Holiday Inn Chicago O'Hare

Although it was remodeled in 2012, this Holiday Inn hotel looks and feels like it hasn’t been updated since opening its doors in 2007 (more renovations were planned as of fall 2016). The low-ceilinged lobby’s black and white tile flooring, wooden columns, and basic upholstered green chairs aim for a retro look, but the scratched veneer furniture and worn hallway carpeting leave the public spaces looking a bit tired and neglected. Lounging areas in the lobby are also limited, so guests wanting to unwind head to the on-site Bar Louie restaurant. Its decor is drab, but its late-night service is especially convenient for guests coming in from flights at odd hours. All in all, this Holiday Inn outpost does an airport hotel’s job as an easy option for travelers in between flights, but guests shouldn’t expect much by way of atmosphere. 

The hotel is a seven-minute drive from Chicago O’Hare International Airport, and a free 24-hour shuttle is provided to take guests to and from their terminals. The airport can also be reached in 19 minutes by the Blue Line train station that's across the street from the hotel. While it’s shielded from the noise of airplanes taking off and landing, the hotel’s location just off the interstate does leave it exposed to disturbances from the regular flow of traffic nearby, and there isn’t much in the surrounding area apart from large corporate buildings. It takes at least 40 minutes by train (20 driving) to reach downtown, and up to an hour to main attractions like Millennium Park, Navy Pier, and the Art Institute of Chicago.

Rooms at the Holiday Inn Chicago O’Hare are spacious and comfortable enough, but the traditional decor has become worn and faded. An orange-and-brown color scheme dominates, with various shades used for the bedspreads, walls, curtain valances, and armchairs. Windows let in a decent amount of natural light, but gray patterned carpeting leaves things looking dark. Details like brass-handled dresser drawers feel antiquated rather than elegant. Past guests have reported some cleanliness issues along with occasional broken fixtures, from lampshades to air-conditioning units. Bathrooms are also due for a refresh. All come with granite countertop sinks, large mirrors, and shower/tub combos with fixed showerheads as well as hairdryers and toiletries. However, musty humidity can be an issue, which can also cause wallpaper to peel. Some ceilings are marked with water stains as well.Standard rooms come with single queen or king beds, or double beds, while executive and suite-level rooms offer more space with separate living areas and sofa beds. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, ironing equipment, and free Wi-Fi (though it can often run slow). Guests have noted that the air-conditioning units are especially loud. Coffeemakers and mini-fridges are also included, and microwaves in every room are an especially thoughtful touch. Accessible and pet-friendly rooms can be available upon request. 

Guests can expect the basic Holiday Inn amenities here, including an outdoor, heated pool open during warmer months, and a gym in a neon-green hue outfitted with up-to-date treadmills, other cardio machines, and plenty of free weights. Nine meeting rooms, along with a two-computer business center, cater to the hotel's business travelers. Self-service laundry facilities are also available, as is free Wi-Fi throughout the property (although connections can be slow). The casual Bar Louie restaurant is available for a sit-down meal or room service, and can be pricey, especially for breakfast, which isn’t included with room fees. But it does stay open late, a boon for travelers arriving at night. The small on-site market shop offers lots of grab-and-go food items as well. With airport-bound travelers in mind, the hotel also offers a useful free shuttle service to and from the Chicago O'Hare, plus lots of indoor and outdoor free parking space with a park-and-fly option.