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Warwick Allerton Hotel Chicago
701 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL
0.5 km from
Such great staff! So helpful and they anticipated every need. A great experience!
Location on Michigan Ave is perfect, price is good Really late check in (5pm), slow elevators, noisy hallways, outdated rooms, no free wifi
Clean with nice shower. Small, no fridge, microwave, coffee maker, anything. Expect to pay for everything extra.
Nothing. Room was really small. Room was run down. Dirty. Overpriced. Staff was not helpful when they gave us the wrong room (one even yelled at us).
Nothing except its location 1- Staff aren't friendly. 2- The furniture and the bed sheets are so dirty.
Bed was comfortable, room was very clean and nicely furnished. Missing some basic things like luggage rack. Hotel lobby desperately needs basic amenities like a chilled water dispenser (coffee is nice but it's hot outside!!!)
Convenient location We were downgraded rooms and charged the same amount.
The hotel was clean and the staff very nice and helpful. I didn't like the lack of parking specifics when booking the hotel. We were confused when we got there because there is a parking garage next to the hotel that the hotel uses but it was unclear if you go into the hotel to do this or just park in the garage.
Raoul and the other breakfast servers were excellent The carpet in my room1504 seemed old and dirty
The hotel is conveniently located in the city The cost of the room was very high. I was willing to pay the price but, my expectations were set high for such a small non-view room.
Lovely hotel for great price on Michigan Ave. It's close to everything cool in Chicago. Staff was friendly, and was helpful. When I forgot my toothbrush they were able to find one for us. The rooms were clean and well put together.
It was very loud; lots of LED lights that you had to creatively cover; and staff gives conflicting information about the no housekeeping $10 credit.
We had a great time.It was really comfortable and had the best ubication! We will recomend it! Front desk personel at night must improve!!
Every thing is good
The location for us worked but the bathrooms need more space for storing cosmetics, toothbrushes, The showers sprayed water all over the floor and is a bad design. Otherwise, we enjoyed our stay and would return if the price stays lower as others in the area. same above
The very comfortable bed. There was no counter top or shelf in the bathroom for storing personal items such as toothbrushes and travel bag of toiletries.
The front desk was so nice and helpful! I would definitely recommmend this hotel to friends and stay here again!
The location is fantastic. It is great for sightseeing and shopping. The room was comfortable and modern. The beds were comfortable. The staff on check-in were not very friendly. The room was not equipped with a coffeemaker and should have been. The elevators are small and no one offered to help us with taking our luggage to our room. We had asked for a baby crib to be placed in the room on our reservation special requests and when we checked in, we were told there was no crib in the hotel. However, the staff ensured that a crib was delivered to the room immediately.
Convenience of location, quietness of location, beds, comforters and pillows quite comfortable, staff quick to respond Bathroom: design flaw allows shower water to immediately drain onto floor, which has no drain; sink counter won't hold soap; inadequate # towel racks.
the size, cleanliness of rooms was a great value for price. did not like the fact that housekeeping knocks on your door at 8am if you did not put do not disturb sign up.
should have free wi-fi
The location was right on the money, with some of the sights of downtown just a few minutes away. The price was also very good. Our room did not have a fridge for us to put leftovers into or a microwave to heat them in. Also, the window coverings needed a good update and looked old and grungy.
-Perfect Location: We walked EVERYWHERE and the Whitehall was always a great starting point and place to come back to for a moment of rest. -Friendly Staff -Good value: We spent very little time in the room, so it served it's purpose. -Steps away from the John Hancock Building and Michigan Ave. -Carpet was a little grungy. -Bed wasn't super comfy, but I still slept well. Overall, a good value for the money. Would stay here again because it was such a great location and the staff was very friendly.
The only thing going for the hotel is location and price. The rooms were small and dark. The bathroom had the most perplexing layout and the hot water took a full 5 minutes to get hot for a shower. It wasn't as clean as I like a hotel to be (hair from previous guests on the shower wall. Gross).
Super comfy bed, awesome location. Hotel is steps from the magnificent mile and a short walk to the lake. Small lobby and elevators, room was in need of some small wear and tear repairs.
Friendly and courteous staff The vent was blowing air at my face every time the hvac kicked in while I was trying to sleep.
Likes the character and location. Beds were comfortable and space was good. Tv was huge and state of the art. Bathroom was small and outdated.
The location was pretty much the only good part of this hotel. Bed was comfortable, but it should be for the price. Parking is expensive, be sure to use valet if you plan to use your car. Check spot hero for cheaper places to park if you self park. Hotel is old. It is maintained fairly well but it does show its age in dated bathroom fixtures. First hotel I have ever been in with no alarm clock, didn't provide any soap for the shower either. It is decent but I would look elsewhere. Isn't worth the price and doesn't deserve its rating.
Location - decor - cleanliness Terrible Wi-Fi
Perfectly situated for seeing the sights, enjoying the music scene, shopping, and exploring the beaches. The gym only had one treadmill. The 2nd was broken. But we had so much fun doing other things that we never hit the gym.
The room was clean, though very dark, and the bed was comfortable. As others have pointed out, it is within walking distance of most downtown shopping areas and about half an hour from the Magnificent Mile. The front desk staff were clipped and curt, which was unexpected, and made for a chilly welcome to the Windy City. As mentioned, the room was darker than expected, and the two outlets for charging equipment were located along the far wall, underneath the desk, which had a drawer that would not close. This drawer's corners caused several near-accidents, unsurprisingly. The bathroom was clean and pleasantly designed, but very small. We were dissatisfied with the room service and front desk experience. When we ordered breakfast, we expected more than a few eggs on an English muffin, and we received two small scones, rather than our order of a scone and a croissant. When this was mentioned at checkout, I was told that a manager would give me a call, which never happened.
Comfortable beds A little pricey and some attn to detail needed for rooms falling apart. (Cracks in ceilings etc)
Location was amazing!! Super close to shopping and pretty much everything! Cute antique ish feel to it. Nice and clean, staff super nice and helpful!
This was a beautiful hotel. Location was great...very safe neighborhood! The bed was so comfortable that I didn't want to get out of it. I would stay here again for sure.
Everything in the hotel was perfect! The location was excellent, the staff was very very friendly ( especially Birsen in the reception and Tom in the luggage), the cleaning ladies were doing a wonderful job. We enjoyed every singel minute in the hotel. The room was large and comfortable; very relaxing bed and no noise from outside or other rooms.
The room was great, very clean and comfartable. The bathroom was especially great. Very nice However it was crazy to charge people $10 per night for slow internet access. I once stayed at a cheap motel that had internet access for all its guests. It is for that reason alone I would not return. Its almost insulting not to have free wifi in a four star hotel
The staff was very welcoming and helpful. From Sean at the front desk, to Tom the bellman, Andre and Stephen in the restaurant and Tom at the front door. The beds were beyond comfortable. I wanted to take my bed home with me. Good Location - 1 block off of Michigan Avenue and 1 block from the Lakeshore. My only complaint is the lighting in the bathroom. Putting make up on was difficult due to the lighting in the bathroom and the depth of the vanity. A lighted makeup mirror attached to the wall just in side the door would help with that.
Excellent location - a great place to stay for exploring the city of Chicago! Quick taxi ride in from O'Hare airport (approx $40), close to tour bus stops & many sights.
location - rooms - Having to pay for wifi
Conveniently located. Charm and romantic setting!
We loved the newly remodeled room. It felt very clean. The bedding was soft and inviting. We did not like the overhead shower, however, it was not necessary that we use it because there was a hand-held shower head as well. But honestly, just a nice wall mounted shower head is best.
Rate and location. Nice bathroom fixtures and room furnishings Common areas are worn and tattered.. Looks tired and dirty Although I requested a non smoking room, my room smelled ,like smoke and needed to be deodorized
checking in
Checkin and checkout were extremely easy. The restaurant served a wonderful breakfast, and the waitstaff were friendly and helpful.
Large rooms and bathrooms. Plenty of fast elevators. Great location for the north end of the Magnificent Mile. More attention to detail could be provided to the cleanliness of the shower area. Several areas of black mildew in the grout of the shower wall.
Great location, beautiful room and good staff. Except for my wife losing her nose ring and no thin sheets were available; our stay was outstanding.
Great location a few steps from the best shopping and restaurants in Chicago. Very friendly and professional staff.
The French ambiance. A bit expensive.
Great location, great value for the price. Staff need to stop acting so high fallutin. Yes it is the Sofitel, but you still work for me.
I would have preferred a discount on the Parking for staying in the hotel.
we were traveling with our toddler. the hotel crib came with complimentary johnson & johnson toiletries and a stuffed bear. the room was clean, comfortable and spacious enough to be tolerable with a toddler in the same room. the bathroom was spacious, in excellent condition and well-appointed. we were on a high floor and had a great view of the city. it would've been great to have iPhone charging docks/stations. we forgot to bring one charger.
beautiful hotel bed was too soft
Great spot. Conveniently located. Pleased overall with the property.
Rooms too small
The rooms were nice, but our room had not been properly cleaned. There was an empty wine bottle in the trash, a stain on the carpet, and dirt on the bedspread. The location is great for exploring the city. A block from Michigan Ave, the beach, and Rush street. The customer service was not good. We waited 30-45 minutes for our bags to be brought up to our room and finally had to go down to get them. There were two bellmen standing in the lobby doing nothing and our luggage was just sitting there. As mentioned the room was not properly cleaned which is never a good feeling when you are staying in a hotel. I requested a late check-out and was immediately told "No due to someone else staying in our room and they needed to clean it". He then asked what room we were staying in. He again said it wasn't possible as someone was staying in that room and they would need to clean it. When we checked out I forgot a brand new shirt I bought while staying there. I rarely hang things in the closet and had done so since it was a new shirt. I realized this the next day and called and again was given horrible customer service. They told me it was not in the room and that nobody stayed in that room the night before so they couldn't help me. Obviously, the maid who cleaned that room took it, but they accepted no responsibility for that. Not to mention they couldn't give us a late check-out due to another guest needing the room. It's a shame the customer service was so bad because it is a nice hotel in a great area of the city.
Really enjoyed how friendly everyone was towards us especially since we were a young couple there and the staff told us good morning and everything each day and always had a smile on their face I can't really say I didn't like anything about the hotel or service. The only thing was it was a little expensive for us. Other than that everything was excellent
Great location across from Saks and neiman marcus. Hotel gorgeous, bright, elegant in public areas, very comfortable and luxurious room and bathroom
I've stayed at several nice hotels in Chicago and this is by far my favorite. Very comfortable, tastefully decorated, incredible A-V/home automation controls. This was the perfect home-base for a multi-day business trip. The atrium also had a splendid Sunday brunch with string quartet. Couldn't be better
Beautiful room. Inpecable service
I would guess that most people who gave this place a positive review have never stayed at trump. For the same price trump offers a vastly better experience and much more comfort. The gym and spa at trump make this place look like a spa from rural Cambodia. Rooms were an ever so slightly better version of the Conrad. No pillow menu. No glacier water. No espresso machine in room. No microwave or stovetop with dishwasher( all present at trump). And no cake with gold leaf on it for my birthday!!!
Fabulous service, fabulous food, fabulous room. I can't recommed this hotel highly enough!!
It was an elegant, comfortable weekend at one of the best hotels anywhere. Nothing
I took my 5 year old to see Chicago. I love the quiet of the hotel. The staff was great. You get what you pay for.
Beautiful hotel, very enjoyable. Neither Booking com nor the hotel warned us that a change in the reservation, leaving a night earlier, would result in an increase in the quoted daily rate. We were only told that cancellation was required 24 hours in advance without penalty.
I liked the location of the hotel, and also enjoyed the updated decor of the hotel.The bedding was excellent! Very important to me.... it was clean and luxurious. The bath rooms also were in excellent condition. It did meet my standards. (Extremely picky) I did not like that we had to go to the 12th floor to get to reception.
Great restaurant recommendation and service!
Very good welcome and staff performance An elevator alarm went off in the middle of the night and it took over one hour to fix it - not conducive to comfortable sleep.
Hotel has great location, very nice accomodations. There was broken glass in the bar and I cut my finger pretty badly on our first night at the hotel. Although hotel staff was very nice and they did call security, I thought they could have done more in way of compensation. In hindsight, I probably needed stitches and other than call to my room by the manager (who had already left by the time we got back to the room), they really didn't even follow-up.
when I make check out from the hotel they told me i have to pay more than what booking website show me,after desscution they agree to refund 110 $ to me.
Comfortable, elegant, convenient excellent accomodations. Food very good but somewhat overpriced. The hotel tower is very tall and our initial room on the 40th floor was very noisy in the wind and rain storm. The swaying was not noticable but the sound of creaking wall and ductwork was uncomfatably loud. The staff did move us to a lower floor to a large apartment suit which was very quiet.
Location/spa and swimming pool None
Very good location.
Location! And they left a small treat for my child every afternoon.
The bed is gorgeusly confortable Many problems with shower, room cleaning, front desk attendece, etc.
They had absolutely no trace of our reservation on arrival, but after some spirited discussion more than made good the upheaval.
Great location. Staff were very professional an vey nice. Whats up with the window that opens into the bathroom/toilet. I have seen this lately in many of the upper class hotels. I don't like it.
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This guest did not leave comments about this hotel.
This guest did not leave comments about this hotel.
This guest did not leave comments about this hotel.
Gorgeous room, perfect location. No.
Honestly the Bellmen and Front Desk were so SUPER Nice ... I would stay again just for them
Location Rooms and beds were spectacular Staff friendly NoMi terrace was fantastic
This guest did not leave comments about this hotel.
Good location The shower had NEVER be cleaned thoroughly.
Location and spacious room. Nice bathroom. Staff missed requested turn down room times.
The location was great! Most everything other than location was a disappointment. The staff was snotty and dismissive, asked 4 times for a roll away, requested towels and a blanket that never arrived, restaurant waiter was rude, security person extremely rude. Very disappointed
Excellent ...one of the nicest hotels I have ever stayed at. Professional staff. When coming to Chicago it will be the only Hotel I will stay at.
Beautiful. Comfortable, luxurious. Staff assistance was hit or miss. Very frustrating. Some staff was very helpful. Others were not to the point of carelessness or rudeness. At this hotel I had expected service to be exquisite. It was not. For the price there's other hotels with better service who value their customers more highly.
An architectural gem in downtown Chicago with old look but kept updated with modern amenities. It shows it's age sometimes but that is the charm of it. Just know that there is no lounge access for Hilton Gold members which is strange for a property with a lounge.
Room was clean. No recreational stuff no pool no sauna nothing it was boring.
The Drake is a Chicago classic. A bit old, but very luxuries and very, very beautiful. The excellent location and nice staff delivering outstanding service make the Drake the place to be. A bit dated, and almost impossible to roll your own luggage. Unlike most hotels with marble floors, The Drake has the thickest carpet imaginable. Also, the rooms are small for the US (and the money) and you will pay a lot for a view. However, this is the oldest and most desirable location that The Drake sets the standards for all of the other Chicago luxury hotels.
Staff were tremendous Hotel needs updating. It is old, worn and dirty
location 65.00 a day to park car didn't know where to go for breakfast?? not alot of water pressure for shower
not much Room was 'nasty' for a 4 star hotel. -broken soap dish on the floor -faucet handle was not fastened and fell. -really dirty carpet -old building. poorly renovated. bad paint job in the hallways.
Location was great. Booked and paid for a King bed -- received a double bed. Hotel offered $40 off dinner at their in-house restaurant. Could not offer any other room accommodations - nothing with a view, not a bigger room, and not what I ordered and paid for -- a room with a King size bed. Slept uncomfortably most of the night. Separately, went to breakfast in the hotel and the windows were very dirty.
Great location and afternoon tea was amazing.
Location and old world elegance Several elevators broken, tea room not kept up-my chair had a big hole in it. Chairs looked dilapidated, carpet worn, menu insert pages barely legible (bad photo copies). Most pages had faded writing in 3 of the four menus. Also-3 menus did not include alcoholic beverages
Whinin walking distance to downtown shopping and attractions and great restaurants, walked to Chicsgo Art Institute to take in Van Gough exhibit. Parking too expensive
We loved the location and the welcoming and helpful staff. The atmosphere is elegant. For a small extra cost, we opted for the Executive Room with access throughout the day for a light breakfast, snacks during the day, and hors doerves during cocktail hour. It's view is spectacular and all but the tables which are too small, we enjoyed immensely and visited often during our stay. WiFi in your room is an extra cost and not included in the price of your room.
Really enjoyed the stay here, very comfortable and a great location for the price. I needed to make a last minute update to stay a few more nights as my travel was cancelled due to weather. The employees were extremely helpful in letting me keep the same room and at the same rate. Stayed on the same floor as the pool, so some noisy kids were expected
Concierge, door men excellent. Paying for with fi? Really...at these prices? Terrible. $10.00 to use 15 min. Had no idea. Showed up on statement. Housekeeping fine first night but 2nd night left our duvets on floor and when we called to report they actually asked what we would like them to do about it. After telling them we wanted some new duvets a maid came and complied. Next day we returned to find all of our pillows with shams gone...not a functional problem since we still had pillows to sleep on but since they are part of the decor we weren't sure what that was all about. They were on the bed when we left that morning. Overall the room was quiet but I think we could do better next time. Hotel being renovated so maybe the reno rooms will blow you away...ours did not. Other than housekeeping staff the rest of staff was helpful but could have been more accommodating when we missed a night of our reservation due to being snowed in at airport in philly and unable to get there. If they couldn't refund a night of our pre paid room we thought we might have recd a complimentary night in future. They told us to ask price line about that but price line pushed it back to them...
I have been a Marriott guy for some time and had the opportunity to stay at an Omni Hotel in Dallas and decided to give it another try in Chicago because my Dallas experience was so good. They are a true class act! Nothing!
My husband and I recently stayed at the Omni with are 1 year old twins. The staff was more than accommodating. Everything from gift bags for the girls to bringing up a microwave and refrigerator. We will be back!
Location is great. Staff helpful.
Location, personnel, accommodations. Welcoming and relaxing.
Beautiful hotel, great location. Very pleased with our stay. And very close to the red line.
The location was within walking distance to Everything. The hotel was very comfortable.
The air conditioning. Our room was not ready at check-in. The bed skirt was torn and stained. The in-room movie played very poorly. The staff was unfriendly.
The staff was very helpful and freindly. The room was clean and very nice located near a lot of shopping. Our stay was very enjoyable and we will stay here again soon.
Free gym, pool and jacuzzi use. Three free cups of coffee and tea. Great staff. King size bed was awesome and the room was really nice No free WiFi in room, just lounge area. Pool and jacuzzi were closed, which was a real disappointment since it was one of the major reasons why I chose the hotel. My view wasn't great but I understand it's kind of a thing that's out of my control.
The hotel was nice overall but a few experiences totally ruined our trip. First off, it's the middle of the summer and the air conditioning in our room wasn't working. So we had to sleep in an 80 degree room. Next we found a massive blood stain on the comforter that someone tried to wash but it never came out. Absolutely disgusting! There was also mild in the shower which again goes to show the rooms are NOT clean. There was also very little lighting in the room and most did not even work. For over $300 a night do yourself a favor and go elsewhere.
Close to shops at magnificent mile Pool was small and not kid friendly. A 16oz pop was $4 plus tax at hotel store
Rooms were very comfortable and clean. Courteous and friendly staff. Location is excellent for shopping. I definitely would return to stay again.
The people at Wyndham were so helpful making sure everything was perfect for us! No.
The rooms were very clean, as was the gym. The location is within a short walk of most anything you'd might like to experience on a short trip to Chicago and yet the hotel is on a side street that keeps the nights stay quiet. Here's the thing: The Hyatt hotel is immaculately clean, provides comfortable bedding, has a large, clean Gym, and is near most of the things that I would want to do in a short period of time in Chicago... So why two? Because these are the things that any hotel should have. Saying these things are a perk of the Hyatt is like saying or Raven has the perk of being especially black- it's a raven, of course it's feathers are black- The problem here is that the photography and the advertising of the hotel makes it appear to be something that it is not: it is not a stunning luxury property. It does not have an incredibly intuitive and beyond accommodating staff, and it is not a property that includes the kind of accommodations that I'd expected when I had originally booked my stay. More on par with a comfort inn, or Marriott courtyard, then a main-name property such as JW Marriott, Hilton, or Westin, this "Hyatt" seemed bare-bones and disorganized. Two rather slow elevator trips separate you from any convenience of entrance and exit- The room was not ready when I arrived and the option suggested to me in compensation was a larger suite that featured less beds then I requested and came at an additional cost, as that was my fault my room was not ready, and as if if I would prefer to pay more for something that offered less than what I had asked for. At any class hotel, I wouldn't have been upgraded, and I would have been upgraded at cost to the property. The bathrooms, while clean, were adorned with showerheads that looked like they had been purchased in a 1986 apartment building resale auction and worked about as well as an exposed drain pipe I once showered beneath in Thailand. Parking is a full $24 per day more expensive than the majority of the garages around the area, which for the life of me I can't understand why, and the valets took nearly 15 minutes more than they had suggested to retrieve my car when requested, and did so in such a manner that the majority of things I keep in my trunk had shifted- and believe me for someone who drives as aggressively as I do without cause for such an occurrence- this can only lead me to believe that the valets thought perhaps they were in a stock car race. overall, it's not so much that I dislike to my stay at the Hyatt- it's that being in Chicago native company, and a highly rated hotel, with a main branch name, I genuinely expected to be walking into a situation that was just one star more professional than what I received- and the Accumulation of one experience after the other constantly coming in just slightly less than what it should have been found me leaving the hotel with a fairly negative taste in my mouth, not for the stay that I received, but for the complete and underwhelming lack of what I had expected. My suggestion- if you were going to stay 20 minutes outside the city at some discount hotel, this place is better. But if you want the downtown Chicago experience, don't even look in this direction
I liked it all
Brenda served us for breakfast most days. She was a the best. Always attentive friendly. Took care of us well. Our last day we had a different waitress and our order wasn't right, we couldn't get her attention and had to get a manager in order to get our check. When you go for breakfast in the fabulous restaurant, ask for Brenda. Loved the green drink with Apple, spinach and ginger. It was really good.
Service was amazing. Location was awesome!
Very few amenites for what you pay. Service was slow at best. Concierce desk was helpful. Very good at housekeeping, but not worth the money you pay.
The hotel has decent accommodations and lives up to the name. The rooms are nice, the beds are comfortable, & the bathrooms are clean. (don't park there!!!!) PARKING PRICES, WTF!? Buying anything (aside from the room itself) from the Westin is out of the question/budget.
Great valet service. Small rooms
Good location for sure. I got to know you do not care about cleaning at all which I consider the most essential and important in choosing where to stay.
Shopping and sightseeing were close by. I spilled coffee on my robe on the first morning and it wasn't replaced in the 6 days I stayed there. I don't think he says we're changed during those 6 days either. Otherwise the staff was really nice and the room very comfortable.
Cookies in the lobby and friendly staff. Not very many amenities. Bathroom door didn't close all the way. Room didn't cool down enough.
Children was annoying and running during 6am in the other room and made me didn't rest well.
We loved how friendly the staff was. William went above and beyond for us! For the price, it would have been nice to have even a basic breakfast included.
Could not have been happier. All of the staff were incredibly friendly and helpful. The room was beautiful and the bed and pillows were SO comfortable! No free wi-fi!
It may seem a bit expensive but the service is effective and prompt. They have in and out privileges and are quick to help There is no free WiFi but I have my own mobile plan.
Front desk staff Location Kind to offer large check out Weak wifi Outrageous daily parking fee
Great dining options available and close by to lots of shopping outlets. It would be wonderful if I could have a city view instead of facing another building since Chicago is such a nice city. Not close to any subways.


text:
DALE Smith already has his acceptance speech scripted if undefeated Callanish can continue his winning streak in Saturday's group 1 Orr Stakes at Caulfield.
The fact Smith has ridden Callanish in all eight starts is due in part to his close friendship with part-owner Peter Gorst, 63, who died of cancer on January 21.
''We had a close bond. He was like me. We both call it as it is, no beating around the bush,'' Smith said.
Callanish faces by far his toughest test on Saturday tackling group 1 company for the first time - he's $8 with TAB Sportsbet. But Smith and trainer Mick Price believe a group 1 is achievable, if not now, perhaps in the Australian Cup in March.
''It's sad Peter won't see him win a group 1, which I think he can. When he does, I'll be dedicating it to him,'' Smith said.
''As I said to Peter before he passed away, I have a lot of faith and confidence in this horse.''
Gorst had become a much-valued client of Price over a six-year association. Price described Gorst as a ''rough diamond'' and instantly warmed to him. ''He was a champion bloke.'' That Price made the 450-kilometre round trip to Lake Bolac last Friday week to attend a memorial service, the day after returning from the New Zealand yearling sales, is testament to his respect for Gorst.
As Price told the crowd of more than 1500, ''it could be a bit teary'' if Callanish won the Australian Cup.
Callanish will have what will seem like half the Western District cheering for him on Saturday and through his Festival Of Racing campaign.
To his many mates from the Western District neighbouring towns of Wickliffe and Lake Bolac on the Glenelg Highway, Gorsty, as we knew him, was an iconic figure.
Gorsty was the quintessential Aussie - loved his family, loved his mates, loved a laugh, loved a drink, a smoke and a punt. He also happened to be one of the most successful businessmen in country Victoria.
He developed a rural supplies business in Lake Bolac he bought from Elders in the 1980s from humble beginnings to an operation turning over $30 million a year, assembling a hard-working team of 15 people including his son Chris.
His widespread business and sporting contacts help explain why so many people paid tribute to his remarkable life at a memorial service at the Gorst Rural Supplies complex at Lake Bolac.
Gorsty was as passionate about his horses as his business. He part-owned eight horses with Price, with Callanish very much the pin-up galloper.
Gorst was the only one of the part-owners to see Callanish score all his eight wins and wife Susan and daughter Victoria will be among those cheering him home at Caulfield.
Callanish follows another successful Price-trained galloper, Rightfully Yours, who won nine city races and more than $555,000 for Gorst and fellow part-owner/breeder Larry Bartle.
As a young horse, Callanish was a barrier rogue and Smith did much of the groundwork to overcome the horse's phobia of going into the stalls.
As Callanish stretched his winning streak, there was talk of turning to a higher-profile jockey. But Gorst put a high price on loyalty and urged Price to stick with Smith.
Callanish's streak has helped Smith, 31, revitalise his career with 50 winners this season, just 21 shy of his best. ''Without [Gorst's] support who knows how it could have ended up?'' Smith said.
Callanish won a trial at Werribee on Monday and will resume in the 1400-metre Orr with the Australian Cup (2000m) his main autumn goal.
''He was pushed to the line by Lone Rock but typical of him he wouldn't let her get past him.
''You'd love him as a boxer. He won first-up at 1400 last time but that was a Sandown midweek. This is a step up to group 1,'' Smith said.
Gorst was a visionary who expanded his business from general merchandise to offering a complete rural service.
Gorst Rural Supplies won two prestigious awards in The Age/Dun & Bradstreet Business Excellence Awards in 2005 and 2008. The family business will continue under manager Cam Conboy, who recently bought a share of the operation.
A man of many parts, Gorsty was a top local footballer, playing 222 games with Wickliffe, a good batsman for Wickliffe who played Melbourne Country Week, played guitar in local band Wyndoff, and always had a form guide at the ready.
He raced harness horses with Lance Justice and Merv Dillon, then racehorses with Mick Cerchi, Ken Phillips and Price.
As a football administrator, Gorst was the architect of Wickliffe's 1984 premiership and a driving force in the merger of Wickliffe and Lake Bolac in 1986, which has yielded seven premierships.
Phillip Crouch, a Wickliffe premiership player and father of Adelaide draftee Brad Crouch, penned an apt tribute to his great mate Gorsty, which was read at his memorial service.
''He was a mate to so many people. So well-liked and respected for his many qualities.
''Generous, loyal, fun-loving, cheeky. He had such a positive outlook on life. He had a willingness to help others, he wouldn't let you down. His word was his bond. A true legend.'' He noted Gorsty would have won three votes for his part in the 1984 premiership celebrations.
On first-name terms with staff at Crown Casino, Gorsty had friends from all walks of life and was always thinking of others.
At the height of the 2006 drought, he put on pre-Christmas drinks and a barbecue for locals depressed, and at their wits' end, about how to cope with the effects.
As family friend Murray Knight said in his eulogy, it was the best example of social welfare he has seen. ''It had been a difficult trading year for him but he wanted to show faith in those who had supported him.'' The community came together to share their emotions as they found they weren't alone coping with the depressing effects of the drought, Knight said.
When larger companies' rural services were withdrawn in the 1990s, many feared for Lake Bolac's future. ''In many ways he saved the town. It's gone ahead in leaps and bounds,'' he said.
Col McKenzie, former mayor of Ararat Rural City and councillor for Lake Bolac, agreed Gorst had a huge impact on the town, which has a population of about 500. ''I doubt there'd be much of a town without him. He serviced clients from 35 kilometres to 40 kilometres away.
''He was a bit like Santa Claus. If you wanted something for a raffle prize everyone went to him … he was too kind. [But] It wasn't all smooth sailing. He had a lot of bad debts and that stressed him.''
Gorst was diagnosed with cancer of the oesophagus on November 29, 40 years to the day after his father Ken died of cancer.
His wife, Susan, is still coming to terms with her loss. ''Our world turned upside down when Peter was diagnosed and to watch him slip away so quickly, was beyond comprehension.
''Our 22 years together have been more than amazing, more than could possibly be put into words. It was an honour and a privilege to be his wife. So many memories from the life we shared, Peter created magic wherever he went … He squeezed three lifetimes into his 63 years, he never wanted to die wondering.''

subset: commoncrawl


text:
It appears that blogger was deciding that a few of you are spammers. And so it blocked the comments.
In particular, blogger seems to dislike R.O. and Harold Roth the most. It also hated me twice. Which breaks my brain a little bit. How the fuck can I spam my own blog?
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Scylla was right!
Posted by Jack Faust at 1:48 PM
5 comments:
- Lady Scylla said...
The only thing I can think of is that the .com of their e-mail breaks blogger's little technobrain. Sometimes it does it, sometimes it doesn't.
Once I defined Harold in particular as "Not spam" it seemed to stop that problem.
- September 21, 2010 at 2:24 PM
- Veles said...
A few of my comments on my own blog have turned up as spam, as has a number of regular commenters.
It's weird.
But I'd rather deal with that those annoying Chinese porn smam bots that were happening on a daily basis.
- September 21, 2010 at 2:43 PM
- Rufus Opus said...
Free technology. Free bugs.
- September 21, 2010 at 5:52 PM
- Pallas Renatus said...
Wait, RO isn't a spammer?
- September 21, 2010 at 6:20 PM
- The Scribbler said...
Considering who it's been blocking, I conclude the software has a function that simply "smells trouble". ;-)
- September 22, 2010 at 1:14 AM
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text:
Thursday, February 12, 2004
Welcome to Brown Symposium XXVI
Stephanie Brown Fabritius
Friday, February 13, 2004
Panel Discussion
A display of Inuit Stone Carvings from the collection of Roger '78 and Barbara Neely '77 will be open at designated times.
Lecture events are held in the Alma Thomas Theater, located in the Alma Thomas Fine Arts Center. An alumni reception will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 12 in the Julie Puett Howry Center.


text:
Jordan Walmsley Photographer
Michelle TurcoModel Female Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
Mayhem # 2169545
About MeHey MM,
Im very interested in modeling and everything it has to offer. I fairly new at this, Im looking for a fun time and to have an experience. Im a very fun, easy going, smart and energetic person. Im open to try different things except for any nude work.
Thanks xo
Have you worked with Michelle Turco? Add Credits for Michelle Turco! >>
Jordan Walmsley Photographer
VasY Bonhomme Photo Photographer
BLUEPHOTOG... Photographer
Flair Photography Photographer
Maya Amoah Clothing Designer
A Flock Of Murder Clothing Designer
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text:
Miranda Lambert And Florida-Georgia Line In A Dog Fight For Number One This Week [POLL]
Former 1077 'GNA Countryfest headliner and upstart country hot shots Florida-Georgia Line are in a literal dog fight on the country music charts this week.They are both battling it out for the #1 slot on the charts and it is too close to call at this point. Miranda is hoping to grab the top spot with her sassy hit "Mama's Broken Heart" and Florida-Georgia Line is hoping that "Get Your Shine On" will get to the top first. Which one of these songs do you hope get the #1 slot this week? Let us know by voting in the poll below.


text:
Pupils and school leavers are turning away from a future career in manufacturing because they perceive it as outdated and boring, according to a new report.
According to The Manufacturing Foundation survey children also think the sector is poorly paid and dirty.
The study of 1,770 children aged between 11 and 15 found that only one in 25 wanted a job in manufacturing.
The foundation's director James Bentley said: "Manufacturing has a fantastic range of careers to offer children, from design to marketing, engineering to IT or accounting.
"The problem is, the kids we spoke to simply didn't know enough about manufacturing."
Employment in the manufacturing sector has fallen by 16% over the last five years, according to figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) in October.
Job numbers have fallen to 3.5 million from 4.2 million in 1998, with union warnings about a crisis in the sector.
'High technology'
But Nick Brayshaw, chairman of the CBI's Manufacturing Council, points out that manufacturing still accounts for a fifth of the UK's GDP.
And he believes young people could still be attracted to a career in manufacturing.
Mr Brayshaw said: "I think manufacturing has to describe how it has changed to a higher-value, higher-technology, industry.
"I don't think government has promoted manufacturing well over the past 20 years, and has given much more interest to e-commerce.
"I also think schools have not stayed up to date, and see manufacturing the way it was 20 years ago.
'Important sector'
"Schools are telling their children to go into computers and not into manufacturing, but the sector is a huge user of computers - for example in design, automation, and logistics.
"It is still a huge and important sector in the UK."
He said a public relations exercise was needed to sell the sector, which accounts for 60% of UK foreign export earnings, to children.
Most of those questioned in The Manufacturing Foundation survey believed that working in the industry was tied to assembly line production.
They also did not understand that there was a wide range of jobs on offer.
The foundation, also said not enough was being done to encourage children's natural enthusiasm for making things.