Finding a place to crash in Chicago usually means choosing between the overpriced glitz of the Loop or some questionable "budget" motel miles away from anything interesting. But then there’s the Hampton Inn Chicago North Loyola Station Chicago IL. It’s tucked away in Rogers Park, right on the edge of the Loyola University campus. Honestly, if you aren’t looking for it, you might miss it, but for anyone who hates the chaotic energy of downtown, this spot is basically a cheat code for a better Chicago trip.
It’s right there on Sheridan Road. You walk out the door and you’re basically on campus. You’ve got the Red Line nearby. You’ve got the lake. It’s a vibe that most tourists never actually experience because they’re too busy fighting crowds at Millennium Park.
The Reality of Staying at Hampton Inn Chicago North Loyola Station Chicago IL
Let’s be real for a second. Most mid-range hotels feel like they were decorated by a committee that hates color. They’re fine, but they’re boring. This Hampton Inn is a bit different because it actually leans into its neighborhood. Rogers Park is one of the most diverse ZIP codes in the entire country, and you feel that as soon as you step outside.
The hotel itself? It’s modern. It’s clean. But the big draw is the rooftop terrace. If you haven't stood up there with a coffee or a beer looking out toward Lake Michigan, you're doing it wrong. It’s not a "party" rooftop like you’d find at the Hoxton or the Viceroy, but it’s quiet. It’s peaceful. You can actually hear the wind off the water rather than just sirens and construction.
Why the Location Matters (and Why it Doesn't)
People get nervous about staying "all the way up north." I get it. If your entire itinerary is "The Bean, Willis Tower, and Deep Dish," you’re going to spend a lot of time on the train. But here’s the thing: the Loyola Red Line station is less than a two-minute walk from the lobby. You can be in Lakeview in fifteen minutes. You can be at a Cubs game at Wrigley Field before your beer even gets warm.
Staying at the Hampton Inn Chicago North Loyola Station Chicago IL gives you a buffer. You get the city, but you also get the quiet of a residential neighborhood. You can walk to Hartigan Beach. You can grab a coffee at Metropolis Coffee Company—which, by the way, is infinitely better than the burnt stuff you’ll find at a corporate chain downtown.
Room Quality and What to Actually Expect
Don't expect a five-star luxury suite with a gold-plated bidet. This is a Hampton Inn. But it’s a new Hampton Inn. That means the outlets are actually where you need them—right by the bed—and the Wi-Fi doesn't drop out the second you try to open a Zoom call.
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The beds are consistently solid. Most rooms have that clean, crisp white bedding that feels expensive even if the room rate wasn't. If you’re lucky, you’ll get a room facing the lake. If you’re unlucky, you’re facing the L tracks. Some people hate the sound of the train. I kind of love it. It’s the soundtrack of Chicago. It’s a rhythmic thump-thump that reminds you exactly where you are. But if you're a light sleeper? Grab some earplugs or ask for a high-floor room on the east side of the building.
The Breakfast Situation
Free breakfast is usually a sad affair of soggy eggs and questionable sausage links. At the Hampton Inn Chicago North Loyola Station Chicago IL, it’s… well, it’s still hotel breakfast. But they have the waffle makers. You know the ones. The rotating ones that make the perfect malted waffles.
Honestly, the best move is to grab a quick yogurt or a piece of fruit at the hotel and then head over to Bulldog Ale House or Bennisons Bakery nearby. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, walk a few blocks to Devon Avenue. You can get some of the best Indian and Pakistani food in the Western Hemisphere just a short Uber ride away.
Navigating the Neighborhood Like a Local
If you’re staying here, don't just sit in your room. Rogers Park is weird in the best possible way. It’s got this gritty, artistic, intellectual soul that you don’t find in the more polished parts of the city.
- The 606? No, try the Lakefront Trail. It starts nearby and runs all the way down the city.
- The New 400 Theaters. It’s a historic cinema right around the corner. It’s cheap, it’s cozy, and they serve beer.
- The Glenwood Avenue Arts District. Just west of the Red Line, you’ll find studios, theaters, and dive bars that have been there since before you were born.
Most people who book the Hampton Inn Chicago North Loyola Station Chicago IL are there for a university event. Maybe a graduation or a move-in day. But it’s actually a genius move for business travelers who are tired of the Loop. You save about $100 a night, the parking is cheaper (though still Chicago prices, let’s be honest), and you’re close enough to the action without being trapped in it.
The Logistics: Parking and Getting Around
Parking in Chicago is a nightmare. It’s a literal tax on your soul. This hotel has a garage, which is a godsend because street parking in Rogers Park is a hunger-games-style battle for survival.
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If you're flying into O'Hare, you’ve got two choices. You can take the Blue Line to the Loop and transfer to the Red Line (which will take you roughly three years) or you can take a rideshare. If you take an Uber, tell them to take Foster or Bryn Mawr over to Sheridan. Taking the Kennedy Expressway during rush hour is a mistake you only make once.
A Quick Note on Safety
Is it safe? I get asked this constantly. Rogers Park is an urban neighborhood. It’s got life. It’s got movement. It’s got students and families and retirees. Just use common sense. Don’t walk around with your nose buried in your phone at 2:00 AM. Stay on the main drags like Sheridan or Broadway. The area around the university is generally well-lit and busy.
Why This Place Beats the Competition
There aren't many hotels in this specific pocket of the North Side. You have some Airbnbs, sure, but those are a roll of the dice. You might get a charming brownstone, or you might get a basement apartment that smells like damp laundry. With the Hampton Inn Chicago North Loyola Station Chicago IL, you know exactly what you’re getting.
There’s a consistency here. The staff usually knows the area well—many are students or long-time locals. They can tell you which CTA bus is running late or where to get a decent slice of pizza at midnight. That kind of local intel is worth more than a fancy concierge in a tuxedo.
The "Hidden" Perks
- The Fitness Center: It’s actually decent. It’s not just one broken treadmill and a rusty dumbbell.
- The Meeting Space: If you’re in town for work, they have actual rooms where you can host a meeting without sitting on a bed.
- The Proximity to the Lake: You can walk to the water in five minutes. In the summer, that breeze is the only thing that makes the Chicago humidity bearable.
Common Misconceptions About Staying Here
- "It's too far from the museums." It’s a 30-minute train ride. Use that time to read a book or people-watch. The Red Line is the best reality TV show in the world.
- "There’s nowhere to eat." This is just flat-out wrong. Between the student-friendly spots on Sheridan and the legendary eats on Devon, you’re in a food mecca.
- "It’s just for Loyola parents." Nope. It’s for anyone who wants a "real" Chicago experience rather than a "Postcard" Chicago experience.
Making the Most of Your Stay
If you’ve booked a room at the Hampton Inn Chicago North Loyola Station Chicago IL, do yourself a favor:
First, check the weather. The lakefront is always about 10 degrees cooler than the rest of the city. If it's October through May, bring a heavier jacket than you think you need. The "lake effect" is real and it doesn't care about your feelings.
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Second, download the Ventra app. Don't faff around with paper tickets at the Loyola station. Just tap your phone and go.
Third, explore the architecture. Walk south from the hotel through the Mundelein Center—it’s an Art Deco masterpiece. Then keep walking along the lakefront path. It’s one of the most beautiful walks in the Midwest, and it’s completely free.
Staying here isn't just about a bed. It’s about a different perspective on the city. You see the parts of Chicago that make people actually want to live here, not just visit. It’s the sound of the L, the smell of the lake, and the energy of a neighborhood that’s constantly changing but always feels like home.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Trip
To ensure you have the best experience at the Hampton Inn Chicago North Loyola Station Chicago IL, keep these specific tips in mind:
- Request an East-Facing Room: If you want a view of Lake Michigan, you specifically need to ask for a high floor on the east side of the building.
- Skip the Hotel Coffee: Walk two blocks to Metropolis Coffee on Granville Avenue. It is a local institution for a reason.
- Use the Rooftop at Sunset: Even if it's chilly, the view of the skyline from the north is a unique angle most visitors never see.
- Plan for the Red Line: Check the CTA website for weekend construction alerts. The Red Line is reliable, but "track work" can turn a 20-minute trip into an hour-long odyssey if you aren't prepared.
- Explore Devon Avenue: Take a 10-minute rideshare west to Devon and Western. Eat at Ghareeb Nawaz for incredibly cheap, authentic food that will change your life.
The Hampton Inn Chicago North Loyola Station Chicago IL is a solid, dependable base camp for anyone who wants to see the authentic side of the Windy City. It’s comfortable, it’s convenient, and it’s located in one of the coolest neighborhoods in the city. Just remember to bring your walking shoes—you're going to want to see everything around here.