The Willows Hotel

Hotels
9 (897 reviews)
555 West Surf , Chicago , us

Children allowed

Facilities

Fitness facilities (surcharge)
Non-smoking rooms
Air conditioning
Lift / Elevator
Luggage storage
Safety deposit box
Fax/photocopying
Non-smoking throughout
Concierge service
Staff adhere to local safety protocols
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Great location
Courteous staff
Cons:
Cleanliness issues
Noise from outside

Categories

Cleanliness
8.23
There were reports of a ripped mattress pad and the hotel being old and needing updates.
Service
9.7
Staff were described as courteous and helpful, despite some complaints about the service.
Location
10
Multiple reviews praised the great location and convenience.
Room Quality
8.74
Rooms were generally comfortable, but some had issues like noise and temperature.
Amenities
8.69
Basic amenities mentioned, but lack of some items like coffee in rooms and issues with room service.
Value for Money
9.22
Some guests found it reasonable for the location, but others found prices high for the quality.
Food and Beverage
8.18
No breakfast included and some complaints about room service prices.
Overall Experience
9.23
Various experiences were mentioned, but many enjoyed their stay overall.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-08 08:09

Property Description

Charming Location in Chicago
The Willows Hotel offers a charming stay nestled in Chicago's prestigious Lakeview and Lincoln Park neighborhoods. Guests can enjoy the serene surroundings of a tree-lined street while being close to the vibrant city attractions.

Convenient Amenities
Experience convenience with complimentary WiFi, round-the-clock coffee & tea service, and comfortable guest rooms equipped with modern amenities. The Willows Hotel ensures a relaxing and hassle-free stay for all guests.

Explore the City
With easy access to public transportation, guests can effortlessly explore popular city attractions such as the Steppenwolf Theatre, Wrigley Field, Lincoln Park Zoo, and the beautiful Lake Michigan coastline. Uncover the best of Chicago right at your doorstep at the Willows Hotel.

Important information:

You must show a valid photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all special requests cannot be guaranteed and are subject to availability upon check-in. Additional charges may apply.

Please be advised that charges are applicable for early arrivals. Please contact the hotel directly for more details.

Please note parking fees vary depending on vehicle size. Please contact the property directly for more detail.

Please note that for reservations of 5 rooms or more different policies apply:
-50% of the total amount will be charged by the property after the reservation is made.
-If the reservation is canceled up to 14 days before the arrival date no fees will apply but if canceled later or in case of no show, the total amount will be charged.

When booking 4 rooms or more, different policies and additional supplements may apply.Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Airport code: ORD

Property Policies

  • Groups

    When booking more than 5 rooms, different policies and additional supplements may apply.

  • Children and extra bed policy

    Children of any age are allowed.
    Children up to and including 5 years old stay for free when using an existing bed.
    You haven't added any cots.
    You haven't added any extra beds.

  • Pets

    Pets are not allowed.

  • Internet

    WiFi is available in the hotel rooms and is free of charge.

  • Parking

    Public parking is possible at a location nearby (reservation is not needed) and costs USD 25 per day.

Location

Guest Reviews

9
Based on 897 reviews
Cleanliness: 8.23
Service: 9.7
Location: 10
Room Quality: 8.74
Amenities: 8.69
Value for Money: 9.22
Food and Beverage: 8.18
Overall Experience: 9.23
A
Ainaz couple us
6
Would recommend based on the location; would not recommend based on the quality.
Pros:

The location was good and it was clean.
The house keepers were so nice and gave us clean sheets and towels every day per our request.
Wifi is included.

Cons:

Some of the staff wasn’t friendly.
There was no hot water and coffee most of the time.
The bed sheets were horrible and my husband woke up on the mattress because sheets came off the mattress.
They charged us for taking stuff from mini bar; however, we didn’t consume any item from the mini bar.
There is no parking for the hotel, but there are public parking garages close to the hotel.

2026-03-18 via Nuitee
V
Viktoria couple us
7
Great value and location
Pros:

Location! Whimsical vibe! Parking close by

Cons:

Musty smell in hallways - probably due to very dated carpet

2026-03-17 via Nuitee
P
Pinklo Friends getaway Bethesda, Montgomery County, Maryland
10
Highly Recommend
Pros:

We had the best stay at the willows hotel! The room was comfortable and clean. The location was excellent and having water and coffee in the lobby was such a great bonus. Julia welcomed us in and I cannot say enough great things about her!! She was so friendly and helpful, passing along recommendations in the area and helping us check in early. We will definitely stay again!!

2026-03-16 via Tripadvisor
F
F3161TUmollyg NONE
10
Perfect hotel for work and relaxation
Pros:

I loved everything about my stay at The Willows! The hotel is charming, the rooms are immaculate, comfortable, and quiet, and the staff are the most warm and friendly! The surrounding neighborhood is safe, walkable, full of great restaurants, and just a stone's throw from the lakeside running path. You truly can't do better, and I look forward to future stays!

2026-03-15 via Tripadvisor
A
Ariana couple us
10
2026-03-14 via Nuitee
Q
Q2498OUivanr NONE
10
Charming hotel in great location
Pros:

The hotel was very convenient to public transportation, dining experiences as well as plenty of shopping and entertainment venues within walking distance. The neighborhood felt extremely safe and clean.

2026-03-10 via Tripadvisor
M
Mamashogs Family
10
Our stay at the Willows
Pros:

Although an older hotel, the Willows had a lot of charm. The bed was cozy and luxurious.
Great shower and selection of gels and soaps.
Absolutely best Robe ever !!!! Great location.
Clean and well maintained , great maid service. Juan a pleasant night manager provided a toothbrush.
Julia was the extraordinary day agent.
Pleasant, professional, kind and hardworking.
Went over and above to provide Excellent service and directions. A true gem of a human. Would definitely come back.

2026-03-08 via Tripadvisor
X
X9993YXmiae Friends getaway
10
Loved it!!
Pros:

This hotel is in a very convenient spot, close to shopping, restaurants, cafes, shopping, and only a few blocks away from public transit. The hotel staff was very attentive. Julia in particular was very helpful and kind. The lobby is a really cool place to hang out or work; the coffee was always available, there was hot water for hot chocolate or tea. The room was clean, the bed was comfortable. I really recommend staying here!!

2026-03-07 via Tripadvisor
S
shannonsL442EL NONE
10
We will be back!
Pros:

This hotel met all of our expectations. The location was great. We felt very safe and taken care of. The people working the desk were outstanding - friendly, attentive, willing to call for reservations and provide recommendations. It is an older hotel, but our room felt clean and the lobby was cozy!

2026-03-04 via Tripadvisor
N
nadiasW8013PO NONE
10
It’s a vibe
Pros:

Great vintage spot! It’s in a nice area that is near multiple restaurants and essential stores. Very chill , quaint and cozy.

2026-03-03 via Tripadvisor
M
Margaret couple us
7
Pros:

Location

Cons:

Needs updating

2026-02-27 via Nuitee
L
Lily couple us
7
Great comparative to surrounding hotels.
Pros:

Good location, cute lobby, nice staff, close to public parking.

Cons:

Difficult spot to get luggage in and out of.

2026-02-26 via Nuitee
C
cindybO9944HK NONE Monroe, Michigan
10
Very comfortable!
Pros:

Lovely boutique hotel. Older of course but charming. Excellent location. Everything is walkable. There are coffee shops, restaurants, zoo, conservatory all in the area!

2026-02-24 via Tripadvisor
J
Joanne couple us
7
It was fine for out purpose for the weekend
Pros:

Location

Cons:

Internet was inconsistent, no coffee in the room!! Had to get dressed to get my morning coffee. No continental breakfast- necessary in winter weather

2026-02-23 via Nuitee
K
Katina couple us
8
Good location
Pros:

We really liked the location. A lot of restaurants in walking distance. Parking garage and metered parking close by.

Cons:

We didn't like the room configuration. The bed was close to the wall without a night stand so you had to scoot or climb down to the bottom of the bed to get out of it.

2026-02-14 via Nuitee
K
kimoZ3048UV NONE
10
Short Feb getaway
Pros:

Love this hotel.
Great location and very walkable.
Sitting by the fireplace with book in hand was very cozy. Will gladly stay here again

2026-02-12 via Tripadvisor
V
Venture06500596611 NONE North Tazewell, Virginia
10
Great place to stay
Pros:

This is a lovely place to stay. We have always been greeted warmly by the staff, no matter the occasion of our visit. Stay for a day, stay for a week, the folks at the Willows will take good care of you.

2026-02-05 via Tripadvisor
M
Madison extended_group us
10
2026-01-21 via Nuitee
A
Andi couple us
4
Uneventful to say the least
Cons:

The bugs in the room. Along with the room needing a serious remodel

2026-01-20 via Nuitee
N
Nataliia family_with_children us
10
Pros:

I really liked the room — we stayed in a Deluxe room. It was quite quiet because our room was located at the very end of the corridor. The room was large and spacious. There were bathrobes, and I really liked them — warm and perfect for winter.
I also liked the lobby — very beautiful and full of character. Check-in and check-out were easy and smooth.
Most importantly, parking in the Broadway area costs only $26, which is very affordable.
I definitely recommend this hotel.

Cons:

The only downside was the toilet. There is a window behind the toilet, and it doesn’t close tightly — there are gaps, so cold air blows directly onto your back. In cold weather, it’s easy to catch a chill.
This was probably the only thing I didn’t like.

2026-01-19 via Nuitee