The Willows Hotel

Hotels
9 (971 reviews)
555 West Surf , Chicago , us

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Children allowed

Facilities

WiFi available
Free WiFi
Parking
Non-smoking rooms
Air conditioning
24-hour front desk
Heating
Lift / Elevator
Luggage storage
Safety deposit box
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.
A deposit may be required at the property.

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 971 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
R
Roger • solo_traveller • us
10
A Genuine Pearl
Pros:

Humorous decor, friendly staff, subdued but responsive clerks. Atmosphere of calm safety.

No bfst. No frills, no parking lot, no in-room microwave
My unit had a mini fridge Packed with sale items.
Near plenty of attractions. Rich in restaurants grocers, coffee shops, other services.

Cons:

I stayed longer because it suited all my needs.
Glad I found this refuge.

2026-06-27 • via Nuitee
A
ALITASALI • solo_traveller • tr
5
Pros:

Location

Cons:

The bathroom windows was locked!
There was not any air exhaust way. Strange!
The room smells was bad...

2026-06-26 • via Nuitee
K
Kerry • solo_traveller • us
9
I will absolutely return - staff was lovely and the room size was wonderful.
Pros:

The location was outstanding for what we needed to do.

Cons:

Next time I will request a top floor to guarantee my above neighbors are not elephants at 3:00 a.m.

2026-06-26 • via Nuitee
D
DickN142 • Couples • Minneapolis, Minnesota
10
Cubs game visit
Pros:

We love the location of the Willows. Close to the lake, public transit, etc. it’s a grand old hotel with friendly, helpful staff. We were in town for two Cubs games. It’s within walking distance of the ballpark or a short ride on the Clark Street bus.

2026-06-20 • via Tripadvisor
A
Anastasia • couple • us
10
Comfortable and convenient
Pros:

I love the location and the lobby.

Cons:

A little something for breakfast would be great.

2026-06-18 • via Nuitee
M
Mary • solo_traveller • us
8
Pros:

The room, location, and staff were the best.

Cons:

No on-site or valet parking. Public parking is nearby but not convenient. I must utilize a street loading zone to handle baggage and then check-in/check out, but move the car down one way streets to a public parking garage and walk back.

2026-06-18 • via Nuitee
D
David • couple • us
7
2026-06-17 • via Nuitee
P
packdnready • NONE
10
Lovely Hotel
Pros:

Charming hotel in a great location. The staff is professional, helpful and friendly. Rooms are comfortable. Tons of shops and restaurants in the neighborhood.

2026-06-16 • via Tripadvisor
G
Global611640 • NONE
8
Quaint Hotel
Pros:

Lovely hotel in perfect location for us. Convenient parking and walkable area. Plenty of shops and planes to get coffee or breakfast nearby.

2026-06-10 • via Tripadvisor
J
Jaime • extended_group • us
10
Pros:

Location was amazing

2026-06-08 • via Nuitee
C
Clifford • extended_group • ca
8
2026-06-07 • via Nuitee
J
Jeffrey • family_with_children • us
10
2026-06-07 • via Nuitee
C
Connector567061 • Family
8
The Willows review June 2026
Pros:

We stayed at The Willows for 2 nights. When we checked in the front desk attendant was charming. She shared a list of restaurants that were close to the hotel. The room was small, bed was comfortable, and it was quiet. We slept well, shower was good, coffee was ready in the lobby, and we had everything we needed. Great staff and check out was a breeze.

We walked to Nancy's, great coffee at Stan's and Crepe restaurant, there is also a grocery store near by Marianos. Parking was fine and a quick walk from the public parking garage to the hotel. I'll return again because I am originally from the area and felt very much at home. Don't miss breakfast at the pancake house or Ann Sathers.

2026-06-05 • via Tripadvisor
J
Jason • solo_traveller • us
1
2026-06-02 • via Nuitee
K
Kraut • couple • us
8
2026-05-29 • via Nuitee
M
Miranda • extended_group • us
8
We had a lovely time. Lots of places to explore, and friendly helpful staff.
Pros:

Gorgeous decor, perfect location, spacious rooms

Cons:

No pool or bar

2026-05-29 • via Nuitee
G
Gayle • couple • us
10
2026-05-27 • via Nuitee
P
Pam • solo_traveller • us
8
Excellent location and very friendly staff!
Pros:

The location of this property is amazing! I was 2 blocks from Lakeshore drive an amazing trail system!

Cons:

The rooms are small but they are enough. The warm cookies were very nice but breakfast, or something light for breakfast, would have been nice.

2026-05-23 • via Nuitee
C
Carlos • couple • us
9
2026-05-22 • via Nuitee
T
T7977EXimada • Business
8
Good time at the Willow
Pros:

It was a nice stay at the Willows. The Staff is just great and the location is really good. Thank you everyone especially Eric for your amazing energy!

2026-05-11 • via Tripadvisor