#308 - The Willows in Chicago

The Willows

In October, we spent 2 notable nights in a Chicago hotel, that had a rather welcoming name.

At least it seemed welcoming to me! The Willow is my favorite tree. I love their sweeping branches! The word willow just sounds comforting. It rhymes with pillow after all!

Our Hotel on Surf Street
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I was pleased when we turned down tree lined, Surf Street and spotted our French Provincial style hotel. But I didn't notice any willows. Now when I look at my photo, I wonder. Could that be some form of a willow branch, hanging in the foreground?

I never learned how the hotel got its Willows name. The first name Hotel Surfridge, makes more sense. In 1924, the hotel was built on a long narrow lot, in Chicago's Lakeview Neighborhood... on Surf Street!   
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Why Chicago?

Our reason for finding a hotel in Chicago, had to do with a wedding! That's always a good reason for a trip. Our daughter flew in from Austin, to attend the wedding with us. 

I was hoping to put us up in the city, at the iconic Drake Hotel, or the modern-glam Swissotel, overlooking Navy Pier. But rates were sky high that weekend. We couldn't afford 500-dollar rooms!

Decent Price

When I came across The Willows on the internet, the photos looked charming. Ornate exterior, black awnings, pretty plants.

​Reviews about the boutique hotel, were positive. It was located far from most tourist sites, but just blocks from Lincoln Park and the zoo.

Rainy Arrival
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​The price was still high... for us at least. ($325. a night) But we snagged a room with 2 queens. Heidi was more than happy to just bunk up with good ole Mom & Dad. We 3 arrived on a rainy Friday afternoon.

It was nice having the awning to unload bags, on that drizzly day. We opened the door and greeted the little statue, as we wiped our feet.

Formal-Comfy

From the entry we stepped down into the lobby. The ionic columns felt formal. A very polite gentleman behind the curved desk, also seemed a bit formal.

But he warmed up and was pleasantly chatty.

​The lobby furniture appeared to be comfortable!

There were 3 small areas of seating, in the cozy lobby. 

Formal - Whimsical

The seating around the fireplace was set up rather properly, but the comfy leather chairs were a treat. (we weren't in the mood for rigid Victorian)

There was a traditional European old world feel to the space, until you took a good look at the walls.

Whacky Animal Theme

Yep, every framed photo featured an animal or two. Abe Lincoln with a baby leopard on his shoulder. 3 mice in suits!

Even behind the desk, there were odd  photos of people with animals. A woman riding an ostrich? Al Capone with a parrot?

I asked our host and he laughed that these were all rigged photos. "We just have a bit of an animal theme at our hotel, since we're near the zoo."  I was sad that he couldn't confirm that Al Capone had been a guest once. I'd read that he'd stayed and made use of a secret tunnel.  

Coffee Area

The lobby also had a tall table set up near the coffee station. There was no restaurant, but we saw a few people bringing in carryouts and enjoying them at the table.

Complimentary coffee was available 24-7. Each time I grabbed cup, I found something new to admire. A cleverly decorated windowsill... with a turtle shell?

Cafe Tables

My favorite sitting area was right beside the front windows. At times we saw a guests playing cards, or sipping coffee.

On a rainy day, it was fun to sit and look out. I spotted folks jogging... dog walking... pushing strollers. It really did remind me of Europe, where rain doesn't stop activity!

Floor Two

​There are 55 rooms in the 4-story hotel. Our room was on the second, so stairs were quicker than the slow elevator. 

I was amused by the endless narrow hallway, with its wavy floor. We were at the very end, so I usually felt a little drunk by the time we reached the door!

Critters on the Wall

As we walked to our room, I admired the framed animal silhouettes. 

Our door number on the second floor, had an animal as well. I'm still not sure if that was a brahma bull on our door? If so, we were on the Brahma Floor.

Room 224

We'd kept expectations low for our historic double queen room. I knew some reviews had complained about old decor.

But the room served its purpose well. The long and narrow space worked fine. And we even had a complimentary bottle of wine. I think that was a special booking perk. 

There was a desk that we never used and drawers that weren't needed. But there was a ceiling fan, which I loved for noise!  

Two Windows

I always love a room with a view and this one had an unusual one. Our 2 windows looked down on parking garages.

We just laughed at that and lowered the shade.

Unique Bathroom

I was sort of delighted by the crazy bathroom, with its pink tile and gold framed mirror.

The toilet area was worth a photo! Glass block, surrounding a vintage Jalousie window, plus a radiator hanging overhead! There was a real bathtub, which I enjoyed! 

Robes!

Sorry Don! There were 2 robes and The Girls got them! 

What fun to wear matching robes with my daughter and watch SNL on TV! Yay for that!

Mornings

On both mornings we enjoyed breakfast in the lobby with coffee and food from nearby shops.

Just steps away from our hotel, we found Stan's Donuts and Olor Coffee Bar!

We had "pop tarts" from Foxtrot and breakfasts tacos from yet another nearby shop! Maybe not the healthiest way to start the day, but enjoyable!

Nighttime at The Willows

We were tied up both nights, so we didn't spend lots of time hanging out at the hotel. Both evenings we opted for Ubers, instead of pulling our car from the $25 -a night garage, to deal with traffic.

When we did step out at night, the area felt safe and friendly. I must say, I was impressed with the neighborhood vibe.

Exploring the Area

The weather definitely inhibited out wandering a bit. My umbrella was useless, since the wind only turned it inside out. But the area was still fun for exploring.

Heidi and I walked to Lake Michigan one afternoon. I wandered early in the morning to admire the architecture in the neighborhoods. The 3 of us found numerous restaurants, within walking distance! And best of all, everything felt safe and clean. Maybe the rain played a part?

What's Notable

The Willows wasn't the most ideal, luxurious or cheapest hotel, but there was something about the 100-year-old building that just grew on me. It was a treat to come and go so easily. The staff was always friendly and welcoming.

The rain almost made our stay cozier! And if it had been a few degrees chillier, they would have started up the fireplace! Now that would have been nice!

I would say the location and relaxed, comfy atmosphere made it a good stay. And today the price is only $104.! So that is a much better deal!
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