I stayed at the Raphael Hotel in March 2005. This was my first stay at the hotel. The room rate was $89 but is great considering the hotel is just behind the Water Tower Place. The hotel offers valet parking which is nice but costly ($38 a night) which if you are on a budget puts a dent in your spending money for the Magnificent Mile. We had booked a single bed room because it was cheaper. We were pleasantly surprised to get a room with two beds. The room size was nice. This is a very old hotel. If you have high expectations, you will be disappointed. The staff was helpful and answered our questions, took car of our luggage, etc. I booked this hotel because of the price and location. We were going to the Oprah Winfrey Show and it was about an $8 cab fare each way to to the show. I would stay there again. It's not the Ritz, but suited our needs fine. I just wish the parking were cheaper but I guess that doesn't happen in downtown Chicago!
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