Escape to Chicago: Orland Park's BEST Hotel Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're not just reviewing "Escape to Chicago: Orland Park's BEST Hotel Awaits!" We're diving headfirst, messy-hair-don't-care, into a complete and utter sensory overload of what this place really has to offer. Forget the PR speak; this is the raw, unfiltered truth.
Metadata & SEO Shenanigans (Gotta get those clicks!):
- Title: Escape to Chicago: Orland Park Hotel Review - Accessibility, Amenities, & the Unexpected (Spoiler: It's Actually Pretty Good!)
- Keywords: Orland Park hotel, Chicago hotel, accessible hotel, Illinois hotel, best hotel Orland Park, spa hotel, pool, fitness center, family-friendly hotel, free Wi-Fi, pet-friendly hotel, restaurant, bar, review, travel, Midwest, Chicago suburbs, Illinois travel.
- Meta Description: Forget the tourist traps! I survived a stay at "Escape to Chicago: Orland Park's BEST Hotel Awaits!" and spilled the tea on accessibility, those tempting amenities, and the (sometimes hilarious) reality of a weekend getaway. Read my brutally honest review!
The Initial Impression: (First things that stand out, then we'll dig deeper…)
Look, getting to any hotel can be a drag. But getting to "Escape to Chicago," (I'm already using their name, I'm a sucker for branding!) in Orland Park felt…well, a little surreal, honestly. This isn't Chicago proper, you know? This is the suburbs. But hey, that means easier parking, right? And the promise of escape is enticing.
Accessibility: The Real Deal (or a Bit of a Headache?)
Okay, straight up, this is IMPORTANT. Accessibility. It’s not just a checkbox, it’s a lifeline for many.
- Wheelchair Accessible: The website claims it, and I'm happy to report it's mostly true! The common areas, the elevators…all good. BUT… (and there's always a BUT, isn't there?) Getting to the pool? Could be tricky. Some ramps could use a little love, maybe a fresh coat of paint, too. Overall, decent, but room for improvement.
- Facilities for Disabled Guests: They had the basics covered: grab bars, wider doors. Not every room, mind you, so if you need it, call ahead. Don't just assume! That's a lesson I've learned from cough experience cough.
- Elevator: Definitely a plus. Essential!
- Other Stuff: The front desk staff seemed helpful. I didn't have any major issues, and they seemed genuinely willing to assist (that's good!).
On-site Accessible Restaurants/Lounges: I didn’t get a perfect view of all the spaces in the restaurants, but the layout looked easy to navigate.
Okay, My Brain Got Distracted by the Free Wi-Fi (because, let's be real, it's crucial!)
- Free Wi-Fi in All Rooms!: YES! Bless them. Seriously, the internet is the lifeblood of my existence. Working in the room was super easy because of that!
- Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services, Wi-Fi in public areas: All present. Consistent connection? Pretty good. I had to wrangle with the signal once, but that’s just my luck because most of the time it was totally fine.
- Things to do & Ways to Relax: The Spa is Calling!
Right, let's talk pampering. This is where things get… interesting.
- Spa/Sauna/Steamroom/Pool with View/Swimming pool [outdoor]/Swimming pool: The spa, ah, the spa. It's not the Ritz, okay? But it's got a good vibe, and that's half the battle. The pool had some construction happening, but it wasn't a distraction. I loved being able to go outside to enjoy the fresh air, even though there were some kids playing.
- Body scrub, Body wrap, Massage: I indulged in a massage. And OMG, was it amazing. I booked that thing ASAP when I found out. They really knew what they were doing, and I walked out feeling like a totally relaxed puddle!
- Fitness Center, Gym/fitness: The gym was your standard hotel gym. A few treadmills, some weights. Nothing fancy, but it got the job done.
- Foot bath: It was not available at the time of my visit, but looked appealing.
Cleanliness and Safety: (Are We Safe?)
Okay, let's be brutally honest (because let's face it, we're all a little obsessed since the pandemic, right?).
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays: They. Are. Trying. I saw staff cleaning relentlessly. I felt reasonably safe. I'm a bit of a germaphobe (in a very relatable way, I hope!).
- Cashless payment service, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: They have the whole thing covered so you don’t have to worry.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: They definitely know what they’re doing at the front desk, and in the restaurants too.
- Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit: You're never truly alone.
- Air conditioning in public area, CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Smoke alarms, Security [24-hour]: They were all present and accounted for.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: (Food Glorious Food!)
Ah, the most important part! Where do we eat?
- Restaurants, Bar, Poolside bar, Coffee shop, Snack bar: Variety is the spice of life, right? They had options. And I tried… most of them.
- Breakfast [buffet], Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant: This place has it!
- A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bottle of water, Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Room service [24-hour], Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant: I mean, name it! They probably got it!
- Room service [24-hour]: Always a win in my book. Especially when I'm feeling lazy.
The Foodie Ramblings (Because I Can't Help Myself):
The breakfast buffet… let’s just say the omelet station was where my culinary dreams took flight. The coffee? Standard hotel coffee, but perfectly drinkable. The bar… a great place to unwind after a long day of… well, whatever it is you do. The salad bar…I’ve seen better.
Services and Conveniences: (The Little Things That Matter!)
- Daily housekeeping, Laundry service, Dry cleaning, Concierge, Cash withdrawal, Currency exchange, Luggage storage, Car park [free of charge], Indoor venue for special events, Outdoor venue for special events: Everything you could want, really.
- Facilities for disabled guests: Covered!
- Elevator: Yes.
- Convenience store: For those late-night snack cravings.
- Business facilities, Meetings, Meeting/banquet facilities: It’s a total work-from-home dream.
- Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop: Always fun.
- On-site event hosting, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Projector/LED display, Wi-Fi for special events: Planning something special? They’ll help!
For the Kids: (Family Time!)
- Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal: While I didn't travel with kids, I saw plenty of families. The facilities seemed to be designed for a family-friendly stay.
The Room: (Where the Magic Happens!)
Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. My room!
- Available in all rooms: The essentials!
- Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens: They had it all!
- Room Decorations: The decor was nice
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously planned travel itinerary. This is a living, breathing, slightly-chaotic account of my experience at the Quality Inn & Suites Orland Park - Chicago Orland Park. Consider yourselves warned.
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Pillow Debacle (aka Mild Panic)
- 14:00 (give or take an hour, jet lag is a beast): Arrive at Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW). Immediately feel the city's gritty, glorious energy. The air smells like…well, it smells like a city, which is surprisingly comforting. Grab a surprisingly expensive Uber to the Quality Inn. Seriously, sticker shock. My bank account is weeping already.
- 15:30 (ish): Check-in. The front desk guy is super friendly, bless his heart. The lobby looks…well, it looks like a Quality Inn lobby. Functional. Business-y. The carpet is a particular shade of vaguely beige that feels both inviting and slightly unsettling.
- 16:00: Unpack (or more accurately, shove my suitcase onto the bed and pray). Okay, room’s decent. Clean enough. BUT. The pillows. Oh, the pillows. One is rock-hard, the other is like a deflated balloon. This could be a dealbreaker. I'm a pillow snob. This is a crisis!
- 16:30: Call the front desk, attempting to mask my pillow-induced hysteria. "Hi, yeah, about the pillows… they're… uh… not ideal?" The front desk guy seems mildly amused. Offers to send up some alternatives. Hero.
- 17:00: Pillow re-evaluation. Success! A slightly softer, marginally less lumpy pillow has arrived. Crisis averted. Breathe. Feel the stress melt a little. This is what a vacation is supposed to be, right? A series of small victories against the relentless forces of…pillow-related disappointment?
- 18:00: Venture out for dinner. Find a local diner, "The Daily Grind." Classic greasy spoon goodness. Massive burger consumed. Feeling slightly less like a crumpled, pillow-deprived mess. Chicago, I think I'm gonna like you.
Day 2: The Mall Incident and Suburban Existentialism
- 09:00: Wake up, surprisingly well-rested thanks to the pillow intervention. Shower. Contemplate life. This is the part of the trip where the "inner monologue" really starts to kick in.
- 10:00: Decide on a "cultural experience," so I (reluctantly) head to Orland Square Mall. Me? At a mall? What has become of me?
- 10:30: The mall is… a lot. A sensory overload of blinking lights, piped-in pop music, and the scent of cinnamon buns. I’m immediately overwhelmed. The people-watching is top-notch, though. Observe the various fashion choices, like it's an anthropology experiment.
- 11:30: Get lost in the labyrinthine corridors of Macy’s. End up buying a scarf I absolutely do not need but felt inexplicably drawn to. The soft cashmere is an act of rebellion against the beige carpet of my hotel room. Or maybe just another coping mechanism? Who can say?
- 12:30: Lunch at the food court. Observe the symphony of chewing, slurping, and chattering. Feel a wave of existential dread wash over me. Am I just a cog in the capitalist machine, consuming overpriced fast food in a climate-controlled box alongside hundreds of other… consumers? Question all my life choices.
- 13:30: Escape the mall. Breathe the sweet, sweet, unfettered air. Vow never to go back (until tomorrow, probably). Stroll through a nearby park. Watch kids play. Think about… things. Life is weird.
- 15:00: Back at the hotel. Take a nap. The comfort of the hotel room becomes a haven from the chaos. Try to stay positive.
- 18:00: Dinner at a local Italian restaurant recommended by the front desk guy. The pasta is amazing. The wine goes down easy. Chicago is making up for my suburban mall trauma.
Day 3: Deep Dish Dreams and the Eternal Quest for Parking
- 09:00: Start the day with a lukewarm hotel breakfast. The “fruit” is strangely plastic-y. Consider just going straight to the good stuff like the bacon.
- 10:00: Day trip to Chicago! First stop: Deep dish pizza. This is the whole reason I'm here. I've been dreaming of this moment for weeks.
- 11:30: Arrive at the pizza place. The line is down the block. This is not unexpected. I decide the wait is worth it. The anticipation!
- 13:00: Finally, pizza! The first bite is pure, gooey, cheesy heaven. The taste alone wipes away all the previous discomforts. This is what life is all about.
- 14:00: Parking. The eternal Chicago struggle. Drive around for what feels like an eternity searching for a space. Eventually find one, far away. Hike back to the car feeling smug and exhausted at the same time.
- 16:00: Visit the Art Institute of Chicago. Get lost in the galleries. Stare at Monet's paintings for an embarrassingly long time. Feel moved. Feel nothing. Wander.
- 18:00: Head for a pub in the city. Drink a local beer and feel genuinely happy.
- 20:00: Drive back to the hotel. Exhausted, happy, and smelling faintly of pizza.
Day 4: Farewell, Chicago (and That Infuriating Hotel Coffee)
- 07:00: Wake up to the dreaded hotel coffee. It's… not good. The water is lukewarm and the coffee tastes like brown disappointment. Sigh.
- 08:00: Pack. Contemplate the souvenirs I bought. Did I really need that "I Heart Chicago" t-shirt? Probably not. Will I wear it? Probably.
- 09:00: Last-minute breakfast at the diner again, the greasy spoon goodness.
- 10:00: Check out. Say goodbye to the friendly front desk guy. Thank him for the pillow rescue.
- 10:30: Uber back to the airport. Reflect on the trip. Chicago, you were a wild ride. There were moments of sublime beauty and moments of utter chaos. I loved it.
- 12:00: Fly home. The memories, the food (and the damn pillows) will stay with me.
Post-Trip Assessment:
- Hotel: Fine. Functional. The pillows, blessedly, were sorted out. The coffee, however, remains a mystery of caffeinated sadness.
- Chicago: Absolutely worth it. The city is a vibrant, exciting, and slightly messy place. Would go back in a heartbeat.
- Overall: A success. A slightly imperfect, gloriously human success.
Escape to Chicago: Orland Park's BEST Hotel Awaits! - FAQ (With a Dash of Reality!)
Okay, "BEST Hotel" is a bold claim. What makes this place so special? (And, honestly, is it *really* better than that place with the questionable hot tub?)
Alright, alright, let's address the elephant in the room: "BEST" is subjective. I get it. But seriously... I've stayed in *some* places, folks. Places where the "continental breakfast" looked like it was raided from a toddler's picnic basket. This place... it's different.
I had a *moment* in the lobby. One of those, “Oh. My. God. I'm actually relaxed” moments. Fresh flowers, not the stale kind that look like they've been there since the Reagan administration. The staff actually *smiles*. Not that forced, glazed-over "Welcome to Mediocrity" smile... a real, genuine, "Hey, how can I help you?" kind of smile. It's the little things, you know? Like the coffee that actually tastes like coffee, not brown-colored water. That alone is worth half the price of admission, in my humble opinion.
And the questionable hot tub? Yeah, I’ve been there. Let's just say I still have nightmares about the smell of chlorine and the… things… that were probably floating in it. NOPE. This place? No questionable hot tubs. Just… good vibes. Trust me on this one.
Is it really *in* Chicago? Because Orland Park isn't exactly downtown, is it?
Okay, this is where things get a little… geographically flexible. No, it's not *in* downtown Chicago. That would be a logistical nightmare, honestly. Think parking. Think traffic. Think… well, you get the picture.
Orland Park is, however, a convenient jump-off point. You can easily get into the city via car or the Metra. It's like… being close enough to the action without actually *being* in the middle of it. A strategic retreat zone, if you will. I'm all about strategic retreats. Especially when I'm done dealing with the crowds and just want to collapse in a decent bed. And trust me, this bed is… *chef's kiss*.
Let's talk food. Does the hotel offer anything to eat beyond sad vending machine snacks? Because I'm a snacker, and a hungry snacker is a dangerous snacker.
Vending machine snacks? Oh, honey, no. No, no, no. This place gets it. They have a restaurant. A REAL restaurant. And not some glorified microwave-and-assemble situation, either. I had dinner there. First night, I was tired, really tired. So I sat down and ate. I had a burger (don't judge, I was exhausted!) and it was… unexpectedly good. Like, "Wow, that's a seriously well-crafted burger" good. They even have breakfast. And the coffee is NOT watered down. I'm not talking gourmet, Michelin-star quality, but it's DELICIOUS. Especially after a night of… well, let's just say I enjoyed myself and my sleep needed a bit more. Coffee and a nice pastry? Yes, please!
Parking? Is it a nightmare? I've spent an hour circling a hotel before, praying for a spot like it was a religious experience. I DON'T want to go through that again.
Parking is... easy. RELAX. Seriously. Ample parking. Free parking. You pull up, park, and breathe a sigh of relief. That's a HUGE deal, people. Huge. I had a rental car once, I was totally lost, driving in circles, and it was like the gates of Hell opened up directly into a parking lot. This? Not even close. This place understands that parking shouldn't be a second job. Hallelujah!
What about the rooms? Are they clean? Because I have a serious aversion to questionable stains on the carpets and… well, you get the idea.
Okay, this is important. CLEAN. The rooms are clean. I’m not just saying that. I’m an *expert* at spotting a questionable hotel room. I'm talking about a level of clean that makes you want to… well, you want to roll around on the bed and take a nap. I did. No regrets. The sheets *smell* fresh. The bathroom sparkles. It's like they actually care. Seriously, they do. I think. Wait. I hope! Oh dear. But yes, very clean.
Are there any amenities beyond a bed? Because I'm not just looking for a place to sleep. I'm looking for… well, something more. Gym? Pool? Free ice cream sundae bar? (Okay, maybe I made that last one up.)
Alright, alright, let's talk amenities. They have… yes, they have a gym. I didn’t use it. I was too busy eating that burger. There’s a pool too, but I'm not a huge pool person so I didn’t venture in. It looked nice, though. Clean. No creepy slime creatures lurking at the bottom, as far as I could tell. No free ice cream sundae bar, unfortunately. (I'm still working on suggesting that. Maybe they'll listen. I mean, a girl can dream, right?)
Okay, but what's *really* wrong with the place? Nothing's perfect. Come on, spill it!
Okay, fine. *Nothing* is perfect. Deep breaths. Let's be honest here. The elevator… well, it's an elevator. It gets a little crowded during breakfast rush. And, okay, I really, REALLY wish they had that ice cream sundae bar. I mentioned it, right? I'm still bitter. Also, maybe the TV channel selection could be a little... broader? I spent a good chunk of time flipping through channels before finding a decent movie. But those are the only things that come to mind. Honestly, for the price and location? I'm not complaining. I mean, maybe I'm just easily pleased. I'm a simple creature. Good bed, clean room, decent food. That's all I really need. And this place mostly delivers.
Would you go back? And would you recommend it to your… finicky friend? The one who complains about *everything*?
Yes. Absolutely, yes. I would go back. In a heartbeat. It was a surprisingly pleasant experience. I mean, I hate Orland Park. But now I'm like, "Hey, Orland Park… actually, youHilton Opelousas: Spark Your Louisiana Adventure!
