Chicago is expensive. If you’ve spent five minutes looking at hotel prices in the Loop during peak season, you already know that. You see the gleaming glass towers of the Langham or the historic grandeur of the Palmer House, and then you see the price tag. Ouch. That’s usually when the Travelodge by Wyndham Downtown Chicago pops up on your screen. It’s sitting there at 65 East Harrison Street, looking like a total outlier. It’s cheap—relatively speaking. It’s right in the middle of everything. But you’re probably wondering if there’s a catch.
Honestly, there sort of is, but maybe not the one you're thinking of.
This isn't a luxury resort. It’s a 1920s building that has seen the city change around it for a century. It’s located in the South Loop, a stone's throw from Harrison Station on the Red Line. You walk out the door, and you're basically in Grant Park’s backyard. For some people, this place is a lifesaver. For others? It’s a dealbreaker. Let’s get into why.
The Location Reality Check
Location is the biggest selling point for the Travelodge by Wyndham Downtown Chicago, hands down. You are literally across the street from the Columbia College Chicago campus and a three-minute walk from the Art Institute of Chicago. If you’re here for Lollapalooza or the Chicago Marathon, you’re basically at the finish line.
But here is what people get wrong about "Downtown."
Chicago’s Loop can get weirdly quiet at night. Because the Travelodge is on Harrison, it’s a bit south of the main theater district hustle. It’s a mix of student life and urban grit. You'll see students with portfolios running to class and you'll see the typical big-city street life. It’s authentic Chicago. It isn't the sanitized, polished version you get on the Magnificent Mile.
If you want to walk to Millennium Park to see "The Bean" (Cloud Gate), it’s a ten-minute stroll. If you want to hit the Field Museum or the Shedd Aquarium, you’re looking at a slightly longer walk through the park or a very quick bus ride. The convenience factor is high, especially if you’re using the "L" train. The Harrison Red Line stop is right there. You can get to Wrigley Field or Chinatown without ever needing an Uber.
👉 See also: Hotels on beach Siesta Key: What Most People Get Wrong
What the Rooms are Actually Like
Let’s be real. This is a budget hotel in an old building.
The rooms are small. If you’re traveling with three people and four suitcases, you’re going to be playing Tetris with your luggage. The walls have some history. Because it’s an older structure, the soundproofing isn't exactly state-of-the-art. You might hear the rumble of the city or a neighbor’s TV if they’ve got the volume cranked.
The decor is standard Wyndham fare—clean, functional, but won't be winning any interior design awards. You get a bed, a desk, a TV, and a bathroom. Most rooms have a coffee maker and a hair dryer. Some even have a mini-fridge, though you should check your specific booking because they aren't in every single unit.
Pro tip: Ask for a room on a higher floor. The street noise on Harrison and Wabash can be a bit much on the lower levels, especially on weekends when the city is buzzing.
One thing that surprises people? The bathrooms. They are often surprisingly updated compared to the rest of the room. It’s clear Wyndham has put some money into the plumbing and tiling over the last few years. It’s not a spa, but it’s clean. And in a budget hotel, "clean" is the most important word in the English language.
Comparing the Cost-to-Value Ratio
Why stay here instead of a fancy boutique hotel?
✨ Don't miss: Hernando Florida on Map: The "Wait, Which One?" Problem Explained
- Price. You’re often paying 40% less than the Hilton or the Blackstone just blocks away.
- The Thai Spoon. There is a restaurant attached to the lobby called Thai Spoon and Sushi Bar. It is legitimately good. Many locals actually eat there. Having a solid, affordable meal right downstairs is a massive plus when you’re too tired to hunt for food after a day of sightseeing.
- Budget for Fun. If you save $150 a night on your room, that’s a steak dinner at Gibsons or three tickets to a Cubs game.
The Logistics: Parking and Hidden Costs
Don't drive. Just don't.
Parking at the Travelodge by Wyndham Downtown Chicago is, like most Chicago hotels, a bit of a nightmare. There isn't a private lot owned by the hotel where you can just pull in for free. They usually offer valet parking, but it’s pricey—sometimes $50 or $60 a night.
If you must bring a car, use an app like SpotHero. You can often find a garage a few blocks away for half the price of the hotel's valet. But honestly? Between the CTA (trains), buses, and the fact that Chicago is one of the most walkable cities in the world, a car is a liability in the South Loop.
Also, watch out for the "taxes and fees." Chicago has some of the highest hotel taxes in the United States. Whatever price you see on a booking site, add about 17.4% to it. That’s not the hotel being greedy; that’s just the city of Chicago taking its cut.
Is it Safe?
This is the question every traveler asks. The South Loop is generally safe, but it is a high-traffic urban area. There is a 24-hour front desk and key-card access to the elevators, which adds a layer of security. Like any major city, you need to keep your wits about you, especially late at night near the train stations.
The hotel attracts a wide range of guests: European backpackers, families on a budget, students visiting the nearby colleges, and business travelers who are tired of overpaying for a place to sleep. It’s a melting pot. It feels like a busy transit hub more than a quiet library.
🔗 Read more: Gomez Palacio Durango Mexico: Why Most People Just Drive Right Through (And Why They’re Wrong)
Breaking Down the Common Complaints
If you read reviews, you’ll see people complaining about the elevators. They are old. They can be slow. If the hotel is at 100% capacity, you might be waiting a few minutes.
Others complain about the lack of a "view." Unless you’re on a very high floor facing East toward the lake, your view is likely going to be a brick wall or another building. This is the reality of staying in the heart of a dense city like Chicago. If you want a view of the water, you pay the "lakefront premium" at a different property.
Then there's the breakfast. Or the lack thereof. Many Travelodges offer a "Grab and Go" breakfast, but don't expect a buffet with omelet stations. It’s usually a muffin, a piece of fruit, and some juice. Honestly? Walk two blocks to Lou Mitchell’s on Jackson Boulevard. It’s a legendary Chicago breakfast spot that’s been around since 1923. It’s way better than anything you’ll find in a hotel lobby.
How to Get the Best Experience
To make the most of a stay at the Travelodge by Wyndham Downtown Chicago, you have to set your expectations correctly. If you go in expecting the Four Seasons, you’ll be disappointed. If you go in expecting a clean, safe, and incredibly well-located base camp for your Chicago adventure, you’ll be thrilled.
Actionable Steps for Your Stay
- Book Direct or Check Wyndham Rewards: Sometimes the Wyndham site has "member rates" that beat the big travel agencies. It’s worth the 30 seconds it takes to sign up for their free loyalty program.
- Request a Quiet Room: Specify "high floor, away from elevators" in your booking comments. It’s not guaranteed, but they usually try to accommodate.
- Use the CTA: Buy a Ventra Card at the Harrison station. A 3-day or 7-day pass is the cheapest way to see the city.
- Explore the South Loop: Don't just head North to the Loop. Walk South to Roosevelt Road. There’s a Trader Joe’s, a Jewel-Osco, and plenty of local bars like Miller's Pub (a Chicago institution) just a short walk away.
- Check the Event Calendar: If there is a big convention at McCormick Place, prices here will spike. If you can time your visit for a Tuesday through Thursday when no major events are happening, you can find some of the lowest rates in the city.
The Travelodge by Wyndham Downtown Chicago isn't trying to be the fanciest hotel in the Windy City. It knows exactly what it is: a no-frills, high-utility option for people who want to spend their time and money in the city, not just in their hotel room. It’s a place to crash, shower, and recharge before heading back out to Millennium Park or a jazz club in the South Loop. For many travelers, that is exactly what they need.