Escape to Chicago: Luxury & Comfort Await at Hampton Inn & Suites Skokie!
Escape to Chicago: Luxury & Comfort Await at Hampton Inn & Suites Skokie!
Escape to Chicago: Hampton Inn & Suites Skokie - My Honest, Messy, and Totally Human Review!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just hauled myself back from a stay at the Hampton Inn & Suites Skokie, and let me tell you, I'm still processing it. It’s not the pristine, perfect review you'd get from some travel robot. This is real life, with all the hiccups, the triumphs, and the slightly embarrassing moments included. SEO and metadata be damned – this is about the vibe.
First Impressions & Accessibility: A Mixed Bag (and a Stumble or Two!)
First off, Skokie! Let’s be honest, it’s not the glamorous Chicago you see in the movies, y'know? But hey, it's close enough, and that's what matters. The Hampton Inn itself? It's… well, it's a Hampton Inn. Predictable, clean-ish, and promising the vague comfort of a reliable chain hotel. The accessibility situation, though? Let's dive in.
Wheelchair Accessibility: The website says accessible. And, mostly it is. Ramps, elevators (thank God for elevators!), and designated rooms. However…getting to the front desk felt like a minor obstacle course. The entryways weren’t exactly smooth. And the lobby… well, let's just say I saw a few folks struggling with luggage, walkers, and other mobility aids. Definitely needed more space. Rating: 3.5/5 – Could Use Some Fine-Tuning. Perhaps more signage and less… stuff cluttering the pathways.
Other Access Points: Elevator, check. Accessible rooms, supposedly. CCTV in common areas, confirmed, though I'm not sure if it's more reassuring or just a bit Big Brother-ish.
Rooms: The Standard of Cleanliness (Plus That Damn Blackout Curtain!)
Alright, the rooms. The main thing here? They were clean. I hate feeling like I’m sleeping in someone else’s mess. Smelled almost too much like cleaning products, but hey, I'll take it. The Rooms were sanitized between stays (apparently), which is… comforting? They also offered room sanitization opt-out available, but I'm not sure why anyone would. I’m a germaphobe!
Oh, the Blackout Curtains! Seriously, I'm convinced they're a weapon. The blackout curtains were amazing and terrible. They block all the light. Made it impossible to wake up naturally. I had to set like, five alarms using the alarm clock and finally just threw the blackout curtains back to save my own sanity. The room was soundproofed, which was great.
Amenities in Excess: They gave you free bottled water (appreciated), a coffee/tea maker (essential), and a complimentary tea. The mini bar was stocked with snacks, because, well, why not? The Wi-Fi was free (thank the heavens!) and worked pretty well, plus the Internet access – wireless was reliable. There’s Internet access – LAN too, but let's be real, who uses that anymore? Bathroom phone? Seriously? I'm not calling room service from the bath.
The Bed: Extra long bed, comfortable enough, but not the fluffy cloud of bliss I dream of. The pillows were… meh. Don't get me started about the slippers! (They didn’t have any) But it did have a reading light, so that’s something.
Safety Features (and My Mild Paranoia): Fire extinguisher, smoke detector, and safety/security feature… all present and accounted for. There were smoke alarms, so I was safe. The in-room safe box was a nice touch, but I'm pretty sure my passport is safer under my mattress.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Breakfast, Babble, and a Bit of Disappointment
Breakfast Debacle: The Breakfast [buffet] situation was… what you'd expect. Standard Hampton Inn fare. Buffet in restaurant, Asian breakfast, Western breakfast… Coffee/tea in restaurant was decent to good. Breakfast takeaway service was a godsend – I grabbed a bunch of pastries and fruit to avoid interacting and eating the morning after a night out. I just wished they had something better than that sad, soggy scrambled eggs.
Snacking and Hydration: The snack bar was okay. They had bottle of water, thankfully.
Other Dining Notes: Didn't experience the Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant and Western cuisine in restaurant. The Happy hour I assume they had was non-existent.
Relaxation and "Things to Do": Gym, Pool, and… a Sad Sauna?
Okay, this is where Hampton Inn Skokie kind of… falters.
The Gym: Gym/fitness center was small but had a couple of treadmills and some free weights. Fine for a quick workout, but don't expect a hardcore fitness experience.
Pool with a View…of the Parking Lot: The Swimming pool [outdoor] looked inviting, I thought! But the view from this swimming pool was a view of… the parking lot. Disappointing.
Spa/Sauna Fiasco: Ugh… the sauna felt more like a glorified hot closet. Small. Not that hot. The steamroom was non-existent.
Services and Conveniences: The Unsung Heroes
Convenience is Key: Daily housekeeping was on point. Doorman; contactless check-in/out; concierge, elevator.
Business Bites: Meetings, Stationery… and a Xerox? They had business facilities, meeting/banquet facilities, meeting stationery, and audio-visual equipment for special events. Like, good to know. They provide Xerox/fax in business center. I didn't use any of that, though. I was on vacation!
Other helpful stuff: Air conditioning in public area, luggage storage, daily housekeeping, doctor/nurse on call, food delivery, and laundry service. Useful things!
Cleanliness & Safety: (Mostly) Reassuring
I mentioned the rooms were clean. The anti-viral cleaning products they were using definitely felt like they knew what they were doing. The hand sanitizer stations were everywhere (a bit too much, maybe?). The staff trained in safety protocol seemed competent. The Cashless payment service was convenient. The Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items and individually-wrapped food options were well handled.
For the Kids:
- Family/child friendly, yes. Babysitting service not available. I did see kids, though, so… success?
Getting Around: Parking, Transportation, and the Reality of the Suburbs
- Parking is Free (Huzzah!): Car park [free of charge] – a huge win. Car park [on-site] – another win! Taxi service was readily available.
Overall: Is it a Luxury Escape? Nah. But is it a Solid Stay? Yes.
Look, the Hampton Inn & Suites Skokie isn’t a luxury experience. It’s not going to blow your mind with design or wow you with gourmet food. But it’s a reliable hotel. It's clean, offers decent amenities, and has a good location.
- My Emotional Verdict: I’d stay there again. It’s not going on my “favorite hotels EVER” list, but it’s solid, dependable, and served its purpose.
- Overall Rating: 3.7/5 – Recommended (with some caveats)
SEO & Metadata (because I have to):
- Keywords: Hampton Inn Skokie, Chicago hotels, accessible hotel, family-friendly hotel, free Wi-Fi Skokie, hotel with pool, hotel near Chicago, Skokie Illinois, business hotel.
- Title: Escape to Chicago? Hampton Inn & Suites Skokie: A Review in Honest Detail!
- Description: My real (and messy) review of the Hampton Inn & Suites in Skokie, IL. Accessibility, rooms, amenities, and a look at the good, the bad, and the slightly embarrassing truths.
Disclaimer: This review reflects my personal experience. Your mileage may vary. And my opinion of that sauna? Well, it's still a bit hazy…
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Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's perfectly polished travel itinerary. We're diving headfirst into the glorious, messy, wonderful reality that is a trip to Chicago, based out of the Hampton Inn & Suites in Skokie. Prepare for tangents, opinions, and maybe a tear or two (mostly from laughter… hopefully).
Hampton Inn & Suites Chicago-North Shore/Skokie: A Love-Hate Relationship Begins… (Day 1)
9:00 AM: Arrival & Hotel Shenanigans
Okay, first off, Skokie. I'd heard things, you know? "Suburban paradise!" "Slightly bland, but convenient!" Let's just say, landing at O'Hare and finally rolling into the Hampton Inn felt like a HUGE sigh of relief. Thank GOD for air conditioning after that airport experience - seriously, someone needs to invent a more efficient baggage system. I swear I spent 20 minutes just watching my suitcase go round and round on the carousel. Anyhow, the Hampton Inn itself… well, it's a Hampton Inn. Clean, but not exactly bursting with character. Though, gotta give props to the front desk guy, who looked like he'd seen some things (probably tourists… and maybe my luggage on that carousel?). He was genuinely friendly, and even managed to get me a room facing away from the highway. Victory.
10:00 AM: The Quest for Caffeine (and a Decent Breakfast)
Survival mode activated. Coffee. Needed it. NOW. The complimentary breakfast? Let's just say it's your standard hotel fare, but the waffle maker? Pure gold, in a sad, slightly burnt, crispy-edged way. I managed to assemble a waffle monstrosity that was… edible. Barely. Coffee was surprisingly strong, which was a positive start to the day.
11:00 AM: Getting My Bearings (and Possibly Lost)
Okay, so I figured I'd take the bus to the train. I'd looked up the route, thought I had a handle on it, and then… BAM! Wrong bus. Ended up in a slightly less glamorous, but somehow more real, part of Skokie. Wandered around, saw a deli that smelled amazing (but I was already full of waffle) and decided to embrace the detour. Found a little park with some kids playing soccer, and for a moment, I just felt… kind of okay. Like maybe I could handle this whole travel thing after all.
1:00 PM: Chicago-Bound! (Finally!)
Finally made it onto the actual train. Chicago, here I COME, baby! The ride was pretty uneventful, except for this lady who was on a call the entire time, going on and on about her "influencer marketing" strategy. Just… kill me now, please. But anyway, scenic views, and the city itself, began to unfold.
3:00 PM: Millennium Park & Cloud Gate (The Bean)
Okay, so, Millennium Park. I'd seen the pictures, of course. But in person? The Bean! (Cloud Gate, whatever.) Let me tell you, the hype is REAL. It's ridiculously, stupidly photogenic. Spent a good hour just people-watching and taking far too many selfies. It wasn't even on my schedule, but I felt like I had to! Chicago is all about the Bean. The surrounding park is beautiful, but the Bean is the Star. It's a mesmerizing, slightly unsettlingly shiny thing that will somehow suck you in… and then spit you back out with a ridiculously good photo for your Instagram.
5:00 PM: Deep Dish Pizza Pilgrimage (and a Mild Panic Attack)
Okay, so I had to. Deep dish pizza. I'd read a million articles about which place was "the best," and I chose Lou Malnati's. The wait was INSANE. Like, "hour and a half wait, be prepared to stand in the cold, if the weather is bad" insane. My stomach was rumbling, my feet were aching and I started to have the dreaded pre-hangry meltdown. But, I persevered (with the help of a very nice woman in line who shared her cheesy bread). The pizza… oh. my. god. Worth every second of the wait. The perfectly crispy crust… the gooey cheese… the rich, tangy sauce… I could barely finish my slice, and it was glorious. Absolutely glorious.
7:30 PM: The Riverwalk (and a Slight Overdose of Pizza)
Waddled down to the Chicago Riverwalk, feeling about 30 pounds heavier. The views were pretty, but I was mostly thinking about how I needed to find a place to sit and digest. I found a bench and watched the boats go by, feeling the late-afternoon chill. The river itself is gorgeous, and the architecture is mind-blowing. But I could barely appreciate it past a post-deep dish haze, so I headed back to the hotel to sleep off the pizza coma.
9:00 PM: Head back to the hotel
The return back to the Skokie hotel was slow, I was still full so I just wanted to relax. I don't know what I did, but falling asleep was not an issue.
Day 2: Adventures in Architecture and Unexpected Charm
9:00 AM: The Architecture Tour (or, How I Learned to Love Concrete)
This tour was a MUST. I'm not even that into architecture, but Chicago's skyline is something else. Now I'm sure you can't see every building in the city, but I was so glad to learn of the city's architectural history. The tour guide was a font of knowledge, and it was all fascinating, I'm not sure it was a good thing though, since I didn't take notes. The boat ride was great, windy, but great.
12:00 PM: Lunch at a Diner (and A Moment of Pure Happiness)
Needed a break from the tourist stuff, so I found a classic diner near Michigan Avenue. The diner was nothing too special, but the food was cheap, the staff was kind, and I had a moment where I just felt content. Sometimes, that's all you need, you know? A simple, no-frills lunch in a cozy spot. It wasn't the best burger ever, but in the moment, it was perfect.
2:00 PM: The Art Institute of Chicago (Almost Overwhelmed)
I'm not a "museum person." I'm more of a "walk around aimlessly and accidentally stumble into things" person. But, hey, when in Chicago. This place is HUGE. Wandered around for hours. The art was overwhelming, the crowds were overwhelming, the sheer amount of stuff was overwhelming. But then I saw the Van Gogh, and it almost made me cry. Maybe I am a museum person, after all.
5:00 PM: Unexpected Delights of Skokie
Back in Skokie. I was tired of the crowds, and I was craving something different. So I decided to take some time with a local vibe. I asked the front desk guy for some options. I thought it was a chance to chill out, and maybe wander around, see a different side of the city.
Well, I headed back to the hotel to get some stuff. There's something about that Hampton Inn. It's just… there. It's not fancy, it's not got any real character, and the waffles are still slightly burnt.
But that second day, I started noticing little things. The way the staff always smiled. The quiet comfort of the room. I guess it's just a place. And it's a place where I am making memories.
9:00 PM: Back to the Hotel and Bed
I was tired, but content. Chicago had challenged me, frustrated me, and ultimately, charmed me. I had a moment where I was just so glad to be there. And tonight, I get to sleep in my slightly boring but safe, comfortable Hampton Inn room. The journey is so much better with a place to rest.
Day 3: Departure (and a Promise to Return)
8:00 AM: Final Waffle & Packing Burnt Waffle again, but i got a taste of the other foods as well.
9:00 AM: Last-Minute Souvenir Shopping
Needed to pick up something for, well, everyone. Found some Chicago-themed t-shirts, and a keychain. It went fast.
10:00 AM: Head to the airport
The airport was fine.
1:00 PM: Departure
I sat on my plane, looking out the window, a little sad to leave. Chicago, you beautiful, complicated, delicious beast. I'll be back. And maybe I'll even brave the CTA again. Maybe.
Disclaimer: This itinerary is subject to change on a whim. I make no promises about punctuality, sanity, or the quality of my waffle consumption.
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Okay, So Hampton Inn & Suites Skokie… Is It ACTUALLY luxurious or are we talking “slightly nicer than the Motel 6 with a questionable continental breakfast” luxurious?
Alright, deep breath. Luxury? Nah, let's not get our hopes *too* high. But genuinely, and I'm being honest here (take my word for it, I've seen some things...), it's a solid step *up* from the Motel 6 experience. Think… the kind of place where the sheets *aren't* suspiciously thin and the towels haven't seen war. The lobby is decent, the staff are generally pleasant, and the rooms... well, they're clean. Which, honestly, after a long drive, is like winning the lottery. I remember one time, traveling with my Aunt Mildred (bless her heart, she's a nightmare in a hotel), and she *flipped out* because a piece of lint was on the duvet. Trust me, this place would have passed Mildred's White Glove Test. They even have a little… *thing*… a seating area by the window in some rooms. (My room overlooked a highway, though. So good luck enjoying that view.) But it’s definitely leaning more towards “comfortable” than “opulent.” Think of it as “comfort food” in hotel form. Ya dig?
Let's Talk Breakfast. Is the "Complimentary Breakfast" at Hampton Inn & Suites a Disaster Zone?
Okay, the breakfast. This is where things get… interesting. It’s not a disaster zone, per se. It's more like a carefully orchestrated dance of lukewarm eggs, slightly dry waffles, and a coffee machine that's perpetually on the verge of revolt. The fruit is usually… okay. Sometimes you luck out and get some decent bananas. But the starches, oh the starches! I swear, they’re designed to absorb all moisture in a ten-mile radius. Remember that time I tried to microwave a bagel? I swear, it could have doubled as a frisbee. The best bet is usually the oatmeal, if you can stomach the texture (it has the consistency of… well, I'll leave that to your imagination). Look, it's free. It'll fill a hole. Lower your expectations, and you *might* be pleasantly surprised. Or, you know, just bring your own stash of granola bars. I always do.
Skokie? Seriously? Why not stay *in* Chicago?
Okay, look. I get it. Skokie isn't exactly… the beating heart of the Windy City. It's a suburb. A perfectly *fine* suburb, but it's not downtown Chicago. But hear me out. First, the price. You're likely to pay a *lot* less here than you would for a comparable hotel downtown. And believe me, that freedom feels SO good! Second, parking. Downtown parking? A nightmare. Here? Usually, no problem. Third… the peace and quiet. Sometimes, you just want to escape the hustle and bustle. Skokie does that. Fourth, the proximity to… *everything*. Public transit is actually pretty decent. You can hop on the ‘L’ (the train) and be in downtown Chicago in like, twenty minutes. Or drive if you're feeling adventurous (or masochistic, depending on traffic). Plus, Skokie itself has some decent restaurants and… a mall. Don't judge! Sometimes, a little retail therapy is exactly what the doctor ordered. Okay, I'm selling it, aren't I? Look, it’s about convenience, and sometimes, that's all that matters.
What's the deal with the "Suites" part? Are the rooms genuinely *spacious*?
"Suites." Ah, the eternal optimism of hotel marketing. Look, yes, some rooms *are* larger than others. Some have a separate living area. But don't expect a mansion. I'd say spacious is a bit of a stretch. More like… *efficiently designed*. You know, everything's crammed into a space that makes you feel like you can *breathe*. It really depends on the room. My advice? If you need a lot of space, book a suite specifically. But if you book a standard room, don’t expect to be able to host a dance party in it. Unless it's a tiny, tiny dance party. Maybe just two people. And one of them is me, having a quiet panic about how to fit all my luggage into the little closet. (Spoiler alert: it never works.)
The Pool. Is It a Chlorine-Filled Oasis or a Germ-Infested Swamp?
The pool... I'll be honest, I don't usually swim in hotel pools. Call me a germaphobe, call me paranoid, but the thought of all those… *things*… floating around in the water… You know what I mean. However! I peeked in once. Looked clean enough and the kiddies seemed to be having a blast. So, take that for what it's worth. It's not a sparkling, Olympic-sized pool. It's more of a… rectangular shape. With, I believe, some chlorine. And hopefully, a decent filtration system. I'm going to guess. They also have a hot tub. Now, *that*… that's a different story entirely. I always avoid the hot tub! Too… bubbly.
Is there a fitness center? Because let's be real, those free breakfasts are going to demand some exercise.
Yes! They call it a "fitness center." Now, don't picture a state-of-the-art gym. It's more like a small room with a couple of treadmills, an elliptical, and maybe some free weights. Definitely enough to work off the guilt of the waffle, though. I used it once. It was… functional. The treadmill's screen was wonky, the air conditioning was playing a game of hide-and-seek, and I could hear the faint thrum of the waffle maker from downstairs. But, hey, at least there was some equipment. And the convenience of it made up for the less-than-perfect surroundings. Plus, no waiting, which is always a bonus.
What about the staff? Are they helpful, or just going through the motions?
The staff is generally pretty good. Look, they're working in a hotel, so they've probably seen it all. The good, the bad, the Aunt Mildreds of the world. They're usually polite, helpful, and willing to assist. I've had to ask for extra towels (always a must with me), directions, and even a corkscrew once (don't judge, I travel with wine – a survival tactic). Never had a serious problem. Sometimes you might be able to get a smile or even a little bit of conversation. But honestly, I'm usually just relieved to be greeted with a friendly face after a long day of travel. The best part? No crazy drama! That's a win in my book.
Alright, give it to me straight. Would you stay here again?
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