We had a wonderful stay at the Carleton of Oak Park — it truly exceeded our expectations! Honestly, based on the photos, we thought it might feel a bit outdated, but in person it’s a beautifully preserved vintage gem. The building has so much character and charm, and everything is very well maintained. We had a last-minute issue with our original booking elsewhere, and had to find a hotel quickly. Thankfully, the front desk staff at the Carleton were incredibly kind and helpful. Despite being short-staffed, the gentleman at the front desk made sure we were accommodated right away with great care and professionalism. The room was clean, the location is fantastic, and every staff member we interacted with was warm and welcoming. I definitely recommend this hotel — it's a lovely place with true hospitality!

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I do like older hotels but struggled with our luggage up the stairs and then found out as we left that there is a lift to the floor elevator. No one to help. I’m really surprised there was no coffee in the lobby for guests. Rather unwelcoming. I know there’s a little pot in the room. But just one cup each. Bath tub is VERY slippery. The weather was great so it wasn’t a problem getting from the parking lot to the front entrance but on a cold, rainy day with suitcases it would be very uncomfortable. I think for the price they could add a few amenities.

See above

What breakfast? The location was very convenient to downtown Oak Park.

There were foot bits (Cheerios) on the floor near the nightstand. The kitchenette should be sure to have the proper amount of kitchen essentials (plates, forks, knives, spoons) equal to the number of guests checking in (I had two plates, two forks and one spoon when I arrived). The refrigerator should be on and set to cold prior to guest arrival (mine was not).

The staff were outstanding. The rooms are a nice size and layout. You have room to exist, and don’t feel crammed in to room. Can’t say enough how happy we were with the bed. It was very comfortable. Love the old charm, the fantastic location, and parking lot for our car.

Love the hotel, the only thing that could have been better is that the walls are thin. We could hear neighbors and what wa showing on in the hallways. Needed some noise mitigation. Luckily I brought my own small sound machine.

A very impressive hotel in a nice neighborhood, with lots of stores and restaurants within walking distance. Room was functional and comfortable, with charm and flooded with beautiful light in the afternoon. Staff was polite and accommodating. Parking place was easyto find and very convenient once you had unloaded car in front of hotel. The hotel had a few stairs in the main lobby area to get in an out of the hotel but a small elevator was available to help wheelchairs and carts with luggage.

The room was a bit dated, resulting in a number of noices which were a bit of a nuisance. The location is not ideal for visiting downtown Chicago as you need an hour in each direction if travelling in the morning or the afternoon. When we returned to our accommodation at night, after dinner, the distance was easily covered in 20-25 minutes.

Location was great, the room was huge. We found the overall independent, non-corporate/chain feel of the hotel charming, and the bar staff at the connected restaurant was very friendly. We felt welcomed by everyone we interacted with. We will be returning for any stays in Oak Park in the future.

We asked for travel cribs in our reservation notes as well as calling ahead the day before arrival. We also asked at the front desk on arrival, but still had to call down as there were no cribs in our room. This was not great with two small kids losing it at bedtime. That said, the front desk staff were nice and apologetic, and we have no complaints about the rest of our stay. The soap holder in the shower also did not appear quite clean. Our room was very dark and quiet overnight -- had a great night of sleep, which is so very appreciated in a big city stay!

Good place to stay. We chose it specifically to be away from Chicago city center, but it is easily accessible by metro and quite safe even at night. Although we had a car, we did not use it and preferred to travel by metro as it is quite cheap and efficient. There are a few restaurants close to the hotel. Parking is available on a first-come first-served basis, but we didn't have any issues in parking there.

Oak Park is a vibrant community outside of Chicago and is a wonderful setting full of history and culture (both Frank Lloyd Wright and Ernest Hemingway called it home!) and fabulous shops and restaurants. LOVE Oak Park!!! And the hotel was up to the standards of this wonderful community with not one but two restaurants on the premises.

Nothing.

Property had lots of character in a nice neighborhood. Room was large and comfortable. Plenty of outlets and good lighting. Bathroom split with tub/shower and toilet section and sink and mirror in other. Nice, but pricey, dinner in Poor Phil's (didn't try the fancier Italian restaurant). Parking convenient and spots were available as needed.

View out our 4th floor window was just a wall of the hotel

Location! Walk to shops and dining in a very safe environment. I love older hotels with character and this one had it without feeling old.

Entryway has steps instead of a ramp for luggage.