The Willows Hotel, Chicago, Illinois

The Willows Hotel evokes a sense of a 19th century French Countryside inn. It is located just a few blocks from Lake Michigan, Lincoln Park and Wrigley Field, the home of the Chicago Cubs.

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During your Chicago vacation, don't miss these great establishments and attractions:

Chicago Botanic Garden
Despite its name, the world-class Chicago Botanic Garden is located 25 miles north of the city in the suburb of Glencoe. This 385-acre living preserve includes eight large lagoons and a variety of distinct botanical environments -- from the Illinois prairie to an English walled garden to a three-island Japanese garden. Also on the grounds are a large fruit and vegetable garden, an "enabling garden" (which shows how gardening can be adapted for people with disabilities), and a 100-acre old-growth oak woodland. If you're here in the summer, don't miss the extensive rose gardens (just follow the bridal parties who flock here to get their pictures taken). The Botanic Garden also has an exhibit hall, an auditorium, a museum, a library, education greenhouses, an outdoor pavilion, a carillon, a cafe, a designated bike path, and a garden shop. Carillon concerts take place at 7pm Monday evenings from late June through August, with a preliminary hour-long tour.Every summer, the Botanic Garden stages a special outdoor exhibition (one year giant animal-shaped topiaries were placed in unexpected locations throughout the grounds; another year, model railroads wound through miniature versions of American national parks). Check the website or call for event schedules.Allow 3 hours.

Sears Tower Skydeck
First Sears sold the building and moved to cheaper suburban offices in 1992. Then the skyscraper got an ego blow when the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, went up and laid claim to the title of world's tallest buildings. (The Sears Tower has since put up a 22-ft. antenna in an attempt to win back the title.) Tallest-building posturing aside, this is still a great place to orient yourself to the city, but I wouldn't put it on the top of must-see sights for anyone with limited time (and limited patience for crowds).The view from the 103rd-floor Skydeck is everything you'd expect it to be -- once you get there. Unfortunately, you're often stuck in a very long, very noisy line, so by the time you make it to the top, your patience could be as thin as the atmosphere up there. (Come in the late afternoon to avoid most of the crowds.) On a clear day, visibility extends up to 50 miles, and you can catch glimpses of four surrounding states. Despite the fact that it's called a "skydeck," you can't actually walk outside. Recent upgrades include multimedia exhibits on Chicago history and Knee High Chicago, an exhibit for kids. The 70-second high-speed elevator trip will feel like a thrill ride for some, but it's a nightmare for anyone with even mild claustrophobia. Allow 1 to 2 hours, depending on the length of the line.

The Spirit of Chicago
This luxury yacht offers a variety of wining-and-dining harbor cruises, from a lunch buffet to the "Moonlight Dance Party." This can be a fairly pricey night out if you go for the whole dinner package; the late-night moonlight cruises are a more affordable option for insomniacs.

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'From: the north. Take 94 East, and exit at 50B Ohio Street, the Best Western River North Hotel is 4 blocks on the right. 'From: the south. Take 94 West, and exit at 50B Ohio Street, the Best Western River North Hotel is 4 blocks on the right. 'From: the east. Take 90 To 94 West. Exit at 50B Ohio Street, the Best Western River North Hotel is 4 blocks on the right. 'From: the west. Take 290 to 94 West. Exit at 50B Ohio Street, the Best Western River North Hotel is 4 blocks on the ...

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Most recent user reviews

Score

5 out of 5

very quaint

Anonymous, 2007-02-19

The Briar Street Theatre was close by where The Blue Man Group performs. There were also several resturants within walking distance as well as a walking and bike trail. Wrigley Field is also close by.

We liked everything about this hotel except for the water in the shower not being hot enough. The location close to Lincoln Park and our son's residence was perfect. We loved the old-fashioned elevator and the homey feel of the lobby. Our room was large with a sitting area.

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5 out of 5

Great value all around

Jason, 2007-02-17

The Duke of Perth, a traditional English pub, has all you can eat fish and chips on Wednesday and Friday nights. It is very popular with locals. The food is great and atmosphere is very hip.

I would highly recommend this hotel to anyone who is looking to visit Chicago on a budget. The hotel offers an excellent continental breakfast as well as an early evening snack. They even provided bottled water after breakfast for those of us heading out sightseeing. The rooms are nice and clean and the staff was very helpful. Also, street parking is usually not a problem before 6pm, and after 6pm, there are two public parking garages that are within 500 feet of the hotel.

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Score

4 out of 5

quiet, affordable, comfortable place to rest

james, 2006-10-10

cabs are easily accessable for the brave or accustomed city dweller. A quick drive down Lakeshore Drive got you to all the activity for $10 or less excluding tip. Plan to allow at least 2 hours plus to get back to the airport if flying near peak traffic times. Coming in was 30 to 45 minutes.

The Willows takes you back in time to the era of classic city appartments, hotels of the past. Off the beaten path of the Michigan Avenue lights, sounds and traffic, one could almost picture ladies with parasols and gents with top hats strolling down the street. The staff was quite helpful, and offered suggestions for places to each, sights to see, etc. The mornings offered light breakfast in the small but dignified lobby, and afternoon coffee and tea. The tree lined streets were quiet and access to cab and bus transit a snap. For the price and ease in acquiring transit to the downtown area, the hotel was more than adequate. Amenities were nominal but adequate - a small tv, toiletries, and extra seating. No view, but we came to have a place to rest at night. The elevator was the old style with sliding gate, and I thought that added to the quaint attosphere! Overall satisfied, particularly with the price.

Score

5 out of 5

Great Neighborhood

Anonymous, 2006-09-04

Short walk to the water and running and biking paths.

Great neighborhood. I loved the large windows on the street side, we got a great breeze and it was still quiet. The staff was really great also, very helpful and there was always somebody there no matter what time it was.

Score

5 out of 5

Great for a trip to Chicago

Andrea, 2006-02-26

Restaraunts and nightlife are right around the corner. Everything else is a short cab ride away.

The Willows was a great hotel, with a very friendly staff, and a welcoming environment. The location was close to the nightlife and plenty of restaraunts in Lincoln Park. Our room was a nice size, and was perfect for four girls on a getaway weekend. I would recommend this hotel to anyone. One of the girls is recommending it to her business, for when they take trips to Chicago. Parking was an issue since it was in a neighborhood of Chicago. There was an option to park in a garage behind the hotel for a $20 fee.

Score

5 out of 5

Accomodating & friendly staff

Gail, Tucson, AZ, 2005-12-06

The restaurant on the corner has the best grilled hamburgers in town!

We enjoyed our stay at the Willows and would highly recommend it. The staff went out of their way to accomodate us from the manager to the check in clerk. We were first given an upgrade to a deluxe room. We would recommend asking for a deluxe room as we were able to view a regular room which was quite small. The manager overheard us talking about finding available parking which is a problem in the area and gave us free parking so we wouldnt have to look for parking in the evening with the cold weather. The clerk was extremely helpful and friendly also. The rooms were very clean and the bed was quite comfortable with a pillow top mattess. The area is a great area to stay as it is close to so many attractions in the exclusive Lincoln Park area and close by to taking a bus to downtown Chicago when the weather is condusive. There is a nice continental breakfast served in the lobby from 7 to 11 am which consists of bagels cereal coffee and tea . There is also social hour at 4 pm where lemonade and cookies are served. The lobby has a warm decor with a fireplace and couch and chairs and there is Internet access with a fee. The elevator adds to the charm and looks like it is from the 50s . It does work well but is bit difficult to open. We will definitely come back to the Willows when the weather is warmer and we can enjoy the wonderful Lincoln Park neighborhood!

Score

5 out of 5

Unique , quiet hotel

Sandra, Baltimore, MD, 2005-11-30

Lots of choices for dining within walking distance

The Willows Hotel was like going back in time. The staff went out of their way to accommodate requests. They were knowledgeable about the area with recommendations for dining and entertainment. Although it was a distance from McCormack Place (the convention I was attending), I found the neighborhood charming.

Score

4 out of 5

Great Neighborhood, Poor Quality

Anonymous, St Louis, MO, 2005-10-23

Staying adjacent to Lincoln Park is a real plus however with a room the size of a closet and furnishings that look like they have been around for 40 years, be certain you want to spend lots of time outside the hotel.

Score

5 out of 5

Great neighborhoood hotel

Sameer, Austin, TX, 2005-09-28

There are some nice neighborhood bars around the corner.

The Willows is a great hotel located in a semi-downtown neighborhood in Chicago. The room was spacious, well-appointed, and clean. The hotel also had a small continental breakfast in the morning. The room itself had a ceiling fan, which was a nice touch. I highly recommend this hotel over larger chain counterparts, it has a much better feel and atmosphere. The rooms also have wireless internet capability, but that does cost around $10.

Score

4 out of 5

Boutique Hotel - High Status - Few Amenities

Anonymous, St Louis, MO, 2005-09-04

Bars, nightclubs, and restaraunts are within walking distance for all lifestyles.

The Willows is a boutique hotel with style. The room had comfort and you can tell the hotel had substance as far as upscale value in the way of towels, sheets, comfort, etc. This hotel is in the trendy Lincoln Park neighborhood and is convient to many trendy shops, dining, and shopping. The hotel itself offers no amenities in the way of a business center, pool, or dining. What this hotel does offer is location, location, location. If you are trying to catch a game at Wrigley Field, or a quick walk to Lincoln Park or Lake Michigan - this is your place to stay.

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