BEST WESTERN PLUS HAWTHORNE TERRACE HOTEL, Chicago

The hotel sits on the corner of Broadway and Hawthorne Terrace, putting guests within a few blocks of dozens of restaurants, cafés, and shops. Wrigley Field is a 12-minute walk east, while the Red Line train at Addison station is about 15 minutes on foot, providing direct access to the Magnificent Mile (20 minutes by bus), the Loop, and O'Hare Airport. The Lake Michigan lakefront and Lincoln Park Zoo are both about 3 km away. For arriving by train, a taxi or ride-share is recommended unless walking. The neighborhood is well-served by bus routes, with a stop at the end of the street for trips to downtown. Parking is in a surface lot adjacent to the hotel, though the area is walkable and safe for most stays.

Guest rooms are comfortably appointed, with some units featuring separate seating areas, sofa beds, or kitchenettes (refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher) in the suites. The hotel has two buildings: the main historic building and a newer annex next door with renovated suites that include Alexa voice control and modern showers. All rooms are air-conditioned and have heating, though some units have noisy A/C units, and the thermostat on the wall may not always communicate perfectly with the unit. Rooms facing the courtyard or above the lobby can pick up street and hallway noise, as there is a gap under interior doors and soundproofing is limited. Several suites offer two separate sleeping areas (e.g., two king beds in distinct spaces), which is ideal for families or groups. No rooms have private in-room hot tubs or balconies. The decor is described as cozy and modern in renovated units, but some older rooms feel dated with low light and in need of maintenance. Mold has been an issue in some rooms, particularly around windows in the older building.

Breakfast is included in the rate and served each morning from a buffet that typically includes scrambled eggs (sometimes rehydrated), sausage, pastries, breads, yogurt, fresh fruit, and coffee. The breakfast area can feel cramped when busy, especially in the main building. Breakfast hours start from about 7:00, and arriving early is advisable on busy weekends. The hotel does not have an on-site restaurant, but the surrounding Lakeview neighborhood offers a wide variety of dining options within a short walk, including Si-Pie Pizzeria (0.5 km), Ann Sather (famous for cinnamon rolls), and many other casual and upscale spots. Coffee is available throughout the day in the lobby. There is no bar or room service. A vending machine with drinks and snacks is available on-site.

The wellness area is located in the basement of the main building and can be accessed via a short walk outside from the annex. The fitness center features a selection of cardio machines and basic strength equipment. The glass-enclosed hot tub is a highlight and is kept clean and well-maintained, along with an infrared sauna. Towels are provided, but there are no hooks or hooks for robes in the spa area. The hot tub and sauna are free for all guests and available during reasonable hours. The hotel also has a lush courtyard with outdoor furniture, ideal for relaxing with coffee or breakfast in warmer months. A golf course is available within 3 km for an additional charge. There is no swimming pool or full spa on site.

The hotel offers a range of practical services designed to make stays smooth. The 24-hour front desk can handle concierge requests and hold luggage before check-in and after check-out at no charge. Express check-in and check-out are available to speed up arrivals and departures. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, though some guests report reliability issues, particularly on upper floors. Parking is self-service in a lot next door, with charges added to the room bill. An electric vehicle charging station is on-site. The hotel is pet-friendly with a $25/night fee, but service animals are allowed without extra charge. The property is accessible for wheelchair users, with lower bathroom sinks, raised toilets, and an elevator serving both buildings. Security includes CCTV, key card access, smoke alarms, and a safe deposit box at reception. A shared lounge/TV area is a quiet space for reading or working.