Chicago Lombard's BEST Hotel? TownePlace Suites Review!
Chicago Lombard's BEST Hotel? Buckle Up, Buttercup, It's the TownePlace Suites Review! (Prepare for a Rant with a Side of Love)
Okay, alright, settle in. You're about to get the real lowdown on the TownePlace Suites in Lombard, Illinois. Forget the glossy marketing brochures – this is where the rubber meets the road (or, you know, the parking lot). I'm gonna be honest, I'm prone to hyperbole, a bit of a grump, and easily distracted by shiny things. So, expect a bumpy ride. But hopefully, a helpful one.
First, let's address the elephant in the room: Is it actually the BEST? Look, "best" is subjective. But for the price point, the location (more on that later), and the relative sanity it provides… yeah, it's a strong contender for decent. Just don't expect the Ritz.
(Metadata & SEO Stuff - Ugh, Necessary Evil)
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- Focus: Detailed review with a focus on accessibility, cleanliness, dining, and overall experience.
(Accessibility - Because, Seriously, Everyone Deserves a Fair Shake)
Okay, HUGE props to TownePlace Suites for trying. They've got the basics down. Wheelchair accessible ramps and entrances? Check. Elevator? Double-check. The staff, bless their hearts, are generally helpful, but it's a bit of a crapshoot if they REALLY understand accessibility. One time, I saw a guy struggling with a wheelchair in the breakfast area and… well, let's just say the layout could be improved. The aisles are tight. Consider bringing a friend with you with a wheelchair. The Internet Access (which I'll get to in a sec) is also critical.
Accessibility - My Anecdote of the Day
My aunt has some mobility issues (she's old, like a fine, aged cheddar). Finding a decent hotel for her that is truly accessible is harder than finding a decent cup of coffee that isn't burnt at a gas station. The TownePlace Suites are generally decent, even though the bathrooms are on the cozy side. But, hey, at least there's a handrail! And, you know, Facilities for disabled guests. They try.
(Cleanliness and Safety - Because Germs Are the Enemy)
This is a big one, post-pandemic. I'm a sucker for cleanliness. I want to believe the place is spotless, especially after all that COVID-19 garbage (ugh, I'm getting flashbacks…). TownePlace Suites seems to be doing a respectable job. Rooms sanitized between stays? Supposedly. Staff trained in safety protocol? I'm judging them on this from a distance, and so far so good. Hand sanitizer stations were plentiful. And Daily disinfection in common areas – always a plus.
My Inner Germaphobe Speaks…
I'm slightly paranoid about cleanliness. Okay, fine, I'm a full-blown germaphobe. I always wipe EVERYTHING down. So, I did a quick once-over of my room when I arrived and… it passed the sniff test! No visible horrors, no mystery stains. I am happy to report the bathrooms were clean. Anti-viral cleaning products? I hope so!
(Rooms - Where the Magic (and the Sleep) Happens)
Okay, let's talk about the rooms. They're… well, they’re "suites," so they're bigger than your average hotel room. Which is useful for a longer stay. Available in all rooms: Air conditioning (thank GOD), Alarm clock (which I always forget to set), Coffee/tea maker, Refrigerator (essential for snacks!), Microwave (for those late-night popcorn cravings), and Free Wi-Fi. Actually, lemme talk about that internet…
(Internet - The Lifeblood of the Modern Traveler)
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms? YES! And for the most part, it actually works. Which is a miracle. I did have a slight hiccup one evening – the internet went poof! like some mischievous internet gremlin had unplugged it. I had a deadline to meet, and after a panicked call to the front desk (who were lovely about it - no sarcasm here!), it was fixed. Okay, so reliable internet. It's a win. And you also get Internet access – wireless.
(Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – Fueling the Adventure)
Here's where things get a little… uneven. Breakfast included, but it’s the typical continental fare. Think: waffles (from a machine!), sugary cereal, toast, coffee, and the occasional, sad-looking fruit. But, it’s free, right? Breakfast service? Yes, but also grab-and-go options when they are available! Breakfast [buffet]? Yes, but in a confined space, which can get a bit crowded during peak breakfast hours. If you're staying for a while, you'll probably want to venture out for a decent meal.
Dining Rant Time!
The Coffee/tea in restaurant is… meh. I'm a coffee snob, so I'm a tough customer. But, it did the job. The Snack bar is a lifesaver, especially because the hotel gives you Bottle of water. I did find a few decent restaurants within a short driving distance. Western cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant? Maybe. There are a few local options.
(Services and Conveniences - The Little Things That Make Life Easier)
Daily housekeeping? Yes, and they do a pretty good job. Laundry service? Yes, and it was fairly priced. Convenience store? Yes, for those emergency snacks. Doorman? No. But is it really needed when you're staying in a Lombard hotel? It's a quiet, safe area.
Services - The "Meh" Moments
Cash withdrawal? Nope. But they do accept Cashless payment service. Concierge? Nope. But the front desk staff are generally helpful. It's not a luxury hotel, so don't expect those frills.
(Things To Do, Ways to Relax - Or Not!)
Fitness center? Yup, it's there. I peeked in. Looked… adequate. I'm more of a "sit on the couch and eat chips" kind of vacationer, so I can't really comment on the quality of exercise equipment. They also have a Swimming pool [outdoor]. I haven't tried it yet. Poolside bar? Nope.
(For The Kids - Because, Let's Face It, They're Important!)
Family/child friendly? Yes, generally. Babysitting service? I didn't see one advertised. However, they have Kids facilities. Don't expect a kiddie paradise, but it's fine.
(Getting Around - Because Lombard is a Bit Spread Out)
Car park [free of charge] – YES! That is a HUGE plus. Taxi service? Available, but you'll probably need to call ahead. Airport transfer? Not sure, because I drove.
(Other Important Stuff That Needs Mentioning)
- Hotel chain: TownePlace Suites is a Marriott property, so if you're into points, go for it!
- Non-smoking rooms: Yes! Thank goodness.
- Pets allowed: Maybe. Check their policy.
- Fire extinguisher, Smoke alarms, Smoke detector: They have these things.
- Front desk [24-hour]: Always a bonus.
- Check-in/out [express]: Nice and quick.
- Exterior corridor: Yes.
(The Verdict - The Messy, Honest Truth)
Okay, so, is the TownePlace Suites in Lombard perfect? Absolutely not. But is it a solid, reliable choice for the price? Yep. Is it going to blow your mind? Probably not. Will you get a clean room, reliable internet, and generally pleasant service? Most likely.
My Final, Slightly Unhinged Thoughts:
I'd recommend it. Just manage your expectations. It's not fancy. It's not glamorous. But it's clean, generally accessible, and offers everything you need for a comfortable stay. And hey, at least they try. And sometimes, that's enough. Now if you will excuse me, I am off to find some decent coffee.
Escape to Paradise: Fort Lauderdale's Harbor Beach Marriott Luxury Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your grandma's perfectly-preened travel itinerary. This is… well, this is me, attempting to wrangle a trip to TownePlace Suites Chicago Lombard (IL) and tell you about it in a way that won't bore us both to tears. Prepare for some serious, unfiltered Chicago-Lombard realness.
The Unofficial, Unvarnished, Probably-Going-to-Be-Late-For-Things Itinerary: TownePlace Suites Chicago Lombard (IL) – Prepare for Mild Chaos & Unexpected Pizza
Day 1: Arrival and the "Oh God, Did I Pack EVERYTHING?" Panic
- Morning (Around, Like, Whenever I Actually Wake Up): Flight to Chicago. Let's be real, the airport experience is always a gamble. Will my luggage magically decide to vacation in… Bora Bora? Will the TSA agent give me the side-eye for that questionable liquid I smuggled in? These are the existential questions of modern travel.
- Midday (Because Nobody Arrives "On Time"): Land. Navigate the chaotic airport – the smell of overpriced coffee and the symphony of crying babies is a Chicago welcome I know and love so well. Grab my rental car. Hopefully, I can figure out how to use the GPS without yelling at it. (I'm notorious for getting lost, so wish me luck.)
- Afternoon (The Dreaded Check-In): Drive to TownePlace Suites Lombard. Pray they kept my reservation and that the room doesn't smell like stale air freshener and regrets. Unpack. This is where the "Did I forget my toothbrush?! Did I REALLY think I could survive on hotel shampoo?!" phase begins.
- Evening: (The First Pizza Intervention): Okay, Lombard, you’re a pizza town, right? I've heard whispers of legendary deep-dish. Forget the fancy restaurants. Tonight, it’s about the pizza. I'm talking a greasy, cheese-pulling, heartburn-inducing masterpiece. I MUST find it. This is my mission. (Side note: I will probably spill something down my front. Guaranteed.)
Day 2: Adventure! (Or, More Accurately, a Gentle Stroll and a Slight Existential Crisis)
- Morning (The Hotel Breakfast Debacle): Free breakfast, they say. A buffet of potential disappointment, I say. I'll try to be optimistic. Maybe there will be decent coffee. Maybe not. Expectation: Low. Hope: Slightly higher. Will I face a stale bagel? This is the real gamble.
- Late Morning: (The Mall of America Excursion…Sort Of): Since I' in Lombard, maybe I can take a quick trip to the Yorktown Center, just to see what the local vendors are bringing to the table. It provides a great people-watching opportunity.
- Lunch: Something quick and easy. Probably a burger. Or another slice of pizza! (I'm not judging myself.)
- Afternoon (The Park Perspective): Get out and about. Maybe explore a park. Wander, take some photos. Contemplate life, the universe, and why I still haven't mastered the perfect selfie angle.
- Evening (A Dinner Diary and the Bed): I may decide to find a local bar or perhaps even get takeout. I am going to try and write down my day using a diary. I'm going to start writing a paragraph a day and see if it's something I want to keep doing. Tomorrow will be bed.
Day 3: The Final Day Fiasco and Departure
- Morning (The Last Breakfast): Sigh. The End. I am going to try and make the most of it. Coffee. Attempt to make the most of the underwhelming breakfast buffet.
- Late Morning (The Last-Minute Shopping Frenzy): Last-minute souvenir hunt! Panic mode. I'll grab something for myself and hope that it's worth the price tag and the extra weight in my suitcase.
- Lunch (Another Pizza Intervention): If I haven't already gotten my fill, I'm getting one last pizza. This is non-negotiable.
- Afternoon (The Farewell and the Plane Ride): Head to the airport. Attempt to cram everything back into my suitcase. Contemplate the meaning of life and whether I should've just stayed home in the first place. Board the plane, feeling a mixture of relief and sadness that the trip is over.
- Evening (The Post-Trip Blues): Arrive back home, immediately start planning my next adventure. Probably.
Alright, Let's Talk Lombard's Secret Weapon: The TownePlace Suites (and My Chaotic Love/Hate Story)
Okay, folks, so you're heading to Lombard, Illinois? Smart move (or, you know, a necessary one). And you're looking for a hotel? Excellent. You've probably seen a million options, right? Well, listen up, because I'm about to spill the beans on my, shall we say, *complex* relationship with the TownePlace Suites in Lombard. Buckle up, it's gonna be a ride.
1. Is this place actually "best"? Because, you know, superlatives are tricky.
Okay, "best" is subjective, like whether pineapple belongs on pizza (it does, fight me!). But for Lombard...yeah, I'd say it's *up there*. It's not the Ritz. It's not trying to be. But it's consistently clean, the staff is generally lovely (more on that later, oh the stories…), and the free breakfast? Listen, I've eaten some truly questionable breakfasts. This one, while not gourmet, is reliable. Think: waffles you can actually *make* yourself (a point of pride for me, usually), surprisingly decent fruit (a total crapshoot at other places), and the glorious, never-ending coffee. Okay, maybe "best" is a stretch. Let's go with "best *bang for your buck* in Lombard that won't actively give you a stomach ache." That's better, right?
2. Okay, breakfast. Lay it on me. What are we dealing with? Because I'm a breakfast snob. (Sort of.)
Alright, so breakfast. Here's the deal. It's a buffet. It's free. And it varies. Some days the eggs are actually like... *eggs*. Other days, they're a rubbery, vaguely yellow substance that stares back at you with an unsettling lack of emotion. There's usually sausage or bacon. The sausage is fine. The bacon… well, let's just say it’s inconsistent. Sometimes it's crispy, perfect. Other times, it’s like they attempted to grill it using a hairdryer. But! The waffles! The waffle maker is my personal salvation. You press a button, you pour in the batter, and BAM - instant, warm, carb-filled happiness. Plus, the toppings selection is *decent*. Syrup (of varying quality, I'll admit), whipped cream in a can (because hey, we're not fancy), and sometimes… dare I say it… real fruit. The coffee, as mentioned, is the lifeblood. It's hot, it's plentiful, and it’ll get you through whatever Lombard-related shenanigans you're up to that day. So, bottom line? Don't expect a Michelin star. Expect sustenance. And waffles. Lots of waffles.
3. The Rooms: Good? Bad? Spacious? Do they have those weird, lumpy pillows?
The "suite" part of TownePlace Suites is the key here. They're spacious. Like, shockingly spacious for the price. Living area, separate bedroom (with a door! Glorious!), kitchenette (microwave, mini-fridge, the essentials). Perfect if you're traveling with kids, a partner who snores like a chainsaw, or just, you know, *want space*. The decor is… well, it's hotel decor. Think beige and functional. Not offensive, not breathtaking. The beds are comfortable enough. The pillows? Ah, the pillows. Look, I've encountered worse. But, no, they're not those fluffy, cloud-like things you dream of. They're… there. You might want to bring your own pillow if you're a pillow purist. The bathrooms are clean, the water pressure is decent (a crucial factor, in my book), and they provide decent toiletries (nothing fancy, but hey, it’s soap, shampoo, and the all-important conditioner. Essential for my long hair, I tell you). Overall, the rooms are a win. Comfortable, functional, and a good escape from whatever mayhem you found yourself in Lombard.
4. Let's talk about the pool. Is it a chlorine death trap or a shimmering oasis? (I'm dramatic, I know.)
Okay, the pool. This is a point of contention. First, let's be clear: it's *indoor*. Which is great, especially if you're visiting in the middle of a Chicago winter (which, let's be honest, is most of the year). The pool itself is… fine. It’s not Olympic-sized. It’s not particularly deep. It's clean enough. Here's where things get a little… *complicated*. The chlorine smell? It's definitely present. It’s not the "burning your eyes out" chlorine, but you know it’s there, lurking. The pool area can get crowded, especially on weekends. And sometimes, and I’m not kidding, *it feels like a humid jungle*. You emerge feeling simultaneously refreshed and like you need a shower (again). I’ve had a few close calls with rogue splashing children. The whirlpool? It’s better. Less crowded, and you can actually relax (if you can ignore the jets). So, the pool is… a mixed bag. It's there. It works. It's not the *reason* to stay, but it's a nice perk, especially if you’re traveling with kids who need to burn off some energy (and, let’s be honest, sometimes *you* need to burn off some energy!).
5. The Staff: Good, bad, indifferent? Give me the goss!
Oh, the staff. This is where things get *interesting*. Look, in general, the staff is great. Friendly, helpful, ready to assist. But… and there’s always a “but,” isn’t there?… I had *one* experience. It was a doozy. I won't disclose the specific details, but let's just say there was a mix-up with my reservation, a missing hairdryer (crucial, for obvious reasons discussed earlier), and a whole lot of passive-aggressive emails. It wasn't a *disaster*, but it created a moment of frustration. Thankfully the general manager did eventually get it resolved to my satisfaction. And, I must say that the folks at the front desk have generally been incredibly patient with me and my… let's just say "unique" requests (seriously, I once asked for help finding a good place to buy a cheese grater at 10pm… don't ask). So, it's a mixed bag. Most of the time, it's smooth sailing. But be prepared, and maybe pack a backup hairdryer. Just in case. And try to be nice. They deal with all sorts of people and situations, and generally handle things professionally. It's a tough job.
6. Is the location convenient? Because Lombard isn't exactly Manhattan.
The location is *fantastic*. Seriously. It is conveniently located. It's right off the highway, which is both a blessing and a curse (traffic, ugh!). You're closeTrending Hotels Now
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