Although the building is old, the location is great, it's quiet, the WiFi is good, and it's reasonably priced.
The hotel is a block and a half from the Cermak-Chinatown CTA L stop, which provides great access to just about everything Chicago has to offer. Despite what you might have heard, traveling on the CTA is quick, cheap and safe to most places. As with any city, there are places to avoid, ask a native or a cop if you have any doubts.
You're not going to be spending a lot of time at the hotel when you're awake, so the lack of amenities (no coffeemaker, no mini fridge, no microwave, etc.) can be overlooked, unless you're fussy. In that case, there's a Springhill Suites 3 blocks south on Wentworth.
There are many good places to eat, and not just Chinese food. There are also a lot of interesting little shops, some with kitschy goods and others with better merchandise, which makes it fun to stroll down the street and take a look. You never know what treasure you might find.
