Escape to Chicago's Hidden Gem: Halsted Inn & Suites Harvey!
Halsted Inn & Suites Harvey: My Honest (and Slightly Chaotic) Escape to Chicago's Hidden Gem
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I've just emerged from a stay at the Halsted Inn & Suites Harvey, and I'm here to spill the beans. Forget those perfectly polished travel blogs – this is the raw, unfiltered truth, complete with the good, the bad, and the slightly questionable. Let’s get messy!
First Impressions & Accessibility (or lack thereof):
Right off the bat, let's talk accessibility. This is super important, and I’m going to be brutally honest. The website claims accessibility, but… let’s say I'm a little skeptical. I didn't need specific accessibility features myself, but based on what I saw, I'd advise anyone with mobility issues to call ahead and grill them. Really grill them. The ramps I saw seemed a little… iffy. And the elevators? Well, let’s just say they weren't exactly state-of-the-art.
(Accessibility = Potentially Sketchy, Proceed with Caution)
Rooms: My Sanctuary (Mostly)
My room? Pretty decent, actually. Standard fare, but clean. Air conditioning blasting like a hurricane (thank you, baby Jesus!). Now, the Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! was a HUGE win. And it worked, which is a miracle in itself. I’m looking at you, hotels that claim "free wifi" but deliver dial-up speeds. You know who you are. My room had a desk, a coffee maker, and a fridge. Basic, but essential. I really dug the blackout curtains. Slept like a log, dodging the Chicago sun.
(Rooms = Solid. Clean. Comfortable. Blackout Curtains. Sold.)
Internet (and the Elusive LAN?):
The dreaded internet section. Internet [LAN]? Probably there. Never used it. I'm a Wi-Fi warrior, and the Internet access was good enough. The Internet services themselves… well, they existed. I survived. I worked, I streamed, I lived. No complaints. More important, I got work done. I'm writing this review using the Halsted Inn & Suites Harvey’s Wi-Fi, so, yeah, it works.
(Internet = Adequate, Wi-Fi Works. Phew.)
Relaxation Station: The Spa That Wasn't (But Maybe Is):
Okay, here’s the kicker. The website promised a spa. Body scrub, Body wrap, Massage, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom… It sounded heavenly. I envisioned myself enveloped in fragrant oils, melting into a state of pure bliss.
Hahaha.
Turns out, the "spa" was… let's just say, in a state of “being renovated.” I think? There was, I think, a fitness area that was a gym, Gym/Fitness. I'm guessing there'll be good working equipment. Maybe someday. A Pool with view? No. No view. Sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]? Nope. Maybe the weather was too cold? I’m not sure. The entire Relaxation Station seemed to… well, not exist.
(Relaxation = Non-Existent. My Inner Spa Junkie Wept.)
Cleanliness and Safety: The Pandemic Edition:
Let’s give them props where they're due. The hotel was definitely making an effort. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol. They tried. Felt like they were doing their best. I even saw a sign reminding people, "Please use the hand sanitizer." I didn't see them use a doctor/nurse on call, but I didn't need it.
(Cleanliness & Safety = Trying Hard, Which is Appreciated.)
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: The Buffet's Bounty
Alright, the most exciting part! Okay, not really. But it was enough, I think. The Breakfast [buffet] existed. Food was safe. Coffee/tea in restaurant? Absolutely. Coffee shop? Yes. Restaurants! This is where I'm going to confess. I'm not a foodie. I'm a "feed me" sort of diner. I had the Breakfast [buffet], and it was… fine. The International cuisine in restaurant and Western cuisine in restaurant looked promising, but I didn’t take the plunge. There was a Poolside bar, which, sadly, I couldn't find. Room service [24-hour]? I thought about it. But I’m cheap. So, instead of spending a lot of money on a meal like Soup in restaurant (I could have had it), I went to the grocery store down the street. (This is a me problem, not a hotel problem.)
(Dining = Buffet, Mostly. Good Enough For This Traveler.)
Services and Conveniences: A Mixed Bag:
Air conditioning in public area? Check. Concierge? Now, here’s a funny story. I needed an iron. I called the front desk, and the guy said, "Sure, one moment." Then, two minutes later, a kid, maybe 12, shows up at my door with an iron. It was adorable. I felt like I was in a movie. Dry cleaning? Probably. Didn't use it. Elevator? See "Accessibility.” Facilities for disabled guests? Again, see "Accessibility." Gift/souvenir shop? Nope. Laundry service? Probably. Luggage storage? Definitely.
(Services = Some Excellent, Some Slightly Sketchy, But Generally Helpful)
For the Kids: Family-Friendly?
I didn't bring any kids. But the hotel seemed… okay with kids. Family/child friendly. I doubt any Kids meal were necessary. Maybe? I don't know.
(Kids = Probably Okay. Probably.)
Getting Around: Easy Peasy
Airport transfer? Probably available. Bicycle parking? Who knows? Car park [free of charge]? Yes! Car park [on-site]? Yes! Taxi service? Probably. This part was easy. The access to free parking helped a lot.
(Getting Around = Convenient! Free parking is a Win.)
The Room Details (The Fine Print):
My Room was non-smoking. Air conditioning was, well, awesome. Alarm clock? Yep. Bathrobes? No. Bathtub? Yes. Blackout curtains? Praise be! Coffee/tea maker? Yes. Daily housekeeping? Yes. Desk? Yes. Hair dryer? Yes. Internet access – wireless? Yes! Ironing facilities? Yes. Laptop workspace? Yes. Mini bar? Yes. Mirror? Yes. Non-smoking? Yes. Private bathroom? Yes. Refrigerator? Yes. Satellite/cable channels? Yes. Shower? Yes. Smoke detector? Yes. Telephone? Yes. Toiletries? Yes. Towels? Yes. Wake-up service? Yes. Wi-Fi [free]? Yes! Window that opens? Yes.
(Room Details = Everything You Need. Nothing Extra.)
Final Verdict: The Halsted Inn & Suites Harvey – A Hot Mess, But a Charming One?
Look, the Halsted Inn & Suites Harvey isn't a luxury resort. It's not perfect. The “spa” situation was a real letdown, and the accessibility is a major question mark. But, it's got a certain charm. It’s clean (mostly). The Wi-Fi is good. The staff are friendly and accommodating (even if the iron situation was a little… unconventional). For the price, it's a decent deal.
If you're looking for a perfectly polished, flawlessly-executed hotel experience, maybe look elsewhere. But if you're looking for a comfortable base camp, and don't mind a little bit of… character, then Halsted Inn & Suites Harvey could be for you.
Would I go back? Maybe. Depends if they ever open that damn spa. And if they fix those ramps. But, yeah. Maybe.
(Overall Verdict = 3.5 Stars. Recommend with Caveats.)
SEO & Metadata:
Title: Halsted Inn & Suites Harvey Review: Honest & Unfiltered! (Chicago Gem?)
Meta Description: My real, honest, and slightly chaotic review of the Halsted Inn & Suites Harvey in Harvey, Illinois. Find out if this hidden gem is worth your stay! Includes details on accessibility, rooms, amenities, dining, and more!
Keywords: Halsted Inn & Suites Harvey, Harvey Illinois, Chicago hotels, budget hotels, hotel reviews, accessibility, free wifi, breakfast, spa, rooms, travel, Illinois, Chicago, hotels near Chicago
Structured Data (Schema.org – Hotel): Could be added to further enhance SEO.
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't some perfectly manicured travel blog. This is my experience, the raw, unfiltered truth of navigating the Halsted Inn and Suites in Harvey, Chicago Southland. And let me tell you, it's been a ride.
Subject: Halsted Inn & Suites: My Chicago Southland Odyssey (So Far…)
Day 1: Arrival & Existential Dread (aka, the "Is This Really Happening?" Phase)
14:00 - Arrival at Halsted Inn & Suites. Okay, first impressions. Sigh. The exterior…well, let's just say it has character. You know, the kind of character that whispers, "This building has seen things." I half expected a tumbleweed to blow across the parking lot. Check-in was…efficient. The lady at the desk (bless her heart) seemed like she'd seen some things, too. She handed me my keycard with the weary air of someone who'd processed a thousand lost luggage claims.
14:30 - Room Inspection. Okay, okay, deep breaths. The room…it's a room. The bed, upon closer inspection, appeared to be a solid, vaguely comfortable mattress. I ran my hand across the sheets, half expecting to encounter a rogue crumb of something… questionable. The TV is ancient, but hey, it works. Praise be, there's a mini-fridge! Because obviously, a successful trip depends on copious amounts of lukewarm Diet Coke.
15:00 - The "Wi-Fi Struggle is Real" Crisis. My phone's Wi-Fi signal is weak. I spend a good half-hour pacing back and forth like a caged animal, trying to get a decent connection. Eventually, I give up, accept my fate, and vow to embrace the digital detox. (Spoiler alert: didn't happen.)
16:00 - Exploring the Immediate Surroundings (aka, the "Where am I?" Tour): I step outside and realize I'm in the middle of…well, I'm not entirely sure what to call it. There's a gas station, a fast-food joint, and…more parking lots. Okay, maybe the digital detox wasn't such a bad idea after all. I decided to order some takeout to celebrate the occasion.
19:00 - Dinner Roulette (aka, "Pray for My Digestive System"): After settling down in my room, I decide to order some food. I had a chicken sandwich, it was okay.
20:00 - Pre-Sleep Anxiety. As I prepared to sleep, I was thinking, "Is this going to be a nightmare, or what?" The room was silent, the TV was off. Honestly, I could have cried right there.
Day 2: Chicago Bound! (Hope & Mild Disappointment)
08:00 - Breakfast (and a Reality Check). The complimentary breakfast is… well, generous. There's a waffle maker, but after staring at it for a few minutes, I realized I am NOT a waffle maker. I settle for a piece of toast and some lukewarm coffee. This place is shaping up to be the least-fancy place I've ever stayed.
09:00 - Public Transportation Adventure! Okay, the plan is to go downtown Chicago today! It's an exciting experience.
10:00 - The Train is Late. Of course, it is. I wait at the station a long time and I almost fall asleep. The train eventually arrives, and I get on!
11:00 - Downtown Chicago! The train is finally here, I'm in downtown Chicago. I go on a walk and see a bunch of things. The food here is delicious, but extremely expensive.
15:00 - Return to the Halsted Inn: The train is late again, so I am very tired. The trip back was rough, so I fell asleep once more. This is a very tiring experience and I need a rest.
20:00 - Room Service (Sort of). After a long day, I opt for a "room service" dinner of microwave popcorn. I eat it while watching TV.
Day 3: Chicago (Again) and the Deep Dive
09:00 - Back to the City. Chicago is beautiful, even if the ride is long and expensive. Today I want to see more things.
15:00 - The "What Did I Sign Up For?" Panic. After the long day, I came back to my hotel room. It's… well, it's still a room. And I kind of, sort of, hate everything about it. The drabness, the silence, the faint smell of… something. It's starting to feel less like a temporary stop and more like a purgatory of beige.
16:00 - Diving into the Deep End (aka, "I've Lost It"): Okay, I am NOT going to let this place win. I crank up the TV, blast some music, and rearrange the furniture. I decide to order the biggest, cheesiest pizza within a 10-mile radius.
18:00 - Pizza Party! I'm alone in my room, eating a pizza that's bigger than my suitcase, and listening to music. And you know what? It's not half bad. I actually feel… almost okay.
20:00 - The "Maybe This Isn't So Bad" Epiphany. As I sit there, digesting pizza and watching some TV, the room is starting to feel like a weirdly comforting cocoon. Maybe the Halsted Inn and Suites isn't perfect, but it's my messy, imperfect cocoon. And for now, at least, that's enough.
Day 4: Departure (and Unexpected Nostalgia?)
- 09:00 - Breakfast…Again. The complimentary breakfast, the same.
- 10:00 - The Dreaded Checkout. It goes smoothly, surprisingly.
- 10:30 - Final Thoughts. It's not the Ritz, but it isn't the worst. I'll probably forget about this place in a few weeks, but I'll never forget the experience.
Final Verdict:
Would I recommend the Halsted Inn and Suites to a friend? Hmm… Well, it depends. If they're looking for luxury, the answer is a resounding NO. But if they're looking for a place to crash, somewhere that has a certain… charm… and a healthy dose of reality, then, yeah, maybe. And if they stay there, I'd tell them, embrace the mess, the imperfections, and the unexpected pizza parties. It might just turn into something you wouldn't trade. Or maybe it won't. Either way, it'll be a story. And that, my friends, is what life is all about.
Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Paradise: Ocean Club Resort's Unforgettable Getaway
Halsted Inn & Suites Harvey: Before You Book (Or Run Away!) - A Human's Guide
Okay, spill the tea! Is Halsted Inn & Suites really a "hidden gem?" Or is that just marketing fluff?
Alright, let's be real. "Hidden gem" is a loaded term, isn't it? It's like when someone says, "I have a *great* idea for a start-up…" Immediately, my internal monologue starts screaming, "RUN!" With Halsted Inn? It's… complicated. Look, it ain't the Ritz-Carlton. Think more… charmingly weathered. It's definitely *not* the flashiest, but hidden? Yeah, in a way. Harvey, Illinois isn't exactly on the tourist trail. So, "hidden" both in location and... well, let's just say the price point. You get what you pay for, folks. And sometimes, that's a whole lot of character!
What's the deal with the location? Is Harvey, Illinois, safe?
Okay, buckle up, because this is where things get *real*. Harvey has a reputation, let's just say that. I'm not going to sugarcoat this thing to death. I'd recommend doing your own research on current conditions. Check those crime maps, and, you know, use your common sense. I mean, when Grandma called me last year to warn me, I thought, "Geez, this is just getting out of hand." I mean, Chicago itself isn't exactly a walk in the park these days. And sure, Harvey has its issues. I've driven through the area at different times of day and night and I found it to be okay, but **always** pay attention to your surroundings. It's a good idea to arrive during the day, even if you're just checking in. And if you have a car, lock the doors. Period.
The reviews mention "bed bugs." Are you serious?!
Okay, deep breaths. Bedbugs. The bane of every traveler's existence. Look, I'm not going to lie. I've seen that mentioned in reviews too. And for a hotel, that… it's a red flag that's on FIRE. It's so unnerving, you know? Just the *thought* of it. I'm not going to sit here and tell you it's a non-issue. My advice? Check recent reviews. If there are multiple recent mentions, RUN. Like, sprint. And if you *do* stay (against my better judgement!), *inspect the hell out of that mattress* and the headboard. Seriously. Bring a flashlight. And don't unpack your suitcase until you're certain. It's that simple. Bedbugs are a nightmare. Just... ugh. The thought is enough to make me itch.
What are the rooms *actually* like? Is it like, a *hotel* or... something else?
Alright, the rooms. Here's the lowdown. Think… functional. They're not winning any design awards. Don't expect marble bathrooms or sleek minimalist decor. Picture a motel, not a luxury suite. Carpet that might be a little… worn. Maybe a slightly off-kilter picture frame. The basics are there: a bed (hopefully clean!), a TV (probably with cable), and a bathroom (hopefully with hot water). I recall one room I saw that looked really dated, and the air conditioner sounded like a jet engine. I swear, it was louder than the train that occasionally rumbled by. But, hey, it's a roof over your head, right? And sometimes, the quiet moments in a basic room can feel like a sanctuary. It depends what you're after!
Is there breakfast? And if so, *what* kind of breakfast?
Breakfast. Sigh. This is where you temper your expectations *really* hard. "Free breakfast" usually means… a continental breakfast. Which, let's be honest, can be pretty sad. Think pre-packaged muffins, cereal (probably a generic brand), instant coffee that tastes like… well, you get the idea. Sometimes, there's a waffle maker. Which is a win! But prepare for a crowd. The whole scene might be like a chaotic food free-for-all at 7 AM. Expect the food to be gone quickly and the staff working to manage the volume of the guests. I'm not exactly looking forward to a breakfast like that, but you can't go wrong with the waffle-maker!
What's the parking situation like?
Parking. Ah, yes. Another crucial detail. My memory of it is fuzzy, honestly. I think there's usually *some* parking on site. Likely it's outdoors. Make sure you check it out as soon as you get there, just in case. I'd always recommend parking somewhere that's well-lit. Check the surroundings, too! When in doubt, park in the safest spot available and be vigilant about your vehicle.
How is the customer service? Are the staff friendly?
This is highly variable, I think, and depends on who is working. It's not the Four Seasons, you know? Don't expect a butler. You're getting a motel experience. I've read reviews where people rave about a particular front desk person, and others where they're grumbling. It seems hit or miss. I'd say... be polite, be patient, and manage your expectations. And honestly, I'm a big fan of being polite. That gets you further, even in Harvey. If you are cool, calm, and collected, you are more likely to receive better service.
Okay, the big question. Should I stay here?
Alright. The million-dollar question. Should *you* stay at Halsted Inn & Suites? It depends. Really, it does. If you're a budget traveler, and the reviews are relatively recent and seem okay, and you're looking to save money, sure, give it a go. Just go in with your eyes open, bring your own Lysol wipes, and leave your high expectations at home. However... if you're easily spooked, if cleanliness is *paramount*, if you value amenities above all else, or if you simply want a relaxing, carefree stay… probably not. It comes down to risk vs. reward. Sometimes, the reward of saving money is worth the risk of a slightly less-than-perfect experience. And sometimes, it's not.
Let's say I *have* to stay thereComfort Inn
Post a Comment for "Escape to Chicago's Hidden Gem: Halsted Inn & Suites Harvey!"