The Willows Hotel

Hotels
9 (957 reviews)
555 West Surf , Chicago , us

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Children allowed

Facilities

Fitness facilities (surcharge)
Parking
Non-smoking rooms
Air conditioning
Lift / Elevator
Luggage storage
Safety deposit box
Fax/photocopying
Non-smoking throughout
Concierge service
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 957 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
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
K
Kensy Gina • solo_traveller • hn
10
El hotel esta en una zona muy segura y tranquila El personal muy amable
Pros:

Todo excelente 👌

2026-05-11 • via Nuitee
S
Samantha • extended_group • us
9
Was very cute and we loved the vibe. Everyone was friendly
2026-05-09 • via Nuitee
M
mwanguhya • solo_traveller • za
4
Grand old widow
Pros:

The staff! They are the redeeming grace.

Cons:

The floors creak and croak. The place is stuck in the distant past. The staff really try, everything works but everything is so old it smells of old age.

2026-05-07 • via Nuitee
R
Resort00925563104 • Solo travel
10
very Satisfied
Pros:

Staff very professional and friendly, hotel was very clean and quiet, very happy overall with my stay

2026-05-05 • via Tripadvisor
S
seetheworld010 • Family • Sedona, Arizona
10
Boutique and Fabulous!
Pros:

a sweet little hotel on Surf Street. we had a great time staying there. king bed, comfortable and good sleep. nice towels in bath. a few amenities. great front desk giving us suggestions of where to get a great hotdog!! Chicago Dog House! we loved our stay.

2026-05-05 • via Tripadvisor
C
Cesar • family_with_children • ec
8
2026-04-27 • via Nuitee
A
annasC5594IK • Family
10
Family trip to Chicago
Pros:

Beautiful hotel right in the center of Lincoln Park; very pleasant and helpful staff, Julia in particular made the experience wonderful ! We will be back !

2026-04-26 • via Tripadvisor
M
mari • couple • us
9
Relaxing, quiet. Zach and Julia very nice.
Pros:

Location excellent. No bkfst

Cons:

Location of heating unit.

2026-04-22 • via Nuitee
T
Taras • solo_traveller • us
10
2026-04-21 • via Nuitee
R
Riley • couple • us
8
Nice spot, great value
Pros:

Very nice staff, great location, comfortable amenities (multiple ceiling fans and windows that opened were a huge plus).

2026-04-20 • via Nuitee
J
jmK6664HW • Family
10
Felt so welcomed and right at home!
Pros:

The staff was wonderful! Julia was so kind and helpful!

2026-04-14 • via Tripadvisor
G
Gregg • family_with_children • us
10
Pros:

Great location and well maintained.

Cons:

Poor water pressure in the shower.

2026-04-09 • via Nuitee
S
Samantha • family_with_children • us
8
2026-04-09 • via Nuitee
P
Patricia • family_with_children • us
8
It was pleasant, comfortable and located near my son's condominium, which was convenient.
Pros:

My son lived nearby and we were able to walk to his condo from the hotel. The beds were very comfortable.

Cons:

There was a draft through the window in the bathroom. I also would have liked a grab bar in the shower.

2026-04-06 • via Nuitee