Chicago River North Getaway: Fairfield Inn & Suites Luxury!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the whirlwind that is the Chicago River North Getaway: Fairfield Inn & Suites Luxury! Let's be honest, luxury is a loaded word, and I went in with some serious skepticism. But hey, a girl's gotta review, right? So, here's the raw, unfiltered, and hopefully helpful truth bomb.
First Impressions: The Door's Open, is it a Welcome?
Right off the bat, let’s talk accessibility. This is HUGE for me. I'm always on the lookout for places that actually cater to everyone, and the Fairfield Inn gets a thumbs up (mostly). They mention facilities for disabled guests, an elevator, and wheelchair accessibility. Now, I didn't personally test the wheelchair access (thankfully!), but the info on the website definitely gave me some hope. The front desk is 24/7, also a major plus!
Check-in/out [express] – score! Love a quick process. Contactless check-in/out – even better. In these post-pandemic times this is a godsend. Also, it’s a hotel chain… which isn’t always a bad thing, especially if you’re after consistency.
Rooms: The Good, The Slightly Less Good, and the Mini-Fridge Saga
Okay, let’s get into the rooms. You have Air conditioning (thank god, Chicago summers!), Air conditioning in public area, a desk to work, a coffee/tea maker, free bottled water (essential, people!), and even complimentary tea. I'm a sucker for a good cuppa. The high floor I requested gave me a decent view – not stunning, but hey, it's Chicago. Non-smoking rooms, thank the heavens! And I gotta say, the blackout curtains were a lifesaver. Sleep is sacred!
But here's the thing…the mini-bar was conspicuously empty. Empty! No snacks, no tempting little treats. Just… nothing. Like an empty promise. This might be a pro for some people, and a con for many, myself included.
I had Internet access – wireless, and more importantly, Wi-Fi [free]. Phew. Internet access – LAN is offered too. A very important point for business travelers.
The bathroom was clean, stocked with toiletries, hair dryer, mirror. What I really loved was having a separate shower/bathtub, a total luxury!.
Cleanliness and Safety: Because Germs are NOT on the Guest List
I was genuinely impressed with the cleanliness and safety measures. They're taking it seriously. They highlight things like anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, individually-wrapped food options (more on that later), professional-grade sanitizing services, and room sanitization between stays. I saw the staff trained in safety protocol and there was hand sanitizer everywhere. Makes you feel a little calmer in the current climate.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: The Breakfast Buffet…A Slightly Disappointing Adventure
Okay, let's talk food. Honestly, the breakfast buffet was a bit of a mixed bag. They offer Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, Buffet in restaurant and Breakfast [buffet]. Now, the scrambled eggs were…well, they existed. Let's put it that way. The coffee was decent, which, for me, is the bare minimum required to function. I did appreciate the effort with the individually-wrapped food options. Safety first, right? The options, however, while safe, did scream "institutional".
They also have a restaurant, a bar, and a coffee shop (which I didn't check out). There's potential for room service [24-hour], but the menu online wasn't exactly overflowing with excitement. There are restaurants or a snack bar to get something quick.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Spa Dreams and Fitness Center Reality
This is where the "luxury" branding starts to get a little… optimistic. They do have some impressive amenities listed, including a fitness center, spa, sauna, and a swimming pool [outdoor]. The descriptions are a little more generic.
The Gym – it was there. Weights, treadmills, the usual suspects. Great for a quick workout, but don't expect a glamorous experience. The pool with view was a nice touch, but I didn't find a spa.
They list things like Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]. They may not have all of them.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
They have some pretty good stuff: Air conditioning in public area, concierge, cash withdrawal, daily housekeeping, dry cleaning, laundry service, luggage storage, elevator. All those little things that smooth out the rough edges of travel. There is a gift/souvenir shop if you forgot to get your mom something. There are business facilities and meetings/banquet facilities.
For the Kids & Family: I Didn’t Need Babysitting, Thank God
I didn’t experience this personally, but they offer babysitting service, they're family/child friendly, and have kids facilities and kids meal.
Getting Around: Parking, Airport Transfers, and the Taxi Tango
They offer airport transfer, which is a huge plus. They also have car park [free of charge] and car park [on-site]. Valet parking is also offered. You can get a taxi service.
Overall Verdict: Is it a Getaway, or Just a Good Hotel?
Look, the Fairfield Inn & Suites River North isn't going to whisk you away to a world of pure opulence. But – and this is important – it does offer a clean, comfortable, and conveniently located base for exploring Chicago. The safety measures are impressive, and the staff were genuinely friendly and helpful. The breakfast situation could use some work, and the "luxury" label might be a tad misleading, but as a practical, reliable option? Absolutely.
Final Score: 7.5/10 - Solid and Safe, with Room for Breakfast Improvement (And Maybe a Fully Stocked Mini-Bar!)
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Crafted Offer – Book Now & Get $25 in Starbucks Gift Card!
Tired of the Same Old Hotel Routine? Escape to Chicago with Fairfield Inn & Suites River North!
Here's the deal: We're not promising you a gold-plated experience, but we are offering a clean, safe, and convenient basecamp for your Chicago adventure.
Why Choose Us?
- Prime Location: Explore the vibrant River North neighborhood, with easy access to iconic attractions, amazing restaurants, and buzzing nightlife.
- Safety First: We're taking cleanliness seriously with enhanced sanitation protocols, so you can relax and enjoy your stay.
- Comfort & Convenience: Enjoy comfortable rooms with free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and essential amenities. Plus, a super-comfy bed for a good night's sleep.
- Easy Access: Experience accessibility features, including wheelchair accessibility and an elevator.
- Fitness Fanatic? Stay on track with our on-site fitness center.
- Fuel Up: Start your day with a breakfast buffet (okay, it's not gourmet, but the coffee is decent!).
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Here's How to Claim Your Gift Card:
- Book your stay directly on our website or through our toll-free number.
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This offer is only valid for a limited time, so don't miss out! Book your Chicago getaway today with Fairfield Inn & Suites River North.
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Escape to Paradise: Eminence Palm Residency, Breathtaking Nakki Lake Views!
Okay, buckle up, buttercup. This isn't your grandma's meticulously planned travel itinerary. This is my potential Chicago Adventure, starting and ending at the Fairfield Inn & Suites Chicago Downtown/River North. Expect typos, side tangents about deep-fried Oreos, and the occasional existential crisis. You've been warned.
Fairfield Inn & Suites Chicago Downtown/River North: The Tentative Home Base
Arrival Day: The Jet Lag & the Hope
1:00 PM (ish): Arrive at O'Hare. Pray to the travel gods that my luggage isn't currently vacationing in Reykjavik. Seriously, I’m one checked bag away from a full-blown meltdown.
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM: That chaotic, hilarious, slightly panicked scramble to get an Uber. I always order the damn thing before the bags even hit the carousel. Efficiency? Maybe not. Anxiety management? Crucial.
3:00 PM: Check into the Fairfield. Okay, the room is…fine. Clean enough. Might need to sneak a peak, a peek at some reviews on my phone. They mentioned something about "uninspired décor." Nailed it. But hey, free Wi-Fi, and it's a roof over my head. Crisis averted…for now.
3:30 PM - 4:30 PM: Unpack (half-heartedly). Realize I forgot my toothbrush (classic). Debate if I can survive on mouthwash alone. Probably not. Mental note: Pharmacy run later.
4:30 PM - 6:00 PM: Wander around. River North seems… slick. A little too much "luxury" for my taste. Find a coffee shop that doesn't look like it belongs in a magazine. Need caffeine. Desperately. Observe humans. People-watching is a key element of my travel strategy. And maybe pick up a muffin that's bigger than my head.
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Quick freshen up in the room
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Dinner. I’m thinking deep-dish pizza. This is Chicago, people! No time for healthy eating. Research suggests Lou Malnati's or Pequod's. Leaning towards Pequod's. Heard the caramelized crust is life-changing. Fingers crossed it lives up to the hype. (God, I'm already hungry thinking about it.)
9:00 PM - Bedtime: Walk around, find a bar with some live music. (Jazz? Blues? Anything that isn't overly loud Top 40 crap.) Nursing a beer, quietly judging everyone. (It's a hobby.) Try to fight the jet lag. Fail miserably and pass out. Dream of deep-dish pizza and the perfect Chicago hot dog.
Day 2: Art, Architecture, and the Potential for Disaster
9:00 AM: Wake up in a daze. Hotel breakfast. Embrace the questionable eggs and rubbery bacon. It's part of the experience (right?).
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Art Institute of Chicago. This is the reason I'm here. Obsessed with Monet. Praying I don't get lost in the Impressionist wing for three hours. Also, hoping I don't accidentally touch anything. (I have a talent for breaking things.)
- Side Note: Art Institute Anxiety: Okay, real talk: Art museums always make me slightly anxious. I feel like I should understand everything and be profoundly moved. And sometimes, I'm just… not. But I'm going to try to be open-minded and to feel something other than the overwhelming desire to eat a hot dog.
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Quick bite. Something fast. Maybe a Chicago-style hot dog. The real kind. With all the fixings. (No ketchup, you heathens!)
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Architectural boat tour. Everyone raves about these. Hoping it's not boring. My attention span is about the size of a hummingbird's, so pray for me. Also, what if I get seasick on the Chicago River? That would be a story.
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Explore a neighborhood. This is where things get messy. Maybe Wicker Park/Bucktown? Or, maybe I'll just get hopelessly lost and end up in a laundromat. Anything is possible.
- Opinionated Interlude: Chicago has a distinct architecture and history, and is a city of diverse neighborhoods, so it is worth exploring one and to learn about the local culture and heritage.
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Dinner. Restaurant decision? Still undecided. Maybe try something new. I am open to recommendations.
8:00 PM till Bedtime: Wind down, prepare for the next day, or try to explore more local places.
Nightlife Is an other possibility, but is optional, and depends of my tiredness.
Day 3: Millennium Park & The Hunt for the Perfect Doughnut
- 9:00 AM: Hotel breakfast, and try to resist the urge to skip it.
- 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Oh, the Bean. Millennium Park. Gotta get the iconic photo. Which inevitably will include about a million other tourists. Maybe I can get a good angle. Maybe I'll have an existential crisis while waiting for the perfect shot. Either way, it's happening.
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch. This is where the doughnut hunt begins. Research is key. Glazed and Infused? Do-Rite Donuts? Stan's Donuts & Coffee? The possibilities are endless, and potentially artery-clogging. Worth it.
- 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: A bit more exploring. Maybe the Crown Fountain in Millennium Park. Maybe another museum. (Museum fatigue is a real thing, though.)
- Emotional Reaction: I am feeling a sense of peace, or the "flow state" of my travel, where everything comes together
- 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Relaxed afternoon to go back to the hotel, and go to the lounge.
- 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Dinner. Still open for suggestions. I’m thinking… maybe a steakhouse? Or a rooftop bar with food? Decisions, decisions… this is the hardest part of travel.
- 8:00 PM till Bedtime: Farewell to the city. Back to the hotel to enjoy a relaxed night. Pack for the next day. Final touches of the trip.
Departure Day: Farewell, Windy City!
- 9:00 AM: Hotel breakfast.
- 10:00 AM: Check out. Reflect on the trip. Did I accomplish everything? Probably not. Did I eat enough doughnuts? Maybe not. Did I survive a solo trip without a major crisis? TBD.
- 11:00 AM: Uber to O'Hare.
- All day: The long journey home.
- Reflections I can’t wait to come back.
- Later: I dream of Chicago again.
Important Disclaimers:
- This is a loose plan. Expect deviations. Expect detours. Expect me to get distracted by shiny objects (or, you know, a particularly delicious-looking pastry).
- I'm not a travel expert. I'm an enthusiast. My advice is probably terrible.
- I'm prone to overthinking. Don't be surprised if I change my mind about everything at least three times a day.
- I'm going to have a blast. Even if it's a messy, imperfect, and slightly ridiculous blast.
- I need a nap.
And that's it! Wish me luck, Chicago. You've got a lot to live up to.
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Chicago River North Getaway: Fairfield Inn & Suites Luxury (or At Least, They Say So...) - FAQ (And My Chaotic Thoughts!)
Okay, so "Luxury"? What's the DEAL with that? Is this *actually* luxurious, or just Chicago-hotel-speak for "decent"?
Alright, let's be brutally honest here. "Luxury" is a relative term, yeah? I mean, I’m not expecting a solid gold toilet, but I *am* hoping for a decent experience for the price! Fairfield Inn & Suites... "luxury" is pushing it, in my *humble* opinion. It's certainly not the Ritz. But! It's got a solid location, a decent breakfast spread (we'll get to that), and it's clean. That's... good, right? Listen, I’ve stayed in places that made me question the existence of cleaning products. So, by comparison, it's *almost* luxurious. Think "luxury-ish." Maybe "aspirational-for-a-budget-hotel." It’s a good starting point, but definitely manage your expectations people! Seriously.
The Location - Is it *actually* in River North? Because sometimes Google Maps lies.
YES! Thank goodness, Google (mostly) did us right on this one. It's *definitely* in River North. Like, *smack dab* in the middle of it. Which is both a blessing and, well, a bit of a curse. Good news: You’re steps from amazing restaurants, bars, and shops. I spent a whole afternoon wandering around gawking at art galleries – absolutely stunning. Bad news: It’s also steps from *loud*. And crowds. And that dude selling hot dogs at 2 AM who smells a bit…pungent. (No offense, Hot Dog Dude, you're a Chicago icon, but, you know... late night aromas). But overall? Amazing location. Perfect for exploring, especially if you like to walk. My pedometer almost died, which is saying something.
Let's talk about the ROOM. Is it a shoebox? Are the beds comfy? I NEED to know about the BED.
Okay, the room... it’s… fine. Not palatial, but not a closet either. Let’s call it... *efficiently* sized. Enough space to, you know, not trip over your suitcase. And the beds... LISTEN. The beds are… GOOD. Like, genuinely comfortable. I'm a firm mattress person, and it gave me that sweet spot, it was the right level of softness and support, like a perfect cloud. I actually *slept* well. Which, for me, is a small miracle when I'm away from home. So, bed-wise? A win. A huge, glorious win. Seriously, just thinking about it makes me sleepy. It's been hours of work today, so if you got to ask, yes I'm thinking of the bed. I might just need a nap...
Breakfast Buffet - What's the story? Is it worth the walk? Or just another sad hotel continental situation?
The breakfast… alright, here's the unvarnished truth: Hotel breakfasts are a gamble. Sometimes you get a hidden gem. Sometimes you get… lukewarm scrambled eggs and rubbery sausage. This one was *better* than I expected. They had the usual suspects: waffles (made fresh!), cereal, yogurt, fruit (some of which looked slightly past its prime – be warned!), toast, bagels, and the aforementioned scrambled eggs and sausage. The coffee? Surprisingly decent! You actually could taste the coffee flavor. Not something bitter. Not something dull. So for that, it was worth the stroll. I will admit though, the waffle maker was like the Hunger Games every morning. People were getting *serious* about their waffles. I saw a woman elbow a child. It was…intense. But the waffles were *good*. So, yeah, go for the waffles. Just… watch out for the Hunger Games.
Parking. Oh, the dreaded parking. How much does it cost? And is it a gigantic pain??
Parking in Chicago? Prepare to weep. It's not cheap, people. Not cheap at all. The hotel has valet parking, which is, of course, the most convenient option. But the price? Ugh. It’s a significant chunk of your budget. I was not at all prepared for the final price. I'd rather go for a stroll. You can probably find cheaper options nearby, but expect to walk. A lot. And in Chicago weather? Yeah, think about that. So, factor in parking costs when budgeting. It's a necessary evil if you're driving, but a painful evil for your wallet. Next time, I'm taking the train. Seriously.
Any Unforeseen Issues? Anything that drove you crazy?
Okay, the minor annoyances. First: The noise. River North is a vibrant, lively neighborhood, which means… well, noise. Sirens. Late-night revelers. Construction. Bring earplugs. Seriously. Second: the elevators. They are slow. Like, *glacial*. And sometimes (maybe just for me?) they'd break down when my groceries were left from the supermarket, and I had to carry them to the room. Get ready for waiting. Third? The gym. They had a gym (which, for me, is a selling point!). But it was tiny. Like, hilariously tiny. Two treadmills, a couple of weights, and that's it. Don't expect a high-end workout experience. Okay, I was happy with it. But don't expect a marathon, just say it. But overall? Manageable! And, honestly, the nice bed makes up for a lot of sins. Honestly. A LOT. The bed is the MVP here.
Would you recommend it? Give me the bottom line!
Okay, the verdict. Would I recommend the Fairfield Inn & Suites in River North? It depends. If you're looking for absolute luxury and peace and quiet? Probably not. If you're on a budget and want to be in a fantastic location, with a comfy bed (that bed!), and don't mind a little bit of hustle and bustle? Then, yes. Absolutely. I'd go back. I'd bring earplugs and maybe my own waffle batter. I think so. I'm leaning towards yes. I'm already thinking of going back. And frankly, after all that, a good night's sleep in a comfy bed is a luxury in itself, right? So, yeah. Go. But manage your expectations, pack your earplugs, and enjoy the waffles (but watch out for the Hunger Games).
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