Escape to Chicagoland: Marriott Arlington Heights Luxury Getaway
Escape to Chicagoland: Marriott Arlington Heights - More Than Meets the Eye (and a Few Quirks Along the Way)
Okay, listen, I've been around the block, or rather, the Chicagoland area, a few times. I've seen my share of hotels, from divey motels to those ridiculously fancy, stuffy places that make you feel like you're in a museum. So when I heard "Marriott Arlington Heights, Luxury Getaway," I braced myself. You know, expectations and all that jazz.
Spoiler alert: It wasn't exactly what I expected. And that, my friends, is a good thing.
Accessibility: A Bit of a Mixed Bag (But Mostly Good News)
First things first, because this matters to a lot of people, and it should. Accessibility: They've clearly put some thought into this. The elevators are plentiful (trust me, you'll appreciate this later), and the public areas are generally navigable. Wheelchair accessible? Yes, mostly. I saw ramps and level access in key areas. Now, I'm not in a wheelchair myself, but I did keep an eye out, and it seemed like a decent effort. I'd still recommend calling ahead and asking specific questions about room layouts and any potential issues, you know? Do your homework!
The Rooms: Where the "Luxury" Kinda Kicks In
Alright, let's talk rooms. I snagged a room… well, let’s just say it had a view. Like, a real view. Beyond the standard "cityscape" blah-blah, it was good. Clean, spacious (yes!), with all the usual suspects: Air conditioning (thank god), a comfortable bed, blackout curtains that actually worked (a crucial win!), and a desk that didn't feel like it was designed for ants. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Praise be! I’m not sure how I'd survive without it. There was also a mini-bar, which, sigh, I didn’t touch (too many cookies, you know?). The bathroom was modern, clean, and stocked with all the essentials. There were fluffy bathrobes and slippers, which I appreciated. Small luxuries, people, small luxuries. Now, the Internet access – LAN? Didn't even bother. Who uses LAN cables anymore? Coffee/tea maker was a lifesaver in the morning!
Cleanliness and Safety: They're Actually Trying (Good for Them!)
Let’s be real, this is the age of COVID, and I'm a total germaphobe. The good news? The Marriott seems to be taking it seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Check. Rooms sanitized between stays? Double-check. Hand sanitizer stations everywhere? You betcha. Staff trained in safety protocol? Seemed like it. I felt, you know, safe. They also had room sanitization opt-out available, which is cool if you’re a weirdo who likes to roll around on un-sanitized surfaces – no judgement.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Culinary Adventure (Mostly)
Okay, here's where things get a little more… interesting. Let's start with the positives. They've got several restaurants on-site, including what I’d call a fairly solid Buffet in restaurant. Yes, buffet! I went for the Western breakfast. It was… adequate. Not life-changing, but it filled a hole. Coffee/tea in restaurant? Yes. Desserts in restaurant? OMG, yes. I may have eaten an entire cheesecake on my own. No regrets. There was also a Poolside bar, which was perfect for a pre-dinner drink or a leisurely afternoon cocktail. Snack bar was clutch for late-night munchies (which, let’s be honest, is essential).
Now, the downsides. While they had a Vegetarian restaurant option, the Asian cuisine in restaurant was… less authentic than I’d hoped. More like "Americanized Asian," you know? The Coffee shop was alright, but I'm a coffee snob. I longed for a decent independent coffee house.
Services and Conveniences: Got You Covered… Mostly
They offer a ton of stuff: Air conditioning in public area, Concierge to help with bookings, Daily housekeeping, Elevator, Food delivery, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Safety deposit boxes, and Valet parking. The convenience store was useful for forgotten toothpaste. But here's where I saw another little flaw – or, more accurately, an imperfection.
One evening, I decided to order Room service [24-hour]. The menu looked promising! I fantasized about the juicy burger. I called… and called… and called. No answer. (Maybe it was because I’m loud, you know?) Eventually, after about half an hour and some near hysteria, I got through. The burger was… well, let’s just say it wasn’t the highlight of my stay. This is where I saw an opportunity missed.
Things to Do: Relaxation, Relaxation, Relaxation… and a Few Surprises
Okay, let's talk about the good stuff. Pool with view? Absolutely. A stunning Swimming pool [outdoor]? Yes! Perfect for those hazy Illinois days. Fitness center? Yep, packed with treadmills and weights. I forced myself to go once to make myself feel good, but I’m no fitness instructor. (Besides, I was eating cheesecake!)
And the best part? The Spa! Spa/sauna! Steamroom! I mean, come on. I had a fantastic Body scrub. I'm not exactly sure how they work, but I felt like a new person afterward. The Massage was heavenly, a perfect way to unwind. They also had a Sauna, which I can never resist! They even had a Foot bath, which was a surprisingly tranquil experience. I almost fell asleep, and it helped with my mood.
For the Kids: Babysitting Service & More!
I wasn't traveling with kids, which is, let's be honest, a perk of my age, I think. But the Family/child friendly focus was prominent. They had Babysitting service. While I didn’t need it, it’s good to know it’s there. They also had a Kids meal. It’s a good sign. I think.
Getting Around: Easy Peasy
Car park [free of charge], thank you very much! They also have Taxi service and Airport transfer. This made it easy to see the area.
The Little Quirks and Imperfections (Because Nothing's Perfect)
Look, let's be honest, no hotel is perfect. I mentioned the room service hiccup. There was also the time I tried to use the Wi-Fi for special events, which seemed to be constantly overwhelmed. But I wouldn't consider the hotel's quirks as faults. They give character.
Overall Impression: Worth the Escape?
Yes, absolutely. The Marriott Arlington Heights is a solid choice for a relaxing getaway. It has luxury bits, but it's not pretentious. The staff are friendly (mostly), the rooms are comfortable, the amenities are plentiful, and the spa is divine. While there are a few areas that could be improved, overall, it exceeded my expectations. It's not just a place to sleep; It’s a complete experience. I'd go back. And I'd probably eat the cheesecake again.
Hyatt Place Houston Northwest: Vintage Park's Luxury Oasis Awaits!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into a mess of a trip plan. This isn't your crisp, color-coded spreadsheet of a vacation. This is… well, this is me trying to survive a few days trapped in the Chicago suburbs. Let’s see what chaotic joy (and potential travel nightmares) await me at that Courtyard by Marriott, shall we?
The "Surviving Arlington Heights" Itinerary… er, More Like a General Idea of What Might Happen:
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Airport Retrieval Debacle.
- Morning (whenever I actually manage to wake up): Okay, first things first: get to Chicago. This means battling the TSA, a minor anxiety attack triggered by my fear of forgetting my ID and my tendency to overpack… I'm going to need to book a Uber to the hotel. Or maybe I'll be a hero and take the train. Maybe. (Narrator voice: She will not take the train. She'll order a giant, overpriced Uber and complain the whole way.)
- Afternoon (ish): Arrival at the Courtyard by Marriott. Praying for a decent room. Praying the bed doesn't immediately swallow me whole (been there, done that, had the backache to prove it). The check-in process is always a gamble. Will I get the friendly front desk person or the one who seems personally offended by my existence? My gut tells me it will be the latter. I will need to check to see if there is a pool. If there is a pool, I will need to find my swimsuit.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: The real adventure begins: feeding myself. This is where things get… interesting. Is there a good restaurant nearby? Maybe I'll bravely venture out. Or, let's be honest, I'll fall back on Grubhub and order something vaguely edible. Pizza? Chinese? The eternal food dilemma. I will have a good drink at the bar and watch the sunset.
- Evening: Collapse into bed. Watch some terrible reality TV to numb my brain. Think of something I missed while traveling. Curse my anxiety and wonder if I left the coffee pot on. (Chances are, yes.)
Day 2: Embracing the Suburban Dream (or Is It a Nightmare?)
- Morning: Wake up. Wonder what day it is. Consider ordering continental breakfast because, honestly, the effort of getting dressed and going outside for food is too much before 10 AM.
- Late Morning / Early Afternoon: OH GOD, actual plans. I think there's supposed to be something worth seeing in the area. Maybe the Arlington Park racetrack? (I hear it's gorgeous even if I can't exactly tell a thoroughbred from a pony). Or maybe I'll just browse the shops, and feel utterly lost. The pressure to Buy all the things is immense. Or maybe a good walk. The whole idea of "sightseeing" fills me with dread. The thought of crowds makes me want to hide under the covers.
- Afternoon: Okay, I've done something vaguely touristy. Success? Or mild social anxiety defeat? Either way, I probably deserve a snack. And a nap. Definitely a nap. I will take a nap.
- Evening: Dinner Round 2. Repeat food dilemma from Day 1. Maybe I’ll try and be social for once. Strike up a conversation at the bar! Or, you know, just people-watch while pretending to read. Oh, the glamorous life. Check the phone. Sigh. Cry. Real.
Day 3: The Final Day of Freedom (or is it?)
- Morning: Last chance for breakfast! And hopefully, realizing I am not a fan of continental breakfasts.
- Late Morning/Early Afternoon: Attempt to pack. Always a disaster. I swear, I'm going to learn to pack light someday. Today is not that day.
- Afternoon: Checkout. Uber. Airport. The end (probably).
- Evening: Assuming I make it out of the airport alive, I'll spend the flight home mentally reliving the best and worst moments of the trip, and vowing to never leave the comfort of my couch again. (Until, of course, the next adventure beckons, damn it all.)
The "Extra Spontaneous" Bits (aka The Crumbling Edges):
- The Weather Factor: Chicago weather is a cruel mistress. It might be glorious sunshine, a blizzard of epic proportions, or a sudden cloudburst of existential dread (all within a single afternoon, apparently). I am preparing for all possibilities, which, let's be honest, probably means I forgot something crucial like a raincoat or an umbrella. I always forget something.
- The "Random Encounter" Clause: I am also the kind of person who can reliably stumble into bizarre situations. I'm picturing myself striking up a conversation with a pigeon. Having a deep, philosophical discussion about the meaning of life.
- The "Culinary Catastrophe" Contingency: I might accidentally order something I can't pronounce, that tastes like feet, and end up eating cereal for the rest of the trip. It’s already happened, and I have a feeling it will happen again.
- The Ultimate Goal: Survive. Return home with the bare minimum of scars (emotional or physical) and maybe, just maybe, a vaguely positive memory of the experience.
So, there you have it. A testament to the fact that real travel is rarely as smooth or glamorous as the Instagram posts would have you believe. It's messy. It's unpredictable. And hopefully, it'll be good for a laugh (or at least, a good story to tell later). Okay, wish me luck… I have a feeling I'll need it.
Escape to Green Bay: Your Perfect AmericInn Getaway!
Escape to Chicagoland: My Arlington Heights Adventure (Ask Me Anything...ish)
Okay, spill the tea. Was this *actually* luxurious, or was it just, y'know, a slightly nicer hotel room?
Alright, alright, let's be honest. Luxury? In *Arlington Heights*? Okay, it was... *Marriott* luxury, which, in my humble opinion, is a slightly elevated version of the usual travel grind. Don't get me wrong, the room was lovely. Seriously, that bed? Cloud-like. I almost didn't leave it. The marble in the bathroom was… well, marble. The complimentary bathrobes? They were present. And comfortable. But luxury? Let's say it was luxury *adjacent*. I mean, did I feel like a celebrity? No. Did I feel pampered? Kinda. Did I feel like I was finally getting the break I desperately needed? Absolutely.
Tell us about the pool. Was it Instagrammable?
Oh, the pool. Yes, the pool. Let’s just say... the pool lived its best non-Instagram life. Listen, I'm not knocking clean water and the ability to somewhat swim. It was *perfectly* acceptable. They had those little plastic lounger-things, so points for that. The lighting was… fine. Did I take a selfie in it? Maybe. Did I post it? Absolutely not. Because let's be real, the lighting made me look like a pale, waterlogged ghost. Anyway, the real story here is the *lack* of kids. Bliss. Utter, glorious bliss. Just me, the water, and a stack of trashy magazines. Paradise.
What about the food? Dining experiences! Give me the deets!
Okay, the food. Here's where things get… complicated. We’re talking about a hotel restaurant, folks - expectations must be adjusted. The breakfast buffet was... a buffet. Eggs, bacon, the stuff you'd expect. The coffee? It did its job. My first morning there, though? I was *starving*. I mean, ravenous. I’d skipped a whole day of meals prior, and got there late. I piled my plate high with the… everything. Then, I went back for seconds. It was a glorious, carb-loaded ballet of pure, unadulterated joy. The rest of the meals? They were fine. Edible. Filling. But that first breakfast? Legendarily satisfying, and absolutely, unapologetically gluttonous. Okay, maybe I'm exaggerating *slightly*, but the hunger pangs were real! Oh, and one night, I ordered room service. The burger was… a burger. I ate the whole thing. No regrets.
You visited Chicagoland! What did you *do* besides hang out in a hotel?
Alright, alright, I didn't *entirely* spend the entire time in a bathrobe. I did venture forth! Mostly. I did venture forth! I went to Woodfield Mall. *Massive*. An assault on the senses. So many stores. So much… stuff. I got lost. I got overwhelmed. I bought shoes. They are fabulous. A very important experience. Oh, and I did go to a local coffee shop. That was a win. Good coffee, a cozy atmosphere, and a chance to people-watch while pretending to be sophisticated. Mission accomplished! Plus, I attempted to see a show. I failed! The theatre was closed for construction. I am cursed.
What was the best part of your getaway?
Hands down, the quiet. No kids screaming, no phone calls, nobody demanding a thing from me. Just… silence. Glorious, beautiful, soul-soothing silence. Okay, maybe not *total* silence. The air conditioning hummed, and occasionally, the cleaning staff would make their rounds. But mostly? Peace. I read a book. I actually finished a book! I slept. I stared out the window and did nothing. And it was… amazing. It was like hitting the reset button on my whole freakin' life. Okay, maybe not *that* dramatic, but it was a win! I’m pretty sure I need more of that in my life, so.
Worst part? Anything to complain about?
Hmm, let me think... the lack of decent coffee in the room was a minor tragedy. I had to *go* somewhere to get good coffee, which, for a lazy person like myself, is a serious issue. Also, the hotel's location wasn’t exactly “walking distance to everything.” You really did need a car. And the weather! It was… inconsistent. One moment it was sunny, the next it was raining. But honestly? Those are tiny gripes. I wasn't there for the perfect weather. I was there for the break. And the break was glorious.
Would you go back?
Absolutely. In a heartbeat. Maybe next time, I'll actually leave the hotel room. Or maybe I won't. Either way, consider me sold. I'm already planning my next escape… and I can't wait to be back in the bathrobe, living my best, slightly-less-than-luxurious life. So that's it! The whole, messy, imperfect, deeply satisfying truth. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to plan my next getaway.
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