Hampton Inn Chicago/Gurnee

This hotel is a popular choice for its exceptional proximity to Six Flags Great America, making it an ideal base for families and sightseers looking to enjoy the amusement park. Its convenient location also appeals to business travelers and those attending hockey tournaments, offering easy access to local attractions and major roadways. Guests frequently highlight the generally friendly and helpful staff, contributing positively to their stay. While many appreciate the complimentary breakfast, the hotel is currently undergoing renovations, which has led to mixed feedback regarding room condition and overall guest experience. To ensure a comfortable stay, it is advisable to inquire about the status of renovations and specific room conditions upon booking.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers an outdoor pool, which some guests found refreshing, though others noted it was unheated or too cold for use. A well-equipped fitness center is available, described as quaint but functional, providing options for a quick workout with various equipment including a Peloton. However, the elevators have been a significant point of concern for many, with reports of them being slow, getting stuck, or having expired inspection certificates, causing inconvenience. The lobby area is generally considered clean and inviting, offering a pleasant space for guests. The hotel also maintains a pet-friendly policy, though an additional fee applies, which some guests found to be a drawback compared to other accommodations.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Feedback on cleanliness and room comfort is notably mixed. While some guests found their rooms to be very clean and comfortable, many others reported issues such as outdated rooms, worn furniture, and a general lack of thorough cleaning, with instances of dirty carpets, stained upholstery, and unclean bathrooms. Specific concerns included mold or rust in bathrooms, and hair found in various areas. Bed comfort received varied comments, with some finding them comfortable, while the pillows were frequently described as small, flat, or inadequate. A recurring issue was the lack of hot water in some rooms, significantly impacting the shower experience. Noise levels were also inconsistent, with some rooms being quiet, while others experienced disturbances from the ongoing renovations, loud air conditioning units, or highway traffic. The housekeeping service was a common point of frustration, as rooms are not cleaned daily unless specifically requested, leading to overflowing trash and a lack of fresh towels for extended stays.

Dining & Food Quality
The complimentary breakfast is a popular feature, with many guests praising its variety and quality. Favorites include the waffle bar, which allows guests to make their own fresh waffles, along with options like eggs, sausage, bacon, cereals, and fresh fruit. Many found the breakfast to be plentiful and a good start to the day. However, some guests reported issues with the breakfast service, such as crowded seating areas, items running out quickly, and a lack of replenishment, especially later in the morning. A few isolated but serious concerns were raised regarding the hygiene of some breakfast equipment, including reports of mold in the juice machine and waffle mixture, which negatively impacted the perception of food quality for those guests.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is consistently highlighted as a major advantage. It offers exceptional proximity to Six Flags Great America, with many guests appreciating the easy walking distance to the amusement park. The hotel is also conveniently located near the Naval Base, making it a suitable choice for visitors attending graduations. Additionally, its position close to Gurnee Mills provides easy access to extensive shopping and dining options, with many restaurants within walking distance. The hotel is situated right off I-94, ensuring easy access for travelers. Parking is generally described as safe and plentiful, contributing to a hassle-free arrival and departure experience for most guests.

Staff & Service
The friendly staff is frequently praised, with many guests highlighting their helpfulness, politeness, and accommodating nature, which significantly enhanced their stay. The check-in process is often described as fast and painless, contributing to a smooth start to the visit. Guests appreciate the attentive service from many team members, who go out of their way to assist with requests. However, there are notable instances of negative feedback regarding specific interactions, including reports of unresponsiveness to guest concerns, such as maintenance issues or requests for room amenities. Some guests also experienced challenges with management regarding unresolved issues or unexpected charges, which led to frustration and a perception of poor customer service in those specific situations.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that the hotel is undergoing renovations, which may impact their stay. While some areas have been updated, other rooms may still appear outdated. There have been reports of additional fees, such as unexpected cleaning charges or security deposits, which were not always clearly communicated upfront. The hotel operates under a daily room cleaning policy that differs from traditional daily housekeeping; rooms are not cleaned every day unless specifically requested, which has been a point of contention for many guests expecting regular service. Furthermore, some guests noted concerns regarding the elevator inspection status, adding to their apprehension about the facilities.