Aloft Chicago O'Hare: Unbeatable Views, Unforgettable Stay!
Aloft Chicago O'Hare: My Brain Dump (Unfiltered!) – Is It REALLY Unforgettable?
Alright, buckle up, buttercups. I've just emerged, blinking, from the Aloft Chicago O'Hare. "Unbeatable Views, Unforgettable Stay!" they promised. Let's unpack that, shall we? Because honestly, I need a vent. This place is a whirlwind of… well, let’s start at the beginning.
Accessibility, Safety & Cleanliness: Keeping it Mostly Together
First things first: Accessibility. They say they've got it. I didn't personally need it, but I always appreciate a hotel that tries. They have elevators, which is a good start, and the general vibe seemed pretty okay for folks with mobility issues. Facilities for disabled guests are listed, so hopefully, that’s not just lip service.
Now, cleanliness and safety. This is a major thing these days, right? Well, they’ve got the checklist. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Check. Rooms sanitized between stays? Praise be! They even offer you the option to opt-out of room sanitization (which I found a bit weird, but hey, options!). Hand sanitizer everywhere, thankfully. Staff trained in safety protocol? Let’s hope so! I didn’t see anyone sneezing on the buffet (more on that later). Cashless payment service? Yep. They’re trying to be safe. I felt… cautiously optimistic.
I'm mostly paranoid about this, so a big sigh of relief there. However, I did notice that one elevator had a slightly sticky button. Minor, but still…
Internet: Wi-Fi and Whining
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Hooray! The absolute bare minimum these days, but I'll take it. The speed? Not lightning fast, but enough to scroll through TikTok and maybe, just maybe, get some work done (if the urge to do so strikes). Internet access – wireless is available. They also have Internet access – LAN, which, honestly, who even uses LAN anymore? But hey, it's there. Remember, they’re trying.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: The Breakfast Buffet Blues
Ah, yes. Food. Where do I begin? Let's just dive right in. The breakfast buffet… it was… present. Western Breakfast and Asian Breakfast are on offer. This is really the heart of the beast. So: Buffet in restaurant is a go. The thing is, buffets are stressful in these Covid times. I was side-eyeing everyone near the scrambled eggs. The breakfast takeaway service is a good option.
They have a coffee shop, which is essential, because pre-caffeinated humans… yikes. Coffee/tea in restaurant is available too and even deserts in restaurant. I didn't try those -- I'm watching calories, you see.
There is a bar and a poolside bar, so, points for that. Happy hour? I'm in! Bottle of water is a nice touch. There’s a snack bar too. Restaurants - plural. So, options. 24-hour room service is a lifesaver (especially after a long flight).
But let’s be honest. The buffet wasn’t exactly Michelin-star material, though. It was… functional. Filling. Adequate. And that’s the best I can say about it. Soup in restaurant and Salad in restaurant are listed, but I forgot to order any (my bad!)
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: Pool with a View?
Okay, here's where things get a bit… murky. Swimming pool? Yes! But the website boasts a "Pool with a view," which, frankly, felt a bit of a stretch. The view was… the sky. And some airport buildings in the distance. Not exactly unbeatable. But hey, a pool's a pool. And in Chicago, that's something.
Fitness center is available (and pretty standard). Gym/fitness. Same thing. I didn’t go (because, again, watching calories), but I could hear the thumping of treadmills, so, success! Some other things that they offer: Sauna, Spa, Spa/Sauna, Steamroom, Massage, Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath… they say these are available, but let's just say I didn't see any of these luxuries while I was there. Maybe they exist in a secret wing?
The Room: Comfort, Chaos, and the Mini-Fridge Conspiracy
My room was… fine. Air conditioning. Check. Blackout curtains. Bless them. Alarm clock. Still a thing! Coffee/tea maker. Phew! Refrigerator. Okay. Mini bar… Nope!. Free bottled water. Yes. Desk. Fine. Pretty standard, and I needed it. Hair dryer. Got one. Linens. Clean. Safe box. Okay. Slippers. Nope. Towels. Good! Wake-up service. Didn't try it. Wi-Fi [free]. Thank God.
The bed. More like a decent-sized foam pad than a heavenly cloud, but it was comfy enough after battling some serious jet lag. The bathtub was, thankfully, clean, and I took a long, much-needed shower. The soundproofing… well, you definitely hear the planes, even with the windows closed. It’s O’Hare, people. What did you expect?
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things (and the Big Ones)
They have all the basics. 24-hour front desk. Good! Luggage storage. Check. Daily housekeeping. Yes. Elevator. Yes. Dry cleaning and laundry service for your dirty clothes. Concierge. I didn't need them, but they were there.
For the Kids: Ah, Babysitting (maybe?)
They have a Babysitting service. This is a maybe, because I don't have kids and didn't try it. Family/child friendly? Sure, based on the fact that they have a pool and a kid's menu, so, there's that.
Getting Around: Airport Transfer, and More!
Car park [free of charge] is available. Airport transfer too. They had bicycle parking, but I didn’t see any bikes. You can get a Taxi service, of course.
The Big Question: Unforgettable?
Okay, so, was it "Unforgettable?" Nah. Let’s be real. But it depends on what you’re looking for. It's decent, safe, clean enough, and convenient for O'Hare. The staff? Mostly friendly and helpful, just trying their best to keep things afloat.
Is this place the Taj Mahal? Absolutely not. But it’s a perfectly respectable, clean, and convenient place to crash before or after a flight. It's a solid choice, and I'd stay there again if the price was right.
My Honest (and Highly Opinionated) Verdict: A 7/10
SEO-Fueled Marketing Pitch (Because, Let's Face It, That's Why You're Here):
Escape the Airport Blues at Aloft Chicago O'Hare!
Are you tired of soul-crushing layovers and stressful airport commutes? Do you crave a comfortable and convenient hotel experience near Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport? Look no further than the Aloft Chicago O'Hare!
Here’s why you should book your stay NOW:
- Unbeatable Convenience: Located minutes from O'Hare (with convenient airport transfer options!), say goodbye to long commutes and hello to relaxation. Enjoy free parking if you drive.
- Stay Comfortable & Connected: Enjoy free Wi-Fi, air conditioning in every room, and comfortable modern rooms designed for relaxation. You can even get breakfast in room!
- Safety First: Relax knowing we are committed to your safety and well-being! We offer daily disinfection in common areas, hand sanitizer stations, and attentive staff trained in health protocols.
- Stay Active and Refreshed: Enjoy a refreshing swim in the swimming pool, or work up a sweat in our fitness center. Grab a drink at our bar or the poolside bar after a long travel day.
- All the Amenities You Need: From 24-hour room service to a convenience store and a helpful concierge, Aloft Chicago O'Hare has you covered.
Don't delay! Book your Unforgettable Stay at Aloft Chicago O'Hare today!
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Escape to Midnight Blue: PJ's Most Luxurious Suite Awaits
Okay, buckle up Buttercup, because this isn't your average, perfectly-polished travel itinerary. This is my version, my messy, glorious, and probably slightly chaotic attempt at navigating the Aloft Chicago O'Hare… and the whole damn city, frankly. Here's the itinerary, with a side of unsolicited commentary and a hefty sprinkle of "what was I thinking?!":
Day 1: Arrival and the Airport Hustle (aka, Pray for My Luggage)
- 1:00 PM: Touchdown at O'Hare. Already a disaster. The flight was delayed. I swear, budget airlines are playing a cruel game of "Will we or won't we get there?" (Answer: Mostly won't.) My luggage? Praying to the airline gods that it arrives. Because if it doesn't, I'm doomed. DOOMED.
- 1:45 PM: Okay, deep breaths. Finding the Aloft Chicago O'Hare hotel. Supposedly, there's a shuttle. Praying the shuttle is prompt. Praying it's not a clown car. Praying I packed something besides the same shirt I've been wearing for 10 hours.
- 2:30 PM: Ideally, check-in. The REAL test. Because let's be honest, some hotel check-in experiences are smoother than a politician's promises. Hoping for efficient, friendly, and not a marathon of paperwork. Also, praying my reservation actually exists.
- 3:00 PM: Unlikely ideal: Stroll to the room, which hopefully isn't haunted or directly facing the airport runway. Inspect for cleanliness. Seriously, I once stayed in a hotel room that looked like a crime scene… minus the actual crime. The sheets better be pristine. My standards aren't high, but they do exist.
- 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM: The Unpacking Mishap. This is where the magic happens: I attempt to unpack, which is actually just a process of me dumping things onto the bed and going, "Yep, that's my life in a suitcase." I find my travel pillow. My precioussssss. But I also start to question how much I overpacked. Seriously, why did I bring that sequined jumpsuit?
- 4:45 PM: The Pre-Dinner Panic. I'm starving. This is a critical moment. Either I find food, or I turn into a hangry monster. The hotel restaurant is an option, but let's be real, hotel restaurants can be hit or miss. Debating the pros and cons…or maybe a quick Uber Eats delivery?
Day 2: Chicago Dreams (and Airport Realities)
- 7:00 AM: Wake up. (Or try to. My internal clock is currently set to "flight delay chaos.") Coffee is essential. A good cup of coffee is practically a life-giving force, and I need all the life I can muster.
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel or local diner. The hotel's buffet always tries to entice with those sad-looking pastries. But, a diner is an adventure, and I'm all in for a classic greasy spoon. Let's hope for a fluffy omelet and a side of something that tastes like pure, unadulterated happiness.
- 9:00 AM: The L (Chicago's Train System) and Downtown Adventure: Getting downtown! I'm a sucker for exploring, and the Loop promises it all. This is where the fear kicks in. It's a big city; I can get lost. But, I've got a map, my phone, and a healthy dose of "fake it til you make it."
- 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: The Architecture River Cruise. Everyone raves about it. It's a classic for a reason, but I am still torn between it and the feeling of being surrounded with tourists. I'll try not to get crushed by selfie sticks.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch and a stroll. Grabbing a quick lunch at a random deli or a cute cafe… Then, I'll wander around the streets, absorbing the city's vibe.
- 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Millennium Park and the Bean (Cloud Gate): This is the mandatory photo op. I'll probably get stuck in the middle of a thousand selfies, but hey, it's iconic!
- 5:00 PM: Back To The Hotel & Evening Relaxation: Back to the room for a power nap / recharge and maybe another coffee to wake up from the day. There's always time for the hotel pool, or, at least, that's what I'll tell myself.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner in River North. A big decision. River North has a ton of options. Maybe a fancy place or a good old trendy place. Or I'll just end up eating a burger at the nearest pub, which is completely acceptable, too.
- 9:00 PM: A late-night drink. There has to be something good the city has to offer. Maybe a cocktail or a beer in a cozy spot
Day 3: Departure (and a Final Attempt at Sanity)
- 8:00 AM: Wake up. Resist the urge to hit the snooze button for the fifth time. Packing. This is where the "did I forget something" panic sets in. It's inevitable. Prepare to be flustered.
- 8:30 AM: A quick breakfast, or a desperate grab from the vending machine.
- 9:30 AM: Check-out. Hopefully, it's smooth and involves no hidden charges. Or a secret credit card mishap.
- 10:00 AM: Shuttle to the airport. It's the final hurdle. Praying it's on time. Praying I haven't lost my boarding pass. Praying I don't have to deal with any baggage drama.
- 10:30 AM: The airport security gauntlet. The joy of taking off shoes and belts. Then, standing in the queue and praying.
- 11:00 AM: The long goodbyes. Grabbing whatever remains and running to catch my flight (or what's left of it).
- 1:00 PM: Finally, the flight is over. The final descent. The touchdown. The journey.
That, my friends, is my itinerary. It's more of a suggestion than a rigid plan. Because let's be honest, the best travel experiences are messy, unplanned, and full of those "Oh, hell yeah!" moments you never saw coming. Now, wish me luck… I'm going in. And I'm prepared to laugh (and probably cry) along the way. Chicago, here I come!*
Unbelievable Chaumont Hotel Deal: Ibis Styles Centre Gare!
Aloft Chicago O'Hare: FAQ - Because Let's Be Real, Hotel Stays Are Always a Story
So, the "Unbeatable Views" thing...is that legit? Like, will I ACTUALLY see anything besides the back of a parking garage?
Okay, listen. The "views" thing. It's like, a *thing*. They say "unbeatable," and initially, I rolled my eyes, figuring it'd be a slightly elevated peek at the airstrip. Which, okay, kinda is. But… here's the truth: I was *stunned*. I mean, actually, physically stunned when I walked into my room. The floor-to-ceiling windows. The expanse of the sky. The jets, yes, taking off and landing, looking like sleek, silver birds. There was ONE small, okay, *minor* issue: my room wasn't as high up as a coworker's. She was practically in the clouds! And, well, let's just say I spent a good ten minutes contemplating a "room swap" through questionable means. Ended up just getting a decent view and being satisfied, because the place feels pretty cool anyway.
What's the deal with the Aloft vibe? Is it as "hip & happening" as they claim, or just trying too hard?
Alright, the "hip & happening" thing. This is where it gets…subjective. They definitely lean into the modern aesthetic. Think exposed brick, funky art (some of it I actually *liked*!), and loud music in the lobby. It's not your grandma's hotel. It *tries* to have a cool, relaxed vibe. Honestly? It sometimes *succeeds*. The bar is actually pretty decent, and the atmosphere felt way more lively than most airport hotels. I had an amusing experience trying to order a drink when the bar was super busy. Let's just say, my attempt at sounding sophisticated ended in a near-choke from laughing, which was, in itself, quite entertaining! Not pretentious, just trying to be fun, and they more or less pull it off.
The free airport shuttle – reliable or a chaotic free-for-all? Because, you know, travel.
The shuttle…oh, the shuttle. It's free, which is always a win. But the reliability…ah, that's the gamble. They *say* it runs every 30 minutes. I actually had a fairly decent experience. It was probably a 20-minute wait, which is not *terrible* in the grand airline scheme of things. But my friend's account? Different story. She *swears* she waited nearly an hour, missed her flight, and blames the entire experience on the hotel and O'Hare Airport itself. (She's dramatic). So, pack a book, a good attitude, and pray to whatever deity handles airport transport. Or, you know, Uber/Lyft. Always a safe bet, if you're willing to spend the cash. I swear they're watching me though after I took the Uber.. like the bus driver wanted a fight. I think everyone was too tired though haha.
Food situation? Do I have to survive on sad airport sandwiches?
Alright, food. The real make or break of any hotel stay, right? They've got a little grab-and-go setup for snacks and drinks, which is fine for a quick fix. BUT, here's the good news: the bar serves food, and it's actually…pretty good! I had a burger one night, and I was actually happy. Surprising! There's also a decent breakfast situation, if you're into that. I'm more of a "coffee and whatever's available" type, but my colleague raved about the oatmeal. (He's also the guy who went into the clouds so... take that as you will). Plus, within a quick drive or a short ride-share, you've got a ton of options. I mean, it's O'Hare! Food options are abundant, which is a giant plus after a long flight.
The rooms themselves – comfy? Or just another generic hotel box?
The rooms...they're not bad. They're modern, and they're clean, and that's already better than some of the other nearby options from what I've heard from friends in the past. The beds are comfortable. The bathrooms are decent. The showers… the shower pressure could be better, I'll be honest. You might have to be patient. But hey, it's not falling apart or anything. I would totally recommend a higher floor though. I feel like I had the short end of the stick there. Nothing too exciting, just functional and pleasant. Honestly, after a long day of travel, a decent bed is all I really ask for. I did like the giant windows, even though I didn't have the best view!
Noise levels? Location is near a busy airport...expecting jet engine serenades all night?
Okay, the noise. Living near O'Hare, you *expect* noise. And, let's be real, you *get* noise. It's an airport hotel, people! But…they've done a pretty decent job of soundproofing. You definitely hear the planes, especially if you're on a lower floor. It's not a constant roar, though. I actually slept pretty well, which says something. (I'm a light sleeper, by the way). My coworker, though? She said it kept her up all night. I think she’s just dramatic though. However, on reflection, I *did* have a slight problem with a siren at one point... it might be the airport, it might be the hotel, it might be the town. The point is, it COULD be better if you are sensitive.
Is it close enough to the airport to make a late-night or early-morning connection easy?
Absolutely! That's the whole *point* of staying there! It's *super* close. That's what does it for me. You are moments away from O'Hare. It's a lifesaver. Like, you could practically roll out of bed, and walk to the terminal (okay, maybe not, but you get the idea). It's a quick shuttle ride or a very short Uber/Lyft. Made a huge difference when I flew in, because I was able to go straight to the hotel. It took me like 5 minutes! The convenience alone is worth the price, considering what a pain navigating O'Hare can be. I would NOT choose anything miles away unless I wanted to sleep in my car.
