Howard Johnson by Wyndham Waukegan Great Lakes

Hello, Illinois residents! When you or your visiting friends and family need a place to stay in the Waukegan area, finding a hotel that balances affordability with comfort and convenience is a top priority. Today, we're taking an honest and detailed look at the Howard Johnson by Wyndham Waukegan Great Lakes. This hotel is a frequent choice for those attending graduations at the nearby Naval Station Great Lakes, as well as travelers visiting local attractions like Six Flags Great America. Based on public data and the feedback from real customers, we'll provide an overview of what you can expect from a stay here. Our goal is to give you a clear, factual, and informative guide to help you make the best decision for your travel needs. We'll delve into the hotel's location, the amenities it offers, and the specific features that have been praised or critiqued by previous guests. This kind of transparent information is crucial, especially when you are planning an important trip, such as attending a loved one's graduation. It allows you to set realistic expectations and appreciate the positive aspects while being aware of potential challenges. The experiences of others, from the cleanliness of the rooms to the helpfulness of the staff, offer the most authentic insight into what a stay at this hotel is truly like. So, whether you're a local seeking a reliable option for guests or you're planning a trip yourself, this article is designed to be your comprehensive guide to the Howard Johnson by Wyndham Waukegan Great Lakes.

The Howard Johnson by Wyndham Waukegan Great Lakes is conveniently located at 619 S Green Bay Rd, Waukegan, IL 60085, USA. This address places it in a strategic spot for a variety of local activities. Its most notable advantage is its close proximity to the Naval Station Great Lakes, making it a very popular choice for families and friends attending military graduations. This convenience is frequently highlighted in guest reviews, as it significantly reduces travel time on an important day. For those driving, the location on Green Bay Road provides straightforward access to major local roads and highways, including I-94. This makes it a practical base for exploring the wider region, from the bustling attractions of Gurnee, such as Six Flags Great America and Gurnee Mills outlet mall, to the natural beauty of Lake Michigan. However, its accessibility also means it's located in a busy area. One review mentioned that parking could be "weird" due to its shared lot with the DMV and temporary closures for maintenance, so it's a detail worth keeping in mind. Despite the potential for some parking inconvenience, the overall location is a significant plus for visitors who want to be close to the main points of interest. It provides a central and accessible hub, which is exactly what many travelers need. The surrounding area offers a variety of dining options, with at least one family restaurant, Gojo's Café & Pancake House, located right next door, which adds to the convenience for guests who prefer to eat nearby rather than driving. The ease of getting to and from the hotel is a major factor in its appeal, especially for those who are unfamiliar with the area.

The Howard Johnson by Wyndham Waukegan Great Lakes offers a range of services aimed at providing a comfortable and accommodating stay, with some aspects receiving praise and others noting room for improvement. Based on public information and customer feedback, here are some of the services you can expect:

• Complimentary Breakfast: The hotel offers a free light breakfast, which is a convenient start to the day. While one guest noted it wasn't "fancy," it was described as "enough to get you through a quick morning."
• Free Wi-Fi: Guests can enjoy complimentary wireless internet access, a key service for both business and leisure travelers who need to stay connected.
• Pet-Friendly: For those traveling with a furry friend, the hotel is pet-friendly, though this may come with an additional fee.
• Fitness Center: The hotel features an on-site fitness center for guests who wish to maintain their workout routines while traveling.
• 24-Hour Front Desk: The presence of a 24-hour front desk ensures that staff is available around the clock to assist guests with check-in, check-out, and any other needs that may arise.
• Housekeeping: Daily housekeeping is provided to maintain the cleanliness and comfort of the rooms. However, some guests have reported issues with room conditions that required prompt housekeeping attention, as seen in the review about the mold.
• Business Services: The hotel provides access to a 24-hour business center with copy and fax services, which is a valuable resource for business travelers.
• On-Site Restaurant and Vending Machines: The hotel has a restaurant on-site and offers vending machines for snacks and drinks.

Based on a blend of official hotel descriptions and real customer reviews, the Howard Johnson by Wyndham Waukegan Great Lakes has several notable features and highlights. These points give a more complete picture of what guests can expect from their stay. Here are some of the key features and highlights:

• Exceptional Staff: The staff, particularly the front desk and management, receives frequent praise for being friendly, helpful, and accommodating. A review mentioned "Chloe" doing a fantastic job moving a family quickly after a report of mold, and another noted that the staff agreed to "comp 2 days" for the issue. This demonstrates a strong commitment to resolving guest problems.
• Cleanliness (with exceptions): While one guest described their room as "super clean" for their entire four-night stay, another review highlighted a serious issue with mold in the bathroom. This suggests that while cleanliness is often a priority, it is wise for guests to check their room upon arrival and address any concerns immediately. The quick response from housekeeping to clean the walls where the mold was reported is a positive sign of their readiness to act.
• Comfortable Accommodations: Despite a complaint about "super hard" beds, a different guest found their bed "comfy" for a multi-night stay. The rooms are also noted to be spacious for a single traveler and include useful amenities like a refrigerator and a coffee maker. A guest also praised the "very good AC."
• Proximity to Naval Station: This is arguably the biggest highlight for a specific segment of the clientele. The hotel's location is perfect for those attending graduation ceremonies at the Naval Station Great Lakes, a key factor in its popularity and a major reason why many people choose to stay here.
• Casino on-site: The hotel has a casino with slot machines, offering an additional recreational amenity for guests looking to try their luck.
• Value for Money: Many reviews, even those with minor complaints, often conclude that the hotel is "well worth the stay" given its purpose and price point. It is not advertised as a luxury hotel, and guests who approach it with that understanding tend to have a more positive experience.

For bookings or other inquiries, here is the direct contact information for the Howard Johnson by Wyndham Waukegan Great Lakes:

Address: 619 S Green Bay Rd, Waukegan, IL 60085, USA

Phone: (847) 662-3200

For us in Illinois, the Howard Johnson by Wyndham Waukegan Great Lakes is a suitable option for a specific type of traveler. It is not designed to be a luxury resort, and it would be unwise for locals to recommend it as such for a high-end vacation. However, its value proposition is clear: a reliable, budget-friendly, and highly convenient place to stay, especially for those visiting the Naval Station Great Lakes. The hotel's location is a huge advantage, making it a stress-free choice for families attending a loved one’s graduation ceremony. The fact that the staff has a reputation for being friendly and responsive is a major plus, as this can make all the difference in a travel experience. While some reviews point to issues like mold and bed firmness, the hotel's willingness to address these problems promptly, as seen in the reviews, is a good sign. This suggests that if you encounter an issue, the staff will likely be receptive and helpful. For locals needing a simple, no-frills place for out-of-town guests who are in town for a specific event, or for a traveler on a budget, this hotel fits the bill. Its focus on the essentials—a clean room (despite occasional issues), a free breakfast, and a fantastic location for its primary audience—makes it a practical choice. It's a hotel that offers exactly what it promises: a functional and affordable stay, particularly for those whose main destination is close by. It’s a great example of a local business that serves a niche but important community need with care and efficiency.