I had a 21-hour layover in Chicago. While I could’ve stayed downtown, I already spent two nights there in my outbound to Mexico. I then decided to check out what can be done near O’Hare Airport—in Rosemont, Illinois. Lo and behold, there was the Fashion Outlets of Chicago, which I couldn’t skip as a shopaholic. I checked out the choices within its vicinity, and The Rose Hotel Chicago O’Hare, Tapestry Collection by Hilton was the most sensible—and intriguing—choice.
The Rose Hotel Chicago O’Hare, Tapestry Collection by Hilton is one of the nearest hotels to O’Hare Airport (IATA: ORD)—it’s a five minute drive away or a 15 minute public bus ride. And with it being ~2km away, it could be, in theory, be walked from the airport—but then, it wouldn’t make sense because the hotel runs a 24/7 complimentary shuttle service both ways.
The hotel is practically next door to the Fashion Outlets of Chicago, which houses brands like Armani, Coach, and Bloomingdales. Based on experience, it could be walked from the hotel easily, as are a number of restaurants in the area like Fogo de Chao, the famous Brazilian churrascaria or steakhouse chain. But for those who can’t or don’t want to walk, the hotel operates an on-demand complementary shuttle service within a three-mile radius. I used that to get to a Target store nearby, passing by Impact Field, the home of the Chicago Dogs baseball team.
The Rose Hotel Chicago O’Hare is a boutique property running under the Tapestry Collection brand by Hilton Worldwide. Tapestry Collection, according to Hilton, consists of upscale, independent hotels that “embody their own spirit and identity” and “connect to the local fabric and local culture.”
Upon pulling over into its driveway, I knew it wasn’t the boxy, cookie-cutter hotel by way of its unconventional architecture. And walking into its striking lobby, I found that it wasn’t the usual Hilton hotel either—there was edgy interactive art, complemented bold colours.
Facilitated by friendly front staff, check-in was fast and easy. I was told internet was free, on account of me being a Hilton Honors member. It wasn’t before long that I got into my room.
It was my first time at a Tapestry Collection property, so I honestly didn’t know what to expect. When I got into my room, I was trying to find similarities to a Hilton or a DoubleTree hotel, yet there weren’t any apparent ones. It was akin to a room in a boutique hotel—especially because of its trendy design and furnishing.
As expected of an upscale hotel, the room had a comfortable king bed, a large LED TV, a desk, and a nice couch. My only (minor) complaint was that it didn’t have a mini-fridge, but the hotel did have ice machines.
The hotel features a 24/7 fitness centre and meeting spaces. It also has a patio, which I enjoyed during my stay in the spring.
Since my flight was leaving early in the morning, I wasn’t able to try the hotel’s Thorn Restaurant & Lounge. For those, who, like me, are leaving early, there’s a 24/7 grab-and-go corner in the lobby as an alternative.
With it being a Tapestry Collection property, I was, like I said, unsure what to expect about The Rose Hotel Chicago O’Hare. But after my stay, I was pleasantly surprised to find out that it wasn’t the usual Hilton hotel. It was apparent, however, that it lived up to Hilton’s standards, especially in terms of service and hospitality. I’d definitely stay there again.
THE ROSE HOTEL CHICAGO O’HARE, TAPESTRY COLLECTION BY HILTON
Pearl Street, Rosemont, Illinois, United States
Telephone: +1 847 260 4770
Email: ORDRB-SALESADM@hilton.com
Website: www.the-rose-hotel.com
Social Media: Facebook and Instagram
Note: This feature is based on a stay before global COVID-19 travel restrictions were put in place.
