I was in the Chicago area for a convention and wanted to stay downtown to be near McCormick Place. However, the only available room I could find was at the Willows in Lakeview. I really enjoyed the neighborhood! I love walking to the small shops, it was nice after a hectic day downtown. I rode the CTA to save on transportation and it was easy to do. The hotel room was very small but the bed was comfortable. I would stay at this hotel again.

After reading several positive reviews about the Willows (convenient location near public transportation, clean rooms and safe) I didn't hesitate to book a reservation for myself and a colleague attending trade shows for a business trip. My late night flight was delayed, and by the time I got through the unusually long taxi lines, I was pretty worn out (I'd spent the better part of the day prior on an international flight).

Hotel impressions can make or break a stay, and the welcome from the staff made me want to weep. Check in was quick and effortless and the two gentlemen on the graveyard shift were lighthearted, funny and accommodating - providing directions and recommendations to late night eateries.

The hotel itself is quaint, with an "old world" feel. Given the decorative lobby (plush carpeting, columns, ornate sofas), it felt as though I'd stepped into a timepiece movie. I was particularly amused by the old style elevator, complete with swinging metal grate, latch and door. The downside: it was a bit difficult to maneuver with luggage, reduced elevator room capacity (more wait time down in the lobby/at your floor), and if you got a room within proximity to the elevator, you'd hear the loud "bang!" as patrons exited.

The room was pretty much standard, with nothing for me to complain about. Wi-fi worked without interruptions (ask staff for access), as did the iron and complimentary cable. I did particularly like the additional layer of a velour blanket, as well as the Pascal Morabito toiletries (although I didn't understand providing bath salts to a room without a bath). My room came with two AC/heating units at each side of the bed, which allowed for individual climate control.

There was a variety for the complimentary breakfast in the morning that included cereal, pastries, breakfast sandwiches, juice, coffee and tea. The morning staff was just as friendly--if not more!---and told me of the afternoon social (helpful for extended stays).

All in all, the Willows made for my stop in Chicago--the last on a multi leg business trip--very relaxing that I was sorry to leave. I've already recommended this place as one to stay to other colleagues and won't hesitate to do so again.

My husband and I stayed at the Willows for our honeymoon. We loved the property and the neighborhood. It was within walking distance to Wrigley and downtown was short taxi ride away. We are planning an anual trip to Chicago and will stay at the Willows again.
The breakfast was good and the afternoon cookies and lemonade added the extra touch to the stay. Staff was awesome and very friendly.
Rooms were spacious and very clean. Bathroom floors were heated.

We have stayed at the Willows several times due to our daughter seeing a specialist at Children's hospital.
Sure the hotel is old, but it is very clean and comfortable. The staff was excellent every time we have stayed there, very helpful and friendly.
The coffee and tea available 24 hours is nice as are the bathrobes in the rooms.
The best pizza my family has ever eaten was in a small pizza parlor around the corner.
On the down side, the sink in the bathroom is too small to lay things for getting ready.
The parking garage is a bit of walk, but is secure and private.
We love the Willows and stay there every time we're in Chicago!