Holiday Inn Express & Suites Chicago North-Waukegan-Gurnee by IHG

Reviews

• DF

  DeMario Franklin

  Aug 12, 2026
  2.0
  I booked the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Chicago North-Waukegan-Gurnee while attending my son’s Navy graduation, and unfortunately, this was one of the worst check-in experiences I’ve had in a long time. I approached the front desk around 2:30 p.m. for a 3:00 p.m. check-in. I understood I was early and had no problem waiting. What bothered me was standing at the counter while Ann answered phones, shuffled papers, and spoke with a coworker without acknowledging me for nearly 10 minutes. A simple, “Sir, I’ll be with you shortly,” would have made a difference. I was told my room wasn’t ready, so I patiently waited. Meanwhile, I watched approximately 7–10 other guests arrive and get checked in. At 3:05, I asked for an update and was told those guests had different room types. I was finally checked in around 3:25 p.m. The 25-minute delay past check-in time wasn’t my biggest issue—it was the lack of communication and feeling as though I had been forgotten. As a regional trainer for a large ophthalmology practice, I train employees on customer service and patient interactions. One thing I emphasize is simple: even when you can’t immediately solve someone’s problem, acknowledge them, communicate, and show them their time matters. That was missing here. After an excellent experience at another IHG property in San Francisco, this was a disappointing contrast. I wasn’t looking for special treatment—just basic communication, professionalism, and hospitality, especially during a trip to celebrate my son’s Navy graduation.
• AM

  Ashlee Mcrae

  Aug 11, 2026
  5.0
  We drove in from Texas to Illinois for our son’s Navy Boot Camp Graduation, and we definitely chose the right place to stay! As soon as we walked in, we saw a sign hanging that said, “We are proud of you”for all of the Navy graduates. It was such a sweet welcome and immediately made us feel like we were in the right place. Lola greeted us when we arrived, and she was so sweet and helpful throughout our entire stay. Our room was nice and clean, and the beds were comfortable. The only thing that could use a little TLC is the rollaway bed there were quite a few springs popping out. They also have a hanger where you can hang your sailor’s anchor! The staff running the breakfast buffet was AMAZING! They were constantly running around making sure everything was stocked and that everyone had what they needed. And the pancakes were delicious!🥞 One of the biggest perks for Navy families is the shuttle service. They have a shuttle van that takes you to the base and drops you right at the door for graduation. Our driver was awesome! I didn’t get his name, unfortunately. ***Just make sure you sign up for the shuttle at the front desk when you check in. We took the 6:15 AM shuttle, and the timing was perfect because the ceremony fills up quickly. They also livestream the graduation ceremony in the breakfast area, which was wonderful. Some of our family members who couldn’t attend in person were able to watch the ceremony together. We did have a little confusion with our booking, but the manager, Pretti, was quick to take care of it and get everything straightened out, Shawn and Eric were also a huge help and were both so nice! There are so many convenient things nearby fast food, sit-down restaurants, bowling, shopping, and pretty much anything else you could need during your stay. Overall, we had a wonderful experience and would definitely recommend the **Holiday Inn in Waukegan** to other Navy families coming into town for graduation. I hope everyone enjoys their stay as much as we did!
• MG

  mysi gsauer

  Aug 10, 2026
  2.0
  Beds are like sleeping on the floor. You can clearly hear people walking in the rooms above you with squeaky floors. Typical Holiday inn express. Sleep was terrible.
• AH

  Amanda Herrick

  Aug 1, 2026
  3.0
  The hotel and room was nice but the pool was small and cold and the chemicals they use in the pool were way too strong... bleached my daughters and mom swimming suit and made us all itchy
• BA

  Brandon Allen

  Jul 28, 2026
  3.0
  Great breakfast options, Clean rooms. Tall Shower/bath faucets. Plenty, very Helpful staff, laundry is a little expensive thats okay (purchase tokens 3$ each). Its doesnt just have the indoor Pool but a Spa (Hot-tub) & Fitness room as well. 3mins from Wal-Mart & a Variety of Restaurants (2-5mins away). Also a huge Bowling rink right behind the suites if that is your thang 🤷🏽‍♂️

Frequently Asked Questions About Holiday Inn Express & Suites Chicago North-Waukegan-Gurnee by IHG