I have stayed here a few times and it has always been a nice stay. The building is definitely older Chicago architecture. It's a boutique hotel and the rooms are cute and well-kept. I have read some of the other reviews and the complaints don't seem justifiable to me. Again, the building is not new construction, it's gonna have quirks and creaking steps. The bed was super comfortable and made for a good night of rest. I didn't worry about being in a dirty room because it was far from it. Check-in and out was a breeze with a friendly (but small, one person operation) front desk. I won't hesitate to continue staying at Willows. read more

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This tiny treasure located in the heart of Lakeview East is an absolute delight. A charming boutique hotel that dedicated to preserving its mid-century vibes, the Willows is a unique experience. If you are looking for a modern, gray, perfectly shiny, bland hotel experience, don't stay here. read more

This is the most basic, old and dirty hotel I have ever stayed at. It was way overpriced but apparently there is demand based on its location and it appeared to be full. Everything is old and worn out and each area of the hotel has its own unique smell (we bought Febreeze for the room). The place has not had a face lift in decades and it is probably a similar time frame since it had a thorough cleaning. Bed was comfortable enough and the room was quiet. Front desk staff were friendly. read more

I paid $350 a night over Labor day weekend for a decrepit room (118) with frayed carpet, peeling wallpaper, chipped paint and unsafe electrical outlets. I was told it was priced according to what others were charging. They had no explanation as to why they do not keep their rooms up to code. This is not an excuse to rip me off and not maintain their rooms. There was no manager available to complain to. They exploit their housekeeping staff by cutting coverage to the bone Z(rooms cleaned every 3 days) and not providing them with any health mor disability insurance nor any retirement. Exploitative , greedy, sleazy management in a subpar fleabag motel for only $350m a night. Do not support them. read more

I have stayed at this hotel before and had a great experience... I reserved a queen and received a double bed. The "air conditioning" didn't blow cold air, although set at 66 when I arrived. The customer service upon arrival was lacking and I felt like a bother to her. read more

While this is a cute boutique hotel, that kept its Chicago charm, it felt a bit outdated in my opinion. The floors in the hallway were lopsided and sunken. And my allergies acted up during my stay. The hotel was clean, just not spotless. We also had issues with our room key not working a couple of times. However, the staff were willing and able to help. With the price, you do get what you pay for. What I adored most about this hotel was the location. It's in an area that felt safe and there are lots of walkable eateries and stores nearby. Close to the busses and the train. While I probably might not stay at this hotel again in its current condition, if there were to be some kind of major renovations to it, I would totally reconsider. read more

The Willows Hotel - Hotels Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This is an old hotel with no amenities, so I didn't expect much -- even though my rate was $650 per night (!) for the lowest priced room. They stated at check-in that housekeeping was optional, which I found annoying and a throw-back to Covid times. I specifically asked for housekeeping but did not receive it. read more

This hotel is fine. Its best feature is the convenient location. The actual hotel is in need of upkeep and maintenance.

Dropped into the hotel for a couple of nights to go to Wrigley Field. The hotel has a great staff! They're friendly and professional. The hotel is old. The stair creek the elevator is slow and scary. However, it's an old building, it's expected. My room was clean but old. The bed was comfortable. The heat worked without a problem. There was multiple heating units throughout the room. I would figure they would remove the old ones when they put the new ones in the rooms. For the price and location it's a nice hotel. Parking is an issue in the area but it's north Chicago. The lot recommended was down the alley. It seemed safe making the tract to the lot but not perfect for women at night. The area has plenty of restaurants nearby and food delivery is always an option. I'm not sure if I would stay again but it's not the worse you can do in Chicago. read more

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Don't let the photos deceive you because they will, this is a slightly creepy, old hotel, with one employee on duty at a time at the desk (perfectly nice) but the hotel is in cardiac arrest and charging you a fortune at the same time. There are pictures on the website of tasty meals, but there is NO FOOD in the hotel other than some bags of snacks, an "mini bar" that is like 3 mini bottle of bourbon and 1 of vodka and 2 full sized bottles of red wine. There are also photos of fresh flowers. There are no flowers. And the little lobby tables for sitting to have coffee had food stains. No excuse for that. Instead of playing with his phone or whatever, the very nice front desk guy could check over his area of influence. Oh and no coffee machines in the rooms. The vibe of this hotel, on a scale of 1-10 is about a 1. Lifeless. Seriously. They don't even have a continental breakfast like a Holiday Inn Express would offer. The bed was comfortable, the junior suite we were in could have had a sofa but instead just 2 padded chairs. The rooms are old fashioned, never renovated, a window AC, old pipes, and a small bathroom. They're clearly trying to make money without spending it. The hall to the rooms, yes The Hall. This is where the shining reference came from mostly. It's so long and so dark. You expect to see those twin children and blood seeping out of a door. I wish I had taken a photo. We checked out and moved to the Hoxton for the next night. My suggestion with "The Willows" (named like it's disguising a creepy assisted living facility), DON'T CHECK IN. read more

We had a wonderful stay in this kitschy boutique. The room was very comfortable and we experienced no problems. Not being familiar with the area we were skeptical but felt safe walking the streets, even at night. A small downside was the parking (paid parking garage a short distance away) but it was reasonable and had no problems. There were many food choices (Stan's Donuts, yum) close so able to bring to hotel and eat in the main entrance area. We certainly will stay here again. read more

Disregard the misleading negative reviews associated with this place. It is not the Hilton, nor does it pretend to be! It is QUIET, COMFORTABLE, and very relaxing. It is nostalgic and nit modern as I'm sure the snooty ass liberals that posted negativity expected it to be. Location is awesome, and the beds are BEAUTIFULLY COMFORTABLE!!!! read more

Quaint hotel with a lot of personality and BED BUGS. I stayed there for one night at the end of June and came home with BED BUGS. I checked with my doctor to see what the bites were, and he confirmed that if they're in a line like mine were - they're BED BUGS. Plus, I haven't been anywhere else that I could have gotten them. And when I asked the hotel about it? They said they wouldn't/couldn't do anything about it. So basically - "it sucks to be you, please come again" I would NEVER stay here again. Ick! BED BUGS!!!!! read more

The Willows Hotel - BED BUG BITES - Hotels Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Such an adorable little boutique hotel with an instaworthy lobby. The hotel is historic, I think it was built in the 20s so there are super old times heaters in each room that sometimes hiss... but it's funny. I like the location because it's near a Stans donuts to grab coffee and donuts in the morning. I like the decor, the art, it's worth checking out. Comfy beds and larger rooms. The staff was wonderful and super friendly & they have refreshments, just ask receptionist if they're not out. read more

The Willows Hotel - Lobby - Hotels Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Horrible on every level, in fact GROSS. Do not stay here ! I arrived and the whole lobby was a building site. A pipe had burst apparently, ok I get these things happen but there is no excuse for the state of the rooms and the unprofessional staff. The hot water was minimal. When I mentioned it at the desk their response was" oh you should have said earlier, some of the rooms don't really have much hot water". ?!!!!! The heat did not come on in the morning and it was cold in the room. The TV did not work, I called down and the front desk said they would bring me a new remote - yet they did not, The wallpaper was stained and peeling off the walls and the whole room and walls were dirty, the carpet was disgusting and old and there were cracks and damp water marks around the windows. The room did not look anything like the photos on the website and was so far off the look of a boutique hotel, the website feels like a lie. I was expecting something nice for the price I paid and was hugely disappointed. When I left I asked for the manager who apparently was "on holiday" The staff on duty said they would send an email to the manager requesting that I received a partial refund. Surprise surprise, I did not hear from them. 3 weeks later, I called up and the same staff member answered saying that the manager was not there and I could not have their email of phone number, he then became confrontational and rude when I mentioned I was following up on the partial discount we talked about and actually put the phone down on me ! I have travelled worldwide and this is hands down the worst hotel I have ever stayed at. GROSS and horrible on every level. read more

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Older hotel, not a franchise, but they have nice staff. Look beyond the age of the building and its a nice place. The staff was very kind to my wife and I. Thank you we will stay again. read more

Great stay in an historic building. Clean and quiet. Friendly, polite staff. Reasonably priced. Book directly with their desk so you can be assured of accurate pricing and info. We'll be back! read more

Roach cruising the bathroom. Although there was plenty of room, there were no luggage racks provided - certainly needed given the place has roaches. Both mattresses sagged so badly they disturbed our sleep and caused backaches. Extremely poor water pressure in the shower. 'Wallpaper' in bathroom in poor shape. No follow-up email from the hotel asking how our stay was..... Price and quality are a huge mismatch here. I don't mind that it is old. But I expect clean, and I expect a sleep-able mattress. read more

* I stayed at the Willows Hotel for ten days and had a wonderful time. If you're not picky about being in a 98 year old building, you'll have a great experience too. The small hotel is on a beautiful quiet residential tree-lined street, but only one block to tons of city amenities, trendy shops, theatres, and any kind of restaurant/cafe you'd want. * There's a lot of public transportation available as Willows is at the Clark/Diversey/Broadway hub in the East Lakeview area, and you're two blocks from Sheridan Road and Lake Shore Drive busses to the Magnificent Mile and downtown. There is some street parking, and they'll direct you to parking lots behind or near the hotel. * The lobby has an inviting seating area with fireplace, the walls covered with whimsical photos and art. Classical music fills the room. There are marble tables by the huge windows to read and have (24 hour) complimentary coffee. The elevator is up-to-date and fast. * The hotel and rooms are immaculately clean, and housekeeping is happy to fulfill every request promptly. The bed was super comfortable with soft sheets and duvet, squishy pillows that conform to your head, and a mattress pillow-topper. There are plentiful absorbent towels, and you can ask for more. The hot water is really hot, the cold really cold and the shower water pressure is good. Chicago alternated from 38 degrees to 72 degrees while I was there, both heating and air conditioning kept the room perfectly comfortable. * I had one of their smallest rooms (on the top floor) and it was a comfortable size for sleeping and getting ready for the day. There are nice touches like free wi-fi, very soft comfy robes, iron, hairdryer, and mini-fridge fully stocked with snacks, drinks, wine, liquor. There are blackout blinds, and lots of drawer and hanger space for your clothes. * The lobby is staffed 24 hours around the clock, I felt secure and there was always someone there to say hello and answer questions. Everyone who works in the hotel is very friendly, efficient, open to helping with city suggestions. I felt like I was a guest in their home rather than at a boutique hotel. Though it's a modest neighborhood hotel the staff always wants to go the extra mile to make your stay pleasurable. * Some will find a "downside" to staying at the Willows. In 1924 rooms were built small so If you like large Hilton-style rooms these may not do for you. There are a lot of windows but some don't face the streets, so if you need lots of light ask for the top floor. Yes, some of the paint is flaking and there are scratches on the furniture, I found it quaint, or you can pay twice as much and stay downtown. * I know this is a long review, but I wanted to be detailed as I stayed there a ten days while as I enjoyed an unparalleled Autumn in Chicago, I hope I can visit the "windy city" and make Willows Hotel my home again. read more

Personally, I am very particular about cleanliness and safety (over things like amenities) when it comes to hotels. We recently stayed 2 nights at the Willows and while it's showing some signs of its age, it was very clean and everything was in good working order. The staff is friendly and helpful, and it's in a great, walkable neighborhood. We will definitely be back. read more

We would definitely stay here again for their great location, close to bars and restaurants. We took an Uber to Wrigleyville, maybe about 5-7 mins because it was too cold out to walk. Nice rooms and friendly people at the front desk. read more

Ok, it's historic and close to Lincoln. Rooms are so small, musty, no amenities in the hotel. Not worth $1301 for two nights.

"Eek! Methinks not" sums this place up well. When I first arrived at this hotel, I was "high" on being fresh off the banana boat in Chicago and the lobby is the best maintained space in the hotel (as far as I could tell). Once I checked in, I made my way up the dank/smelly stairwell to my room, which was just above the lobby. Now in the room (and happy to be in a room with a bed given that mine hadn't arrived yet) and overlooking the dirty windows/screens, dim/outdating lighting, and generally rundown appearance and musty smell, I was still thinking "it's just got character: 3 stars." In a nutshell? WRONG. The carpeting is dirty enough to leave dirt imprints on my feet and socks. The sheets/pillowcases were stained. The wallpaper is peeling in multiple places, the dirty bathroom is the size of a postage stamp (the door hits the toilet, tub size would challenge a child, very little usable space to place toiletries, there's mold/staining in multiple corners inside and outside of the bathroom, there are stains on the walls/ceilings, the tub had a slow drain--and I was in ankle deep water before I finished: EWWW), the pen broke when I attempted to write with it (and was never replaced during my 2 night stay), most of the power outlets are in poor locations for use (two were even partially hanging from the wall), the TV is maybe 20" and received no premium channels, etc, etc, etc. SOME of these inexcusable things could be at least partially minimized by exceptional service, but even that's in short supply here. After check-in neither of my scanned room cards worked, when I placed my "clean the room" placard--and followed up in person at the desk on the way out--my room STILL hadn't been cleaned over 7 hours later upon my return, the hygiene of a couple of staff members--including a particular front desk staff member--is very off-putting (e.g. visually unclean, including visibly dirty/soiled clothing), etc. There were a handful of pleasant moments, but those aren't worth mentioning--and had no meaningful impact--given the above. (see 9 included photos that were taken in the room's "natural" lighting) BOTTOM LINE: Yes, the location is good, but so is a mattress on any given curb. It's all contextual! Until this establishment renovates these rooms? I'd avoid it like the plague. read more

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Friendly staff and great location. Older hotel and showing its age, but it's clear that the staff is trying. Friendly reception upon arrival, clean and comfortable room. Bathroom is small but was very clean and functional. We will book this hidden gem again. read more

I have been staying at the 3 hotels in this chain many, many times! I have the "friends ." from the Majestic Hotel. I last stayed there July 22-25. The stay was wonderful as usual. I have many friends in Chicago and most work in the restaurant and hospitality industry so often they'll stop by for a drink after work. I noticed that the "sentinel" who works the night shift was watching and frowning as I would welcome my friends. Today, I was going to make a reservation for a quick trip to Chicago and was informed that I had been 'banned" from the hotel. The man I was speaking to told me that the night clerk had done this for "too much foot trafic!" I travel a great deal and stay in many hotels and have NEVER had anything like this happen to me. All I can say is BEWARE of this nosey "sentinel"! This is a terrible way to be treated after so many years of wonderful visits to these hotels!9 read more

I return to Chicago, 8 years removed from the Chicago marathon I've done in 2009, but it was nice to be back. On this trip to the Windy City, I decided to book a night at the Willow Hotel. I found this cute, swank, boutique hotel on hotels.com and decided to book it. I usually don't book properties that were $100/night, but it was nice to splurge once in a while, especially while in Chicago of all places. This place is definitely in the city, with striking distance to downtown and a train ride to wherever you need to go. Luckily for me, the hotel was less than a mile from the Roosevelt station on the Orange train line. I flew into Chicago's Midway airport on Southwest Airlines, so it was awesome to have the train station there. I arrived on a brisk casual Thursday afternoon, but was told that the room wasn't ready yet (around 2pm). The hotel lobby was very swank and you can tell it had that upscale-ish touch to it, & that they know how to clean and do it well daily. Everything else was quite nice, although the room was a bit small, but I can't complain too much, as Chicago's quite cramped anyway. Still, doing it in style is one way to do things here. The overall experience here at the Willows Hotel was good, positive, and got a good night's sleep. Possibly the most important thing is the comfort of the bed itself and the quality of the sleep I've experienced and it was quite nice. I received room 403, with a king size bed. The room itself, as mentioned before, is very small. Makes me think of hotel properties I've stayed in Seattle and San Francisco previously. It was large enough to walk around and be comfortable, but small enough to be cramped, like in a private bedroom in a single family home. The Willows hotel is located at 777 Surf Street in the heart of Chicago, sort of near Logan's Square. Next door is a Walmart for your needs, as well as numerous restaurants nearby to satisfy your need for food and sustenance. Nightly prices here is over $120/night, taxes and fees are not included. Like all hotels in the industry, they accept major credit cards, so that's always a good thing, especially those of us who are traveling and don't carry cash most of the time and like to be paperless. Since I took the train here, I can't speak about parking. Although I can guess, paid street parking and paid parking garages are most likely the options you would have, if you had a car here in the urban corridor. They have free wifi here, but the wifi was kind of spotty. The television worked, as did the shower / tub. The check in process was nice and fast, although I wished that I could have checked in at 2pm. I should have asked the front desk lady to hold my bags somewhere safe while I go out drinking with a Chicago area friend. I was able to check in at 6pm later that evening. The complimentary continental breakfast was pretty good, yet simple. Breakfast pastries, coffee, and other simple foods to get your day started off to a roaring start. It was pretty cool to have breakfast at 8:30am on a Friday morning and not have anything really pressing to do at the moment. It was nice to sit there and enjoy not having to do anything. Vacation is awesome. 4.0 stars for the entire experience. While the price point certainly is not what budget friendly travelers look for in a hotel, it was nice to splurge. 4.0 stars for the service and comfort. Support local! B read more

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**Update. To their credit, Manager Juan came up to my room to address the issues I pointed out in my previous review. The maintenance man showed up early to repair the tub stopper. Juan expressed his commitment to making The Willows the very best boutique hotel it could be, as well as his concern for the problem areas I'd previously mentioned. I wondered how the hotel had such great Yelp ratings if my experience was typical, but I think I'm beginning to see that good customer service (as evidenced by both the night manager & by Juan)'is the key difference maker here. As previously mentioned, I love the historic building/boutique hotel scene. I will take the inherent problems that come along with them; except for the ones that are due to inattention or neglect. I believe these issues will soon be addressed as per Juan's promise. Although I still cannot change the comments on the room size, I am told that mine is one of just a handful of rooms in the hotel this size. My advice is to inquire prior to reservations on whether you are being booked into the "petite queen" room. While I'm just gonna choose to look at it as "Cozy", it is still a bit disappointing that My son won't be able to stay any nights w me here as he usually does when I'm in town (there simply is no space for a 2nd person in this room type). They obviously can't change the room size but perhaps could highlight the tiny size a bit more clearly so as not to surprise any other guests. I appreciate the prompt attention to the tub repair & Maintenance man John was extremely friendly and quickly took care of it. I also trust that Juan will address the other issues we discussed so as to have a better reflection on the hotel. I will add that the location is a quiet area but convenient to the beach and other outlying areas of the city. Lots of shopping and great restaurants within walking distance. The beds are very comfortable with luxurious linens. I've increased my star rating to 3 based solely on my experience here thus far but based on what I am told about other rooms & the customer service, I can now see why it has earned 4 stars and above. I come to Chicago often to visit family. This trip I decided to forego my usual "go-to" hotels and try something a bit different. Since my son lives in Andersonville, I try to stay closer that direction rather than one of the downtown hotels. After looking around a bit I saw The Willows. I'm a fan of smaller boutique hotels Vs a chain set up. Based on other reviews of this hotel I pulled the trigger on my reservation. Well I don't know if I just got a "lemon" room or not? It is the very last room down the long hallway almost looks like it should be a closet. But I stay a lot in New Orleans & some of my favorite hotels are older/historic buildings which usually translates into small rooms ; however I was shocked at the tiny size of the room at The Willows! Thankfully I am traveling alone on this trip because there is no way 2 guests could comfortably stay in this tiny dorm-like space. That being said, I decided to make the best of it & think of it as cozy. After all it had a clean bed, a cold air conditioner & I could take a long hot bath each night! I was hopeful that this boutique hotel would fill the bill & find its way into my short list of regular places to stay on my frequent trips to chi-town. But I quickly was a bit disappointed. Cleanliness not so great. But it's okay if you don't look in the corners. Older buildings can be a challenge to maintain but it's a hotel so it's a necessary task. One of the reasons I like to stay at older places is because I suffer from RA & most older hotel bathroom have a bathtub. I need to soak after a full day of sightseeing etc. however, to my extreme frustration, the older tub fixture is broken and the stopper is not working. As an alternative I was offered to bounce around to other rooms as they are available during my week stay. What? Who wants to pack up their things and relocate 2-3 times? So alternatively I was handed a stack of wash clothes and told I could "stuff it" Classy. The one person staff that I have seen are very friendly but this place will def not make my list. This will be my last visit. The only reason I have to stay out my visit is due to a non refundable payment. I was so hopeful to find another little gem to add to my rotation but the Willows won't make the cut. read more

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Excellent hotel in the Lakeview neighborhood, within walking distance to lots of shopping and dining. Very clean rooms, homey atmosphere. Complimentary breakfast in the early morning hours. Very professional staff on the top of their game. This hotel is truly a hidden treat. read more

Average hotel that certainly shows signs of age. It took a few minutes to figure out where the parking was. It's in a small alleyway behind the hotel. Staff was nice and friendly. Room was clean but again shows signs of age. Soaps and lotion are in a bottled dispenser. I didn't stay for breakfast because there were just bagels/muffins and hard boiled eggs from what I could see. Might not come back, but if I did, it would be for the location and price. read more

We loved this place!! Stayed last week for a quick night due to being in town for a concert. The room was nice and cozy. I loved the fluffy robes! The mini bar was stocked and was way cheaper than any bar. In the morning, I went on a walk around the neighborhood and saw that the area was awesome. When checking out, the staff was super friendly. Nothing bad to say at all! read more

The Willows Hotel - In room robe - Hotels Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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This place is perfect if you are visiting this great city. It's perfectly in the middle of some great breakfast and dinner restaurants. The service is great and everyone is very kind. Always there when you need them. read more

Post working @Hyatts & Hiltons, etc. I look for ol' funky hotels. The Willow Hotel did not disappoint! Located in Lincoln Park; a uber hip 'hood in Chicago. I'm not going to lie it's an old hotel with large hallways and windows that actually open but the service and location can't be beat. It's been decades since I was greeted at my taxi by a bellman. Who ushered my luggage to the elevator without the usual, "You need help with that." Upon registration, I was informed that hot cookies and milk would be available in the lobby @ 4PM. I didn't take advantage but the lobby smelled like fresh baked cookies when I returned; kinda homey. I was given a key and internet password (FREE & FAST) and taken to my room. The room as large with 2 large beds, tiny closet, desk, TV, and end tables. The bathroom was "charming" with a pedestal sink and circa 1950s pink subway tile. Everything was extremely clean and ordering. The cost of eating in a hotel especially a quick snack or drink from the mini bar has always makes me crazy. I was delighted they offered an extremely drinkable bottle of Pinot Noir for $15 - that's usually the cost of one glass in the lobby bar. Even the room service menu look reasonable but I didn't try it. They offered free breakfast in the lobby which I checked out but didn't eat (just not hungry). For a small area the covered all the bases: coffee, tea, water, fruit, yogurt, cereal, bagels, hard boiled eggs and microwavable breakfast sandwiches. The only issue I had was check out time. I tend to leave "late check out" requests to the last minute. I spoke to 3 people on this issue. 1st I was told: we can offer 1PM for free or 3PM for $30. When I asked for the 3PM I was told to check back with the manager. Later the manager said: We're sold out we can offer till 2PM for $30. I said that was fine. @2PM when I checked out they waived the $30 (THANKS!) and said they hoped to see me again soon. I just which I knew how late I could check out for $30 because my flight wasn't till 830PM. I'm in Chicago every year. I will book stay again without question. read more

The Willows Hotel - Nice room for some down time - Hotels Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I would hardly call this a "boutique hotel". The location is good, as we were looking for something within waling distance to Wrigley/Wrigleyville - it is about a 1 mile walk, which we did several times during the weekend. Fortunately, we didn't spend much time at the hotel because it is run down and musty, and the rooms just aren't very clean (the corners of the bathroom floor were gross). The long hallway to our room was creepy, my husband & I laughed that it looked like something from The Shining. If I had paid $100/night, I wouldn't have been so disappointed, but at $250/night, it is incredibly overpriced. Definitely won't be staying here again. read more

The location is close to perfect because the walkability of the neighborhood is wonderful. Access to the L is a short 10-15min walk, there are many bars restaurants and interesting shops to explore. And the North pond is close too. The hotel's lobby is very well maintained and clean. I wish the room had been as well kept. It was clean but rundown and worn. The bathroom was very small for a room called an "executive king" but the bed was comfy and the air cooling worked well. Juan was friendly and professional. Other staff were okay. read more

It is clean and the staff is friendly. The location was very convenient for what we needed. Likely would not stay here again as the facilities are very dated and the room is tiny. read more

Where do I begin? This is a dilapidated, barely renovated "boutique" hotel. It has the musty smell of years of wear and tear and the ambiance of a retirement home. The uneven floors creak noticeably and you don't want to look too closely into any corner or windowsill. The walls are so thin I could hear normal conversation from the guests around me, which made the screaming fight next door at 3am feel like it was in my room. The first night I tried to move from a room in front of the elevator but no go. When I went to run a bath at 11pm there was no hot water, nor water pressure beyond a trickle. I ran it for 40 mins just to see if it would heat up. Sadly lukewarm was the best I could get. The next day I was able to change rooms and when I gave them the reason BOTH DESK CLERKS SAID, "Yea that room is farthest from the water heater." Ok. You knew that when you checked me in and may have been alerted to how important having hot water was to me when I double checked there would be a tub. And you didn't say or do anything then. "Free breakfast" is the usual Hampton Inn fare: hard boiled egg, yogurt, toast, cereal. With several excellent breakfast restaurants in a one block radius, this doesn't really seem like a "perk." The TV worked (mostly) in room #2 but if you don't have a card telling you what the channels are good luck. It changed stations at the speed of dark and randomly shut off. 2 things that were decent were the bed and pillows ( although the sheets felt like they has been in use since the 1950's, kinda scratchy and dull, as were the Motel 6 quality towels.) incredibly the Wi-Fi worked. At least it did until the power failure. Then no such. This wasn't their fault, but the 2nd night there was a power failure owing to a transformer outside, but that meant the elevator was out of service when I checked out and had to hump bags down 4 flights. If you can find another place to stay in chicago, stay there. I've stayed in many chicago hotels and this study in creepy dark hallways and mostly useless desk clerks ( see screaming fight above that I called down about to no apparent avail) really tops my list of don't repeat this mistake. You're welcome. read more

Stayed here several times over the past year because it's a great location in Lakeview. Very sad to see that with each visit I have seen the hotel show it's age and tiredness. Honestly, I have started to get skivvied by the place. The hallways are drab and dark (think The Shining), and the petit queen was the size of a shoebox. My husband had no nightstand on his side, but improvised with an ironing board. The outlets wouldn't hold a plug; and the air conditioner looked as if it was from the 1980s--and spewed clammy cold air all day/night. While the front desk was nice, I didn't feel that sharing any of this would have made any difference. Please, Willows Hotel, get a sizable makeover so your rates reflect what it SHOULD be, not what you hope it is. read more

One of the WORST hotels I have ever stayed in. Gross, AC didn't work properly, paint chipping, walls cracking, AWFUL "full size" bed that had zero support. Unfortunately I have more negative things to say then positive. read more

It's overpriced, unclean and stuffy. Window nailed shut, and bath has no exhaust fan. Musty smelling also because of all of this. They tried with the weird animal motif but need to update and clean other things. Gross ice bucket and garbage can rusted and don't match with old hotel name?? of Nic? Don't understand. TV remote was so crusty and dirty, barrette under bed so obviously they don't vacuum well. Staff seemed bored and miserable. Saw a few creepy bugs in the bathroom. Won't stay there again or recommend. read more

This was formerly called the Surf and is located on Surf (one block north of Diversey) so not sure why they changed the name to the Willows. I suppose the new name has a more elegant ring to it. The Willows is a smallish property in East Lakeview with a pleasingly ornate exterior and decent rooms. read more

The Willows Hotel - Willows Hotel - Hotels Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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