Holiday Inn Chicago Oakbrook by IHG

For residents of Illinois seeking a hotel for a variety of reasons—whether for hosting out-of-town guests, a local business trip, or a weekend getaway—understanding a property's true value is crucial. The Holiday Inn Chicago Oakbrook by IHG, located in the heart of Oakbrook Terrace, presents a complex picture. From the outside and in photos, it promises a modern and convenient stay, with a location that is hard to beat. However, a deeper look at recent guest experiences reveals a more nuanced reality. This article, written for a local audience, provides a balanced and factual overview, allowing you to make an informed decision for your next reservation. We will explore the hotel's location, its advertised amenities, and real-world feedback on its services and facilities, ensuring you have a complete picture of what to expect.

The Holiday Inn Chicago Oakbrook by IHG is a hotel that, on the surface, aims to provide a reliable and comfortable experience consistent with the well-known Holiday Inn brand. The lobby and initial appearance of the property often leave a good first impression, with some guests noting that the "lobby looks nice." It is positioned as a convenient and full-service hotel. However, a pattern of feedback suggests that the guest experience may not always align with this first impression. From issues with room conditions to operational problems, several guests have reported a less-than-restful stay. The hotel has a reputation for being in a prime location, but this is sometimes overshadowed by internal inconsistencies. The experience can vary greatly, with some guests finding aspects of their stay great, such as the "great water pressure" and the "convenient location," while others point to significant drawbacks. This overview aims to present both sides of the coin, helping you to weigh the pros and cons based on the most recent available information. The hotel has been advertised as having been "newly renovated as of 2024," which suggests efforts to modernize, but a number of reviews continue to highlight outdated aspects and maintenance issues.

Located at 17 W, 350 W 22nd St, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181, USA, the Holiday Inn Chicago Oakbrook by IHG boasts an exceptionally convenient and accessible location. This is, without a doubt, one of its strongest features. The hotel’s address places it in a hub of suburban activity, offering easy access to some of the most popular destinations in the area. For locals, this means a straightforward drive without navigating through complex city traffic. The hotel is strategically situated with "easy access to Oakbrook, Lombard, and Chicago," thanks to its proximity to major highways. It's an ideal base for anyone needing to travel for business or leisure throughout the western suburbs. The nearby Oakbrook Center, a premier shopping and dining destination, is a significant draw, and its accessibility from the hotel is a major plus. For business travelers, the location is a boon, putting them close to corporate offices and conference centers in the region. The hotel is nestled in a busy district with plenty of food and entertainment options within a short drive. However, while the location is a great convenience, it is worth noting that some guests have reported hearing noise, such as "fireworks all night long," which may be a factor to consider for those sensitive to sound.

The hotel offers a list of services and amenities that are standard for the brand, but guest feedback suggests that not all of them are consistently available or up to par.

• On-site Dining: The hotel features an on-site restaurant, Bar Louie, which provides a convenient option for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. However, one guest noted that breakfast offerings were inconsistent, with no sausages or bacon available by 8 a.m. on their second morning.
• Indoor Pool: An indoor pool is listed as a key amenity, which is a major draw, especially for families and during hot summer months. Unfortunately, multiple recent reviews highlight that the pool has been "closed for maintenance for weeks" with no clear timeline for reopening, leading to significant disappointment for guests who booked specifically for this feature.
• Fitness Center: A gym or fitness center is available for guest use.
• Complimentary Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is offered throughout the property, which is essential for both business and leisure travelers.
• Water Bottle Filling Station: A notable and appreciated amenity is the water bottle filling station, which is both convenient and environmentally conscious.
• Elevators: The hotel has multiple elevators. However, a major recurring issue reported by guests is that the "elevators are so slow, they get stuck on floors, and sometimes the doors open between floors." This poses a serious inconvenience and potential safety concern.
• Pet-Friendly Policy: The hotel's website states it is a pet-friendly property, which is a great service for those traveling with animals. However, a recent guest reported that upon arrival, there were "signs up all over that pets weren’t allowed," creating significant confusion and an unpleasant experience. It's crucial for guests to double-check this policy directly with the hotel before booking.

Based on guest experiences, the highlights and features of the Holiday Inn Chicago Oakbrook are mixed, with both positive and negative aspects to consider.

• Convenient Location: As a primary highlight, the hotel's location is praised for its "easy access" to Oakbrook, Lombard, and Chicago, and its proximity to a large mall and numerous dining options.
• Great Water Pressure: A consistent positive note from a reviewer was the "great water pressure" in the showers, which contributes to a comfortable bathing experience.
• Room Smells and Condition: On the negative side, a significant number of guests have complained about the condition of the rooms and the overall property. Rooms are described as smelling "of mildew/dampness," and there are concerns about poor ventilation in bathrooms. One guest noted they had to switch rooms multiple times due to the smell. The property is widely regarded as "outdated" and in need of a "remodel."
• Varied Bed Comfort: The quality of the beds appears inconsistent, with one reviewer mentioning their bed was "extra soft with a dip in the middle," while their traveling companion's bed was firm.
• Disappointing Amenities: While the hotel advertises amenities like a pool, the fact that it was closed for an extended period without prior notice is a major disappointment for many guests. This inconsistency between what is advertised and what is available is a key negative highlight.
• Website Inaccuracies: A recurring problem mentioned by guests is the discrepancy between the hotel's website information and the reality on the ground, particularly concerning pet policies and accessible rooms. This lack of accurate information can lead to frustrating situations upon arrival.
• Service Issues: The service quality is a point of contention. Multiple reviews describe the service as "overall very poor," citing a lack of communication regarding closed amenities and difficulties in resolving room issues, such as the incorrect room type provided upon check-in.

To contact the Holiday Inn Chicago Oakbrook by IHG for reservations or inquiries, here is the official information. It is highly recommended to call the hotel directly to confirm any specific amenities or policies before booking, especially given the website inaccuracies mentioned by guests.

• Address: 17 W, 350 W 22nd St, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181, USA
• Phone: (630) 833-3600

For a local in the Illinois region, the Holiday Inn Chicago Oakbrook by IHG presents a useful, yet challenging, option. Its primary suitability lies in its unbeatable location. For someone needing to be in the Oakbrook or Lombard area for a quick business trip or to visit the shopping centers, the hotel's accessibility is a major plus. The convenience of having an on-site restaurant and free Wi-Fi is also a benefit for a brief stay. However, a local resident should be fully aware of the potential downsides, particularly if planning a longer stay or bringing family. The reports of a mildew smell, outdated property, and unreliable amenities like the pool could significantly impact the comfort of a staycation or a visit from family. The inconsistency in service and the lack of accurate information on the website are also critical factors to consider. This hotel might be a viable choice for a short, no-frills stay where the primary focus is the location. However, for those seeking a restful and worry-free experience with reliable amenities and services, it would be wise to proceed with caution and verify all important details directly with the hotel staff prior to making a reservation.