Ir Ke (Nickname)
Google
We stayed at Homewood Suites in Chicago and found the location to be excellent, just a 10–20 minute walk from most tourist attractions in downtown. Super convenient for exploring the city on foot.
Check-in was smooth and efficient. Even though we didn’t use the hotel’s parking (a steep $79/day), we found more affordable options nearby, some with in-and-out privileges. The staff was very accommodating and allowed us to park at the front to unload our luggage and even watched our car while we did so - much appreciated! Sake experience at the check out.
Overall, the staff was friendly and genuinely helpful. One odd experience was during breakfast: the dish clearing staff was too efficient. On more than one occasion, they attempted to take our plates while we were still eating, which made me feel like I had to guard my food. I'm sure it wasn't intentional, but a bit more attentiveness to guests' body language would go a long way.
Our suite had a king size bed and a pull-out couch, which worked well for two adults and a child. The bed and pillows were comfortable, but the couch wasn’t great for sleeping, it felt lumpy and worn out. The bathroom seemed either outdated or had sustained some water damage. The shower pressure was weak, and the shower lever plate was partially torn off.
One of the bigger drawbacks was the bedding. The blanket was extremely thin, and the bed topper didn’t add much warmth. Despite adjusting the thermostat, I found it difficult to get comfortable. The air vents blew directly at the bed and couldn’t be redirected effectively, so it was either too hot in the room of vents turned off or cold air right in the face while sleeping.
Cleanliness also left something to be desired. I found several fake nails on the floor during our stay, some were full-size and pretty gross. Definitely something housekeeping should have caught.
Btw, bring earplugs. The city is extremely loud! Sirens non stop, hundreds of motorbikes, ppl with extremely loud music and raving up cars 🤪 all off that bounces of cement and glass and amplifies.
Lastly, we had hoped to use the pool, but the room it’s in was uncomfortably hot and humid, which made it uninviting.
Bottom line: Great location and friendly staff, nice viewed, but the property could use some updates and a bit more attention to cleanliness and guest comfort. Still, it’s a decent option if you're looking to stay in the heart of Chicago.