The hype
Travelers love the free parking and proximity to downtown Oak Park dining, but the train noise is the universal complaint.
Carleton Of Oak Park
$140-200 / natt
Bestill dette hvis You want a historic, walkable base for Frank Lloyd Wright tours without paying downtown Chicago parking prices.
Hvorfor folk elsker det
- Free parking (a rarity in the Chicago area)
- Two-minute walk to the Green Line 'L' and Metra trains
- Historic 1920s charm with a distinct local neighborhood vibe
Hurtig oversikt: A charming historic hotel attached to a motel-style annex that sits uncomfortably close to a very loud train track.
Gjennomgått av @theboutiqueadventurer: I absolutely loved the vintage charm here. The lobby feels grand yet cozy, and grabbing a drink at the historic bar was the perfect end to my day exploring Oak Park. It’s not modern luxury, but the character is unbeatable and the staff made me feel right at home.
Gjest som overnattet her sa
Reality check
You might book a 'Standard Room' and be surprised to find yourself in the outdoor-entry Motor Inn section if you don't read the fine print.
- You are visiting Ernest Hemingway or Frank Lloyd Wright sites
- You have a car and refuse to pay $50/night for parking
- You want a walkable suburban village feel with easy city access
Renslighet og vedlikehold
8
- Housekeeping: Daily service is reliable; staff are frequently praised for being helpful and responsive.
- Bathroom hygiene: Generally clean but fixtures can be dated; water pressure complaints are occasional.
- Maintenance: Historic building quirks exist—slow drains or drafty windows are possible.
- Linens & towels: Standard hotel quality; some reports of thin towels in standard rooms.
- Odors & scents: Older rooms can have a faint 'vintage' or musty smell; request a room change if it's strong.
Sleepability™
5MODERAT
0-4HØYT
4-7.5MODERAT
7.5-10STILLE
- CTA Green Line trains (screeching brakes)
- Union Pacific freight trains (idling engines, heavy rumble)
- Thin walls in the Motor Inn section
Før du bestiller
Bra å vite
- There is NO pool on-site; guests get a pass to the nearby YMCA.
- Breakfast is NOT included in the standard rate.
- The 'Motor Inn' rooms are cheaper but feel like a completely different, lower-tier property.
Hva du skal pakke
- High-quality earplugs or a white noise machine
- Walking shoes for the Hemingway/Wright district tours
- Slip-on shoes if you book the Motor Inn (for outdoor ice/vending runs)
Romaske
Beste valg
- Barclay Suites (renovated, more space, interior corridors)
- Main Hotel rooms on the top floor facing Pleasant Street (furthest from tracks)
Rom å unngå
- Motor Inn rooms (exterior entry, motel feel, closer to street noise)
- Any room facing the train embankment on the north side
Romaske – kopier og lim inn
“I would like to request a room in the Main Hotel building (not the Motor Inn), preferably on a high floor facing Pleasant Street to minimize train noise.”
FAQ & Skjulte tips
Alt du faktisk vil vite før du bestiller.
Is parking really free?
Yes, free self-parking is available in the attached lot and garage, which is a massive perk for the area.
How bad is the train noise?
It's significant. The Green Line and freight tracks are right next door. Freight trains sometimes idle, causing prolonged rumbling.
Is there a gym?
Not really. There is a small fitness room, but the hotel provides passes to the YMCA one block away for a full workout.
How far is it to downtown Chicago?
About 20-30 minutes via the Green Line or Metra train (stations are 1-2 blocks away), or a 20-40 minute drive depending on traffic.
Does the hotel have a restaurant?
Yes, two: Barclay's American Grille and Poor Phil's (a popular local seafood/sports bar).
Are the rooms renovated?
It's a mix. The Barclay Suites are updated, but many standard rooms feature 'classic' (older) furniture and carpet.
Innsidetips
- ✨
Ask for a 'Barclay Suite' if available; they are often the most updated and spacious options.
- ✨
The Green Line station at Harlem/Lake is super convenient, but can feel a bit sketchy late at night—stay alert.
- ✨
Poor Phil's has a 'Phil's Got Great Legs' crab leg special that locals swear by.
5 ting du bør vite før du drar
💡The 'Motor Inn' section is literally a motel attached to the back; make sure you know which one you booked.
💡Freight trains don't just pass by; they often park and idle on the tracks nearby for hours.
💡The elevators in the main building are vintage (slow and small).
💡You can walk to a Whole Foods and Trader Joe's in under 5 minutes.
💡The lobby fireplace is a genuine highlight in winter, very cozy for a drink.
Lokal håndbok
Kart
Se hvor Carleton Of Oak Park ligger og hva som er i nærheten.