The Willows Hotel

3.0 star property
Hotel with a 24-hour front desk, near Lake Michigan
VIP Access

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Photo gallery for The Willows Hotel

Enjoy a restful stay in this inviting room featuring a comfortable bed, a ceiling fan, and a window with a scenic view.
Classic dining area with round tables, unique chairs, and framed artwork adorns the walls.
Relax in a sophisticated lounge area with a large fireplace, leather armchairs, and a checkered rug.
Experience the charm of The Willows Hotel, featuring classical architecture with ornate details and a welcoming outdoor space.
Experience a warm welcome at our elegant lobby, featuring a reception desk, comfortable seating, and a stunning chandelier.

Reviews

8.4 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • 24/7 front desk
  • Air conditioning
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

Map
555 W Surf St, Chicago, IL, 60657
  • Lincoln Park Zoo
    ‪19 min walk‬
  • Wrigley Field
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Michigan Avenue
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.)
    ‪23 min drive‬
VIP Access
Curated for quality and service, VIP Access stays consistently receive our highest guest ratings.
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Room options

Room, 1 Queen Bed (Small)

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(3 reviews)
  • 250 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Deluxe Room, 2 Queen Beds

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)
  • 325 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(3 reviews)
  • 300 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Executive Room, 1 King Bed

  • 350 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Junior Suite, 1 King Bed

  • 400 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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About the neighborhood

Chicago

Located in Lakeview within a short walk of Lake Michigan, The Willows Hotel is within a mile (2 km) of other popular sights such as Wrigley Field. Each of the 55 rooms at this 3-star hotel includes a refrigerator, a minibar, and a flat-screen TV.

What's nearby

  • DePaul University-Lincoln Park - 16 min walk - 0.9 miles
  • Lincoln Park Zoo - 19 min walk - 1.0 mile
  • Wrigley Field - 3 min drive - 1.8 miles
  • Michigan Avenue - 5 min drive - 2.9 miles
  • Navy Pier - 9 min drive - 4.6 miles

Getting around

  • Chicago Clybourn Station - 4 min drive
  • Diversy Station - 11 min walk
  • Chicago O'Hare Intl. Airport (ORD) - 37 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Starbucks - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Cesar's Killer Margaritas - Broadway - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Chipotle Mexican Grill - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Tuk Tuk Thai Isan Street Food - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Taco Bell - ‬4 min walk

About this property

The Willows Hotel

Hotel with a 24-hour front desk, near Lake Michigan
Guests of The Willows Hotel enjoy free WiFi in public areas, coffee in a common area, and a vending machine. Front-desk staff can answer questions 24/7, and assist with securing valuables, luggage storage, and concierge services. This boutique hotel also has a fireplace in the lobby.
Flat-screen TVs come with cable channels, and guests can stay connected with free WiFi. Beds sport premium bedding and bathrooms offer hair dryers and free toiletries. Refrigerators, minibars, and free local calls are also available. Housekeeping is available on request.
The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Languages

English, Romanian, Spanish

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • In-room WiFi speed: 25+ Mbps
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Offsite parking available (USD 25 per day)

Food and drink

  • Coffee and tea in common areas

Family friendly

  • In-room refrigerator

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk
  • Vending machine

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Housekeeping (on request)

Accessibility

  • Elevator

More

  • 1 building
  • 4 floors
  • Built in 1906
  • Fireplace in lobby
  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Blackout drapes
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Bathrobes
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower/bathtub combination
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • Flat-screen TV with cable channels

Food and drink

  • Minibar
  • Refrigerator

More

  • Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
  • Desk
  • Free local calls
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Phone

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM

Special check-in instructions

Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • This property doesn't allow pets

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

  • Nearby parking fee: USD 25 per day (300 ft away)

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Safety features at this property include a smoke detector and a first aid kit
  • Check-in: 3:00 PM
  • Check-out: 11 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 21
The front desk is open 24 hours a day.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted. 
  • Onsite safety features include a smoke detector and a first aid kit.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • No cribs or infant beds are available.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.

Property is also known as

Hotel Willows
Willows Chicago
Willows Hotel
Willows Hotel Chicago
The Willows Hotel Hotel
The Willows Hotel Chicago
The Willows Hotel Hotel Chicago

Frequently asked questions

Is free cancellation available at The Willows Hotel?

The Willows Hotel offers free cancellation on certain room rates. For more details, review the cancellation policy on our site.

How much does it cost to stay at The Willows Hotel?

As of Jul 16, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Willows Hotel on Aug 16, 2025 start from $342.07, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

What is there to do close to The Willows Hotel?

This hotel is situated in Lakeview within a short 13-minute walk of Lake Michigan and also 6 minutes on foot from Lincoln Park. You'll also find Wrigley Field and Michigan Avenue within a short drive.

Is there parking available at The Willows Hotel?

No, there isn't parking available at the hotel.

Does The Willows Hotel feature a casino?

No, The Willows Hotel doesn't have a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at The Willows Hotel?

No, there is no indoor pool at this hotel.

Is The Willows Hotel a good place to stay for couples?

Amenities that appeal to couples at this boutique hotel include a minibar, premium bedding, and bathrobes.

Are there hot tubs at The Willows Hotel?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this hotel.

Does The Willows Hotel have a restaurant with a breakfast menu?

The Willows Hotel offers breakfast for a surcharge though there is no restaurant.

Does The Willows Hotel allow pets to stay for free?

No, pets aren't allowed at The Willows Hotel.

Does The Willows Hotel have connecting rooms?

No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this hotel.

Where is the closest airport to The Willows Hotel?

The closest major airport to The Willows Hotel is Chicago Midway Airport (MDW), which is 16.5 mi away (36 minutes by car). Another top airport is Chicago O'Hare Intl. Airport (ORD), which is located 16.4 mi away (37-minute drive).

Are there rooms with balconies at The Willows Hotel?

No, there aren't any guestrooms with balconies at The Willows Hotel.

The Willows Hotel Reviews

Reviews

8.4

Very Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 521 out of 1013 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 270 out of 1013 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 123 out of 1013 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 66 out of 1013 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 33 out of 1013 reviews

8.6/10

Cleanliness

8.8/10

Staff & service

7.6/10

Amenities

8.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.0/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Janette

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Check in was fine and room spacious. Parking is sparse around area and parking garage charges $25 each time in or out.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Doug

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

chris

Traveled with family
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness
Staff great…definitely needs a face lift, but it is a 100 year building. Room was surprisingly large…but dated furnishings. Super location. Most important very quiet neighborhood setting. Overall…still would stay again
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities

Charming, less than practical

Beautiful building, lovely staff, excellent location. However, the rooms are cold and we had to run the water for an ridiculously long time to get even warm water. Does not provide breakfast although there is free coffee in the lobby. Has minibar but no microwave in the rooms. Nearest parking is a public lot a half block away that is currently being run by a company that does not staff - instead one has to register via a QR code and is automatically charged. Cell reception is bad in the lot so that can take a long time for a tired traveler. Neighborhood was noisy due to garbage trucks and motorcycles.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

4/10 Poor

Michael

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Pamela

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great neighborhood location
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Victor

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Michael

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Robin

Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Benjamin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Cozy and Cuddly

The art work in the lobby made me smile and the warm halls made it feel more like home!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

2/10 Terrible

Steve

Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities

The Willows, Meh

The water pressure to the shower was extremely low. The water to the shower was lukewarm. The flushing handle to the toilet was broken and I had to fix it so that it would flush properly. The Mitsubishi wall AC unit was not operating. There was a musty smell throughout the building. We certainly were not greeted with any sort of enthusiasm, not mean but rather indifferent. We could barely hear the front desk clerk when he spoke.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jenny

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Hotel is clean, comfortable, and walkable. The living room is especially nice with a fireplace, coffee, and homemade cookies.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

2/10 Terrible

Juan

Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort
Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities

Think before…

Absolutely not a good stay! The manager and the staff are just unprofessional! In particular, the manager is very unprofessional. I called the manager repeatedly to no avail. I was told “she doesn’t call customers back. You will have to call her when she’s available.” Once I did speak with her, she confirms that she has too many calls and doesn’t have to call customers back. Additionally, a night desk clerk named Zach was simply dismissive. He seemed bothered when asked questions, always on his cell phone and would not make eye contact when customers returned to the hotel. A shame, such a nice area and hotel. The lack of customer service takes away from enjoying the hotel and neighboring sites.
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Patricia, Naperville

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Location is perfect for a weekend near the lake.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

nicole

Traveled with family and small children, Traveled with partner, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was a little loud. They have radiators that whistled all night, and wither the group upstairs or across the alley were up all night partying.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Anthony

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great lobby, historical hotel in a great walkable neighborhood with everything you need nearby
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Steven

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Staff is exceedly helpful. Good for older guests like me.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Ashley

Great room, unhelpful staff
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lisa-Renee

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Unique building right in the heart of Lakeview area. Clean and quiet. Slept really well in the comfy beds.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lorrie

Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lauren

Business traveler, Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The Willows Hotel is in a nice area. It has easy access to public transit. The building is cute and with a classic feel. It was nice having access to tea and coffee at any time of day. Bonus points for the hotel having a dedicated hot water pot that doesn’t taste like old coffee when you’re a tea drinker.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mary

Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mary

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Wonderful staff, simple, clean rooms. Parked free on the street (only select streets are free). Quiet, lovely!!
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Maria, INDIANAPOLIS

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025