Nightly rates from $86
Rate based on Check-in: Mar 12, 2012 Check-out: Mar 14, 2012

Best Western University Plaza

3 stars
1501 Sherman Avenue, Evanston, IL 60201
Hotel Overview
Reviewer score
3.7
out of 5
135 reviews
I WOULD RECOMMEND

I have stayed at this hotel several times and I love it. The location is great for me, near good... See full review

  • JazzyJackie
  • Jan 16, 2012
Perfect One Night Stay

We just needed a hotel for one evening in this area of Chicago. This was the perfect place to stay.... See full review

  • Cheesehead1
  • Jan 15, 2012
Budget lodging on the North Shore

This Evanston hotel remains a go-to for the parents of Northwestern University and budget-minded visitors to Chicagoland's North Shore and beaches. The mid-rise hotel adopts the familiar look of other Best Westerns, featuring colorful bedspreads, carpeted rooms, brass lamps and wood furnishings. The property offers onsite parking for a fee, but guests enjoy getting to know this walkable neighborhood, where tree-lined streets, charming Victorians and Prairie-style homes turn on the local charm.

Highlights
  • Close to Northwestern University and Lake Michigan
  • Complimentary continental breakfast served daily at the Sherman Street Grill
  • Parking garage (fees apply)
  • Outdoor pool open seasonally
Rooms

Spacious rooms at Best Western University Plaza overlooking downtown Evanston were styled to combine the comforts of home and office. Patterned bedspreads create coziness and coordinate with the patterned carpet, valance and framed artwork. In all rooms, guests enjoy satellite TV, desk and shower/tub combo in the bathroom. Wi-Fi and hard-wired Internet access are complimentary.

Features

Best Western University Plaza is one of the few hotels near Northwestern University and Loyola University in Chicago's Rogers Park. Location is an obvious plus, as is the neighborhood. Whether visitors are in the mood for a pint at a local pub or sampling Evanston's cuisine, the Best Western University Plaza is a strong base for any agenda.

Transportation
  • O'Hare International Airport (20 miles)         
  • Midway Airport (29 miles)
  • McCormick Place Convention Center (40 minutes)
Attractions
  • Northwestern University
  • Downtown Evanston
  • Lake Michigan
  • Frank Govern Memorial Golf Course
  • Westfield Old Orchard Shopping Mall
  • Six Flags Great America
Business
  • 6,000 square feet of meeting space
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Meeting planners available
  • Catering services

Best Western University Plaza Rooms

Standard
This room offers one king or two double beds with pillow top mattresses, continental breakfast, with cable TV, air conditioning, coffee / tea maker, hair dryer, iron and ironing board.

Hotel Map

1501 Sherman Avenue, Evanston, IL 60201

Area served
Evanston.
Nearby airports
O'Hare International Airport.
Area description
Best Western University Plaza has proximity to Northwestern University, Loyola University, Lake Michigan beaches, Westfield Old Orchard shopping mall, Downtown Chicago, Art Institute of Chicago and Wrigley Field.

Amenities

  • Business center
  • Conference Facilities
  • Elevators
  • Fitness center
  • Fitness center or spa
  • Handicapped Rooms/Facilities
  • High-speed Internet
  • Internet Access
  • Laundry Service
  • Meeting/Banquet Facilities
  • No Smoking Rooms/Facilities
  • Outdoor Pool
  • Parking
  • Pool
  • Restaurant
  • Wireless Internet

Hotel Policies

Check-in:
1500
Check-out:
1200

Terms and conditions

Rates quoted in currencies other than the hotel's base currency are subject to the rate of the international exchange. Rate may change throughout stay. Rate may reflect average nightly rate. Extra charges may apply. Incidental charges, such as room service, are not included in the rate.

The amenities and/or facilities may not be located at the hotel, but within a reasonable distance, and additional charges may apply for use.

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Guest Reviews (135)

Ratings and reviews for Best Western University Plaza

Overall score

3.7 / 5
135 out of 135
Amenities:
3.4
Room cleanliness:
4.2
Hotel staff:
4
Room comfort:
4.1
Location:
4.4
Value:
3.9

87% would recommend to a friend.

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Review this hotel
Review of Best Western University Plaza

Reviewer score

2
val8199
Chicago, IL, USA
Jan 18, 2012

Disappointing for the price

We had quite a few problems - and while some of the staff is great, others don't seem to care about the hotel one bit. They gave us the wrong room, and it took 3 different trips from room to lobby to figure it all out. I called for late check out, and someone came in saying we hadn't called and needed to leave because we were late. Thankfully, the woman at the front desk actually said sorry for the misunderstanding and said it would be no problem. For the price, the room and toiletries were below par; there are nicer hotels in the heart of downtown Chicago for the same price! I was also double charged by the hotel and am currently disputing it. All in all, I wouldn't go there again.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
3
Room cleanliness:
4
Hotel staff:
2
Room comfort:
4
Location:
3
Value:
2
Review of Best Western University Plaza

Reviewer score

4
JazzyJackie
Milwaukee, WI, USA
Jan 16, 2012

I WOULD RECOMMEND

I have stayed at this hotel several times and I love it. The location is great for me, near good resturants, and shopping, and a movie theater. The hotel itself is quietly genteel. The rooms are very clean, the beds are comfortable. What can I say I love this hotel.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
4
Room cleanliness:
5
Hotel staff:
5
Room comfort:
5
Location:
5
Value:
5
Dining tip: Short walk from hotel

I would recommend the Prairie Moon Resturant, right across the street from the hotel. The food is good, the atmospher is friendly, there is a great selection of beers. To top it all off, you get a 15% discount when you show your room key.

Review of Best Western University Plaza

Reviewer score

4
Cheesehead1
Business
Neenah, WI
Jan 15, 2012

Perfect One Night Stay

We just needed a hotel for one evening in this area of Chicago. This was the perfect place to stay. You are charged extra for parking, but overall this was a great stay at a great value.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
4
Room cleanliness:
4
Hotel staff:
4
Room comfort:
4
Location:
4
Value:
4
Trip purpose:

Business

Review of Best Western University Plaza

Reviewer score

1
drawws
Washington, DC, USA
Dec 19, 2011

Shabby, dirty

This hotel is very dated in decor, the bathroom was dirty, the breakfast is poor and and the overall value is not good.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
1
Room cleanliness:
1
Hotel staff:
3
Room comfort:
3
Location:
4
Value:
2
Review of Best Western University Plaza

Reviewer score

4
NU Parent
New Rochelle, NY, USA
Dec 5, 2011

Family visit

The hotel was perfect for the trip. It is a short distance from NU and a 45 minute CTA ride to the loop.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
3
Room cleanliness:
4
Hotel staff:
5
Room comfort:
4
Location:
4
Value:
5
Dining tip: Short walk from hotel

There are two inexpensive pubs across the street that hit the spot for a late night snack.

Review of Best Western University Plaza

Reviewer score

3
Mmbbbb
Iowa
Dec 3, 2011

Convenient to northwestern

The staff was friendly and helpful. Had a restful nights sleep in the comfortable beds.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
3
Room cleanliness:
3
Hotel staff:
5
Room comfort:
3
Location:
5
Value:
3
Dining tip: Short walk from hotel

Great sandwiches at Al's

Review of Best Western University Plaza

Reviewer score

4
Sparty
Saginaw, MI, USA
Nov 28, 2011

football weekend

friendly staff, continental breakfast, great irish pub across the street, free shuttle to football stadium

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
3
Room cleanliness:
4
Hotel staff:
4
Room comfort:
4
Location:
4
Value:
3
Review of Best Western University Plaza

Reviewer score

3
Percussion Mom
St Louis, MO, USA
Oct 31, 2011

Great location for shopping

I stayed in Evanston for my son's recital at Northwestern University. The weather was great so I was able to walk everywhere from the hotel. I was on the 11th floor so I had a view of the lake. The bed was very comfortable but the television needed some work and updating.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
2
Room cleanliness:
4
Hotel staff:
3
Room comfort:
4
Location:
4
Value:
4
Dining tip: Short walk from hotel

Pete Millers hamburgers on the bar side,very good and reasonably priced.

Review of Best Western University Plaza

Reviewer score

3
JLC2011
Eden Prairie, MN, USA
Oct 30, 2011

Location, location, location

Stayed here two nights while in town for Loyola family weekend. GREAT location--close to Loyola campus and downtown. Evanston is a wonderful city with a plethora of dining and shopping choices. Hotel is older and in need of renovation. The breakfast was a nice plus. (Kind of expensive for what you get!)

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
3
Room cleanliness:
2
Hotel staff:
4
Room comfort:
2
Location:
5
Value:
1
Review of Best Western University Plaza

Reviewer score

4
BSHAH
Business
Chicago, IL, USA
Oct 28, 2011

Friendly and Helpful staff

Just stayed a night. The room was clean and comfortable. The staff was very friendly and helped out with specific needs.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
3
Room cleanliness:
4
Hotel staff:
5
Room comfort:
4
Location:
4
Value:
4
Trip purpose:

Business

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