Escape to Chicagoland: Luxurious Lombard Suites Await!
Escape to Chicagoland: Luxurious Lombard Suites Await! - A Messy, Honest Review
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I’m about to unravel my stay at Escape to Chicagoland: Luxurious Lombard Suites Await! It’s been a journey, and trust me, I'm not holding back. This isn't some polished, PR puff piece. This is real-world, sleep-deprived, coffee-guzzling, honest-to-goodness review-writing.
First Impressions: Lombard, Illinois – The Anti-Chicago?
Let's start with the location. Lombard. Honestly, my first thought was, "Lombard? Where's that even in relation to Chicago?" Turns out, it’s a suburban escape. Perfect for those who want a breather from the Windy City's chaos, but still craving that Chicago proximity. It's got that suburban vibe, which, depending on your mood, can be a blessing or a curse. For me? Post-city-break, it was bliss.
Accessibility – Making it Work (Mostly)
Okay, let's talk accessibility. This is IMPORTANT. I'm not personally using a wheelchair but I know it's really important to people who are! (also, as a generally clumsy individual, the thought of easy access is ALWAYS appealing). The hotel boasts "facilities for disabled guests" – which, I'm happy to say, seemed generally true, from what I could observe. The elevators were a lifesaver (and well-maintained!), and there appeared to be good ramp access throughout the property. I saw a sign saying rooms with specific accessibility features (like wider doorways and roll-in showers) are available. That's fantastic. But, and this is a big "but," I didn't go into those rooms to confirm. I HIGHLY recommend double-checking specific needs with the hotel beforehand. Also, the website could definitely benefit from more detailed specifics on things like grab bars and the like.
Rooms: Plush, Pretty, and…Where's the Remote?!
The rooms… are pretty darn luxurious. Seriously, the name isn’t kidding. My room was on a high floor – which, let's be honest, always makes me feel fancy. It was all soft carpets, blackout curtains (thank you, sweet baby Jesus, for blackout curtains!), and a plush sofa. The bed? An extra-long bed, which is music to the ears of anyone over 6 feet. I basically faceplanted into that thing and lost an hour. Glorious. There's a coffee/tea maker. There's even complimentary tea. (I didn't have any tea, because, coffee.) But this is the thing… despite ALL the tech, i was looking for the remote - for like… 10 minutes. It was in a draw. Who does that?!
But the bathroom! Separate shower/bathtub? Yes, please. Bathrobes and slippers? Sold! I immediately threw on the robe and pretended I was a hotel mogul. (Spoiler alert: I'm not.) The toiletries? High-quality, but I did bring my own because I'm a creature of habit. There were plenty of towels.
Internet: The Modern-Day Necessity – And It Works!
Wi-Fi, baby! Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Thank God! Because, let’s be real, who can live without the internet these days? The connection was solid, and I was able to stream and work without any major issues. There was also Internet [LAN, or wired connection]. Honestly, I didn't use it but I like knowing it's there, in case the wireless decides to stage a revolt.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Feast for the… Eyes?
Okay, let’s talk food. This is where things get a LITTLE complicated. There are restaurants, restaurants, and more restaurants. There's a bar, a pool-side bar. International cuisine is on offer. They boast "alternative meal arrangements" – good for anyone with dietary restrictions. Breakfast? They have breakfast [buffet], Asian breakfast. I made it, as a fan of the good old American breakfast. It was fine. Okay, not amazing. The bacon wasn't as crispy as I'd like, and the coffee wasn't strong enough, (I'm very picky). But it was there. Breakfast takeaway service is also an option, and I was VERY grateful for this service on my early departure day. Breakfast in room is an option to, but again, I didn't used it.
Desserts in restaurant? I didn't taste any. Maybe that was a mistake… Next time! Happy hour? I missed it. (See sleep deprivation.)
Things to Do (And Things to Avoid)
Okay, here's where the Lombard Suites REALLY shine. This place is all about that relaxation life.
- Pool with view, Swimming pool [outdoor]: Gorgeous! The pool. Huge. Beautifully kept. Views… well… they're suburban views, let's be honest. But still, very relaxing.
- Spa/sauna, Spa: I went ham. Full-on treatment. Body scrub, body wrap, massage. This is where they really shine. The spa is legit! The massage was pure bliss. I walked out feeling like a new person! (For about 2 hours, anyway.)
- Fitness center: This place has a fitness center. I did not go in. (See sleep deprivation and general aversion to exercise).
- For the Kids: Babysitting service is available, along with kids facilities and kids meal.
Cleanliness and Safety: The Pandemic Pivot
They're making a serious effort to keep things clean and safe. They have Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer everywhere. Individually-wrapped food options are on offer. Safe dining setup. And they have Staff trained in safety protocol. There’s even something called “rooms sanitization opt-out available”. I appreciated the effort, made me feel pretty safe. They're clearly taking this seriously, which is reassuring.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
There's a front desk [24-hour], concierge service - they even have a doorman! Cash withdrawal, currency exchange, dry cleaning, ironing service, laundry service, and luggage storage. They also had a convenience store, which is helpful if you forgot something crazy like (cough cough) toothpaste.
But Wait, There's More! (The Quirky Bits)
- The "Proposal Spot" listed as facility. Well, that's… specific. I'm imagining a very serious, very romantic proposal over the perfectly manicured suburban lawn.
- The "Shrine." (Okay, I didn't find this one either. Maybe it's hidden. Or maybe it's just, you know, not there.)
Getting Around: Ease of Access, Even with a Slight Headache
Airport transfer? Yes. Car park [free of charge]. Car park [on-site]. Car power charging station. Taxi service? Yes. Valet parking? Again, yes. Getting around is easy, and with the suburban location, you escape some of the traffic hassles of downtown Chicago.
The Final Verdict: Worth the Escape?
Yes! Absolutely. Escape to Chicagoland: Luxurious Lombard Suites Await! is a solid choice. Is it perfect? No. (What is, honestly?) But the rooms are great, the spa is heavenly, and the location offers a welcome respite from the city. It’s perfect for a romantic getaway, a family stay, or for the exhausted traveler. The suburban location might not be for everyone, but if you are in the mood for a quiet escape AND the chance to access Chicago easily, give it a whirl.
Here's My Pitch – And I'm Seriously Not Getting Paid For This!
Tired of the Chicago Hustle? Need a Reset?
Escape to Chicagoland: Luxurious Lombard Suites Await! offers a retreat that's both luxurious and conveniently located.
For a Limited Time Only, Book Your Stay and Get:
- A Free Upgrade to a Suite! (Subject to availability, obviously! But hey, what's the worst that happens? You don't get it.)
- A Complimentary Spa Treatment Voucher (Because you deserve it! Treat yourself!)
- FREE Wi-Fi! (Because who can live without it?)
- 10% Discount at the Restaurant and Bar (For a limited time. Get there early, my friend!)
Click the Link Now to Book Your Escape! Don't Wait Because, frankly, everyone else in the Chicagoland area is going to try and snap up a room too!
Seriously, go. You deserve this.
Unbelievable Manhasset Getaway: Travelodge Wyndham Deals You WON'T Believe!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive into the glorious, chaotic, and utterly unpredictable world of… my trip to Lombard, Illinois. Specifically, my extended stay at the… ahem… "Select Suites" of Extended Stay America. Let's just say, I've seen more glamorous accommodations. But hey, it's a roof, it's got a mini-fridge (essential!), and it's where the magic (and by magic, I mean questionable microwave meals and existential dread) happens.
Day 1: Arrival and the Quest for Decent Coffee (and Basic Dignity)
- Morning (8:00 AM): Flight from… well, let's just say it was a chaotic flight. I'm talking delayed, crammed, and the guy next to me kept trying to "relate" to my fear of turbulence with stories about his hemorrhoids. (Seriously, people, some things are not appropriate airplane conversation!). Land at O'Hare, feeling like I've aged a decade.
- Morning (9:30 AM): Uber to the hallowed grounds of Extended Stay America - Lombard. The exterior… well, let's just say it evokes a certain "industrial park chic." The lobby? Think a slightly-less-depressing DMV.
- Morning (10:00 AM): Check-in. The front desk guy looked like he'd seen some things. He handed me my key, which I swear felt like a security badge to a dystopian future.
- Morning (10:30 AM): The real battle begins: the coffee situation. Extended Stay coffee? Let's just say it's an experience. It tastes like despair, filtered through a sock. Thus my first mission: locate acceptable caffeination.
- Morning (11:00 AM): Found a Dunkin' Donuts. Victory, of a sort. The donut selection was… adequate. The coffee was… well, at least it didn’t actively try to kill me. Ordered a coffee, and accidentally bought a donut - and it's the whole story of my trip.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM): Unpacking, realizing I packed way too many socks. Why do I do this to myself? Seriously, I'm a walking sock repository.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM): Discover the wonders of the in-room kitchenette. Microwave! Mini-fridge! Armed with instant noodles and pre-made salads (because, health!), I feel like a culinary god. (Note: The "salad" mostly contained wilted lettuce and the existential dread of eating processed food.)
- Afternoon (2:00 PM): The emotional breakdown starts. Realizing this is my home for the next few days. This is it, this is the life.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM): Stumble upon a local park. Actually, it's kinda nice! Some squirrels judged me, but overall, a win. Taking a moment to reflect on life.
- Evening (6:00 PM): Dinner is the microwave meal. Regret sets in. Stare at the TV, channel surfing.
- Evening (8:00 PM): Attempt to relax. Fail. The AC is loud and is not helping.
- Night (10:00 PM): Sleep.
Day 2: The Oakbrook Center Odyssey and the Deep Dive into Retail Therapy
- Morning (9:00 AM): Coffee run No. 2. The Dunkin' Donuts is now my second home. Greeted like a regular (mostly because I am one now). Start the day off with coffee and donuts.
- Morning (10:00 AM): Uber to Oakbrook Center, a massive outdoor shopping mall. It’s a testament to consumerism, and I'm here to contribute.
- Morning (10:30 AM - 1:00 PM): The Mall! I do not have a plan. I wander, I window shop, I briefly consider buying a ridiculously expensive handbag. My impulses are wild, but it's an emotional rollercoaster.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM): Lunch at a generic food court. Surroundings are filled with families and the constant sound of children. More people now.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM): Find a bookstore. Lose myself for a little while.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Shopping spree! Buy things I don’t really need. This is not a hobby, this is a coping mechanism.
- Evening (5:00 PM): Stroll back to the hotel.
- Evening (7:00 PM): Microwave meal. Begin to hate myself.
- Night (9:00 PM - 10:00 PM): Watch TV. Same channels as yesterday.
Day 3: The Local Flavor (and the Quest for Decent Food, Pt. 2)
- Morning (9:00 AM): Yes, another coffee run. I'm starting to feel a kinship with the baristas. They haven't run screaming yet.
- Morning (10:00 AM): Try for a more “local” experience. Find a diner. It's a classic.
- Morning (11:00 AM): Diner Breakfast. It's… okay?
- Afternoon (12:00 PM): Researching anything to do. Try to get out of this.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM): Think about food.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM): Search for local food.
- Evening (6:00 PM): Eat whatever I found.
- Evening (8:00 PM): Start making a plan for escape.
- Night (10:00 PM): Sleep.
Day 4: The Great Escape (and the Epilogue of Regret)
- Morning (9:00 AM): One last desperate coffee run. Say goodbye to my barista friends.
- Morning (10:00 AM): Pack. The Extended Stay, it seems, is not going to be my permanent home.
- Morning (11:00 AM): Check-out. The front desk guy gives me a slightly sympathetic look. I wonder if he's seen the despair in my eyes too.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM): Uber to the airport.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM): Flight home.
- Evening (5:00 PM): Home sweet home. I'm never going back.
Quirky Observations/Emotional Reactions:
- The sheer vastness of Oakbrook Center. It's like a parallel universe dedicated to spending money.
- The existential dread of eating a microwave meal.
- The weird, slightly sterile scent of the hallway in Extended Stay America. I swear it's imprinted on my brain now.
- The genuine kindness of the diner waitress who kept refilling my coffee. (She's a saint.)
- The overwhelming feeling of… emptiness… as I stared at the TV screen.
Imperfections/Messiness:
- I forgot to pack my toothbrush. (Disaster!)
- I definitely spent way too much money on stuff I don't need.
- My attempts at "culture" were limited to wandering around a mall.
- The ending is a little… abrupt. That's life, isn't it?
Final Thoughts:
This trip was… an experience. It was a little boring, a little depressing, a little expensive, and a lot chaotic. But hey, I survived. And I learned a valuable lesson: Extended Stay America is not a luxury resort. Now I know. Now I can dream.
P.S. – I'm pretty sure I left some socks behind. Sorry, future guest.
Escape to Paradise: B&B Villa Francesco, Marina di Ragusa
Stuff I've Been Asked (and Mostly Didn't Want To Answer): FAQs About... well, Everything, Really
So, like, what *is* this whole 'FAQ' thing, anyway? Besides a desperate attempt to avoid actual work?
What's your favorite color? (Seriously, people actually *ask* this?)
What do you *do* all day? Like, *really*?
Ever had writer's block? (Duh.)
Got any advice for aspiring… anything?
- Embrace the mess. Life, creativity, everything – it's all messy. Don't strive for perfection; it's a lie.
- Fail. A *lot*. Learn from it, and keep going. That's the actual secret.
- Don't listen to everyone. Take advice with a grain of salt, especially mine. Trust your gut (even if it’s usually telling you to eat another cookie).
- Find your tribe. Surround yourself with people who get you and support you. They're the sanity-savers.
- And for the love of all that is holy, take breaks. Seriously. Step away from the screen. Breathe. Go outside. Your brain will thank you.
What's the deal with (insert random, specific topic here)?
So, I planted some tomato seedlings. Little green guys. *Hopeful* little green guys. Followed all the instructions: sunshine, water, the whole shebang. Weeks went by. The plants got bigger... eventually. Then, *nothing*. My neighbor, bless her heart, her tomatoes are the size of grapefruits! Mine? Sad, pathetic little green things. I started to question everything: my soil, my watering schedule, my very *being*. My emotional state mirrored those pathetic little plants. I felt like I was in a perpetual state of "almost ripe."
Then (finally!), one day, *a single* red tomato. And I mean, *singular*. It was a victory. A reason to celebrate. And then, it was gone. Eaten by a squirrel. (Or, after a *very* thorough investigation, a family of squirrels.) That's gardening, folks. It's triumph and heartbreak, all crammed into one season. It mirrored my writer's block, my feelings about life, all of it. So The deal? There is no deal. Life is a series of tomatoes eaten by squirrels. And, like the squirrels, or the tomatoes, we just... keep going.
What are you passionate about? (Ugh, this question again...)
Anything else you want to add, that I didn't ask?
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