The Willows Hotel

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

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for The Willows Hotel

Premium bedding, minibar, desk, blackout drapes
Front of property
Dining
Lobby
Lobby sitting area

Reviews

8.4 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

View in a map
555 W Surf St, Chicago, IL, 60657
  • Place, Lincoln Park
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, DePaul University-Lincoln Park
    ‪16 min walk‬
  • Place, Wrigley Field
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Airport, Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.)
    ‪24 min drive‬
VIP Access
Curated for quality and service, VIP Access stays consistently receive our highest guest ratings.
  • Expect exceptional service
  • Extra savings and perks for Rewards members

Room options

Deluxe Room, 2 Queen Beds

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

Executive Room, 1 King Bed

  • 350 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Junior Suite, 1 King Bed

  • 400 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Room, 1 Queen Bed (Small)

7.8 out of 10
Good
(6 reviews)
  • 250 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed

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

You may also like

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

  • Lincoln Park - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Vic Theatre - 14 min walk - 0.8 miles
  • DePaul University-Lincoln Park - 16 min walk - 0.9 miles
  • Lincoln Park Zoo - 19 min walk - 1.0 mile
  • Wrigley Field - 3 min drive - 1.4 miles

Getting around

  • Chicago Clybourn Station - 4 min drive
  • Diversy Station - 11 min walk
  • Chicago O'Hare Intl. Airport (ORD) - 48 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Starbucks - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Duke Of Perth - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Chipotle Mexican Grill - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Stan's Donuts & Coffee - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪The Original Pancake House - ‬2 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 fireplace in the lobby. Front-desk staff can answer questions 24/7, and assist with securing valuables, luggage storage, and concierge services. This boutique hotel also has a vending machine.
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.

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 26 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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

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 26 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 Jan 23, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Willows Hotel on Feb 12, 2026 start from $86.11, 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 12-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 at this 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.

Does The Willows Hotel have a hot tub?

No, this hotel doesn't have a spa tub.

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 16.6 mi away (49 minutes by car). Another top airport is Chicago O'Hare Intl. Airport (ORD), which is located 16.1 mi away (48-minute drive).

Are there rooms with balconies that I can book at The Willows Hotel?

No, you won't find guestrooms with balconies at The Willows Hotel.

The Willows Hotel Reviews

Reviews

8.4

Very Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 522 out of 1002 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 259 out of 1002 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 128 out of 1002 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 66 out of 1002 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 27 out of 1002 reviews

8.6/10

Cleanliness

8.8/10

Staff & service

7.4/10

Amenities

7.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Kenneth

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Awesome in all areas,,,ESPECIALLY in office staff.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Chloe

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The hotel is a bit older, but the room was very nice and clean! In the BEST location. It was very convenient to walk around -- many food places and stores (CVS, target).
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Pamela

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

Rachel

Liked: Staff & service
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Michael

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Amenities
Not enough to do within walking distance
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kelton

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Center of many thing to do & parking was convenient
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

6/10 Okay

Rachel M

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

6/10 Okay

Jerry

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Amenities
About the only thing we liked about this hotel was the location for a race at Montrose Harbor park. Definitely dated but the room was clean. Horrible motion activated fluorescent light in the bathroom that came on along with a very loud fan whenever you walked in or by the bathroom. Not great for a middle of the night visit. No coffee maker in the room. Lukewarm coffee in the lobby. A lot of bangs and creaks. Really crappy pillows and a super thick comforter on the bed. Woke up drenched. Shower water pressure very low in one of our two rooms. Parking not bad in a Park Chicago garage a 3 minute walk away.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Yesenia

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Our stay at Millow Hotel was very good overall. The lady at the front desk was extremely kind and helpful — she went out of her way to help us find a taxi at 3 a.m. when my Uber app wasn’t working and we needed to get to the airport. Honestly, we don’t know what we would have done without her! The room was comfortable and the experience was nice. As an architect, I noticed a few small finishing details in the bathroom that could be improved, but other than that, everything was great.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Melissa

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Patrick C

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

10/10 Excellent

John, WESTERN SPRINGS

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The hotel was nice. The parking was safe and just across the street and very easy to navigate. There were plenty of eating options in the surrounding areas.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

John

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We stay there when in Chicago for Cubs games. Great neighborhood, good access to running area, and easy walk to Wrigley Field.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

4/10 Poor

Gia

Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Facilities were dark, worn and dingy with builder grade furniture. No decor or amenities. Motel-like atmosphere for an average of $600/night. Area was walkable and staff were nice.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Justin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed here multiple times. Great neighborhood.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Patricia

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Small quaint hotel in nice area with shops and restaurants.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lane

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great place
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ann

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We found our new Hotel while in Chicago. Front desk attendant very helpful and friendly. Quiet, clean and very charming.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Anthony William, Fairhope

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff is great, building is old and tired and could use updating. Location is ideal in the Lakeview East neighborhood.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joel

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Everything was great, good nearby parking, easy check in, no issues, very safe area
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

Robert

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Very safe
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

6/10 Okay

Raiman, Swampscott

Disliked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is an old hotel building. While it has been renovated somewhat, it is not the same as modern hotels. The rooms are small and feel crowded with furniture. The bathroom fixtures are old. The room was fairly clean. The lobby was dusty. The tea and coffee available in the lobby was awful (just go out into the neighborhood, there are lots of options). There is the usual mix of overpriced mini-bar snacks in the room. The staff is disinterested. When I arrived for check-in there was no one at the front desk. Waited 7 minutes for someone to appear. The bed was comfortable and it was mostly quiet at night. You get what you pay for. If you are looking for luxury, it ain’t this place. If you don’t mind the small rooms and just need a safe place to sleep, it might work for you.
Small queen room
Small queen room with brick wall view
Bathtub
Sink
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jay

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

CP

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Karla

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025