About Carleton of Oak Park
The Carleton of Oak Park is a well-established hotel which first opened in 1928 and consists of an upmarket hotel as well as a more affordable and separate motor lodge/motel section.
Traditionally decorated rooms are fitted with en-suite bathrooms as well as coffee makers, microwaves, mini-refrigerators and free Wi-Fi. Suites include whirlpool tubs and separate living areas.
The Carleton of Oak Park features a number of general amenities including a large event space and fully equipped conference facilities, free parking, a 24-hour front desk, lobby bar with flat screen TV and an outdoor patio.
The hotel includes two eateries, Barclay’s American Grille which serves traditional American cuisine and Poor Phil’s restaurant, located on the first floor serving breakfast, lunch and dinner options.
The property is just 16 kilometers from the Chicago city center and is close to The Ernest Hemingway Museum, CTA Green Line Trains and Oak Park Metro Station.
Positive Reviews
positive:
Great sense of tradition.
The Carleton of Oak Park Hotel in Chicago was first opened in 1928 and still retains much of its original décor and appointments, giving guests a true sense of time-honored tradition. Plenty of wood paneling throughout the lobby, restaurant and bar areas, while rooms also reflect a more traditional mood in their décor.
positive:
Excellent choices in dining available.
The hotel boasts two unique dining options for guest to enjoy. Barclay's American Grille serves traditional American cuisine and includes a private outdoor patio for dining. Poor Phil's Restaurant is located on the first floor. This restaurant serves a wider range of both traditional and international modern dishes and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
positive:
Close to interesting local attractions.
The property is well-situated and is just 16 kilometers from the Chicago city center. Guests not travelling by car can make use of the CTA Green Line Trains and nearby Oak Park Metro Station. Other interesting attractions include the Ernest Hemingway Museum which is just a fifteen minute walk from the hotel and the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio, a five minute drive away.
Negative Reviews
negative:
Slightly confusing booking options.
The Carleton of Oak Park hotel interestingly features two options, the traditional hotel and the more relaxed and affordable motel/motor lodge annex. It is important to know that there are two options, with very different amenities and features available before booking to avoid disappointment.
negative:
No breakfast included in rates.
Guests booking into the hotel should be aware that no complimentary breakfast option is included with the room rate. All meals are separate and charged for as additional items.
negative:
Free parking is limited.
While parking is free to hotel guests, the spaces available are limited in number and small in space, making for a trying and tricky parking experience.