Escape to Chicago: Morton Grove's Hidden Gem Hotel
Escape to Chicago: Morton Grove's Hidden Gem Hotel - A Review That's Actually Real (and a Little Messy)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this ain't your average, sterile hotel review. I just got back from a stay at the Escape to Chicago hotel in Morton Grove and lemme tell you, it was… an experience. A good one, mostly, but one that warrants a review that’s as real and chaotic as my travel planning.
Meta-Data (because the SEO Gods demand it, and who am I to argue?): Escape to Chicago Hotel Morton Grove Review, Hotel in Morton Grove, Chicago Area Hotels, Accessible Hotels Chicago, Hotels with Pools Chicago, Family-Friendly Hotels Chicago, Best Morton Grove Hotel, Hotel Reviews Chicago Suburbs, Wi-Fi Hotels Chicago, Spa Hotels Chicago, Pet-Friendly Hotels Chicago (even though they technically don't take pets, more on that later!), Hotel Dining Chicago, Morton Grove Hotel Deals.
Accessibility: The Real MVP? (Well, Almost)
Right off the bat, let's talk access. I'm not reliant on a wheelchair, but I appreciated the effort. They had a ramp, and an elevator. That's more than some places! The elevators were a little… slow. Like, "contemplate your life choices while riding" slow. But they worked. And that, my friends, is a win. The accessible rooms seemed well-equipped, and the commitment to having accessible features overall deserves a round of applause.
(SEO Boost: Accessibility, Wheelchair Accessible, Facilities for disabled guests, Elevator)
Rooms: Ah, the sanctuary… mostly.
My room (a standard one, not a fancy "couple's room" or anything… I'm a solo traveler, living the dream, baby!) was…clean. Spotlessly, almost aggressively clean. Like, you could eat off the floor (though I wouldn't recommend it). The air conditioning blasted cold air like a blizzard – blessedly so. The blackout curtains were a godsend, blocking out all the Illinois sun, so I could sleep in, if I wanted to.
And the Internet? Let's talk Internet. Because it's 2024, and Wi-Fi is basically oxygen.
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Yes! The Wi-Fi was… serviceable. Not lightning fast, but perfectly adequate for scrolling through TikTok (priorities, people!). It felt stable enough for basic tasks.
Rant: Seriously though, some hotels still charge for Wi-Fi in this day and age? It's like charging for air! Glad Escape to Chicago gets it.
(SEO Boost: Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, Internet access – wireless, Internet access – LAN)
Things To Do & Ways To Relax: Spa Day Dreams… or Not?
This is where things get a little… mixed. The Fitness Center was a solid little space, with decent equipment. I didn’t use it, but I peeked. Looked clean enough. The Swimming pool was… well, it was a pool. A completely regular outdoor swimming pool. I’m more of a "lounge by the pool with a book" type person, so the pool with a view was a little disappointing. The view was… the parking lot. Still, it was clean, the water was clear, and the chlorine smell was reassuring (in a slightly sinister "sanitized for your protection" kind of way).
Now, the spa. Oh, the spa. They mention a Sauna, Spa, and Steamroom. But here’s the kicker… it wasn't quite what I envisioned. Turns out, the sauna was… locked. And the spa? Well, it involved making an appointment to go get a massage. My fault for not reading more closely. I daydreamed about a steamy sauna after a long day on the road, and that just didn’t pan out. Major bummer!
(SEO Boost: Swimming pool [outdoor], Sauna, Spa, Gym/fitness, Massage)
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food, Glorious (Mostly) Food!
Alright, let's dive into the grub. The hotel boasted a restaurant and a bar. The food was… let's call it “comfortably average.” Not Michelin-star worthy, but perfectly edible and sometimes even delicious. The Asian cuisine in restaurant actually blew me away. Who knew Morton Grove had such delectable pad thai? The breakfast [buffet] was a decent spread, with your typical continental fare, eggs, bacon, and… surprisingly good fruit.
One morning, while on my way to the buffet, I bumped into a staff member. He offered a bottle of water—a refreshing gesture.
(SEO Boost: Asian cuisine in restaurant, Breakfast [buffet], Bar, Restaurants)
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Safe, Not Just Clean.
This is where Escape to Chicago really shone. The commitment to cleanliness was insane. I mean, the Daily disinfection in common areas was evident. Hand sanitizer dispensers were everywhere. They really seemed to take their protocols seriously. This gave me real peace of mind, that the staff cared.
(SEO Boost: Cleanliness and safety, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol)
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
From the concierge who actually knew things (a rarity, I’m finding) to the ever-present Daily housekeeping, the service was solid. The Car park [free of charge] was a definite perk. And the Cash withdrawal machine was a lifesaver.
(SEO Boost: Concierge, Daily housekeeping, Car park [free of charge], Elevator)
For the Kids: Family-Friendly? Maybe.
They have a babysitting service, which is a good sign; but I don't have kids, so take this with a grain of salt.
(SEO Boost: Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal)
Getting Around: Easy Peasy
Airport transfer option is cool. Car park [free of charge] is brilliant, especially considering the location.
(SEO Boost: Airport transfer, Car park [free of charge])
The Imperfections (Because Nothing's Perfect, and Honestly, That's Okay)
- The "Pet-Friendly" Lie: The website states that pets were unavailable, which is a nice way of saying "no pets allowed". This is important information. I get it.
- The Sauna Situation: As mentioned before, don’t assume the sauna is reliably open without calling ahead.
- The "View": The parking lot thing. It's a thing. A functional thing, but not a scenic one.
The Verdict: Would I Go Back?
Yes, absolutely. Despite the minor imperfections, the Escape to Chicago hotel in Morton Grove is a solid choice. It's clean, well-located, and offers a good value for the price. It's not fancy, but it's comfortable, and the staff is genuinely friendly. It's the kind of place that makes you feel like you're escaping the monotony of corporate hotels. It's got quirks, it's got charm, and sometimes, a little chaos is exactly what you need.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars. (minus 1 for the sauna letdown)
Newport Beach Marriott Bayview: Your Dream Oceanfront Escape Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's travel itinerary. This is a Super 8 in Morton Grove/Chicago Survival Guide, Version: Me, Myself, and I (and maybe a slightly cranky stomach).
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Super 8 Purge
- Time: Arrive at O'Hare. Good Lord, the airport. It's a swirling vortex of stressed families, luggage carts that seem to have minds of their own, and the ever-present scent of Cinnabon.
- Transportation: The dreaded rental car. Pray for good traffic (you won't get it). Driving in Chicago is like playing a real-life version of Frogger, except the logs are yellow cabs and the lily pads are…well, anything vaguely solid.
- Arrival at Super 8: Check in, breathe a sigh of relief (it looks clean). Key card shuffle (always three tries). The room. Okay. It's…a room. The carpet? Questionable. The air conditioning? Definitely not whisper-quiet. But hey, at least there's a TV. I'm already picturizing myself in bed, staring at whatever happened to be playing at the time.
- The Purge: Unpack. That's the polite term for "spreading all my crap everywhere." It's a sacred ritual. Shoes scattered like fallen leaves, chargers tangled like Medusa's hair… ah, home.
- Dinner: The immediate area is a feast of fast food. A philosophical battle commences: "Should I try something new, or stick with a reliable burger? I'm tired after the plane ride. But isn't Chicago known for its food? No. Burger."
- Evening: TV. Then, the insidious siren call of the free continental breakfast tomorrow… I must go to sleep.
Day 2: Chicago Bound & The Pizza Predicament
- Breakfast (The Continental Apocalypse): The Super 8 breakfast. Let's just say "continental" is being generous. Stale bagels, questionable coffee, and the promise of some kind of sugared cereal that might be edible. I grab a bagel and try to look like I'm enjoying it.
- Morning Commute: Drive into Chicago? Oh, the bravery! The traffic. The honking. The sheer scale of the city. I feel like a tiny, lost bug.
- First Stop: Millennium Park (The Bean & The Betrayal): The Bean. It's cool. It's shiny. Everyone is taking pictures of it. I take a picture of me taking a picture of it. It's all very meta. Then, a woman with a poodle cuts in front of me, and I lose my zen.
- Midday: Pizza. Chicago pizza. Deep dish. The stuff of legends. So I went to this famous place. An hour wait. The place was packed. The pizza, when it finally arrived, was… well, it was delicious. But my god, I think I’m still digesting it. It was a carbo binge and I now want to take a nap.
- Afternoon: Strolled along the Riverwalk. Very picturesque. Pretended I wasn't getting a sunburn. There were people walking dogs everywhere. Dog envy begins to set in.
- Evening: Back to the Super 8. I'm exhausted! And the traffic. Ugh! Took a moment to admire the room. I swear the room has gotten bigger. Took the plunge and ate more. Just an apple. Then a soda. I'm starting to think my diet is mainly applesauce.
Day 3: Museum Mayhem & The Emotional Breakdown (Maybe)
- Morning: Plan: The Art Institute. Reality: Another continental breakfast and a strong urge to stay in bed. Must go. I'm paying for this trip, darn it.
- Museum: The Art Institute is overwhelming. So. Much. Art. I wander around, pretending to know what I'm looking at. I find myself staring at paintings for ages, trying to understand them, or just to get the heck out of the crowd.
- The Unexpected Tears (or Maybe Eye Irritation): I see a painting. It's a landscape. I don’t know, I was thinking about… things. And suddenly, BAM! A single tear. Well, not a single one. More like a sudden waterfall. The painting? Meh. The sudden wave of existential feels? Priceless.
- Afternoon: Trying to recover from the feels-fest. I wandered through the shops and cafes. Coffee and pastry.
- Evening: The best part of the day: Back at the Super 8. A quiet moment. I like my room.
- Night: The hum of the AC and the distant sounds of the highway. I was going to watch some TV. Instead, I just stare into the dark. My thoughts and feelings get loud in the quiet room.
Day 4: Departure & The Phantom Breakfast
- Morning: Wake up. Almost forget I have to leave. Contemplate extending the trip.
- Breakfast: The breakfast. Again. The same thing. But somehow, it tastes a little better. Maybe it's the anticipation of going home, or maybe I just finally broke down and put ketchup on my bagel. Who knows.
- Check Out: Smooth sailing. No problems. Ah!
- The Empty Car: Goodbye, rental car, you magnificent beast of burden.
- Return: O'Hare again. More crowds. The smell of Cinnabon. It all feels familiar now.
- Departure: On the plane. Stare out the window.
- Final Thoughts: Chicago? Chaotic. Overwhelming. Sometimes frustrating. But also… kind of magical. And the Super 8? Well, it was a place to rest my head, a temporary home. Would I recommend it? Depends. Do you like your rooms slightly dusty, your coffee lukewarm, and your memories delightfully messy? Then, yes. Absolutely. See ya.
Escape to Chicago: Morton Grove's Hidden Gem Hotel - Let's Unpack This! (Because Honestly, It's a Journey)
Okay, so... is it REALLY an "escape"? From WHAT, exactly?
Alright, real talk. "Escape" might be a *touch* dramatic. Look, Morton Grove isn't exactly the Maldives. But for ME? Absolutely, yes. My escape from... well, let's just say a relentless toddler and a mountain of laundry. My husband thinks I'm overreacting, but escaping the usual chaos for a few hours to recharge? Priceless.
It's more of a mini-escape, a mental reset. You're not ditching reality, you're just... hitting the pause button. Think of it as a strategic retreat. You're in the suburbs, but hey, the hotel has a pool. And the pressure of a city block seems to fade.
Plus, the staff is *sweet*. Seriously, they're like, "Welcome, weary traveler!" and I'm already breathing easier. (Also, no judgement about the messy hair, I'm sure they've seen worse.)
The "Hidden Gem" thing... is that code for "slightly dated"?
Okay, so, yes. There's a certain charm to it. Imagine stepping back in time... to, like, the early 2000s. The decor is... well, let's call it "classic." Think floral wallpaper, possibly a heavy-duty duvet. (Mine *did* have a slight, but very subtle, mothball scent the last time I stayed, I SWEAR.).
BUT! It's clean. And the staff clearly cares. It’s not a soulless, sterile chain hotel. It feels... homey. Like staying at your eccentric aunt's place, but with less passive-aggressive commentary about your life choices. (Mostly.)
And honestly? After a long day, warm blankets and a quiet room is a beautiful and wonderful thing. The TV works, the wifi is at least functional, and the shower has decent water pressure. These are simple pleasures, people! Simple pleasures.
Is the pool actually worth it? It looks kinda... I don't know, *suburban hotel pool* from the photos.
Okay, this is where I get passionate. The pool is a game changer. Yes, it's a suburban hotel pool. Yes, it probably needs some updating, but it has something *magical*. It's ALWAYS surprisingly warm.
I went last week, and there was a HUGE inflatable orange slice bobbing around. I'm talking, like, HUGE. I was tempted to sneak in and just use it as a pillow, but I'm not *that* brazen. But it made me so happy.
I ended up chatting with a couple of old ladies, and we whined about the price of groceries for an hour. It was wonderful. It's not a fancy, Instagrammable pool... but it's a place where you can *relax*. And sometimes, that's all you need. (Plus, the hot tub is usually blissfully empty.)
What about food? Any decent options around there?
Okay, food. This is where Morton Grove shines, or at least, offers a *solid* performance. It's not Michelin-star cuisine territory, I won't lie. But the hotel has a decent breakfast buffet. And, oh boy, the eggs. I swear, they’re at least *trying* to make them fluffy.
But the real magic is outside. There's a fantastic diner down the street with pancakes the size of your head. *Highly* recommended. You can practically roll out of bed and onto their doorstep and have a meal in about 5 minutes.
And there's a REALLY good Italian place (I will not disclose it in order to keep me and my husband's date spots safe!), and it's just perfect for a romantic dinner. If you can get a babysitter. Which I often can't, so the diner it is.
Also, for a late-night snack, a 24-hour donut shop on the corner. You know, just in case you get the munchies in the middle of the night. Not judging you. I’ve been there.
Is it kid-friendly? Because, you know... toddlers.
Okay, this is going to be a bit complicated. "Kid-friendly" in the sense that they *allow* children? Yes. "Kid-friendly" in that it's a dedicated family resort with a water park? Absolutely not.
The pool is fine for kids who can swim, but there's no lifeguard, and the hot tub is probably *not* a good idea for a toddler. The breakfast buffet is a win, because what kid doesn't love carbs?
Honestly, I'd recommend it more for a *break* from the kiddos. Sneak away, recharge, and return to battle, refreshed and ready for more. You deserve it!
Plus, the quiet is a huge plus. But hey, don't bring the wailers.
What about the location? Is it convenient to anything, or are you just stuck in the suburbs?
Okay, the location is a double-edged sword. You're in Morton Grove. It's not the *vibe* of downtown Chicago, but it's also not the middle of nowhere.
It's a pretty easy drive to the city if you *want* to go into the city. But honestly, the best part is that it's close to everything suburban. Shopping, restaurants, parks. So you can hop around to different places if you want to, or if you just want to stay in the hotel, it IS the only thing you're really going to see.
Plus, it's a decent spot to explore the area. Chicago's history is everywhere. You're not *just* stuck; you're... strategically located. And that's the important thing. It does make for a convenient springboard to the attractions nearby.
Final Verdict: Would you *really* recommend it?
Look, I’m a fairly critical person! It's not the Four Seasons. It's not even the Ritz-Carlton. But for a quick escape, a mental health day, or just a break from the mundane? YES. Absolutely.
I go there knowing what I'm getting. And I'm okay with that. I'll take the slightly dated decor and the maybe-slightly-chlorinated pool any day. Sometimes, the best escapes are the unexpected ones. And sometimesFind Secret Hotel Deals
Post a Comment for "Escape to Chicago: Morton Grove's Hidden Gem Hotel"