Finding a place to crash near the Wisconsin-Illinois border usually goes one of two ways. You either end up in a cramped roadside motel that smells like old carpet, or you shell out way too much for a "resort" that you’re barely even in because you're spending all day at the theme park. Honestly, that’s where the SpringHill Suites Chicago Waukegan Gurnee kinda hits that sweet spot. It’s located at 4101 Fountain Square Place, which, if you aren't familiar with Waukegan, is basically the "hotel row" right off the Interstate.
I’ve seen a lot of people book this place thinking they’re staying "in" Chicago. Let’s be real: you’re about 40 miles north of the Loop. If you want the Willis Tower out your window, this isn't it. But if you’re here for the Naval Station Great Lakes graduation or a weekend of screaming your lungs out at Six Flags Great America, this location is actually kind of a lifesaver.
The Navy Graduation Factor
Most people staying at the SpringHill Suites Chicago Waukegan Gurnee are here for one very specific, very emotional reason: Navy Boot Camp graduation. It’s a big deal. The hotel knows it, too. They actually live-stream the graduation ceremonies in the lobby area for family members who couldn't get a ticket to the base. That's a huge plus because the Navy limits how many guests each recruit can have.
The hotel is only about 10 or 15 minutes from the base. When you're trying to navigate that 6:00 AM traffic to get through the gates at Great Lakes, every minute matters. They also run a shuttle for the graduations, which I’d highly recommend using. Driving yourself to the base on graduation morning is a recipe for a headache you don't want on such a proud day.
What the Rooms Are Actually Like
Basically, it’s an all-suite setup. That sounds fancy, but in SpringHill terms, it means the room is divided. You have the sleeping area and then a "living" area separated by a partial wall or a desk setup.
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The West Elm trundle sofas are a staple here. If you’re traveling with kids or a group of friends for a Six Flags trip, you can actually fit people in without everyone sharing a single bed.
- Microwaves and Mini-fridges: Every room has them. Essential for leftovers from Big Ed’s BBQ nearby.
- The S.I.R. (Stylize, Inspire, Relax) Design: This specific property was one of the first to get the newer, brighter Marriott design package. It feels less "corporate brown" and more "modern airy."
- Bathroom Layout: Most rooms have the toilet and shower in one room and the sink/vanity outside. If you’ve ever tried to get four people ready for a 9:00 AM park opening, you know how much of a game-changer this is.
The Gurnee Connection: Six Flags and Shopping
The "Gurnee" part of the name is there because you’re literally five minutes from Gurnee Mills Mall and Six Flags Great America.
If you’re doing the park, staying here is smarter than staying right on the park's doorstep where prices skyrocket. You get the Marriott Bonvoy points, a free hot breakfast (which saves you like $20 a person compared to eating in the park), and you're far enough away that you don't hear the roller coasters clicking at night.
Speaking of breakfast, it’s the standard Marriott hot buffet. Eggs, sausage, those little DIY waffle stations. It’s fine. It’s "calories to get you to your next experience," as one reviewer bluntly put it. But hey, it's free.
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The Local Food Scene (Beyond the Lobby)
Don't just eat at the hotel. You're walking distance to a few spots, but a five-minute drive opens up the good stuff.
- Big Ed’s BBQ: It’s right down the street. It’s legendary in Lake County. Get the burnt ends.
- Anastasia’s Restaurant & Sports Lounge: This place is a hub for Navy families. They even do "Meet and Greet" events for graduation families on Thursday nights.
- American Place Casino: This is a newer addition to the Waukegan landscape, and it’s right around the corner. If you have some downtime and want to lose twenty bucks on the slots, it’s right there.
Is it Perfect? Sorta.
No hotel is without its quirks. Some guests have mentioned the hallways can get a bit humid in the dead of a Chicago summer if the AC is struggling. And while the indoor pool is a hit with kids, it’s not exactly a sprawling waterpark—it’s a standard hotel pool.
Also, if you're a light sleeper, ask for a room away from the elevators. The hotel is popular with large groups, and the "suite" life can sometimes mean more people (and more noise) than your average Marriott.
Actionable Tips for Your Stay
If you are planning a trip to the SpringHill Suites Chicago Waukegan Gurnee, keep these things in mind to make the most of it:
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Book the Shuttle Early: If you are here for a Navy graduation, don't wait until the morning of to figure out the shuttle situation. Talk to the front desk the moment you check in. It fills up fast, and it is the most stress-free way to get to the base.
Check the Gurnee Mills Hours: The mall is huge (literally one of the largest in the country). If you need to kill time before a flight or after a graduation, it's a great spot, but it’s easy to get lost in there. Wear comfortable shoes.
The "Quiet" Request: If you aren't traveling with kids, ask for a room on a higher floor. Families tend to get clustered on the lower floors near the pool and breakfast area.
Mobile Key: Use the Marriott app. This property is usually pretty good with the digital key, which means you can bypass a busy front desk line if a busload of tourists just pulled up.
Whether you're there to see your recruit walk across the stage or to ride the Raging Bull until you're dizzy, this hotel is basically the reliable "middle ground" of Lake County. It's clean, it's consistent, and it puts you exactly where you need to be without the downtown Chicago price tag.