Escape to Chicagoland Comfort: Downers Grove's Best Extended Stay!
Escape to Chicagoland Comfort: Downers Grove's Best Extended Stay! …Or Is It? (A Messy Review)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I'm about to unravel my stay at "Escape to Chicagoland Comfort: Downers Grove's Best Extended Stay!" (Seriously, that's a mouthful). I'm doing this for YOU, because let's be honest, finding a decent place to crash, especially an extended stay, is crucial… and often a total gamble. So here’s the raw, unvarnished truth, complete with my unfiltered opinions, because who needs a perfectly polished review when you can get a dose of real life?
First Impressions & Getting In (Accessibility, Check-In Woes, and My Inner Karen)
From the outside, it's… well, it looks like a hotel. Standard issue, nothing particularly exciting. Getting there was a breeze, thankfully, the car park [free of charge] being a HUGE win. Parking can be a nightmare, so bless them for that. And the car park [on-site]? Even better, in case you're late and have to park at the back…or just lazy, like yours truly.
Accessibility?: Alright, let’s get real for a moment. My knees are… ahem… "getting on." So, wheelchair accessible is a big deal for me (although, thankfully, I don't need a wheelchair full-time). The website claimed it was, but the devil's in the details. I was skeptical at first. The elevator was a saving grace, because who wants to walk up stairs with luggage after a day's worth of travel? The hallways? Wide enough, but not palatial. They weren't bad, but don't expect a super-smooth ride. Facilities for disabled guests were…present. Let's leave it at that. Could be better, but they made an effort, I guess. Also, the Front desk [24-hour] was a relief, especially since I arrived later. The staff were pretty good, and helpful enough. But I swear, I overheard a few grumbles… I swear they were new.
The check-in/out [express] option was a lifesaver in principle, but the system… ugh. I wanted the Contactless check-in/out, but the technology was being a brat. Took longer than it should have. Annoying. I’m not a millennial! I don’t understand all these touch screens!! And I started to be the annoying woman, and the staff were great and patient with me, but still, the system was a pain. Oh, and the luggage storage was essential, because, well, I travel with a lot.
Rooms: My Sanctuary (and a Few Glitches)
Alright, the rooms! First off, the Non-smoking rooms? YES. Absolutely essential. I was in a good mood already after the car park. And the soundproof rooms, thank God. Needed that. The extra long bed was glorious. Because, you know, comfort. The blackout curtains? Another win for sleep. Seriously, people, dark rooms are a must for a good night's rest.
The Air conditioning… worked. Thank God. This is Chicago! You need it. But here's a minor gripe: the thermostat was a bit wonky. Took some fiddling to get the temperature right. Minor, but still.
And speaking of minor: the Wi-Fi [free]? Solid. No complaints. They also have Internet access – wireless. No need to fight over the wi-fi, it’s a blessing. I spent a fair amount of time in bed working on my laptop, and the Laptop workspace was actually pretty decent. Also, the Internet access – LAN (for the tech nerds out there) was available too.
The bathroom was functional. The Toiletries? Basic. But hey, they're there. The bathtub! Yes. Though the water pressure, eh… could have been better. And, as a side note, the bathrobes were super comfy, though there was no slippers. Small things, yes, but they contribute to the overall vibe. Felt bad though, I took the bathrobe to the gym when I forgot my gym clothes… which… was not ideal.
Cleanliness and Safety: Germaphobe Central (and Slightly Annoyed)
Okay, I have a bit of a phobia. So, Cleanliness and safety is, for me, the most important. The Anti-viral cleaning products were a must. The Daily disinfection in common areas made me breathe easier. Rooms sanitized between stays? Good. Room sanitization opt-out available? Okay, that's interesting. I didn't, because, DUH, I want it sanitized.
However, what got me riled up was the lack of the Safe dining setup. There’s some serious potential for improvement there…because I am a picky eater. Although, I’m not sure what happened since I had Breakfast in room once or twice. The Sanitized kitchen and tableware items? Good. The Individually-wrapped food options? Thank God, because who knows what happens out there. Also, they have a Breakfast takeaway service, if you want to eat on the go.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food Glorious Food (and the Occasional Letdown)
Ah, food. Crucial. The Restaurants were nice. They have a Western cuisine in restaurant, which I absolutely loved. They also have an Asian cuisine in restaurant. I tried both. One was good, the other…meh. You can get food from the Room service [24-hour], which is a blessing. I also saw a Poolside bar.
The Snack bar was my go-to for, well, snacks, because I don't understand hunger, so I need to eat constantly. It had a great salad in restaurant, which hit the spot. The Desserts in restaurant were also a winner.
In the morning, there was a Breakfast [buffet], but the variety wasn’t as extensive as I would have liked. They do have coffee and tea too.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Spa Day Dreams and Gym Realities.
Alright, let’s cut to the chase: Spa. Now, the website boasted about a Spa/sauna, Pool with view, you know. Okay, hold up. The Swimming pool was… fine. The Swimming pool [outdoor] was actually pretty nice, but not a view. The Gym/fitness? Functional. I went there. The Fitness center could have been better equipped. The Sauna? Standard.
And look, they have a Massage service, although I don't know if I could afford it. I’m on a budget! I'd still feel relaxed, though. There's also a Steamroom. So there is that.
Services and Conveniences: The Good, the Bad, and the Indifferent
They had a Concierge, which was super helpful. They had a Convenience store, which was a blessing, especially when I forgot my toothpaste. Dry cleaning? Score. Laundry service? Even better, although I can’t believe the amount of clothes I pack. The Elevator was a lifesaver. The Daily housekeeping did a good job, but they left the door open one day! That freaked me out.
They advertise Babysitting service. The website also mentions Doctor/nurse on call if you are sick. The Gift/souvenir shop was a bit underwhelming, but hey. The Currency exchange was also available, which is useful.
For the Kids
Not the most relevant to me, but they do offer some things for the kids. They have Babysitting service.
Getting Around
The Airport transfer service was available. The Car park [free of charge] and Car park [on-site] were a huge win; parking is a nightmare. The Car power charging station I thought was pretty neat.
Overall Verdict: Worth It? Maybe.
So, would I recommend “Escape to Chicagoland Comfort: Downers Grove’s Best Extended Stay”? Honestly? It depends.
The Good: The location is decent. The free parking is a HUGE plus. The rooms are generally comfortable, especially the beds. The staff, while a little new, were always helpful. The location around restaurants and shops is awesome. The in-room Wi-Fi is reliable. I’d go just for the location.
The Not-So-Good: The food in the restaurant, some of it was meh. The spa facilities could be upgraded. The check-in system needs some serious work. Some minor cleaning details are a bit off, but overall it was great.
Final Thoughts: It's not perfect, but it's a solid choice, especially if you're prioritizing comfort and convenience. I have to say, it wasn't the best extended stay ever, but it wasn't the worst. I'd likely consider staying again, but I'd probably lower
Luxury LA Getaway: Pasadena's Hidden Courtyard Oasis!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your grandma's perfectly-formatted itinerary. This is my potential descent – or maybe ascent, who knows? – into the glorious, chaotic abyss that is a week in suburban Chicago, anchored (or perhaps, slightly untethered) at the Extended Stay America Select Suites in Downers Grove. Get ready for a ride.
Extended Stay America: The Fortress (or, My Temporary Prison)
First things first: the hotel. The Extended Stay. I'm not gonna lie, the reviews are… mixed. Think "institutional beige" meets "a faint aroma of sadness." But hey, at least there's a kitchenette, which means I can avoid the dreaded "eating out every single meal" trap. (And believe me, after a week of that, you start to resemble a particularly bloated, beige-clad sea slug.)
Day 1: Arrival, Delusions of Grandeur, and the Great Grocery Store Debacle
- 1:00 PM: Arrive at O’Hare. Okay, so far, so good. No lost luggage. No screaming children (yet). Feeling optimistic. I’m picturing myself, all sophisticated traveler, gracefully gliding through O’Hare, effortlessly hailing a ride to Downers Grove.
- 2:00 PM: Okay, the "gracefully gliding" part got lost somewhere between baggage claim and the taxi stand. Turns out, hailing a ride in Chicago is a competitive sport. After a solid hour of waving frantically, I finally get a cab. Victory!
- 3:00 PM: Check into the Extended Stay. The beige is real, folks. And the "faint aroma of sadness" is definitely a thing. Deep breaths. This is my base camp. I can conquer the world (or at least Downers Grove) from here.
- 4:00 PM: The grocery store. Ah, the grocery store. My arch-nemesis. I thought I'd be all Martha Stewart in the kitchen, whipping up gourmet meals. This is where the dream starts to splinter. I got lost. Twice. I panicked in the produce section. I accidentally bought a jar of pickled something-or-other that looked suspiciously like a pickled lizard. I'm genuinely concerned I didn't buy enough snacks. This is going to be a long week, isn't it?
- 6:00 PM: Finally back at the hotel. Crack open the lizard jar (just kidding… mostly). Order a frozen pizza. Embrace the beige.
Day 2: The Art Institute, and the Deep Dish Dilemma
- 9:00 AM: Ugh. The hotel coffee is… well, it exists. Fueling up for a trip to the Art Institute of Chicago. I’ve heard amazing things. I’m aiming for a dose of high culture to offset the overwhelming suburban-ness. This requires a train ride. Wish me luck.
- 10:30 AM: The Art Institute of Chicago. Okay. Wow. Just… wow. I spent hours lost in the world of art. I saw paintings that made me weep with awe. I saw paintings that made me snort with laughter. I saw paintings that made me question my entire existence. Monet's water lilies? Mesmerizing. Grant Wood's American Gothic? Way more unsettling in person.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch. Okay, so maybe I haven't master the art of eating healthy in this context. I grabbed a hot dog from a street vendor. It was delicious, even if it was approximately 70% processed mystery meat.
- 2:00 PM: More Art Institute. More weeping, snorting, and existential questioning. This museum is incredible.
- 5:00 PM: The Deep Dish Quest Begins. I've heard deep dish pizza in Chicago is the thing. Gotta find a place. Apparently, there's a pizza war going on with all these different "best" places. This is serious pizza business. Okay, Google Maps, lead the way.
- 7:00 PM: Okay, the pizza was good. Really good. But the wait?! It was longer than the line outside a concert. I felt like a proper tourist. The cheese pull alone nearly gave me a heart attack. I'm stuffed. I think I'm also going to sleep for a week.
Day 3: The Wind, the Bean, and the Quest for Fresh Air (and Sanity)
- 10:00 AM: Decided I needed a break from being indoors. Plan: Millenium Park. The Bean! The Cloud Gate sculpture! Gotta see it.
- 11:00 AM: The train ride goes relatively smoothly. A small victory! People-watching is a highly underrated activity.
- 12:00 PM: Millennium Park. The Bean is… well, it's a giant, shiny bean. It's undeniably cool. I made a dumb face at it and took a selfie, like a true tourist. The wind, however, is a force to be reckoned with. Almost got blown into Lake Michigan.
- 1:00 PM: Stroll through the park. Some of the sculptures are odd, others are inspiring. Chicago seems like a city that does art well, at least.
- 2:00 PM: Found a coffee shop for a much needed caffeine boost and a moment of peace.
- 4:00 PM: Head back to the hotel. Feel a bit more human, but also exhausted. Decided to order from a local Indian food place this evening.
Day 4: Museums, Movies, and the Struggle is Real
- 9:00 AM: Another day, another questionable cup of coffee. Today: the Museum of Science and Industry! Supposed to be incredible. I hope the exhibits are better than the hotel's coffee.
- 10:30 AM: The Museum of Science and Industry. Wow. The inside of a real U-boat? Seriously? Talk about a sensory overload. Plus, how do you keep the kids from climbing all over everything? I nearly lost myself staring at a model of the human body.
- 1:00 PM: Okay, so maybe I skipped lunch. Or maybe I got lost in a simulated coal mine. Either way, I'm starving.
- 2:00 PM: Back at the hotel, contemplating whether or not I will leave the hotel for the rest of the day.
- 5:00 PM: Netflix and the world. I really needed time to recharge.
Day 5: Downers Grove Exploration and the Search for a Decent Burger
- 10:00 AM: Okay, time to actually explore Downers Grove. I feel like I've been cooped up in this hotel room for eons. Head out to some of the suggested parks.
- 11:30 AM: The parks are nice. A welcome change of pace from the city.
- 1:00 PM: Quest for the perfect burger. Turns out, finding a truly great burger in the suburbs is harder than it seems. They all look the same, too.
- 3:00 PM: Tried a burger place. It was… edible. Not life-changing.
- 4:00 PM: Back to the hotel.
- 5:00 PM: Contemplating the meaning of life.
Day 6: Last Supper and packing
- 10:00 AM: More relaxing at the hotel.
- 1:00 PM: Packing. This feels… premature.
- 6:00 PM: Have a proper meal at a local restaurant. The food was excellent. I might miss this place.
Day 7: Departure – And the Aftermath
- 8:00 AM: Check out of the Extended Stay. Farewell, beige prison of slight sadness. I think I've survived. I think I might actually miss it a little bit now that I'm leaving.
- 9:00 AM: Head to O’Hare. Goodbye, Chicago!
- 12:00 PM: Land back home. Unpack. Try to remember if I really ate all the "pickled lizard" jar and contemplate the existential questions raised by Grant Wood. Most importantly, I probably need a vacation from my vacation.
This is just a possible itinerary, of course. My plans will likely change, I'll get sidetracked, I'll get lost, I'll probably eat way too much pizza. But that's the point, isn't it? Adventure awaits, even in the beige embrace of the Extended Stay. Or maybe especially in the beige embrace of the Extended Stay. Either way, let the chaos begin!
Osoyoos Beach Bliss: Your Dream Coast Escape Awaits!
So, "Extended Stay"? Does that mean I'm gonna be stuck in some sad, windowless box?
Listen, I get it. "Extended Stay" conjures images of flickering fluorescent lights, questionable carpets, and the lingering aroma of yesterday's microwaved mystery meat. But hold your horses! Escape to Chicagoland Comfort? No, no, no. They try, bless their little hearts. Okay, the "comfort" part is… well, it depends. You're not getting a Four Seasons, let's be real. But the rooms? Actually, they're not bad. Decent size, at least. And the windows? Yep, they got 'em! Sunlight! Real, honest-to-goodness sunlight! Okay, maybe not if you're on the bottom floor and looking at the parking lot, but still. It's a step up from that purgatory of a hotel room where the only view is a brick wall. Honestly, sometimes, when the sun hits just right, it's… almost… cozy. Almost. Don’t expect a mansion, but survival is definitely possible!
Breakfast. The most important meal, right? What's the deal? Is it the usual sad continental spread?
Alright, breakfast. Here's the brutal truth. Remember that time I stayed there, and I was SO HUNGRY after my workout, I almost ate the gym shoes? Yeah. About those shoes... I would have. Because the breakfast? Okay, it’s not gourmet. It’s more "quantity over quality" but hey, at least they *try*. The waffles are… interesting. The syrup? Prepare for a sugar rush that'll make your teeth ache and your brain buzz. The coffee? Well, let's just say it will wake you up, even if it's only by the sheer terror of its… *robust* flavor. But! Okay, the eggs. ARE you ready for this? Sometimes, and I mean *sometimes*, they resemble actual eggs. I've seen it happen. Remember that time I stuffed my face so quickly, and then felt like I had to run a marathon? That’s what I felt like. So, yeah… it's… breakfast. Stock up on some cereal, some fruit, and some of your own coffee. That's my advice. Unless you like the breakfast and you're not me, then go for it.
Is there a gym? Because I cannot live on waffle calories alone.
Yes! Yes, there is a gym. "Gym" is probably a strong word. Let's call it the "exercise room." It's small. Tiny, even. Think of the tiniest gym you can imagine, then shrink it down another 20%. One time, I tried to do a deadlift. I swear, the ceiling was judging me. And the equipment? Well, let's just say it's seen better days. One of the treadmills looked like it was about to launch into orbit. But hey, it has the basics. Treadmill, elliptical (that one is probably safe!). free weights. It's enough to get your blood pumping and remind you how out of shape you are. But hey, at least you won't have to fight for space. There's a certain… efficiency to it. Just don't expect a sprawling, state-of-the-art facility. Bring wipes, trust me.
The internet. Please tell me it's not dial-up…
Listen, I'm old enough to remember dial-up. I *lived* through dial-up. The screeching, the waiting… the soul-crushing slowness. So, the internet here? It’s not dial-up. Thank God. It’s… serviceable. Let's go with serviceable. You can stream Netflix, you can browse the web, and you can (usually) manage to video call your mom. But don't expect lightning-fast speeds. Don't even *think* about downloading huge files while you're there. You'll be staring at a loading screen for hours. I literally tried downloading a movie once. Once. Never again. It’s fine for the basics, but… prepare yourself for some buffering. Plan your day around it.
The staff. Are they friendly? Helpful? Or will I be battling a front desk dragon every time I need something?
The staff. Okay, this is the good part. Honestly, the staff is usually… well, they're pretty great. They're not always perfect, because, let’s face it, who is? But they try. They’re friendly, they're helpful, and they actually seem to care, which is a huge step up from some of the other places I’ve stayed. Shout out to Brenda! Brenda! Brenda is a saint! She’s seen it all. And she'll help you out. Remember when I lost my key card while juggling groceries and a crying baby? Brenda was there. She's a lifesaver. They’re the kind of people who make you feel like you're not just another guest, you're someone they're actually happy to see. Okay, sometimes the line at the front desk can be a bit long, but hey, you can't have everything. They are generally solid for sure.
What's the parking situation like? Will my car be the victim of repeated fender benders?
Parking. Ah, parking. The bane of every city dweller’s existence. The parking situation here? Reasonable. Not amazing, not abysmal. There's a parking lot, and it’s usually got spaces, although… it can get a little tight during peak hours. You will definitely see some cars parked crooked, but, you know. It’s life. The lot is usually well-lit, which is a bonus. I felt safe leaving my car there even late at night. Just… keep an eye out for rogue shopping carts. Because those things are like ninjas. Always lurking. And try not to park right next to the jacked-up pickup truck that’s blasting country music at 6:00 AM. Unless you enjoy that. I don’t judge. But yeah, generally, the parking is… doable. Not a deal-breaker, but definitely not a highlight.
Is it noisy? I need to sleep!
Noise levels… Okay, here's where things get a little… variable. It's a hotel, so you're going to hear *something*. You're not going to get the silence of a Trappist monastery. It depends. I was there during a… let’s say, lively convention and there was a lot of noise. Other times? Pretty quiet. You might hear the occasional slamming door (you will!), the distant rumble of traffic, and the faint cries of children. If you're a light sleeper? Bring earplugs. Seriously. Invest in some good ones. Try to get a room away from the elevator. It's a gamble. But hey… sometimes, quiet is worth its weight in gold. Or at least, earplugs.
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