If you go down to the convention area there is a portion of the Chicago Pedway, which allows you to walk between buildings and not have to cross a single street in the general area of the hotel. This was very convenient as we had our 5 month old son with us. Underground there was a food court with about 5 or 6 different places to eat, a drugstore (CVS?) and a few other shops as well.
The hotel was nice and clean. We had a view of a side street, so nothing impressive. Some rooms overlook the Navy Pier and other iconic Chicago locales. It had just undergone a major renovation before we arrived. Lots of modern styles and lighting.