Olde Court Inn

I didn’t get bed bugs, at least, but that’s about the only plus. The rooms are all non-smoking, which I guess is meant to make people think the accommodations are good. They aren’t. The place is run-down, dirty, outdated, and tacky. Don’t waste your money. For about the same price, go a few miles down the road to the Motel 6 at River and Milwaukee in Prospect Heights. Even the smoking rooms there are clean and comfortable, and everything works. You’ll be much happier.

I only booked Olde Court Inn because the hotel hosting a November convention was full. It’s 0.3 mile down the street, so the location was the one convenience. My travel partner and I paid about $60 a night, $180 total for three nights, for a tiny room that smelled like a chain-smoking shut-in’s apartment. A big cigarette burn marked the blanket. I’d brought my own pillow and blanket, but both had picked up the odor and needed washing after we got home. There were just two outlets, which made charging laptops and camera batteries for the convention a pain. Dead bugs covered the bathroom windowsill, and the shower had only hot water, making it scalding and uncomfortable. On our second morning, the front desk clerk/manager unlocked the door and tried to enter without warning or knocking. I was sitting on the bed, completely nude after a shower. The security chain kept him out. I don’t care about being seen like that, but the lack of security and privacy bothered me, so I yelled to chase him off. Don’t stay at Olde Court Inn unless it’s your absolute last resort.

I was skeptical because Olde Court Inn had mixed reviews, but I had a good stay and would return. I’ll be in the area often for work, and the rate is great, so I’d recommend it to others. The employee’s English wasn’t very good, but I could understand him. My room was clean and nicely furnished, with fresh paint, a new bathroom, over 200 cable TV channels, and a very comfortable bed. The rooms are non-smoking, so you have to go outside to smoke, which I can respect. I’ve stayed in a lot of motels, and this was far and away the best one for me.

Ken and Kumar know how to run this place. The clean rooms are comfortable for the price, and service is on time. If you’re here for work or another longer stay, I can recommend it. They’ll go out of their way to help with specific needs. I’ve met a lot of long-term residents who’ve formed a small community and look out for one another. That helps the place feel safe and relaxed. I’d have no problem recommending it to friends and coworkers.