Midway Airport's BEST Kept Secret: Extended Stay Chicago Suites!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the alleged BEST Kept Secret that is Extended Stay Chicago Suites near Midway Airport. And let me tell you, after my recent, and somewhat… memorable, stay, I've got thoughts. Lots of them. Prepare for a rollercoaster of accessibility, questionable spa choices, and the eternal quest for decent airport coffee… and maybe, just maybe, a hint of genuine affection for the place.
SEO & Metadata Starter Pack:
- Keywords: Chicago Midway Airport Hotels, Extended Stay Chicago Suites, Accessibility, Wheelchair Accessible, Free Wi-Fi, On-site Restaurant, Near Midway, Extended Stay Review, Chicago Hotel Review, Airport Hotel, Chicago Accommodation, Pet Friendly, Fitness Center, Pool, Spa, Cleanliness, Covid-19 Safety.
- Meta Description: A brutally honest (and hilarious) review of Extended Stay Chicago Suites near Midway Airport. We dive deep into accessibility, amenities, the quirks, the triumphs, and the questionable choices, plus lots of wi-fi. Prepare for a very messy, yet very real, account.
The Grand Entrance (and the Struggle is Real)
First things first: Accessibility. This is crucial for me, and thankfully, Extended Stay mostly gets it right. There's wheelchair accessibility throughout the property, including the lobby, and, thankfully, ample, accessible rooms. They've got elevator access to all floors, which is a huge win. My experience walking the gauntlet of hotel parking lots is always thrilling. Thank god for the Free Car Park on-site!.
(Minor Complaint Incoming): Getting to the accessible rooms from the parking lot, though, sometimes felt like a geography lesson in advanced obstacle courses. Not a huge issue, but a minor inconvenience, especially with luggage.
On a positive note, the Facilities for disabled guests were surprisingly well-planned. My bathroom had grab bars galore, and the shower was spacious and with a real seat. A major win. However, the hallways were occasionally a bit tight, especially with housekeeping carts zooming around. (More on room cleanliness in a bit…)
Internet: The Holy Grail of Connectivity
Okay, let's talk Internet. Because in the modern age, a solid Wi-Fi connection is as crucial as breathing. Extended Stay advertises Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, and I can confirm: It's true. (Thank the gods). There's Internet access that is Internet access – LAN and Internet access – wireless, and I could use it. Thank you.
Digging Deeper into the Wi-Fi:
It was… consistent. Not blazing fast, mind you. I'm talking enough to stream a movie and, more importantly, write this damn review, which is a testament to its functionality. No constant disconnections or buffering hell (as much as I love those, I needed to get work done). So, a solid B+ for Wi-Fi; not the best, but definitely gets the job done.
(Minor tangent: They really should consider stronger Wi-Fi in the common areas. Sitting in the lobby and trying to work was a challenge, especially if you're not in a perfect spot.)
Dining, Drinking, and Staying Alive (Airport Edition)
Dining, drinking, and snacking? This is where things get… interesting. Extended Stay isn't exactly known for its Michelin-star restaurant. But, a Convenience store! The Coffee shop also had some very nice coffee (that's important). The Snack bar had things I could grab in a hurry.
But the really important part? Because I was trying to be healthy (at least a little), they had Breakfast [buffet]. I was surprised. I have to admit, I didn't dare expect the greatest breakfast, but it was good enough.
(Anecdote time: One morning, they even had tiny croissants. Croissants! Airport hotel croissants! It was like a small victory for humankind. I felt like I'd won the lottery.)
As for Room service [24-hour], I did not ever use the rooms. I went out and picked up food. I didn't see any Happy hour. I didn't drink at the Bar.
Relaxation and Things to Do: The Spa That Wasn't
Okay, so here’s where my expectations and reality took a nosedive. Spa? Well, that's a bit of a stretch. There was no Spa. No Sauna. No Steamroom. No Foot bath. No Massage. I might be wrong. I'm not sure.
(Emotional reaction: A wave of disappointment washed over me. I'd been dreaming of a quick detox after a long flight, and well, that wasn't happening.)
There's a Pool with view and they have a swimming pool. The picture looked nice, but I didn't go.
However, the Fitness center was passable. I was able to struggle my way through the machine.
Cleanliness and Safety: Surviving a Pandemic (and Beyond)
Let's talk about the elephant in the room: COVID-19 Safety. Extended Stay did make an effort. They had:
- Hand sanitizer stations everywhere.
- Staff trained in safety protocol.
- Daily disinfection in common areas.
(Mixed feelings: I appreciated the effort, but I still carried my own sanitizing wipes everywhere. I'm a germaphobe at heart, what can I say?)
They had Anti-viral cleaning products.
The room itself seemed clean. I wasn't terrified. Rooms sanitized between stays, which is a huge relief. They also had a Room sanitization opt-out available.
The Rooms Themselves: A Mixed Bag of Comfort and Compromise
My room? It felt like an actual, functional living space. I stayed in a Non-smoking one (thank goodness), and it was simple, clean, and perfectly adequate for my needs. Here are some of the details, which all rooms should have:
- Air conditioning: essential for Chicago summers.
- Daily housekeeping: (which seemed to be a bit rushed but no problems here)
- Bathrobes: (a nice touch).
- Blackout curtains: critical for sleep.
- Coffee/tea maker: because mornings demand caffeine.
- Desk: essential for work, and writing this review.
- Refrigerator: great for keeping drinks cold.
- Wi-Fi access: (as previously discussed).
- Shower: (with a real seat, as mentioned).
- Toiletries: were ok.
There was an Alarm clock. There was a Hair dryer. There was a Laptop workspace. There was a Phone. There were towels.
(Minor complaint: The decor was a little bland, and the TV channels were a bit limited. But hey, at least I had Wi-Fi!)
There were Soundproof rooms, which I loved. There were Non-smoking rooms, which I loved.
Finally, Extended Stay has:
- Non-smoking rooms.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things Matter
Extended Stay provides:
- Concierge,
- Convenience store,
- Currency exchange,
- Daily housekeeping,
- Dry cleaning,
- Elevator,
- Facilities for disabled guests,
- Ironing service,
- Laundry service,
- Luggage storage,
- Safety deposit boxes,
- Smoking area,
- Terrace,
Accessibility Details:
- Access: This hotel offers good accessibility for wheelchair users. They have accessible routes throughout the property and specially equipped rooms.
- Wheelchair Accessibility: The hotel's accessibility features include accessible rooms and public areas that facilitate easy movement.
Areas for Improvement (Because No Place is Perfect)
Listen, Extended Stay isn't a Four Seasons. It's a functional, reasonably priced airport hotel, and it delivers on that promise. However, there's always room for improvement:
- Elevator was slow. Really slow. This is a common problem.
- Staff interactions could be more consistently friendly, although they were always professional.
- The Fitness center equipment could be better.
The Verdict: Worth the Stay?
Would I stay at Extended Stay Chicago Suites near Midway Airport again? Yes. For the price, the location, the accessibility, and the (mostly) reliable Wi-Fi, it's a solid choice. It's not a luxury experience, but it's a comfortable, functional, and safe place to crash before or after a flight. Just temper your spa expectations accordingly, and come armed with your own snacks and a good book.
Final Thought: It's definitely worth checking out.
Escape to Paradise: Kona Reef Resort's Luxury Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this isn't your grandma's perfectly-formatted travel itinerary. This is a messy, glorious, hopefully-mostly-coherent descent into Chicago (Midway Edition) chaos. We're talking Extended Stay America Suites, so let's be real – expectations are… adjusted. But hey, it's Chicago! That city can make even a linoleum-floored room feel like a palace. Here we go… (deep breath)
The Extended Stay Chicago (Midway) Odyssey: A Traveler's Tale of Woe and Wonder
Day 1: Arrival and the Existential Dread of the Microwave
- 1:00 PM: Arrive at Midway Airport. My flight was… fine. Perfectly fine. The guy next to me kept fidgeting with his neck pillow, which, honestly, made me question all my life choices. Like, am I the neck pillow-fidgeter in someone else's misery? Deep thoughts before Chicago chaos.
- 1:30 PM: Uber to Extended Stay America, Chicago - Midway, hoping against hope for a room that doesn't smell like sadness and old pizza. (Spoiler alert: the existential dread IS the smell). Check-in is surprisingly painless. Front desk lady is probably a saint, judging by her patience with the sheer volume of humanity she encounters.
- 2:00 PM: Room assessment. Okay, the bed looks okay. Shower situation… pray for me. The kitchenette? Ah, yes, the cornerstone of budget living. The microwave, though… that's the real challenge. I swear, it looks like it’s been through a nuclear winter. The idea of nuking anything in there fills me with a deep, unsettling feeling.
- 2:30 PM: Unpack, stare longingly at the tiny fridge. Sigh. Consider a grocery run. But first… chocolate. Must have chocolate.
- 3:00 PM: Walk of Shame: The hunt for sustenance. Decide against the convenience store across the parking lot; it reeks of regret. Aim for somewhere, anywhere with real food.
- 3:30 PM: Found it! A dodgy diner a little ways down the road. "Welcome to Chicago!" the waitress says, a greasy spoon goddess with a heart of gold and a permanent scent of coffee.
- Order: The Special. I have a hard time making decision when there are so many options.
- Experience: The greasy spoon special was… well, it was food. I swear that sausage was from the stone age, but it tasted good. The waitress was a hoot--she'd seen it all, and she tells me the secret to living in Chicago is "Embrace the cold, the wind, and the deep dish. In that order." I swear, she then winked.
- 5:00 - 7:00 PM: Nap. The only acceptable activity after battling the wind and the deep dish.
- 7:00 PM: Attempt to locate the free Wi-Fi. A technological quest begins. Success! For now…
- 8:00 PM: Brainstorm Chicago trip plans. This is where things get dangerous.
- 9:00 PM: The microwave, a reluctant hero. Warming up leftovers. Realizing that I was too hungry to have planned ahead to get more food. That moment of regret is the true Chicago feeling.
- 10:00 PM: Watch bad TV, fall asleep with food in my mouth.
Day 2: Museums, Deep Dish, and the City's Gritty Charm
- 8:00 AM: Wake up slightly terrified of the microwave.
- 9:00 AM: Public transportation adventure. I've got a day pass, and the CTA is a beast. (My emotional reaction: slightly intimidated, mostly excited).
- 10:00 AM: Visit the Museum of Science and Industry! (My emotional reaction: WOAH! The U-505 submarine is mind-blowing. Being so close to history actually makes me kinda emotional). I spend, like, three hours just wandering, getting lost in the exhibits about human creation. This place is BIG.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch nearby, somewhere that doesn’t involve the microwave. (The pizza I had would also be my dinner, because I am a person).
- 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Millennium Park and the Bean. Okay, yes, it’s touristy. But the Bean… even I was charmed. The reflections, the absurdity… It’s pure, unadulterated selfie heaven.
- 4:30 PM: The Deep Dish pilgrimage. Lou Malnati's. I embrace the cold, the wind, and, finally, the deep dish. The cheese pull is what dreams are made of. (My emotional reaction: pure joy, possibly a slight cheese coma). The crust? Perfect. The sauce? Divine. The waiting time? Worth it.
- 6:30 PM: CTA back to the hotel, feeling like I could sleep for a week.
- 7:30 PM: Microwave (the sequel). Reheated pizza. Zero regrets.
- 8:30 PM: Stare out the window, contemplating the vastness of the universe and the lingering smell of stale air freshener.
- 9:00 PM: Attempt to organize a coherent itinerary for tomorrow. I fail miserably. Embrace the chaos.
Day 3: Local Charm, Last Bites, and the Long Road Home
- 8:00 AM: Wake up. The microwave beckons.
- 9:00 AM: Explore the local neighborhood (Midway, the real experience)
- 10:00 AM: A coffee shop named 'The Daily Grind'. So, so much better than the instant coffee in my room. (My emotional reaction: sheer caffeine-fueled elation). They know me by name and I want to live here forever.
- 11:00 AM: Grab some Chicago-style hotdogs. At least I know I could have the same meal every day, and be ok.
- 12:00 PM: Last-minute souvenir shopping. I'm sure my friends will appreciate this.
- 1:00 PM: Head back to the hotel, because that's what you do.
- 2:00 PM: Pack. This is where the post-pizza shame creeps in. Did I really eat that much pizza? Yes. Yes, I did.
- 3:00 PM: Check out. Farewell, Extended Stay! Farewell, microwave! (I won't miss you. In fact, I hope I never see you again.)
- 3:30 PM: Uber back to Midway.
- 4:00 PM: Airport chaos. The security line is a monster. My emotional reaction: resigned acceptance.
- 5:00 PM: Fly home, already dreaming of my next trip to Chicago, even though my bank account, and my stomach, will never be the same.
- 7:00 PM: Arrive home. The silence is a welcome change, until I remember I have to do laundry. The Chicago chaos has followed me… and I'm not sure I want to leave it.
And there you have it. A messy, imperfect glimpse into my Chicago adventure. Remember, the best travel stories are the ones that aren't meticulously planned. They're the ones filled with unexpected detours, questionable food choices, and the occasional existential crisis brought on by a poorly-functioning microwave. And trust me, Chicago is a city that provides plenty of those. Now go forth, and embrace the beautiful mess!
Plover's BEST Hotel? Super 8 Review (You WON'T Believe This!)
Midway's Hidden Gem: Extended Stay Chicago Suites - The Whole Truth (and Maybe a Few Lies)
What *IS* this "Extended Stay Chicago Suites" thing, and why have I never heard of it?
Okay, okay, so you're flying into (or out of) Midway, and the thought of a cramped airport hotel room is giving you the serious heebie-jeebies. That's where Extended Stay Chicago Suites comes in. Imagine a slightly-less-fancy-than-the-Hilton version of apartment living. We're talking kitchens (essential!), living spaces (maybe a couch you wouldn't mind napping on), and separate bedrooms. And the reason you haven't heard of it? Well, partly because they're not exactly screaming it from the rooftops. Gotta keep that "secret" status, you know? Honestly, it's not advertised as much as say, a pizza place. More like that REALLY reliable friend who always has the hookup for the best deals.
I mean, I stumbled onto it myself. Needed a place to crash after a seriously delayed flight. I was a walking, talking, hangry zombie. Saw it tucked away a bit, and went for it. Best accidental discovery *EVER*.
Is it ACTUALLY close to Midway Airport? I have a HORRIBLE memory of walking for hours through a freezing wind tunnel once...
Yes! Yes, it is. Like, crazy close. Unless you're counting the "walk to the taco truck" distance as a major trek. Seriously, it takes *minutes* by car or shuttle. And the shuttle is free! FREE! Saves you a fortune on those greedy taxi fees. Look, I've made the freezing wind tunnel trek myself and I can tell you, it's worth it to be closer to the airport. The less time spent freezing in Chicago in January, the better, if you ask me.
I had a close call once, where a flight was delayed by a ridiculous amount of time. I was panicking about missing a big work thing. The Extended Stay Chicago Suites was my saving grace. Jumped the shuttle, got some much-needed sleep, and didn’t look like death warmed over at the meeting. Pure. Gold.
The "kitchenettes," are they for show or can I *actually* cook something other than microwaved ramen?
Alright, let's be honest; you're not getting a state-of-the-art chef's kitchen. But these kitchenettes are LEGIT. Mini-fridge, microwave (always essential!), stovetop (sometimes two burners), and some basic cookware. Think "dorm room cooking" meets "surviving a layover." I’ve seen some impressive feats of culinary genius pulled off there. I once saw a dude whip up scrambled eggs and bacon for himself and his entire family before they left, from raw ingredients he had packed himself. Impressive.
I, however, have a habit of setting off the smoke alarm. I'm told that I'm 'creative' in the kitchen. Which is a nice way of saying I'm a pyromaniac with a frying pan. Still, the ability to heat up leftovers or make a quick breakfast? Life-changing after a red-eye flight. Just don't be like me and try to fry anything too ambitious after midnight. The fire alarm is not your friend. You've been warned.
Do they have, like, actual BEDROOMS? Because I'm picturing a college dorm situation.
Yep! Real bedrooms, with a door and everything. This is NOT a college dorm. They're not luxury suites, mind you, but they're clean, comfortable, and crucially *separate* from the living area. I like that. It allows you to relax fully, without that general feeling of "I hope the light doesn't bother my partner".
I remember one time, I was traveling with my entire extended family, for a funeral. Everyone was exhausted. Extended Stay was the ONLY place that made it work. We each got our own space. No fighting over the TV remote. The best part? I barely had to see my annoying uncle! Pure, blessed privacy. It saved our collective sanity. Seriously.
Are the prices reasonable? Or am I gonna break the bank?
Okay, this is where Extended Stay Chicago Suites *REALLY* shines. The prices are usually pretty darn good, especially compared to those fancy airport hotels. You're getting more space, the kitchen, and often, free breakfast. That totally offsets the cost of, you know, having to buy breakfast. The pricing really depends on the season, how far out you are, and, well, luck. But generally, it's a solid deal.
I used to think of it as a budget option, but recently, I've started thinking of it as 'smart traveling'. Why pay for a tiny, overpriced room when you can have a little more breathing room and actually enjoy your pre- or post-flight stay? Plus, you're less likely to feel like you're getting ripped off. I hate that feeling.
What about the "breakfast?" Free continental, or is it... well, depressing?
Look, it's not a gourmet breakfast buffet. Think continental: cereal, pastries, coffee, maybe some (hopefully) fresh fruit. It's perfectly fine for getting you going in the morning and saving you a few bucks. Don't expect to be blown away, but also, don't expect to starve. And the coffee is usually strong enough to revive the dead. Which is good after a long flight.
I’m not a huge breakfast person, but even I appreciate the convenience of not having to hunt down a coffee shop first thing in the morning. It gets you started, and you can get to the actual good stuff (like that deep-dish pizza) later.
Is it a noisy place? I can't sleep with a pin drop.
Depends. It's near an airport, so there's *some* noise (planes, duh). But generally, it's not as loud as you might think. The walls are decent. I've slept like a baby there on multiple occasions. Though, again, it really depends on the room. Sometimes, the air conditioning can be a little loud, so bring some earplugs if you're super sensitive. Or if you have a neighbor who likes to party.
I’m a light sleeper, and I've had both good and bad experiences with noise levels. One time, there was a convention of, I don't even know, *something*, and the hallway was a noisy mess all night. Another time, everything was perfectly peaceful. It's a gamble. Always a gamble. If you're a light sleeper, pack earplugs and hope for the best. Or avoid a convention altogether.
Are there any downsides? 'Cause nothing's perfect, right?
Okay, fullPersonalized Stays
Post a Comment for "Midway Airport's BEST Kept Secret: Extended Stay Chicago Suites!"