Holiday Inn Exp & Sts Chicago-Deerfield/Lincoln

The breakfast bar was included and had plenty to choose from, with cereal, baked goods, eggs, sausage, potatoes, and pancakes from a strange little machine. The coffee station also had more options than most free hotel breakfasts. The dining room was very cold, though. The lobby doors open right beside it, which makes the temperature hard to regulate. I sat farther in and added layers, so it worked out fine for me. Bring a sweater if it’s cold outside. The rooms are dated, but very clean and comfortable. Wi-fi worked great for my graduate work, which didn’t need much juice. The TV is small and a bit rinky dink, and its guide lists stations without saying what’s playing. I wish streaming services were available, like at some other hotels. My room was right above the lobby’s sliding doors. They made a lot of noise when people walked through, which I think explains the banging I heard. I can’t speak for other guests, and it could bother someone very sensitive to noise, but it didn’t bother me. The room’s location by the stairs from the lobby seemed odd at first and turned out to be convenient. Staff were extremely friendly and accommodating when I misplaced my wallet and panicked about checking in. The location was convenient, though a light would help with turning left onto Lake Cook Rd. I’ve been enjoying Holiday Inn properties more than other chains lately, and this one was no exception. I’d take the extra 3-4 minutes of drive time to stay here again, though this weekend I chose another hotel that was a little closer to where I’m visiting.

The hot tub and pool were very dirty. The kids couldn’t even find the glowing pool toys in the murky water. I told the receptionist, who said the manager wasn’t in that day. Another hotel guest told me the pool had been just as dirty the day before. I hoped it would be cleaned by Sunday (3/08), but it wasn’t. I have video, though I can’t upload it. Pictures just don’t show enough.

I chose this hotel because I know the surrounding suburbs and had a rental car. It’s good value, and works well if you’re driving. The staff were professional, friendly, and helpful. I only had breakfast once and have no complaints, it’s a bonus. The rooms were very clean, though a little outdated and in need of a refresh, and there was an old smell in the room. When I left at 4am, there was nobody available to check me out. I’ve since tried calling, but no one answers.

The hotel was clean and fine for a short day, but I won’t stay there again. There were a lot of weird people around, and between about 1 and 2am, people came out of their rooms and didn’t come back. Doors slammed a lot in the middle of the night, and banging went on all night too.