The Willows Hotel

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

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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
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
M
Michael • couple • us
9
Cons:

A little pricey

2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
T
Todd • solo_traveller • au
6
Could of done with a personal driver
Pros:

Location

Cons:

Noise from rubbish trucks no coffee in room and expensive room service

2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
A
ANGELO • extended_group • us
6
Pros:

Quiet

Cons:

Needs some freshening up.

2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
A
Ann • couple • us
5
Overall, Hotel is in need of major update. Wallpaper is peeling, cracks in the paint, doors slam shu
Pros:

Location was fantastic. Neighborhood is lovely.

Cons:

We got a standard room. It was very, very small. We will likely try again, but definitely get a larger room

2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
A
Anthony • solo_traveller • us
10
2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
R
RoseMarie • couple • us
8
Very good overall.
Pros:

The location was very close to so many restaurants, shops, transportation stops and other conveniences. Hotel staff was very helpful and friendly.

Cons:

Just small things such as creaking stairs and not enough light in the room.

2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
A
Aaron • family_with_children • us
1
Pros:

Nothing

Cons:

They charged me 536 bucks for a room i was supposed to be charged 213.00. Still haven't got my $$$ back

2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
L
Linda • family_with_children • us
8
It was a quaint place for our first time in Chicago
Pros:

The location was good. The room was clean

Cons:

You had to request housekeeping and when you did request it you didn’t get it. Our garbage cans were overflowing, we had to constantly ask for clean towels and there were 3 of us and they would only give us 2. We had to also ask for toilet paper

2026-01-19 • 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
J
Julie • solo_traveller • us
10
Pros:

King bed, clean

Cons:

WiFi wasn't good, but thankfully I didn't have much work to do at the hotel.

2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
B
Barbara • couple • us
8
2026-01-06 • via Nuitee
E
Eileen • couple • us
10
Pros:

Charming lobby, inviting fireplace to enjoy while waiting for our family to pick us up.

2026-01-06 • via Nuitee
J
Jeff • couple • us
8
2026-01-05 • via Nuitee
S
Susan • couple • us
5
2025-12-28 • via Nuitee
J
Jamie • couple • us
4
2025-12-22 • via Nuitee