DoubleTree by Hilton Chicago - Arlington Heights

The breakfast buffet was the highlight for us, and easily one of the best we’ve had after traveling 90% of the year for several years. The eggs were fresh, including a great cheese and spinach version, and there was miso soup and rice, crispy potatoes, fresh fruit, buttery croissants, moist muffins, and juice that wasn’t watered down. The dog fee also brought us here: $50 for two dogs per stay felt appropriate, and I wish more hotels charged a fair pet fee and more owners cleaned up after their dogs. The rooms were a decent size and very clean, with hot water and strong pressure. We liked the king-sized feather pillows, mattress, linens, lotion, and bar soap. We can’t wait to visit again.

The indoor pool was a nice extra, and the restaurant and housekeeping teams were warm and hardworking. The food was great and the rooms spotless. Nick, the manager, gave us personal attention and was very accommodating. We also had a fresh cookie on arrival, and check-in and check-out were quick and easy. The concierge staff were friendly, especially Ally.

The heated pool and gym were both great, but the rest of the stay left me so upset I almost cried. I come every year to see family and have never had this kind of trouble before. I stayed December 25 to January 1 because I was excited about the buffet, which was one of the main reasons I chose the hotel, but there wasn’t a buffet at all, just the same four options each day. Restaurant and front desk staff were good. My key didn’t work for two days straight, and after our first night the door stopped working, so I got two free drinks and we were moved the next day because we couldn’t get in. I was relieved to change rooms until I found the toilet needed three flushes each time, even after it was fixed. The shower only worked as a bath at first, though they did fix it. When I asked for repairs, staff said they couldn’t see how so many things could be wrong, but I just wanted them fixed. The beds were too small for two people. It was a miserable, uncomfortable stay.

This place has friendly staff and is clean, and the gym is good for a hotel, but that doesn’t make up for the lack of basic amenities. There are no microwaves, kettles, or coffee makers. The only appliances were a fairly new TV and a tiny, badly dented fridge. The bathroom sink is smaller than most camper van sinks, barely palm-sized. Each room has three lamps, but one didn’t work with the buttons at its base, and there’s no entrance switch for general lighting like in most newer hotels. The AC made more noise than a jet taking off, and I could barely sleep during my three nights there. Meijer and Jewel osco are nearby, but you’ll need to drive everywhere. The airport shuttle is unreliable, with limited trips and vans.