Chicago's Hidden Gem: Renaissance Glenview Suites - Unbelievable Luxury!
Renaissance Glenview Suites: Oh. My. Gawd. (And a Whole Lotta Other Things) – A Review from a Real Person
Okay, people, buckle up. This isn't your dry, corporate review. This is me, after a stay at the Renaissance Glenview Suites in… well, Glenview. And let me tell you, it was an experience. A luxurious, occasionally baffling, and ultimately delightful experience. Prepare for a rollercoaster, because I’m still processing it all.
First Impression: The Grand Entrance (and a Slightly Awkward Moment)
The outside? Sleek. Modern. All glass and gleaming. My first thought? "Wow, this place is fancier than my therapist's office." The doorman? Impeccable, of course. He whisked my bags away with a smile and the grace of a seasoned magician. That's where it almost all went south.
See, I'd booked a suite (treat yo'self!), and I was pumped. I got to the front desk, ready to be showered with complimentary champagne and adoration. Nope. Just a slightly flustered check-in, a brief fumble with the credit card machine, and then…radio silence. The poor front desk person was clearly overloaded, and I caught a glimpse of what I think was a silent tear rolling. I almost felt bad. Luckily, that fleeting moment didn’t ruin the rest of the stay.
(Accessibility? Check! But See Above)
Right off the bat, the elevators were swift and smooth, which, as someone who occasionally feels like I'm trapped inside a slow-moving metal box, is a HUGE win. The hallways were wide, well-lit, and seemed to have space for a parade of wheelchairs. All the important stuff—bathrooms, restaurants—were accessible.
The Room (and the Deepest Sleep I’ve Had in Years)
My suite? Oh, the suite. It was HUGE. Like, I could've hosted a small house party in there. The bed was massive, with crisp, white linens that practically begged you to dive in. And I did. Oh, did I dive. The blackout curtains? Absolute game-changer. I think I slept for a solid 10 hours straight. I kid you not, I woke up feeling like I'd been reborn. I probably would have appreciated the alarm clock a little less, but I think I didn't even notice. Well, I think there was one…
- Details that Matter: The bathroom was a haven. Separate shower and bathtub? Check. Plush bathrobes? Check. Slippers I could actually use without slipping? Double check! The high floor? Absolutely spectacular, offering a view of the Glenview skyline. Honestly, I was considering moving in.
- Annoying Reality Checks: While the coffee/tea maker was a nice touch, it took me about 10 minutes to figure out how the heck it worked. And the "complimentary tea" selection wasn't quite my cup of… well, tea.
Internet Access (And the Occasional Rage-Tweet)
Free Wi-Fi, baby! And not just in the rooms. Everywhere. Thank goodness. I mean, what’s a modern human supposed to do without Wi-Fi? Work? God forbid! I spent a fair amount of time updating my Facebook status, checking work emails and posting photos. Still, occasionally, the connection sputtered in the corners of the room, which, obviously, is the perfect setup for an emotional breakdown. (Internet access – LAN was available, but I didn't bother).
The Spa (and My Near-Death Experience with a Cucumber)
Okay, the spa. This is where things get really interesting. I'm not a spa person, normally. I'm more of a “sweat it out in a cramped gym” kind of person. But, hey, I was embracing the luxury!
- The Good: The massage was divine. Honestly, I think my masseuse, bless her heart, worked out every single knot I didn’t even know I had.
- The Bad: The Pool with View. Oh god, the pool with a view. I have a thing about being in water, and they had a heated pool. And a sauna, a pool that was clearly there to intimidate. There was also a steam room. The pool was indoors and had a view of the hotel's inner working - a little bit awkward. I managed to enjoy the pool; but the steam room. I didn’t quite make it through the entire steam room session. I swear, I practically saw my life flash before my eyes. I'll spare you the details, but let's just say I'm not sure I’ll ever look at a cucumber the same way again. This place had all the ways to relax. I'm still trying to figure out how to relax again.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (A Culinary Adventure, with Ups and Downs)
- The Restaurant: The main restaurant, with its international cuisine, seemed a little… corporate. The breakfast buffet was decent, but I yearned for something a bit more… local. It was okay, but nothing to write home about. They offered both Asian and Western breakfasts (plus every breakfast service imaginable), but sadly, none of them was amazing.
- The Bar: The bar was lively, particularly during happy hour. The bartenders were friendly and mixed a mean cocktail. I spent a few hours there, happily people-watching and sipping my fancy beverage.
- The Room Service: 24-hour room service? Yes, please! I ordered a late-night snack after my harrowing spa experience and was grateful to see the menu. They had all the essentials!
- The Coffee Shop: Coffee was, to be honest, just okay. But, hey, coffee!
Cleanliness and Safety (My Inner Germaphobe Approved)
Okay, I’m a bit of a germaphobe, so this was crucial. I was genuinely impressed. The hotel was spotless. Hand sanitizer everywhere. Staff diligently masked up. They had all the Covid-19 precautions imaginable. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection? Check. I felt genuinely safe.
- Room Sanitization: They offered a room sanitization opt-out, which I appreciated. I even saw staff sterlizing equipment!
Services and Conveniences (The Little Things That Matter)
- Concierge: The concierge was a lifesaver. They helped me with everything from finding a good local restaurant to arranging a taxi.
- Daily Housekeeping: The daily housekeeping was thorough and efficient. My room always felt fresh and clean.
- Other Amenities: The hotel had a business center, a gift shop, a laundry service, and more. Pretty much everything you could need.
Other Fun Stuff:
- The Gym/Fitness Center: It was well-equipped, and I actually managed to squeeze in a workout. (I swear the gym didn't try to kill me.)
- The Outdoor Space: They had a lovely terrace (unfortunately, I needed time to think), which was perfect for a quiet moment.
For the Kids: They had kids' facilities and babysitting service!
Getting Around (A Parking Lot Odyssey)
I drove. The car park was free, which is always a plus (and rare!). However, finding my way around the parking lot felt like navigating a maze. But hey, free parking!
Overall:
The Renaissance Glenview Suites? It’s a solid choice. It's luxurious, comfortable, and offers a wide range of amenities. The suite was amazing, my massage was out of this world, and the cleanliness was top-notch. The slightly awkward check-in and the occasional internet blip aside, I highly recommend it. Just… maybe approach the sauna with caution. And embrace the little imperfections. They're part of the charm. My experience at The Renaissance Glenview Suites was an exercise in experiencing different aspects of a hotel. I'd rate it 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Escape to El Paso: Your Perfect Stay Awaits at La Quinta Inn & Suites!
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because we're about to embark on a journey. Not just a trip, mind you, but a full-blown, messy, human-sized journey to the Renaissance Chicago Glenview Suites Hotel. Prepare for itinerary-ish things, with a healthy dose of chaos.
Renaissance Chicago Glenview Suites: My Unfiltered Adventure (aka, Pray for Me. Seriously.)
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Suite Inquisition (or, Where Did All My Luggage Go?)
- 1:00 PM: Touchdown O’Hare. (Ugh.) Alright, lemme be honest. Flights? I hate them. Always the same: cramped seats, questionable air quality, and the agonizing wait for your luggage that never seems to arrive. This time? My bag went to…Cleveland? Apparently. Lovely. So, yeah, first impression of Chicago? Fantastic. Not.
- 2:00 PM: Rental Car Chaos. Found the rental car. Found the keys. Found… a slightly-too-small compact car. I’m 6’2”. This is gonna be…interesting. Pray for my knees. And my mood.
- 3:00 PM: Glenview Bound! (Finally!) The drive to Glenview, felt like forever. SatNav lady’s voice is becoming the soundtrack to my life. I swear she has a smirk in her voice when she messes me up. I mean, maybe I did take a wrong turn. Maybe. Maybe. (Don't judge).
- 3:45 PM: Check-In Shenanigans. Arrived at the Renaissance. My poor, luggage-less self. The lobby is…okay, that’s kinda fancy. Maybe this hotel isn’t as bad as I thought. Check-in was smooth, which is a point in their favour. (Still missing my bag, though.)
- 4:00 PM: The Suite Experience! (Kinda.) Okay, so… the suite is…spacious. Like, ridiculously so. Living room, separate bedroom, gigantic bathroom… Maybe this lack of luggage thing isn't completely terrible. I can stretch out here without feeling like a sardine. The view? Meh. Parking lot. But hey, free coffee in the room? Sold. (Small victories).
- 4:30 PM: Desperate Measures: Shopping Spree! No clothes, no toiletries, nothing. Time to hit the shops. I needed new everything, so I went to a nearby shopping mall! Bought a wardrobe of t-shirts and underwear. Fashion icon, over here. Also bought, you know, the essentials. Toothbrush, shampoo…the basic stuff.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at the Hotel Restaurant: The Verdict? There’s a restaurant in the hotel called "O'Malley's". It was okay. Decent burger. The service was friendly, but the place was a little… empty. Maybe everyone else knew something I didn't. Ate my dinner, read a book, trying to fight off the growing despair of missing luggage.
Day 2: Deep Dish Dreams and Suburban Mayhem
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast Interrogation at the Hotel. The hotel breakfast buffet. Pretty standard fare. Bacon, eggs, the usual suspects. I swear the scrambled eggs were a little… rubbery. But, hey, free food is free food. Kept my eye out for breakfast thieves. (It’s a thing, okay?)
- 9:00 AM: The Great Bag Search. Called airline, again. Checked the hotel’s lost-and-found, again. Still nothing. Losing hope here. (Also, starting to feel weirdly attached to my new, temporary wardrobe.)
- 10:00 AM: Deep Dish Pilgrimage! (Okay, maybe a delivery service) I had to have Chicago-style deep-dish pizza. It's the law, isn't it? Found this place Lou Malnati's. Absolute heaven. The cheese! The sauce! The crust! I have no regrets. Worth every greasy, cheesy moment. I considered ordering a second pizza for a later snack. Decided against it on principle.
- 12:00 PM: Exploration! (Suburban Style.) Wandered around the neighborhood, getting a feel for… Glenview. It’s…quiet. Very quiet. Lots of nice houses, green spaces, and… not much else, really. Found a park and sat by the lake, tried to unwind.
- 2:00 PM: The Hotel Gym… (Shudders) Decided I should probably work off some of that pizza. The hotel gym…was a thing. Treadmill, a few weights. Did a quick run and then legged it. I'm not built for gyms, okay? I prefer pizza and Netflix.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner. (Another Solo Affair) Went for a walk, trying to clear my head and found a local Italian restaurant. Pasta and red wine. Comfort food is a lifesaver when you are displaced.
Day 3: Hope, Home (Maybe?), and Departure
- 8:00 AM: Another Breakfast Buffet. (More Rubber Eggs.) The eggs were still a little… suspect. Decided to try the fruit. (Safer bet.)
- 9:00 AM: The Miracle! (Or, the Luggage Arrived) I nearly did a full-blown, happy dance by the reception desk. My bag! Victory! I could finally change out of the temporary wardrobe!
- 10:00 AM: Last Hurrah! (Packing and Unpacking) Spent a glorious hour repacking my bag. It’s amazing how happy a simple act like that can make you.
- 11:00 AM: Check-Out and Farewell Glenview. The check-out process was simple. Which, at this point, was a welcome relief. A bit of sadness, a bit of relief as I headed back to O’Hare.
- 12:00 PM: Airport Anxiety (Round Two). Waiting at the gate. Anticipating the flight. This time, hopefully, my luggage actually joins me at home.
- 1:00 PM: Flight Home. (The Journey Ends… For Now.) The flight was not bad. The trip was what it was. I'm glad I can go back home.
Final Thoughts (aka, The Rambling Conclusion):
The Renaissance Chicago Glenview Suites? Not bad. The suite was great (once I had luggage to put stuff in). The staff were friendly. Glenview itself? A bit…suburban, but nice enough. The pizza was amazing. The trip brought me to my emotional limits. Chicago is a city that has its way with people. Would I go back? Probably. With better packing skills and lower expectations, maybe. But next time? I'm bringing a spare bag. And maybe a therapist. (Just kidding…kinda.)
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Is this place *really* as luxurious as they say? Like, do I need to bring a monocle?
Okay, let's get this straight. I went in skeptical. I've seen "luxury" slapped on everything from gas station coffee to... well, you get the picture. But Glenview Suites? Woah. Seriously woah. It’s like stepping into a movie set... except you're *living* in the movie. Think plush everything. Think pillows you could disappear into. Think... okay, I actually *did* think of bringing a monocle, just for the sheer theatricality of it. I didn’t, but I wouldn't have looked out of place. This isn’t just nice; it's *extra*. But it's also... accessible. It doesn’t feel stuffy, you know? Like, you can actually, *gasp*, *live* in the space without worrying about breaking something. Which, by the way, is something I'm generally excellent at. More on that later.
What's the deal with the suites? Are they actually... *suites*?
Oh, honey, they're *suites*. Big, glorious, sprawling suites. I'm talkin' bedrooms bigger than my first apartment (which, let's be honest, was a glorified closet). Separate living areas, mini-kitchenettes... and the bathrooms? Forget about it! I swear, I could have hosted a small pool party in the shower. And the views? Depending on the floor, spectacular. You'll never want to leave. This isn't just a room, it's a whole darn *experience*. You could practically *live* there forever. Which, frankly, I considered during a really bad Tuesday.
The food! Is it any good? Because hotel food is often… questionable.
Okay, the food. *This* is where I get a little... evangelical. The restaurant downstairs, I think it was called "The Glenview Grill" (or something equally classy) BLEW ME AWAY! I'm a sucker for a good burger. A *serious* sucker. And this burger? It was legendary. Possibly the best burger I've ever had in my life. I nearly cried. Seriously. I ordered another one the next day. And the day after that. Okay, I may have developed a small burger obsession. And don't even get me started on the breakfast buffet. I'm not a buffet person, normally. But this? They had *everything*. Omelets made to order, fresh fruit, pastries that practically sang... I swear I gained five pounds, but it was worth every single bite. The service was also impeccable, always smiling, always helpful. Honestly, the staff alone made it worth the trip. And that burger… *deep breath*… that burger. I might need therapy now. For burgers.
Is it family-friendly? Or more of a romantic getaway type of place?
Well, it’s both! I saw plenty of families laughing in the lobby, splashing in the pool (which is gorgeous, by the way), and generally having a grand old time. The suites are definitely spacious enough for everyone to spread out. But, from what I could tell, this place has a serious romantic vibe. I saw couples holding hands, gazing lovingly at each other (or maybe it was just the hotel’s amazing decor!), and generally looking happy. So, yeah, both. Bring the kids, bring your lover, or just bring yourself! Seriously, it's that versatile.
Is the location convenient? Anything good nearby?
Glenview itself isn't exactly buzzing with Vegas-style nightlife, but that's part of its charm. It's a really lovely area. The hotel is close to shopping and dining. You’ve got easy access to the highway, so you can head into Chicago itself pretty easily. Which, let’s be honest, is where all the *real* fun is. You're not stuck in the middle of nowhere, but it’s quiet, peaceful, and a great escape from the city's hustle. The best of both worlds, I'd say. Well, except for the burger situation - that's *all* Glenview, baby!
Were there any downsides? Be honest.
Okay, here's the messy truth. I'm a klutz. A glorious, klutzy mess of a human. And one evening, fueled by a little too much celebratory champagne (okay, a *lot*), I managed to spill red wine all over the pristine white duvet cover. Mortified doesn't even begin to cover it. I was fully expecting to be charged for the damage, maybe even exiled to Siberia. But... the staff? They were *amazing*. Kind, understanding, and remarkably un-judgy. They cleaned it up with a smile and didn’t even bat an eye. That, my friends, is service. The only real "downside"? Having to eventually leave. And the lasting cravings for that burger. Seriously, I need to find a support group.
Overall, would you recommend the Renaissance Glenview Suites?
Absolutely, unequivocally, YES! Go. Now. Book it. Do whatever it takes. Even though I know you’ll agree when you get there, if it's even *slightly* within your budget, it's totally worth it. The luxurious suites, the incredible food, the impeccable service… I'm already planning my return trip. Maybe I'll take a second mortgage just so I can stay there forever. (Don't tell my husband.) Seriously, don't hesitate. You deserve this. You deserve the burger. Go. Just… try not to spill red wine on the duvet. Unless you want to test their amazing customer service. (And maybe order me a burger while you're there.)
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