Finding a place to crash in the Chicago suburbs is usually a coin toss between "soul-crushing office park vibe" and "overpriced luxury that feels stiff." But the Residence Inn Chicago Oak Brook sits in this weirdly perfect middle ground. It’s located at 790 Jorie Boulevard. Honestly, if you aren’t familiar with the layout of Oak Brook, it’s easy to just see it as a sea of corporate headquarters and high-end shopping malls. But there's a specific logic to why people keep booking this spot, and it isn’t just because they have free breakfast.
Most travelers heading to this part of Illinois are either grinding through a week of meetings at places like Ace Hardware's corporate offices or they’re families who realized that staying downtown in the Loop with three kids is a logistical nightmare. The Residence Inn model is basically built for the "I’m staying here for more than two nights" crowd. You get a kitchen. You get actual floor space. You get to feel like a human being instead of a suitcase with legs.
What You’re Actually Getting Inside the Suite
Let’s talk about the room situation because that’s the whole point of a Residence Inn. These aren't your standard cramped hotel boxes. We’re talking studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom suites.
Every single one has a kitchen. And I don’t mean a "hotel kitchen" with a lukewarm minibar and a crusty microwave. It’s a full-sized refrigerator, a stovetop, a dishwasher, and actual silverware. If you’ve ever spent four nights in a row eating takeout on a bed, you know how life-changing a real table and a dishwasher can be. It’s the difference between feeling like a nomad and feeling like you’ve actually got a home base.
The furniture is functional. It’s Marriott’s classic aesthetic—clean lines, neutral colors, nothing that’s going to win an architectural digest award but nothing that’s going to make you cringe either. The workspaces are genuinely large. That’s a big deal. Most hotels give you a tiny glass desk that barely fits a 13-inch laptop. Here, you can actually spread out your papers, your coffee, and your second monitor without losing your mind.
The Breakfast Situation and the "Social"
Breakfast is free. Is it Michelin-star quality? No. Is it better than a soggy granola bar from a vending machine? Absolutely. They do the standard rotation of eggs, sausage, waffles, and yogurt. It’s consistent.
One thing people often overlook is the RI Mix. On certain weeknights, they host these little social hours with food and drinks. It’s a bit of a throwback to older hospitality styles, but in a world where everyone is glued to their phones in their rooms, it’s kinda nice to see people actually congregating in the lobby over some snacks.
The Location Logic: Beyond the Oakbrook Center
Everyone talks about the Oakbrook Center mall. Yeah, it’s huge. It’s one of the largest open-air shopping centers in the country. It’s literally minutes away from the Residence Inn Chicago Oak Brook. If you want to drop a paycheck at Nordstrom or grab dinner at The Cheesecake Factory, you’re set.
But there’s more to the area than just retail therapy.
- Polo Fields: Did you know Oak Brook is famous for polo? The Oak Brook Polo Club is right there. It’s a very specific, very "Old Money" vibe that gives the suburb a different character than, say, Schaumburg or Naperville.
- Mayslake Peabody Estate: This is a hidden gem for anyone who likes history or architecture. It’s a massive Tudor Revival mansion that’s now a forest preserve. It’s a great place to walk off that free hotel breakfast.
- Graue Mill and Museum: Just down the road in Oak Brook/Hinsdale. It’s an old water-powered gristmill. It’s one of the few remaining stations on the Underground Railroad in Illinois.
Traffic in Oak Brook can be a nightmare during rush hour. Jorie Boulevard is a main artery. If you’re trying to get to the I-88 or I-294 interchange at 5:00 PM, give yourself an extra 20 minutes. The hotel is tucked back enough that it stays quiet, but the minute you pull out onto the main road, you’re in the thick of suburban gridlock.
The "Extended Stay" Reality Check
Staying at the Residence Inn Chicago Oak Brook is a different experience than staying at the Drake or the Ritz-Carlton. You have to manage your expectations.
Housekeeping isn’t always daily in the traditional sense; often, they do a "light touch" and then a full clean every few days. This is standard for extended-stay brands. If you need fresh towels every four hours, you might find it annoying. But if you value privacy and don't want someone knocking on your door at 9:00 AM while you're on a Zoom call, it’s a feature, not a bug.
The fitness center is decent. It has the essentials—treadmills, some free weights, maybe an elliptical. It won't replace your CrossFit gym, but it keeps the blood moving. There’s also an indoor pool. It’s great for kids, but if you’re looking to swim Olympic laps, you might find it a bit cramped.
Is It Pet Friendly?
Yes. This is a huge selling point. They allow pets for a fee. For people relocating to the Chicago area who are waiting for their house closing or apartment lease to start, this is a lifesaver. You can bring the golden retriever and not worry about sneaking him in through the side door.
Comparing the Competition
Within a two-mile radius, you have the Drake Oak Brook, the Hyatt Lodge, and the Marriott Oak Brook.
The Drake is where you go for a fancy wedding or a high-end brunch. It’s historic and opulent. The Hyatt Lodge is tucked away in the trees and feels like a resort. The Residence Inn Chicago Oak Brook doesn't try to compete with those vibes. It’s the practical sibling. It’s the one you pick when you need a kitchen, a separate bedroom, and a price point that doesn't make your accountant cry.
If you are just staying for one night and don't care about a kitchen, you might find the standard Marriott or the DoubleTree nearby to be a bit more "hotel-y." But for the long haul? The Residence Inn wins on utility every time.
Navigating the Area Like a Local
If you’re staying here, don’t just eat at the mall. Oak Brook and the surrounding towns like Hinsdale and Elmhurst have some killer food that isn't a chain.
- Fuller House in Hinsdale: Great burgers, great beer list, very local vibe.
- Altamura: If you want authentic Italian (specifically from the Puglia region), this is the spot.
- Labriola Bakery: It’s right near the mall but feels like a high-end European cafe. Their bread is legendary in the Chicago area.
Also, keep in mind that the Metra train station in nearby Hinsdale or Elmhurst is your best bet for getting into downtown Chicago. Driving into the city from Oak Brook can take 30 minutes or 90 minutes depending on the whims of the Eisenhower Expressway (I-290). Take the train. It’s cheaper, you can read a book, and you don’t have to pay $70 for parking in the Loop.
Practical Insights for Your Stay
When you check into the Residence Inn Chicago Oak Brook, ask for a room on a higher floor away from the elevator. The walls are generally thick, but the hallway noise can carry if you’re right next to the lobby or the breakfast area.
Check the grocery delivery service. One of the best perks of this brand is that they will actually go grocery shopping for you. You leave a list, and they stock your fridge. It’s a game-changer if you’re arriving late and want some actual food in the room instead of a bag of pretzels.
Actionable Next Steps:
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- Join Marriott Bonvoy: Even if you aren't a frequent traveler, the points add up fast on extended stays, and it usually gets you better Wi-Fi for free.
- Map your commute: If you’re there for work, check the drive time to your office between 7:30 AM and 9:00 AM. The Jorie Blvd and 22nd Street intersection is a bottleneck.
- Stock the kitchen: Stop at the nearby Whole Foods or Jewel-Osco on your first night. Having your own coffee and snacks makes a five-day trip feel 50% less exhausting.
- Check the HVAC: When you first get into your suite, run the AC or heater. Because these are larger rooms with separate areas, you want to make sure the airflow is hitting the bedroom properly before you unpack everything.
The Residence Inn Chicago Oak Brook isn't trying to be a five-star luxury retreat. It’s a high-functioning, reliable, and spacious option in a part of the suburbs that can otherwise feel a bit impersonal. It’s about having a door you can close between your bed and your "office," and that’s worth its weight in gold.