The Willows Hotel

Hotels
9 (979 reviews)
555 West Surf , Chicago , us

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 979 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
D
Deborah solo_traveller bw
3
Disappointing - good reviews made me book but the room was small, pokey, poorly air conditioned
Pros:

Location was central- walking distance to restaurants / eating was good.

Cons:

Room 236 was poor - very small, hot, loud air conditioner, small bathroom for US$600 +

2026-07-23 via Nuitee
P
Pamela couple us
8
2026-07-19 via Nuitee
J
jimbW5343BM NONE
10
Wonderful Hotel in Lincoln Park
Pros:

A very reasonably priced hotel in the Lincoln Park area. Convenient restaurant options and easy Uber rides to Chicago attractions. One unusual feature is reasonable prices and options for the minibar items in each room.

2026-07-11 via Tripadvisor
R
raduilie Family Paris, Ile-de-France
10
Nice clean room
Pros:

The room was clean, the neighborhood is safe, it was quiet at night so we slept well.

2026-07-09 via Tripadvisor
3
358shamush Family Lake Mary, Florida
10
Great experience
Pros:

Room was very clean (Jessica was great and very pleasant), front desk always helpful (especially Julia).

2026-07-05 via Tripadvisor
G
Getaway66613715922 NONE
8
Cute and quiet
Pros:

The location was perfect. It felt very safe and tucked away from big city vibes. The room was just a regular older hotel room - a bit outdated but that gave it charm to me. The price was great especially for the location. Our room was clean, the hotel common area was clean and smelled nice. You don’t hear big city sounds it was very quiet and secluded feeling. The young man working the day we checked in was very kind. There aren’t any huge amenities for this place - our room was very basic, a bed, bathroom and shower. There’s a mini fridge stocked with mini bar items. Overall this couple from a rural town in Michigan enjoyed our stay!

2026-07-03 via Tripadvisor
J
Jennifer couple us
10
A cozy boutique stay in a quiet corner of Chicago charming, relaxing, and exactly what we were hoping for.
Pros:

We recently stayed at the The Willows Hotel in Chicago and had such a wonderful experience. We absolutely loved the quiet location, it felt tucked away from the busier parts of the city while still being close enough to everything we wanted to do.

The hotel itself had such a charming boutique feel that made our stay feel extra special. It was cozy, welcoming, and full of character, which we really appreciated over a more typical chain hotel experience. Overall, it was the perfect spot for a relaxing stay in Chicago, and we would definitely stay here again!

Cons:

Nothing really to not particularly like about the property. We’re not hard to please.

2026-07-01 via Nuitee
G
Georg solo_traveller ch
6
2026-07-01 via Nuitee
D
Daphne extended_group us
10
Had the best time! We saw Bertha at Wrigley and Pride Parade right outside the door! Best girls weekend ❣️
Pros:

The history and location were absolutely PERFECT!!

Cons:

Outdated but charming!

2026-06-30 via Nuitee
S
Sallynoble72 Family
10
Classic & Convenient Hotel Stay
Pros:

Fantastic hotel property! Easy to find, friendly staff, great ambiance, clean and comfortable rooms. The teens loved the fresh cookies in the lobby! Easy to park in parking garage right up the street. This was our 2nd stay and we will come again!

2026-06-28 via Tripadvisor
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
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
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
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
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
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
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