The Willows Hotel

3.0 star property
3-star boutique hotel near Lake Michigan

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for The Willows Hotel

Premium bedding, minibar, desk, blackout drapes
Lobby
Front of property
Dining
Lobby sitting area

Reviews

8.4 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • 24/7 front desk

Explore the area

View in a map
555 W Surf St, Chicago, IL, 60657
  • Place, Lincoln Park
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, DePaul University-Lincoln Park
    ‪16 min walk‬
  • Place, Wrigley Field
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Airport, Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.)
    ‪24 min drive‬

Room options

Deluxe Room, 2 Queen Beds

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(8 reviews)
  • 325 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Executive Room, 1 King Bed

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 350 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Junior Suite, 1 King Bed

  • 400 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Room, 1 Queen Bed (Small)

7.8 out of 10
Good
(10 reviews)
  • 250 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(5 reviews)
  • 300 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

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About the neighborhood

Chicago

Lakeview stay.A stay at this Lakeview hotel places you within half a mile (1 km) of Lake Michigan and 2 miles (3 km) of Wrigley Field. Also, Lincoln Park is within half a mile (1 km) and Vic Theatre is within 2 miles (3 km).

What's nearby

  • Lincoln Park - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Vic Theatre - 14 min walk - 0.8 miles
  • DePaul University-Lincoln Park - 16 min walk - 0.9 miles
  • Lincoln Park Zoo - 19 min walk - 1.0 mile
  • Wrigley Field - 3 min drive - 1.4 miles

Getting around

  • Chicago Clybourn Station - 4 min drive
  • Diversy Station - 11 min walk
  • Chicago O'Hare Intl. Airport (ORD) - 48 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Starbucks - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Duke Of Perth - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Chipotle Mexican Grill - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Le Petit Marcel - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪The Crepe Shop - ‬3 min walk

About this property

The Willows Hotel

3-star boutique hotel near Lake Michigan
As a guest of The Willows Hotel, you'll find a vending machine, coffee/tea in a common area, and concierge services. WiFi is free in public spaces. The boutique The Willows Hotel also features a fireplace in the lobby, complimentary use of a nearby fitness facility, and a front-desk safe.

This 3-star Chicago hotel is smoke free.

  • 1 building
  • 55 guestrooms or units
  • 4 levels
  • Built in 1906
  • Coffee in lobby
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Front-desk safe
  • Concierge
  • Fireplace in lobby
  • Elevator
  • No smoking on site
The Willows Hotel offers 55 accommodations with minibars and bathrobes. Beds feature premium bedding. Flat-screen televisions come with cable channels. Bathrooms include shower/tub combinations, complimentary toiletries, and hair dryers.

Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access (speed: 25+ Mbps). Business-friendly amenities include desks and phones; free local calls are provided (restrictions may apply). Additionally, rooms include irons/ironing boards and blackout drapes/curtains. Housekeeping is provided on request.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Family friendly

  • In-room refrigerator

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • In-room WiFi speed: 25+ Mbps
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Offsite parking available (USD 26 per day)

Food and drink

  • Coffee and tea in common areas

Accessibility

  • Elevator

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • Flat-screen TV with cable channels

Bedroom

  • Blackout drapes
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Bathrobes
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower/bathtub combination
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Minibar
  • Refrigerator

More

  • Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
  • Desk
  • Free local calls
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Phone

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM

Special check-in instructions

Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
  • Cribs (infant beds) are not available.

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Nearby parking fee: USD 26 per day (300 ft away)

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Safety features at this property include a smoke detector and a first aid kit
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Diners Club, and JCB International. Cash is not accepted. For guests' safety, the property includes a smoke detector and a first aid kit in each accommodation.

Property is also known as

Hotel Willows
Willows Chicago
Willows Hotel
Willows Hotel Chicago
The Willows Hotel Hotel
The Willows Hotel Chicago
The Willows Hotel Hotel Chicago

Frequently asked questions

How close is The Willows Hotel to the airport?

The Willows Hotel is 16.6 mi (49-min drive) away from the Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

How much does it cost to stay at The Willows Hotel?

As of Mar 31, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Willows Hotel on Apr 1, 2026 start from $123, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Does The Willows Hotel have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at The Willows Hotel.

How close is The Willows Hotel to the beach?

This hotel is 2.8 mi (7-min drive) from Montrose Beach and 3 mi (12-min drive) from North Avenue Beach. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Does The Willows Hotel offer free breakfast?

The Willows Hotel does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at The Willows Hotel?

No, there is no casino at this hotel, but Bally's Casino Chicago (6-min drive) and Rivers Casino (19-min drive) are nearby.

What time is check-in at The Willows Hotel?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime.

Is there free parking at The Willows Hotel?

Free parking is not available at this hotel.

Does The Willows Hotel have a pool?

The Willows Hotel does not have a pool.

Does The Willows Hotel have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this hotel.

How close is The Willows Hotel to downtown Chicago?

The Willows Hotel is 3.9 mi away from Chicago.

The Willows Hotel Reviews

Reviews

8.4

Very Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 534 out of 1006 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 257 out of 1006 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 123 out of 1006 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 64 out of 1006 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 28 out of 1006 reviews

8.6/10

Cleanliness

8.8/10

Staff & service

7.6/10

Amenities

8.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Amy

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kathy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A charming older hotel.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2025

2/10 Terrible

Thomas

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Dear Management Team at The Willows Hotel, I am writing to formally complain about my recent stay at The Willows Hotel, which was extremely disappointing due to both front desk staff behavior and unacceptable room conditions. Upon arrival, the front desk staff member was immediately rude and unprofessional. She answered a phone call while checking us in and left me standing there for an extended period without acknowledgment. When we politely asked whether a top-floor room was available, she responded that nothing was available because we had booked what she described as “the cheapest and smallest room.” The implication and tone were unnecessary and condescending. During check-in, I briefly stepped away while my wife remained at the desk. When I returned, I asked my wife whether she had received the room we requested. At that point, the front desk staff member interjected and told me, “You need to be patient.” This comment was entirely uncalled for, as I was not speaking to her, nor was there any impatience on my part. The entire check-in process was miserable, and despite the attitude we received, we were still not given a top-floor room because, as we were told again, we “get what we get” since we booked the cheapest room. Once we reached our room, it was extremely cold. We contacted the front desk and were told to turn the knob on the radiator and that the heat would come on. We did this correctly on both radiators, yet the room remained freezing. We were then forced t
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lauren

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Such a lovely location, proximity to parking and restaurants and cozy lobby.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michelle

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff was extremely helpful and pleasant.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Dawn

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
It was quiet! We enjoyed seeing a familiar face at the Desk throughout the weekend! It seemed as if one young lady was always there. Staff was very Courteous! Rooms and lobby were very clean.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Allison

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Drew

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Staff was nice and a great location
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

ISABELLA

Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Geralyn

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Room was clean and service was good. Good restaurants close by. Coffee machine in lobby could have been updated. M&M ‘s in room were old
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2025

6/10 Okay

Kim

Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Kimberly

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean room. Very small, older, but cozy. Location was amazing. Actually the location was the best part. Lots of restaurants , shops… Very charming hotel with character. Kind of higher priced but definitely would stay here again. Friendly staff as well!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Brian

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Perfect location. Love the neighborhood
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Kendra

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

deniza

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
No we had heating issues
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth

Traveled with group, Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room was a great size and very clean. The downstairs is gorgeous as well, and it feels like a very safe hotel with the double locks! We had a very nice stay here.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

6/10 Okay

Patthaporn

Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

4/10 Poor

Sharon

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
I understand The Willlows is an old building, but the room was too small and not very clean. Also, the front desk person at check out provided poor customer service.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Cheryl, Queen Creek

Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025

6/10 Okay

Karen

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Amenities
They made sure I initialed the section where you agree to not smoke in 3 different places. Went to my room and it literally reeked of smoke. I went back downstairs to be told they had no other queen rooms and I would have to upgrade for a king size which was extra $10 a night so I did even after being told it was difficult to do so. In general the place was very clean. But if you’re looking for a true boutique hotel this is not it! Bathrooms are old and need serious updating, pink tile! Carpets are also old. But I will say the bed was extremely comfortable and I had a good sleep.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Elia

Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Austin

Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Robert

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jose

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Misty, Marietta

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Good price and very nice lobby. Rooms clean. Very small. Very old but ok for a couple nights.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025