You're driving into downtown Springfield, Illinois, and the first thing you notice isn't the cornfields or the suburban sprawl you just left behind. It's the history. It's heavy here. This city breathes Lincoln. So, when you're looking for a place to crash, the President Abraham Lincoln Springfield - a DoubleTree by Hilton usually pops up first. It’s a mouthful of a name, honestly. Most locals just call it "The Abe" or simply the DoubleTree. But names aside, this hotel sits at a weirdly perfect intersection of mid-century convention vibes and modern Hilton reliability.
Location is everything. If you've ever stayed at a hotel that claims to be "near" the action but requires a twenty-minute Uber, you know the frustration. This isn't that. You're basically a stone's throw from the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. You can walk there. In fact, you can walk to the Old State Capitol where Lincoln delivered his "House Divided" speech. It’s right there.
The Reality of the DoubleTree Experience in Springfield
Let’s talk about the cookie. Everyone talks about the Hilton DoubleTree cookie. It’s warm. It’s got walnuts. It’s arguably the best part of checking in anywhere, but in a city known for "Horseshoe" sandwiches (we'll get to that later), a warm cookie is just the appetizer.
The President Abraham Lincoln Springfield - a DoubleTree by Hilton isn't a brand-new glass skyscraper. It’s got some years on it. But that’s actually part of the charm. It feels established. It feels like the kind of place where important state business happens over breakfast. Because it does. Since it’s connected to the BOS Center (the Bank of Springfield Center), the lobby is often a mix of tourists in cargo shorts and lobbyists in sharp suits. It’s a vibe.
The rooms are what you’d expect from a solid Hilton property—clean, predictable, and functional. You’ve got the Sweet Dreams beds which are, frankly, hard to complain about. If you get a room on the higher floors facing west, the view of the city at sunset is surprisingly decent. You can see the dome of the "new" State Capitol (built in the 1860s, so "new" is relative) glowing in the distance.
Why the Location Matters More Than the Decor
You aren't staying here for cutting-edge interior design. You’re staying here because you can wake up at 8:30 AM and be at the Presidential Museum by 9:00 AM without breaking a sweat.
The Museum is a world-class facility. It’s not just dusty glass cases. They’ve got holographic displays and immersive sets that make the 1860s feel terrifyingly real. Staying at the President Abraham Lincoln Springfield - a DoubleTree by Hilton puts you in the center of that narrative. You’re literally walking the same streets Lincoln walked when he was a struggling lawyer.
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Eating Your Way Through the Lobby and Beyond
Lindsay’s Restaurant is the on-site spot. It’s classic hotel dining. Is it the best meal you’ll have in Illinois? Maybe not. But for a breakfast buffet before a day of touring, it’s reliable. They do a solid job. However, if you’re staying here, you have a moral obligation to try a Horseshoe.
For the uninitiated: a Horseshoe is a thick slice of toasted bread, topped with a meat (usually a hamburger patty or ham), piled high with crinkle-cut fries, and then absolutely smothered in a secret cheese sauce. It’s a heart attack on a plate. It’s glorious. While Lindsay's has its version, you’re also within walking distance of several local pubs that claim to have the "original" or "best" recipe. Go explore.
The Logistics Nobody Tells You
Parking can be a bit of a thing. There’s a garage. It’s convenient, but like most downtown hotels, it’s an extra cost. If you’re savvy and don't mind a block’s walk, you might find street parking, but Springfield meter maids are surprisingly efficient. Just pay for the garage. It saves the headache.
The pool is indoors. It’s fine. If you have kids, they’ll love it. If you’re looking for a spa-like retreat, well, you might want to adjust your expectations. It’s a standard hotel pool. Clean, heated, and great for burning off that Horseshoe energy.
The Business Side of Things
If you're here for a convention at the BOS Center, this is the only logical place to stay. The sky bridge connection is a lifesaver in the winter. Illinois winters are no joke. The wind whips across those prairies and cuts right through you. Being able to walk from your room to a conference hall without putting on a coat is a luxury you won't appreciate until it's -5 degrees outside.
The meeting spaces within the hotel itself are also quite large. We’re talking about a grand ballroom that feels like it’s seen a fair share of wedding receptions and political fundraisers. It has that slightly formal, slightly nostalgic atmosphere.
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A Note on Service
Honestly, the staff here is what keeps the rating high. There’s a specific kind of Midwestern hospitality that isn't fake-nice. It’s genuine. If you ask for extra pillows or want to know where the best local coffee is (try Custom Cup Coffee, it’s a short walk), they’ll actually give you a real answer, not just a rehearsed script.
Springfield’s Historical Gravity
Staying at the President Abraham Lincoln Springfield - a DoubleTree by Hilton isn't just about a bed. It’s about the proximity to the Lincoln Home National Historic Site. This is the only home Lincoln ever owned. It’s been preserved to look exactly as it did in 1860. The National Park Service runs tours there, and they are free, but you have to get tickets early in the day.
When you stay downtown, you can walk over to the visitor center first thing in the morning, snag your tickets, and then head back to the hotel for a second cup of coffee. It beats driving in from the outskirts and hoping there’s still a slot left.
What People Get Wrong About Springfield
Most people think Springfield is just a stopover on the way to St. Louis or Chicago. They’re wrong. There’s a layer of history here that requires more than a four-hour visit. You need to see the tomb. Oak Ridge Cemetery is where Lincoln, Mary Todd, and three of their sons are buried. It’s the second most visited cemetery in the U.S. after Arlington.
It’s about a two-mile drive from the hotel. You can’t really walk that one easily, but it’s a quick hop. When you get there, you rub the nose of the bronze Lincoln bust for good luck. It’s shiny because thousands of people do it every week.
Making the Most of Your Stay
If you want the best experience at the President Abraham Lincoln Springfield - a DoubleTree by Hilton, ask for a room on a higher floor. The street noise is minimal, but the views of the historic district are worth the request.
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Also, check the schedule at the BOS Center before you book. If there's a massive state-wide convention, the lobby will be packed. If you want a quiet getaway, aim for the mid-week dates when the legislature isn't in session.
Practical Advice for Travelers
- Check-in Early: If your room is ready, they’re usually cool about letting you in. Grab that cookie while it’s hot.
- The Sky Bridge: Use it. Even if you aren't going to a convention, it’s a neat way to see the layout of the area without dealing with traffic.
- The Breakfast: It’s decent, but if you want a local experience, walk a few blocks to a local diner.
- The Museum: Buy your tickets online in advance. Even though you’re staying right next door, the lines can get long during peak school-trip season.
Actionable Steps for Your Springfield Trip
Don't just book a room and wing it. Springfield is a city that rewards the prepared.
- Book directly through the Hilton app. You’ll get the digital key, which lets you bypass the front desk if there’s a line.
- Plan your "Lincoln Circuit." Start at the Home, move to the Old State Capitol, then hit the Museum, and finish at the Tomb. Staying at this DoubleTree puts you right in the middle of that sequence.
- Check the Legislative Calendar. If the Illinois General Assembly is in session, downtown Springfield transforms. It’s busier, louder, and more vibrant, but also harder to find a table at local restaurants like Maldaner’s (the oldest restaurant in the city and a must-visit).
- Pack walking shoes. You’re going to do a lot of pavement pounding. The historic sites are close, but those blocks add up.
The President Abraham Lincoln Springfield - a DoubleTree by Hilton serves as a reliable, comfortable anchor in a city that is obsessed with its past. It’s not a boutique hotel, and it doesn't try to be. It’s a solid, well-located hub for anyone who wants to spend a few days immersed in the life of the 16th president without sacrificing the comforts of a modern hotel chain.
When you're packing up to leave, and you've got a stray cookie crumb in your bag and a brain full of Civil War history, you’ll realize that being right in the middle of it all was the best choice you made for the trip.
Go see the tomb. Rub the nose. Eat the Horseshoe. It’s a Springfield rite of passage.