Escape to Chicago's Chic Suburbs: Unbeatable Extended Stay Deals!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive HEADFIRST into the chaotic, glorious, and sometimes slightly disappointing world of "Escape to Chicago's Chic Suburbs: Unbeatable Extended Stay Deals!" (Cue the cheesy travel ad voiceover)
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- Title: Chicago Suburb Extended Stay Review: Honest Take on Deals, Amenities, and the REAL Vibe! (Maybe a bit long, but hey, SEO!)
- Keywords: Chicago suburbs, extended stay, hotels, deals, accessibility, spa, fitness center, restaurants, Wi-Fi, family-friendly, luxury, comfort, reviews, honest review, Chicago travel, Illinois hotels, Chicago accommodations
- Description: My brutally honest review of extended stay hotels in Chicago's suburbs! We're talking accessibility, those unbeatable deals, the spa, the Wi-Fi (oh, the Wi-Fi!), plus the good, the bad, and the downright weird experiences you'll have. Prepare for a rollercoaster of emotion!
Right, The Real Deal… My Chicago Suburb Adventure… and Why It Was Sort of a Messy, Fantastic Time.
So, the promise? Unbeatable extended stay deals in Chicago's chic suburbs. Sounds dreamy, right? Well, reality, like my travel packing skills, is… complicated. I needed an extended stay, a place to hunker down, work a little, and maybe pretend I was living a sophisticated life outside the city.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag (and My Knee Did Not Thank Me)
First things first: Accessibility. This is HUGE for me (literally, my knee’s a drama queen after a recent… incident). Some places were great! Smooth ramps, wide doorways, the works. Others? Let's just say my knee gave me the stink eye. The Elevator situation was a constant worry. I felt like a ninja going up and down those things. Some places had them. Some not. I had a very real fear of being on the 10th floor with no elevator. They do have facilities for disabled guests, and some provide Wheelchair accessible rooms. But the consistency varied wildly. This needs SERIOUS improvement across the board.
On-site Accessible Restaurants/Lounges : The ones I experienced were actually pretty decent for the kind of places I was staying at. I was mostly in the bar area because, well, I'm only human.
Internet: The Eternal Struggle … and the Wi-Fi Savior!
Okay, let's talk Internet. Because, ya know, I need this to, you know, work. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! – a HUGE selling point. And mostly true! The Wi-Fi was, on average, pretty solid. Thank GOD. The Internet [LAN] thing felt a little antiquated. Like, who uses those anymore unless they’re, like, a hardcore gamer? (And yes, I judged you a little if you used it in public.) Internet services in the reception area seemed a little limited by comparison. The Wi-Fi for special events – well, I didn't exactly throw any galas while there, but if you're planning something, check the bandwidth. Seriously. Because flaky Wi-Fi can ruin a party.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax (aka: Where Did My Day Go?)
- Spa/Sauna: The promise of relaxation! Ah, the dream. Okay, I'm a sucker for a good sauna. Some places had really nice ones, others… well, let's just say the ambiance wasn't quite "tranquil mountain retreat." Felt more like a laundry room sometimes. The Spa itself ranged from amazing massages to the kind of "massage" where you think, "Is this the end of my life?" The Steamroom could've been a great experience but I think it went off like a bomb and filled me with hot air. I ended up just trying to sweat in my room, which felt a little depressing on many occasions.
- Swimming Pool: One place had a Pool with view. It was glorious, even though I probably should have been working. The Swimming pool [outdoor] options made me want to get out from the room. The Swimming pool options were okay too. But I loved the outdoor version.
- Fitness center: The Gym/fitness areas were consistently equipped and clean. The Fitness center was a major relief.
- Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Massage – Okay, so I didn’t indulge in all of these, but the massage therapists… well, they could be hit or miss. One was amazing, the other… let's just say I left feeling like a wet noodle.
Cleanliness and Safety: The COVID Reality Show
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment, – This was a huge concern for me. I'm a bit of a germaphobe (and yes, I know, the irony). Most places seemed to be taking this seriously. The staff seemed well-trained in safety protocol. They all wore masks, and hand sanitizer was EVERYWHERE. I appreciated the Cashless payment service and the Hand sanitizer. Having my Room sanitization opt-out available was great too.
- CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms – These things were the quiet heroes of the stay. I felt safe.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Carb Loading and Coffee Obsession
- Restaurants, Bar, Coffee shop, Snack bar, Poolside bar, Room service [24-hour] – The dining scene was… varied. The Restaurants, in general, were a mixed bag. Some were surprisingly good, some were, well… hotel restaurants. The Bar situation was good. The Happy hour options were always a win. The Coffee/tea in restaurant was generally decent, which is crucial for survival.
- Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Desserts in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant, Bottle of water, – The food options? Honestly, I survived. I loved the Breakfast [buffet]. The Desserts in restaurant were always the best part of the day. The rest was food.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things (That Made a Big Difference)
- Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center, – These were the things that could make or break your stay. The Dry cleaning was a lifesaver. The Laundry service was perfect for me. The Concierge was always helpful. I love getting Daily housekeeping. And yes, I used all of these. Well, maybe not the Shrine, but hey, you never know.
For the Kids (or: Dear God, Are There Any Adults Here?)
- Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal – I didn't have any kids with me, but some places were definitely catering to families. I heard some things from other guests which made me want to have kids right now.
Available in All Rooms: A Deep Dive into My Personal Space
- Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens. – Okay, let's get REAL. The rooms themselves… varied. Some were spacious and luxurious, some were… well, they were functional. The **Wi-Fi
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's itinerary. This is… my Chicago, Buffalo Grove, Deerfield adventure, powered by the flickering fluorescent lights of an Extended Stay America suite. Let’s be real, the name alone screams beige, but hey, a roof's a roof, and a microwave is a lifeline.
Day 1: Arrival & The Existential Dread of Parking Lots
1:00 PM: Arrive at O'Hare. Ugh. Airport. The soul-sucking vacuum of humanity. I swear, the only thing worse than the security line is the smell of airport…it's a mix of sadness and stale pretzels.
2:00 PM: Rental car pickup. This is where the real fun begins. Navigating the bureaucratic jungle of the rental agency. They’re always trying to upsell you on the insurance package, which, let's be honest, sounds like a scam. "Sir, are you sure you won't need the, uh, 'bumper-to-bumper existential worry-prevention package'?" I just want the damn car!
2:30 PM: The Great Parking Lot Odyssey. Finding the exit, avoiding the near-misses with SUVs driven by people who haven’t seen a turn signal in a decade. Then, the epic quest to find my way to Extended Stay America in Buffalo Grove. Google Maps is my guiding light, but even that has its moments. "Recalculating… Recalculating… Proceed STRAIGHT into the oncoming traffic." Deep breath I live for these moments
3:30 PM: Check-in. The lobby is… well, it’s definitely extended stay. But the front desk person seems nice enough, bless their soul. They probably see a parade of weary travelers every day. The key card never works on the first try, of course. That's just the universe's way of saying, "Welcome to your temporary purgatory."
4:00 PM: Suit unpacking and assessment. The room. Tiny, but clean-ish. The bed looks suspicious. I'm already plotting my escape strategy. I need to hit up Costco for water, snacks, and maybe a lifetime supply of coffee. The free coffee in the lobby is always weak, a watered-down promise of caffeine. The best part, you ask? The tiny, plastic-wrapped soap bars and the faint smell of cleaning products. (It's the smell of freedom, baby!)
5:00 PM: Dinner search. The "local restaurant" search on Google Maps is a trap. It's always full of chains. But, I see a diner. Oh. Yes. The Diner.
6:00 PM: DINER TIME! The diner is a beacon of hope. Booth seating, an endless coffee pot, and the clatter of plates. I order a burger because, honestly, that’s what the soul wants. The waitress? She’s seen things. She’s seen me. And she’s probably going to tell me to eat more. This is the life I was meant to live.
7:00 PM: Back to the suite and crash. Exhaustion hits like a truck. TV on, avoiding any news regarding my stay, or anything that can ruin my mood. The first night ritual - Netflix, popcorn, and the comforting oblivion of a bad movie. I'm home.
Day 2: Culture and the Crushing Weight of Expectations
- 9:00 AM: Wake up, the bed’s actually not so bad, which is a win. Coffee from my instant stash (because, you know, control is an illusion).
- 10:00 AM: Heading to Chicago! The Art Institute. I’ve always wanted to see the Impressionists in person. I am also convinced I know more than everyone about art.
- 11:00 AM: The Art Institute. It's amazing, overwhelming, and crowded. I get lost in the Monet’s water lilies. I spend way too long staring at some random portrait, judging the sitter’s fashion choices. It's the people-watching that gets me. There's this kid, maybe seven, loudly declaring that everything "sucks." I kind of love his honesty.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch near the Art Institute. Okay, I’m hangry. Find a place, it’s crowded. Overpriced sandwiches, but somehow, the hunger makes it taste better.
- 2:00 PM: Back to the Art Institute. I revisit my favorites (Monet, obviously), and then wander, getting hopelessly lost in the side rooms. I see some art, I don't get. I pretend to be a connoisseur.
- 4:00 PM: Drive back. City traffic is brutal. I’m judging everyone’s driving skills. I yell at the driver who cuts me off… or maybe it was one wrong turn.
- 5:30 PM: Back to the hotel. I need a nap. This art thing is tiring.
- 7:00 PM: Decide to order in. Too tired to leave. More Netflix, and more popcorn. The cycle continues.
Day 3: The Suburban Slog and Unexpected Delights
- 9:00 AM: Wake up with that weird groggy feeling that only Extended Stay America can provide.
- 10:00 AM: The "explore the area" plan. Driving around the suburbs. It’s… a different kind of museum. Lawn care is an Olympic sport here. I see houses, beautiful ones, and slightly weird ones. I am the judge.
- 12:00 PM: Shopping. I need a new pair of jeans. Why? Because I'm me. I'm the queen of needing things I didn’t plan to buy.
- 1:30 PM: Lunch at a random cafe. The sandwich is good, and the people-watching is great.
- 3:00 PM: Unexpected Delight! I stumble upon a local bookstore. Books have a certain smell, a certain feeling. I browse for hours. I buy three books I don’t really need. Regret? Maybe later. Now, happiness.
- 5:00 PM: Back to the hotel, reading one of my new books. The world fades away. This is what I needed.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner. I have some left overs. Because, yes, I got to eat the entire burger. I also find a new show to binge-watch. I am happy.
Day 4: Departure and the Sad Symphony of Leaving
- 9:00 AM: Wake up. Pack. The dreaded moment.
- 10:00 AM: Check out. The key card doesn't work, surprise! The front desk person is… still nice. Bless them.
- 10:30 AM: The final parking lot escape. This time, I’m a master.
- 11:00 AM: Drive to O’Hare.
- 12:00 PM: Return the rental car. The agent tries to upsell me again on something. I say no, firmly.
- 12:30 PM: Security line. Sigh.
- 1:30 PM: Waiting at the gate. Reflecting on the trip. It wasn’t perfect. It was messy. It was… me.
- 2:30 PM: Boarding.
- 3:00 PM: Take off.
- 3:15 PM: I am already planning my next trip.
Uh, Escape to Chicago's Chic Suburbs: Unbeatable Extended Stay Deals! (Let's Get Real, Folks)
So, like, why CHICAGO suburbs? Aren't we talking about *Chicago*?
Okay, look, picture this. You NEED to be in the vicinity of Chicago. Maybe work, maybe visiting Aunt Mildred (bless her heart, and her endless supply of butterscotch candies). But downtown... ugh. Parking a nightmare. Traffic that'll make you question your life choices. And the prices?! Forget about it!
The suburbs? It's like... the chill cousin of Chicago. You get space, maybe a yard (!!!), and the prices? Actually manageable. Plus, you're a hop, skip, and a jump from the Windy City. Seriously, I have a friend who did this. She initially scoffed – "Suburbs? Never!" – but then found a ridiculously comfy extended-stay place in Naperville. Now? Obsessed. Visits Chicago for the day, then retreats to her suburban oasis, and she’s basically become a suburban queen. (Okay, maybe a *slightly* less glamorous version of a queen, considering the questionable take-out habits she’s developed.)
Extended Stay? What's the *deal* with these? Are we talking depressing, sterile hotel room vibes?
Okay, I totally get the fear. “Extended stay” can conjure images of sad recliners and questionable stains. But! Good places are out there. I mean, actually good. We're talking suites, sometimes with full kitchens! (HUGE win if, like me, you're tired of eating microwaved everything.)
I once stayed in one for a few weeks during a really awful work thing. The room had a separate living area! And, get this, a desk that was actually big enough to spread out my insane collection of papers. It. Was. Glorious. The whole thing was so much better than being squished in a tiny hotel room. Seriously, if you're going to be there for a while, space matters, sanity matters, and a decent fridge matters even more.
Important tip: Don't just book the first thing you see. Check reviews! Read the fine print! And maybe, just maybe, call and ask if they have a decent coffee maker. This is a deal-breaker for some of us, you know?
What's the advantage over just getting a normal hotel room? (Besides saving money, obviously.)
Alright, besides the financial stuff (which is HUGE, let's be real), think about these things:
- **Space!** Seriously, you're not crammed into a shoebox. You can actually *breathe*.
- **Kitchens:** Cook your own food! Save money! Eat healthier (maybe?). I'm not saying I *always* cook, but having the option is amazing. Especially for breakfast – hotel breakfast buffets can get old, and by old I mean boring after two days.
- **More Privacy:** You’re not constantly bumping into people in the hallways. (Though, let's be honest, awkward hotel elevator interactions are a classic source of entertainment. But still, privacy is gold.)
- **Better for Longer Stays:** If you're there for a week or more, a normal hotel room will feel like a prison camp. Extended stay options cater to you like someone who wants to live there.
It's like, you're actually *living*, not just passing through. Which, believe me, makes a massive difference if you're actually working, relocating, or just, you know, escaping something temporarily (no judgment here!).
Location, location, location! Which suburbs are actually... *good*?
Okay, this is where it gets tricky because "good" is subjective. What's good for me (close to a decent brewery!) might be your idea of hell.
But here are some general recommendations based on my VERY limited knowledge:
- **Near Chicago:** Think Evanston, Oak Park, and maybe even Skokie. Good access to the city and its many delights.
- **West Suburbs:** Naperville, Downers Grove, Wheaton. Often have good schools, if that’s a factor. (I personally care about proximity to good coffee shops!)
- **North Suburbs:** Schaumburg, Arlington Heights. Sometimes a bit further out, but you get more bang for your buck in terms of space.
My advice? Do your research. What are you looking to do? Are you planning to drive into the city? Do you have specific needs, or even quirky wants? (Like me, I need a park nearby to walk off my pent-up energy... and to watch the squirrels). Figure out what's important to you, then start looking at locations.
Okay, the deal is good, the location sounds… alright. What about the boring stuff? Like, amenities? Wi-Fi?
THIS is a CRITICAL question. Don't skimp on the boring stuff! I've learned this the hard way.
Wi-Fi: Is it reliable? Is it fast? Can you stream your favorite terrible reality TV shows? (Asking for a friend). Check the reviews! There’s nothing worse then spotty internet when you are trying to *actually* work.
Amenities: This varies wildly. Some places have gyms, pools, laundry facilities, and even that oh-so-important free breakfast (even if it's just continental). Some don't. Decide what you absolutely NEED (gym, laundry, decent coffee) and find a place that ticks those boxes.
Pet Policy: Important if you have a furry friend. Some places are pet-friendly, some aren't. Simple enough. Consider this if you will be working remotely and need a walking buddy.
My personal (semi-unprofessional) tip? If you can, call the place directly and talk to *someone*. Get a feel for the staff, ask about the specifics. Make sure they actually seem... helpful.
What if something goes wrong? (Because, let's be real, things ALWAYS go wrong.)
Oh, honey. Buckle up. Things WILL go wrong. It's the (not-so-charming) reality of life. But! That’s why you need to be prepared and why it helps to have a plan.
Read Reviews with a Skeptical Eye: Did someone complain about a specific issue? Is it a recurring thing? If so, run for the hills. Seriously.
Document Everything: If something breaks, take pictures. Email the management, keep records. This is not about being difficult; it's about protecting yourself.
Don't Be Afraid to Complain: Politely, of course. If the Wi-Fi is awful, say so. They can't fix it if they don't know there's a problem. (And, more importantly, you can't binge watch your shows!) Budget Travel Destination
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