Illinois Beach Hotel

Illinois Riviera! A well maintained treasure of mid-century architecture. The old adage of "bringing the outside in" is in full swing here. Windows framing the sky, waves and sand just feet away, are reflected in the carpets, stone floors, and art work. It's often hard to tell what's old and what's new. There's work still ongoing, but they're doing all the right work. I've often camped here and lamented the fact that the hotel was long closed. Finally had a chance to take a couple days with my wife mid winter and get away just 30 minutes from home. The staff was friendly. The food was excellent. Here's the problem. We pretty much had the place to ourselves. I mean, that's great, but not when you want the place to be around for many years to come. The only hotel on the lake in illinois, and an amazing snapshot of an American era, I highly advise taking advantage before we ignore it again in lieu of havens of distracting plastic along some random interstate. The restored beach is beautiful. Sure, see it in summer, but my advice is to embrace the cold. Bundle up. Hike the trails. The lake changes constantly and new ice sculptures are made by wind and water daily. Once upon a time, we went to see not only what was made, but what was there. Let's take advantage while we still can. The water parks will still be there next year.

Came up for a one night stay from Chicago. Loved the location and the beach was empty. Front desk staff were friendly and quick to assist. Rooms are basic and a little dated, however bed was comfy and I found the room to be clean. There are wood fire pits and gas fire pits available for use too!

just home today from a 2 night stay we have been watching the renovation progress of this hotel for ages and finally got to stay! lake is beyond stunning in January hotel is old but beautifully renovated to reflect the surroundings check in was easy and the st aff was great chef Reggie makes the BEST food and because of him we will definitely be stopping by again for the etouffle! we got to have a few conversations with him and it is obvious he has passion for what he does Natalie out server was so sweet and efficient as well- she truly added to how much fun we had during our stay and thanks Renita, for the smiles and the coffee. truly all the staff made our stay even more special beds were great. very clean. for yall freaking about webs and bugs and “run down looks”- you must certainly realize that you are in a architecturally significant building, still upgrading, and yes. bugs. spiders. its a wetland preserve, not disney. housekeeping is done upon request or every 3 days (standard) to be energy mindful- so grateful!! we will be back to the resort frequently- and order from the restaurant when we camp! it was so relaxing

Had a pretty negative experience, but the location and the morning server at the restaurant were awesome. If more of the staff were like her, this place would be awesome. I checked in kinda late with my family. I booked a room with a lake view. I didn't get much of a view. I attached a picture. I asked the front office if there was a mistake, she answered,"it's a view, not a good view, but it's still a view." I went back to my room and noticed how filty it was. I also attached pics. Also the mini frig was leaking water and we needed it so I went to talk to the front office. The staff member told me the mini frig issue was normal and she would send someone to look at the room. We could shower because there was someone else's hair in the tub, the floors had something spilled and dried, and the toilet seat was something on it. I eventually called booking.com since the front staff had ignored me. The rooms are filthy and the evening staff need training on customer service immediately.

Beautiful view of the lake from our room! The room was very dusty, the vent in the bathroom was covered in big clumps of dust, pillows were very thin, and the mattress was hard as a rock. The tub, shower, and sink were very clean. The microwave and fridge worked. The front desk clerk seemed annoyed at having to check us in when we arrived. She was not friendly at all. The young man at the front deak at 6 am was very pleasant and friendly when I went and asked for shampoo and conditioner.