Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Chicago South Lansing by IHG

After a long drive, having a pool was a real plus. The location worked well for getting to Chicago, and the queen beds were just right. I also appreciated the safety lock on each room entrance and the Dove products they provide.

We ended up needing a room late after arriving because the hotel we’d booked had bugs. Tracy at the desk was incredibly helpful and found us a room right away. The place was close to the highway and under an hour from Chicago, as well as not far from the dance venue we needed. Breakfast was good each morning, and the beds were made and towels replenished daily.

For food, there are several options within a block, and the hotel is close to the expressway. I stayed 10 nights and would book here again when I’m in Chicago. The staff, from the front desk on both shifts to the cleaning crew, were friendly and accommodating. There’s an indoor pool and plenty of parking, though there isn’t anything much to see outside. The small snack shop has a few useful things, but they’re pricey. I arrived after midnight, worn out from a long day of travel, and was unsure about the tucked-away location behind a car dealership on a tiny cul-de-sac. The room turned out to be spacious, modern, clean, and fresh-smelling, with a refrigerator, microwave, and Keurig. The bed was so comfortable and the blackout shades made it hard to get up. If you have somewhere to be in the morning, set a backup alarm. The shower got nice and hot, with good pressure. Breakfast runs from 6 to 9 a.m. and usually includes hot items like biscuits and gravy, sausage, and mini omelettes, plus pastries, bagels, muffins, fruit, yogurt, and juice. Coffee, tea, and hot chocolate are available around the clock.

The front desk service was great, but I saw the person restocking breakfast scratch his butt crack under his underwear with his bare hand. He then used that same hand on the food covers and tongs. Gross.