Chicago's BEST Kept Secret? This Holiday Inn Will SHOCK You!
Okay, buckle up, because we're about to dive headfirst into a real-world, unapologetically honest review of Chicago's "BEST Kept Secret"? This Holiday Inn? Well, let's just say it shocked me. And not always in the way you'd expect. I'm talking real-life, not the carefully curated Instagram version. Prepare for some serious truth bombs, folks.
First Impressions - The Curb Appeal Conundrum
Alright, let's be real. Chicago, a city that breathes elegance and architectural marvels, doesn't always scream "Holiday Inn." I drove up, and my initial reaction was… well, let's just say it wasn't exactly a gasp of awe. It's functional. Think solid, dependable, like a reliable pair of work boots. Not exactly a head-turner, you know? But hey, sometimes, that's all you need. And as we learned throughout this review, judging a book by its cover, or a hotel by its exterior, is always a dicey proposition.
Entryway, Lobby, and Vibes (Accessibility and General Feel)
The lobby is accessible. This is a huge plus. Getting around with luggage, or if you have mobility needs, it's straightforward. The front desk? Friendly enough, but didn't exactly roll out the red carpet. The check-in process was efficient, but not particularly memorable. They do offer contactless check-in/out, which is a godsend these days, and they have an elevator. Score.
Accessibility Breakdown (Let's Get Specific)
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes, the whole place. That's a big win, and hugely important. Ramps, elevators, the works.
- Facilities for Disabled Guests: I didn’t experience this, but the website mentioned the important amenities, and I saw the necessary features.
Rooms: The Good, the Bad, and the Slightly Beige
Okay, the rooms. This is where it started to get interesting. The room itself was clean, no question. But the decor? Let's just call it "classic Holiday Inn" – which is code for "perfectly neutral." Think beige, with more beige on beige. They did have air conditioning, which is essential in a Chicago summer. And the blackout curtains were fantastic. Saved my life (and my sleep schedule). Here is a rapid fire collection of amenities/notes.
- Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, alarm clock, bathroom, closet, coffee/tea maker, complimentary tea, daily housekeeping, desk, extra long bed, complimentary bottled water, hair dryer, high floor, in-room safe box, internet access, ironing facilities, laptop workspace, linens, mini bar, mirror, non-smoking, private bathroom, refrigerator, satellite/cable channels, scale, seating area, separate shower/bathtub, shower, slippers, smoke detector, socket near the bed, sofa, soundproofing, telephone, toiletries, towels, umbrella, visual alarm, wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], window that opens.
- Important Room Extras: The bed? Surprisingly comfortable. The internet, as promised, was fast and free. I love that. I also appreciated the in-room safe and the desk, because I was working on a couple of articles. The room was soundproofed, which was a lifesaver considering I was on a fairly busy street and, unfortunately, had several neighbors.
- Room Sanitation: They offer the option to opt-out of room sanitization, which is great if you're eco-conscious or just don't want anyone in there. The rooms are sanitized between stays, and that gives you peace of mind.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Rollercoaster of Experiences
Here's the thing: the dining experience was a mixed bag. The description in the online reviews was a bit too… optimistic.
- Restaurants: There is a restaurant and bar, and it’s open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Breakfast: A buffet type breakfast.
- Poolside bar: There is a pool, and there were drinks, but there was not a full bar.
- Eating Options A la carte in restaurant, alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, bar, bottle of water, breakfast [buffet], breakfast service, buffet in restaurant, coffee/tea in restaurant, coffee shop, desserts in restaurant, happy hour, international cuisine in restaurant, poolside bar, restaurants, room service [24-hour], salad in restaurant, snack bar, soup in restaurant, vegetarian restaurant, western breakfast, western cuisine in restaurant.
Okay, let’s dive into the food:
- The Restaurant: The food in the restaurant was average, maybe a bit below. I am a foodie! The menu was predictable. I had a burger one night and it was…fine. The service, however, fluctuated wildly. One morning, the server was practically a robot; another, she was friendly but slow. The best part? They serve coffee! Always a win.
- The Bar: The bar was small, but ok.
- Snacks I did find the snack bar in the lobby to be a lifesaver!
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Promises vs. Reality
This is where the “Best Kept Secret” hype definitely started to unravel a bit. They do have a pool! A swimming pool [outdoor], but the view? Well, let's just say it wasn't exactly postcard-worthy. It was good to relax there on a summer day.
- Relaxation and Recreation: Body scrub, body wrap, fitness center, foot bath, gym/fitness, massage, pool with view, sauna, spa, spa/sauna, steamroom, swimming pool, swimming pool [outdoor].
- My Experience I'm a fitness fiend, so I hit the gym. It was small but serviceable. They had the basics. It was fine.
Cleanliness & Safety: Feeling Secure
This is where the Holiday Inn truly shone. They clearly take cleanliness seriously. I saw staff constantly cleaning, and they have all the right protocols in place.
- Cleanliness and safety Anti-viral cleaning products, breakfast in room, breakfast takeaway service, cashless payment service, daily disinfection in common areas, doctor/nurse on call, first aid kit, hand sanitizer, hot water linen and laundry washing, hygiene certification, individually-wrapped food options, physical distancing of at least 1 meter, professional-grade sanitizing services, room sanitization opt-out available, rooms sanitized between stays, safe dining setup, sanitized kitchen and tableware items, shared stationery removed, staff trained in safety protocol, sterilizing equipment.
- The Security Measures I felt really safe and secure. The security features are really good.
Services and Conveniences: The Extras
They really thought of a bunch of these extras, which is helpful:
- Services and conveniences Air conditioning in public area, audio-visual equipment for special events, business facilities, cash withdrawal, concierge, contactless check-in/out, convenience store, currency exchange, daily housekeeping, doorman, dry cleaning, elevator, essential condiments, facilities for disabled guests, food delivery, gift/souvenir shop, indoor venue for special events, invoice provided, ironing service, laundry service, luggage storage, meeting/banquet facilities, meetings, meeting stationery, on-site event hosting, outdoor venue for special events, projector/LED display, safety deposit boxes, seminars, shrine, smoking area, terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center
- Other Conveniences The lobby also had a small convenience store, which was handy for grabbing a forgotten toothbrush or late-night snacks. They have a laundry service, which is great if you are on a long trip. Luggage storage was also available, which made check-out much easier.
Getting Around: Location, Location, Location!
This Holiday Inn is well-situated. It's reasonably close to public transportation, which is a godsend in Chicago. Parking is free! (Big win!).
- Getting Around Airport transfer, bicycle parking, car park [free of charge], car park [on-site], car power charging station, taxi service, valet parking
For the Kids: Family Friendly?
I didn't bring my kids, but it does seem pretty family-friendly. They have babysitting, a kids' meal menu, and other amenities.
- For the kids Babysitting service, family/child friendly, kids facilities, kids meal
Internet Access (and the Tech Stuff)
The most important question in the modern age.
- Internet Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services, Wi-Fi in public areas, Wi-Fi for special events
- Internet in the Rooms Yes! Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!.
- The Connection The internet was fast and reliable, and it made my life so much easier.
Behind the Scenes Stuff
- Stuff that Matters: Access, CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, check-in/out [express], check-in/out [private], couple's room, exterior corridor, fire extinguisher, front desk [24-hour], hotel chain, non-smoking rooms, pets allowed unavailablePets allowed, proposal spot, room decorations, safety/security feature, security [24-hour],
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's itinerary. We're going to Crystal Lake, baby! And by “we,” I mean me, hopefully surviving this trip to the Holiday Inn Chicago Northwest/Crystal Lake/Convention Center. My expectations? Let's just say they're lower than the price of gas right now, post-holiday season.
Day 1: Arrival, Anxiety, and the Promise of Uncooked Chicken
1:00 PM: Arrive at O'Hare. (God, I hate airport food!) Seriously, the airport is a zoo. Endless lines, crying babies, people who CLEARLY think the security line is a fashion show. My carry-on? Full of emergency snacks and a book I'll probably stare at while contemplating the meaning of life. My ride to Crystal Lake? A rental car, which, based on my driving record, is a gamble. Pray for me.
2:30 PM: Check-in at the Holiday Inn. Okay, here's the first hurdle. Will the room smell like stale cigarettes and regret? Will the elevator be functioning? Will there be a horrifyingly stained carpet? Pray. And pray that the pool is open. Seriously, I need to soothe my travel-induced anxiety.
3:00 PM: Room Reconnaissance. Okay, breathe. The room isn't terrible. Generic, beige, and kinda sterile but the bed is in good condition, and the coffee maker looks clean. A small victory. I unpack as quickly as possible, but the view from the window is of the parking lot, which has a lot of potholes. Well, it could be worse.
4:00 PM: "Exploring" Crystal Lake… Sort Of. I had planned on a deep dive into the local culture. A stroll along the lake, a visit to a cute boutique. But my car started making a noise that sounded suspiciously like impending doom and I decided to postpone. I end up at a strip mall. It’s just the atmosphere of the store, though. At least I tried to go to the local shops.
7:00 PM: Dinner – The Hotel Restaurant. This is where things might go sideways. I'm talking about the pre-Thanksgiving meal, the meat was basically cardboard that wasn't cooked and wasn’t fully cooked. Seriously, I sent it back. The server was mortified, bless her heart. The second attempt? Still kind of… raw. I’m not a picky eater, usually. But food poisoning is a serious fear! I decided to scrap that and had some fries instead.
8:00 PM: Pool Time. This is the make-or-break moment for my sanity. Pool is open! The water is actually warm, and the whole thing is empty. I do some quiet laps, and the chlorine is washing away my earlier dinner disaster. Ah, peace. Until some kids show up which were noisy. But eventually quiet.
9:00 PM: Nightcap and Desperate Hope. Back in the room. The evening winds up with a nightcap of terrible coffee. I try to catch up on my new social media profiles. The silence of the night allows me to organize everything. I decide to go back in the morning to the shops nearby. Then, sleep. Pray for no nightmares about the chicken.
Day 2: Culture (Maybe), and the True Meaning of "Convention Center"
7:00 AM: Attempt at breakfast. Hotel breakfast is almost always a letdown. The coffee is weak, the eggs are… well, you get the idea. I settle for a bagel and some fruit. The fruit, at least, seems relatively safe.
8:00 AM: Explore the lake. After a couple of bad starts, I finally am able to park my car and go to the side of the lake. It wasn't bad, the lake was nice and the weather was kind. I really liked it.
10:00 AM: Back to the hotel. Time to go to the convention center.
11:00 AM – 4:00 PM: Convention Center Conundrum. The "Convention Center" is… a convention center. It’s not a place of beauty or inspiration. It’s a place where people gather to… do things. The only thing happening during my trip was some kind of trade show that had a very interesting name; the "National Association of Fluffy Dog Enthusiasts." I am not making that up. I wandered around, trying to look interested. I am not interested. I did, however, get a very fluffy dog sticker.
4:00 PM: Unintentional Nap. After the "excitement" of the Convention Center, I went back to the hotel room. I had a quick nap before dinner since I was feeling exhausted.
7:00 PM: Dinner at a local diner. I’d decided to find a diner. And I found an American diner in the town. The food was not bad and the service was good. I was excited for it.
8:30 PM: Evening. There's not much to do. I am exhausted because of the show. I call it a day.
Day 3: Departure and the Aftermath
7:00 AM: Breakfast At the hotel and I am not gonna lie, not the best.
8:00 AM: Check-out and Escape. The last moments of my trip are here. I check out and I am on my way.
9:00 AM: Home: Arrival at my home.
Final Thoughts: Crystal Lake, You Confused Yet?
Okay, Crystal Lake, you're… a place. I'm not sure I'd describe it as "charming," but it has a certain… something. The hotel was adequate, the food was a gamble, and the Convention Center experience was utterly bizarre. But hey, I survived. I learned that pre-cooked chicken is not my friend, and that fluffy dog enthusiasts really love their fluffy dogs. And isn't that what travel is all about? The unexpected, the slightly disappointing, and the occasional moments of pure, unadulterated joy. So, would I recommend it? Maybe. With VERY low expectations and a healthy dose of skepticism. As for the future, I am not sure, the next time I'll be here. But I'm sure I'll have another adventure, maybe.
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So, what EXACTLY is this "Best Kept Secret"? Is it…like, a secret underground speakeasy in the Holiday Inn? (Please say yes)
Alright, settle down, Gatsby. The speakeasy dream... probably a no-go. What I *think* they mean is it's a surprisingly decent Holiday Inn, maybe near a cool neighborhood. You know, the kind of place you *expect* to be a total dump, but then you walk in and it's…kinda okay. Maybe even… dare I say… *decently clean*? This isn't the Ritz, folks. Manage your expectations. I'm picturing a pool that *might* have been cleaned this decade.
Seriously, though, why a Holiday Inn? Why not a fancy hotel? Isn't it, like, a bit… pedestrian?
Okay, you're asking the REAL questions. Look, I'm with you. Holiday Inns aren't exactly synonymous with luxury. But here's the deal: Sometimes, the real secret is…the affordability and convenience. Staying in a fancy hotel downtown can bleed your wallet dry faster than a vampire in a blood bank. This? Maybe, just maybe, you get a decent room, free breakfast (those waffles!), and enough cash left over to actually, you know, *enjoy* Chicago. And hey, maybe it's close to a decent dive bar. That's my criteria for a "secret," I guess.
What's the food like? Is it… inedible hotel breakfast buffet-grade? Because, let's be honest, that's a low bar.
Oh, the breakfast. The sacred, often disappointing, breakfast. Okay, here's where we get REAL. I went. I did the research. I *ate the waffles*. They… were… passable. Look, it's a buffet. You've got your scrambled eggs (questionable origins), your rubbery sausages, your pre-packaged pastries. But the coffee? Surprisingly, *not* terrible. And waffles! Those golden, crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside, heart-shaped… well, they were a win. I went back for thirds (don't judge me, I was hungry!). BUT: My friend, Sarah, she’s far more civilized. She was mortified. Declared it a "culinary crime scene." So, your mileage may vary.
Okay, let's say it IS a nice Holiday Inn. What makes it "shocking"? Is it the art? The pool? The surprisingly stylish lobby?
Alright, "shocking" is a strong word. Let's be clear: We're not talking about finding a hidden Michelangelo in the laundry room. But maybe, just maybe, it's *cleaner* than you expect! Maybe the staff is genuinely helpful, not a bunch of robots programmed to hate their jobs. Maybe the rooms have decent Wi-Fi, and the air conditioning actually *works*. That alone is a shock in some places! Or maybe, and this is the biggest "maybe," it's located in a REALLY convenient spot that you hadn't considered. That, my friends, would be the real secret. Location, location, location!
Is there a catch? Is it really *that* good of a deal? Because my inner skeptic is screaming.
Oh, there's ALWAYS a catch. My inner cynic never shuts up. It’s probably not the *best* deal if you're expecting the Four Seasons and a private butler. Think "practical." Think "convenient." Think "the kind of place where you can leave your laptop on the desk and *maybe* it'll still be there when you get back." The biggest catch? Noise. Holiday Inns can be…loud. You're sharing walls with a whole bunch of other humans, and they're probably doing human things like snoring, partying, and having very loud… conversations. Pack earplugs. Seriously.
What was YOUR experience? Did it live up to the hype? Spill the tea, people!
Okay, deep breath. My experience? Okay. Look, I went in expecting the worst. I was fully prepared for a stained carpet, a broken hairdryer, and a room that *smelled* vaguely of sadness and old cigarettes. Instead? It was…fine. The room was clean-ish. The bed was… adequate. I even managed to get a decent night's sleep (thanks, earplugs!). The highlight? Discovering a REALLY cool little diner down the street (off script, but a total win!). The letdown? The pool was closed for "maintenance." Sigh. Overall? Not mind-blowing. But not a total disaster. I’d stay again. Maybe. If the price is right. And if they promise to deep-clean that pool! And fix those waffle makers. Okay, I'm rambling now.
Okay, fine, I'm intrigued. What's the *actual* location we're talking about here? (Spill the beans!)
Alright, alright, I'll play ball. I’m not going to give you the **exact** Holiday Inn. That’s for you to discover! Part of the fun…is the hunt! It’s in a neighborhood just outside… (Okay, I’m getting vague to keep the surprise, I'm so sorry! You can figure it out!). But the *key* is that it's near some great restaurants, some quirky shops, and…maybe a decent blues club. That, my friends, is my definition of a "secret." It’s a gateway to a good time, not just a place to sleep. Now go forth, and find your own "secret" Holiday Inn! (And let me know what's up with that pool!)
Bonus question: What should I ABSOLUTELY NOT forget to pack if I stay at this "secret" Holiday Inn?
Besides the obvious (toothbrush, underwear, etc.)? Earplugs! Seriously, you'll thank me. A portable phone charger (outlets can be precious). A sense of humor. And, most importantly, low expectations. And maybe...a small, personal bottle of your favorite booze, just in case the hotel bar is, well, disappointing. Also, a book. Or a good podcast downloaded. Because you'll have time to kill. Lots of time. Okay, I'm done. Go have fun. And send waffles.
