Chicago Marriott Northwest: Your Dream Chicago Getaway Awaits!
Chicago Marriott Northwest: My Chaotic, Delightful, And Surprisingly Pampered Chicago Adventure! (Review)
Okay, deep breaths. I just got back from the Chicago Marriott Northwest, and honestly? My brain is still processing the sheer amount of… everything. This place is a beast of a hotel, offering more amenities than you can shake a deep-dish pizza at (and believe me, I tried!). This isn't going to be your typical, polished travel review. Get ready for the messy, honest, and slightly rambling version, because that's just how I experienced it.
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- Meta Description: A brutally honest (and slightly chaotic) review of the Chicago Marriott Northwest. From accessible amenities to insane spa treatments and deep-dish dreams… I've got the scoop!
Accessibility: My First Hurdle (and a surprisingly smooth one!)
Right, so… I'm not a "wheelchair aficionado" (not a term I'd ever use!), but accessibility is huge for my friend, Sarah. Getting in and out of hotels is often a NIGHTMARE. But this one? Pleasantly surprised. The entrance was wide and welcoming, the elevators spacious, and the hallways… well, they certainly had ramps where needed. Seriously, it was a breeze. I noticed there were even accessible rooms (though I didn’t see them) – a huge plus. Score one for the Marriott!
On-site Accessible Restaurants/Lounges:
I’m not gonna lie, I didn’t personally check this one to the fullest extent. But Sarah, my eagle-eyed companion, mentioned seeing accessible tables and pathways in the restaurants. She didn't say it was perfect, but it was better than most hotels, making a huge difference for her.
Internet: The Modern Necessity (And Its Quirks)
Free Wi-Fi in every room? Yes, please! This is a HUGE win in my book. I mean, let’s be honest, I practically live online. The speed was decent, though it did hiccup a couple of times during a very important Zoom call (whoops, sorry, boss). There's also Internet [LAN] which I didn't test! I was happy enough with the Wi-Fi.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Food Coma Awaits!
Okay, here's where things get… interesting. The options are vast. You have your standard restaurants, a coffee shop, a snack bar, and even a poolside bar. We sampled the Asian breakfast, and the buffet was… well, it was a buffet. Lots of choices. I ended up piled my plate high with those tiny croissants, like some kind of sugar-fueled bandit. There's also the option of room service 24 hours. Because, hey, sometimes a midnight pizza craving hits. You can order a bottle of water, a salad, and soup and even a dessert! They also have happy hour, perfect if you're that kind of person that needs a break after a long day in the city. One restaurant, I believe, had Asian cuisine, but I didn't check them out. There IS a vegetarian restaurant, good for those of you.
Relaxation Station: Spa, Sauna, and… View? (Okay, I had to try the pool!)
Now, this is where the Marriott Northwest really shines. I might have accidentally spent an entire afternoon wallowing in the luxury. Seriously, I consider myself a spa enthusiast (or, at least, someone who pretends to be, you know?).
- The Pool with a View: The outdoor pool was a delight. Nothing is as fun as swimming with a skyline in the background!
- Spa/Sauna: I treated myself to a massage (bliss!), and the sauna was a welcome escape from the craziness of… well, whatever I’d gotten myself into that day.
- Steamroom: The steamroom was a great option and, if you're feeling up to it, you can get a body scrub or body wrap.
Cleanliness and Safety: Did I survive? (Spoiler: Yes!)
Okay, so, I'm a bit of a germaphobe (don't judge!). The hotel seriously impressed me with its cleanliness. They’ve definitely got the anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, and rooms sanitized between stays. There were even hand sanitizers EVERYWHERE. I also noticed the staffs' hygiene certification, and they were all well-trained and conscious of the safety protocol. I actually noticed the hotel had professional grade sanitizing services! And, for those who want to stay safe, but you don't want to be too safe, they offer a room sanitization opt-out available. The buffet was a safe set up and the safe dining setup and they also offer a cashless payment service, so, that's neat.
The staff was also helpful with the doctor/nurse on call, and there was a first aid kit if I was injured while making a food-run (we’re talking, I’ve had some bad experiences). They do not allow smoking area though.
Rooms: My Cozy Fortress (With a Few Minor Annoyances)
My room… it was solid. Comfortable, clean, and with everything I needed. Air conditioning? Check. Blackout curtains? Glorious. Extra long bed? Perfect for clumsy people like me who are always spreading out. The bed was so comfortable I didn't want to get up. They had coffee/tea maker, which, let's be honest, is a godsend. But… there was a slight issue with the toiletries. They seemed to be one-use only. I'm trying to live a world of less plastic. The hair dryer was good, and the slippers were a cozy touch.
Things to Do: Beyond the Buffet (If You Dare!)
Okay, so I did get out of the hotel at some point. There are a bunch of things to do. Here are some of them:
- Fitness center/ Gym/fitness: The gym had a great selection of equipment.
- Meeting/banquet facilities/ Meetings/ Seminars: They had a lot of event spaces there, which looked perfect for business meetings.
- For the kids: They had a kids meal and family/child friendly spaces, so, the kids will love it for you!
- Car park: Yes, they have a car park [free of charge]
Services & Conveniences: The Little Things That Make a Difference
- Concierge: They can help you by giving you information!
- Daily housekeeping: Awesome job - clean
- Laundry service: Yes! Essential.
- Safety deposit boxes: for your special items, and it protects them greatly.
- Luggage storage: useful.
- Elevator: To get you to the rooms
The Imperfect Perfection: My Quirks, Mishaps, and Final Verdict
Look, the Chicago Marriott Northwest is not perfect. No place is. The rooms aren't mind-blowingly trendy, and the hallways, while accessible, aren't exactly design showstoppers. But here's why it works:
- It's practical. It's got everything you need (and a whole lot you don't, but that's part of the fun).
- The staff is genuinely friendly. They seem to genuinely care that you're having a good time.
- The spa is a lifesaver. Seriously, I'm still recovering from my relaxation session!
Final Verdict: I’d go back in a heartbeat. It’s a solid choice for anyone visiting Chicago. If you need a relaxing getaway, go here!
Escape to Portland: Your Perfect Scarborough Stay Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your grandma's itinerary. This is… my itinerary. For a trip to the Chicago Marriott Northwest. God help us all.
The Chicago Marriott Northwest: A Love/Hate Story (So Far Away)
Pre-amble, aka The Freak-Out Before the Freak-Out:
Okay, so, Chicago. Northwest. Marriott. I booked this, right? Actually, I think my boss booked this, which explains the slightly clinical tone of the email I got. "Please arrive promptly. Business casual attire is recommended." Business casual. What is business casual anymore? Is a slightly faded "I Survived Another Meeting" t-shirt acceptable? Probably not. Anyway, the point is, I'm flying in, alone. The fear of the unknown is already kicking in… the fear of missing the connection… the fear of the airport pretzel! Ugh. Let's get this show on the road.
Day 1: Arrival, Mild Panic, and the Search for Decent Coffee
- 12:00 PM (ish): Arrive at O'Hare (the real beginning of the real freak-out). Praying the flight wasn't delayed. My internal monologue is currently in the throes of a full-blown "Are my suitcase zippers going to explode mid-air?!" meltdown. Then, taxi to the hotel. I am SO not looking forward to that Chicago traffic.
- 1:30 PM: Check-in. Pray for a room not facing the parking lot of the local Target. Seriously, who wants to see that? Try to remember to smile at the check-in person. Social interaction is hard.
- 2:00 PM: Room reconnaissance. First, the bathroom! Is it clean? Does it have hot water? Then, the view (see above, about the Target). Then, the internet! The most critical element.
- 2:30 PM: The Coffee Quest. This is non-negotiable. The hotel's in-room coffee? Forget about it. I need something that will actually wake me up and doesn't taste like dishwater. Google Maps to the rescue… hopefully. Starbucks? A local coffee shop with an overly-enthusiastic barista? The suspense is killing me. (This could ruin my whole trip, let's be honest).
- 3:30 PM: Settling into my room. Trying to resist the urge to do this… flops onto the bed, covers face with pillow. I am fighting the urge to just say “screw it” and order room service for a burger. Business casual my ass.
- 4:00 PM: The dreaded meeting. Pretend to pay attention. Try not to accidentally blurt out something completely inappropriate. Avoid eye contact with that guy in the striped socks.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner? My colleagues are probably hitting some swanky restaurant. Me? Might grab something quick downstairs. The hotel restaurant always feels… sterile. Maybe.
- 8:30 PM: Back in the room. Collapse on the bed. Debrief about the meeting. Secretly scroll through TikTok. Try to resist the allure of yet another episode of whatever show I'm binging.
Day 2: Deep Dish Delights (and the Shadow of a Deadline)
- 7:00 AM: Miserable Wake-up. The coffee rescue mission from yesterday was a success (thank the gods). Try not to hate the world.
- 8:00 AM: Another meeting. More Pretending. More avoiding the striped socks. Maybe I should just wear my own crazy socks.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch break! This is my chance! I'm going to find real Chicago pizza. The kind with the cheese that stretches for miles and the tomato sauce that's thicker than my own emotional baggage. Research time! I've heard good things about… (insert pizza place here - I'm not naming names yet because I'm still doing research!). And if this pizza is anything less than perfect, I will riot. Metaphorically. I'm too tired to literally cause a scene. I'll just write a strongly-worded Yelp review. Watch out, Chicago.
- 2:00 PM: Back to the meeting grind. Is this my life now?
- 5:00 PM: The Deadline Shadow looms. This is an important time to keep it moving.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner (Again). I'm considering going to the pizza place I loved! I will never get over the pizza. Pizza love is strong.
Day 3: Farewell, Chicago (and the Quest for the Perfect Souvenir)
- 7:00 AM: Final Wake up! Time to get on the road!
- 8:00 AM: Check out, try not to forget my charger and socks.
- 9:00 AM: Travel to the airport!
- 11:00 AM: Flying back.
The Imperfections, the Quirks, the Ramblings:
- The Bed: Okay, let's be real. Hotel beds are always a gamble. Will it be a cloud of fluffy goodness? Or a rock-hard nightmare that leaves me feeling like I've wrestled a bear? I'm bracing myself.
- The People: "Business casual" often translates to "awkward small talk." I'm not great at small talk, especially when caffeinated and tired. Send help.
- The Food: My expectations for this trip are primarily food-related. If the deep-dish pizza doesn't change my life, I will be severely disappointed. And maybe start considering a new career path… as a professional pizza critic.
- The Emotional Rollercoaster: I'm an overthinker. Every seemingly-small detail is fuel for a small internal panic attack. But hey, it's a journey, right? (And maybe a new excuse for therapy, but shhh!)
This isn't a perfect itinerary. It's me, perfectly imperfect, navigating the world, one lukewarm cup of coffee and one potential pizza-induced food coma at a time. Wish me luck. I'm going to need it.
Escape to Paradise: Beachcomber Motel's Fort Bragg Bliss Awaits!
Okay, So, Chicago Marriott Northwest… Is it *actually* a "Dream Getaway," or Just Marketing Jargon?
Alright, let's be real. "Dream Getaway" is definitely a bit much. But, after a recent stay… well, yeah, it kinda felt like a decent escape from the daily grind. It depends on what you're looking for. If you're expecting a fairytale castle, lower those expectations. If you're going for a solid, comfortable basecamp for exploring Chicago, with some perks thrown in? Yeah, it works. I mean, I wouldn't call it a dream, unless your dream involves a reliably hot shower and a decent breakfast buffet. Then, absolutely dream come true!
What's the Deal with the Location? Is it, You Know, *In* Chicago?
Nope! Surprise! It's in Hoffman Estates. Now, before you picture tumbleweeds and deserted gas stations… chill. It’s close enough to the city via the Metra train. The train station is super close, which is a huge plus. I’m talking, stagger out of the hotel, cross the street... boom, you're on the train. That's a major win, especially if you're, say, me, and prefer to avoid the glorious Chicago traffic at all costs. The commute is like, an hour, maybe a little less. So yeah, not *in* the city, but definitely accessible.
The Rooms – Are They… Clean? And What's the Bed Situation? Because, Beds.
Okay, the rooms are CLEAN. That's a big check in my book. I'm not a germaphobe, but I do appreciate not finding… things… in the bathroom. The beds? They're genuinely comfortable. I actually slept pretty darn well, which is a miracle, considering my usual sleep cycle involves tossing and turning like a particularly energetic starfish. The pillows are decent. Not the cloud-like perfection of a Ritz-Carlton, mind you, but perfectly acceptable for a good night's sleep after a day of Chicago adventures and deep dish consumption. My only minor complaint: I could hear my neighbor’s… uh… night time activities one night. Thin walls, people. Thin walls.
Breakfast Buffet - Is It Worth Sacrificing My Sleep For?
Okay, the breakfast buffet! This is where things get interesting. Picture this: I wake up, roll out of bed, and stumble bleary-eyed towards the promised land of scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and… what was that? Waffles! Yes! Waffles that you can adorn with fresh fruit and syrup. Now, the crucial part, the moment of truth, the *taste* test. And it was… pretty darn good! Not Michelin-star good, but the bacon was crispy (important!), the coffee was hot, and the waffles… well, they met my very high waffle standards. I'd say yes, it's worth it to rouse yourself from the slumber. Because hungry is not a good look on anyone.
The Pool and Fitness Center: Am I Gonna Be Disappointed?
The pool is… fine. It's an indoor pool, which is a bonus, especially if you're visiting in, say, February. It’s nothing spectacular, but it's clean and functional. I saw a few kids splashing around, genuinely having a blast, so if you have a little one, you are set. The fitness center is, again, perfectly acceptable. Treadmills, weights, the usual suspects. I’m not a gym rat, so I mostly just glanced at it. But, it had everything you need to break a sweat. So, yeah, you probably *won't* be disappointed. Unless you're expecting an olympic-sized pool and a fully equipped Crossfit gym. Then, lower your expectations.
Parking – Is it a Nightmare? And How Much Does it Cost?
Okay, parking. This is a biggie for me. I HATE circling aimlessly looking for a spot. The good news? Parking at the Marriott Northwest is easy. Plenty of spaces. The bad news? You have to pay for it. Boo. It's not outrageously expensive, but it's still something to factor in. Factor it in, and budget accordingly. I'm always baffled by paid parking, but that's just me. I'd prefer free, but I'd also prefer a pony so… yeah.
Is There Anything *Really* Annoying About This Place? Gimme the Truth!
Okay, truth serum engaged. Here's the lowdown: The lighting in the rooms can be a bit… sterile. Like, hospital-room sterile. I spent a good ten minutes trying to figure out how to dim the overhead lights. No such luck. Just bright, glaring fluorescent light. Slightly irritating. Also, the elevator wait times could be… a little long at peak times. And the whole "near a train station" thing? Amazing. But the train *does* run, and you *can* hear it sometimes. It's not a dealbreaker, but if you’re a super light sleeper, bring earplugs. And, the air conditioning was a bit… aggressive. I had to keep adjusting the thermostat. But honestly, these are nitpicks. Overall, it's a solid, reliable place. And that's the most important thing, right?
Best thing about the hotel?
Hands down, it's the location *relative* to the train. Seriously. After a long day of sightseeing and deep-dish pizza-ing my way through Chicago (more on that later), the convenience of that Metra station was a godsend. No fumbling for parking, no gridlock, just a quick hop on the train and back to the hotel. I mean, picture this: You're exhausted, your feet are killing you, your belly is full of deliciousness… and you're back in your room in under an hour. Pure bliss. It was a sanity saver, I’m telling you. Especially after attempting to drive in Chicago traffic ONCE and never again. God bless public transportation!
Would You Stay Here Again? Be Honest, Please!
Yeah, I probably would. Given the same situation – wanting a comfortable base for exploring Chicago that isn't going to bankrupt me – I’d absolutely consider it again. It's reliable, comfortable, clean, and the train access is a huge selling point. Plus, that breakfast buffet… just thinking about it… Yep. I'd definitely go back. But I’m bringing my own dimmer switch for the overhead lights next time.
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