down to eat it was all gone....and not replenished. The maid pulled the covers up over the bed and gave us new towels but did not refill kleenex or toilet paper, empty the waste cans, or sweep. There was never anyone at the front desk, so if you want an intimate weekend where you never see any staff...this is the place! As pretty as it was, I won't return. read more

I've seen a lot of bad reviews of this place, which I think are off base. I had a lovely stay here and absolutely no complaints. But you need to read the email that they send you, which clearly states the front door is locked and that you need to call ahead. This is not a problem. I got there, called the number, and was let in promptly even though I was quite early. But I had emailed them to let them know the situation, and they even had my room ready before noon. It is definitely a B&B, not a "luxury boutique hotel" though. As you long as you go with that expectation, you'll be more than satisfied with your stay. The beds are comfy, the rooms are quiet - virtually no city noise beyond a siren every now and then, the staff was helpful, the breakfast was huge and tasty, and the house is beautiful. I was there in March and the room was cozy and warm. It's wonderful to be able to go to a city like Chicago and feel like you're in someone's home. I loved it. read more

terrible customer service. no breakfast, cold room, the hotel didn't care about customer satisfaction at all. don't stay here!