This quaint and still fairly new suites-style hotel enjoys a good location not far from a subway stop, the bright shops of Michigan Avenue, and is mere steps from the famous Nordstrom store. Its sister property, the Hilton Garden Inn, is only a block west, so do not wind up at the wrong property!
The Homewood emphasizes security for its guests, so here is how it works. First take the elevator to the check-in area on the sixth floor. Any access above this level requires a room key card, so a reservation is a must! The concept of a hotel with security is appreciated, but one may become a bit frustrated at always fumbling for the key card just to activate the elevator. The lobby has a cozy decor reminiscent of a country estate, as does the rest of the hotel. Its duck logo repeats itself on stationery, on signs, and even as potpourri containers. There is complimentary coffee and a fruit bowl in the sitting area.
Each room is like a suite, with a living room that includes a sofabed. The living area flows into a well-equipped kitchen that includes a full-size refrigerator, microwave, sink, coffeemaker, dishwasher, stovetop, and even utensils, pots and dishes. This concept of hotel room as mini-apartment is great for a family on holiday or a road warrior on an extended assignment. The bedroom is separated from the living area by a door, and the bathroom and closet are adjacent to the bedroom. There is a TV in both the living room and the bedroom, and there is also a VCR in the living room. My bedroom had a very comfortable king bed, and there was one (sorry, not two) terrycloth bathrobe along with an iron and ironing board in the closet. The living room is not a bad size, unless you have about 12 people staring at Janet Jackson’s boob on the boob tube. The homely plastic plants actually clutter the rooms, so stick them under the kitchen table if you need more space.
The complimentary breakfast buffet is served on the sixth floor past the lobby area. There is a reasonable range of hot and cold dishes to get you going in the morning if the free USA Today does not. The breakfast room had the feel of an actual restaurant with its variety of sitting areas, such as tables along a window wall overlooking the city to secluded alcoves tucked away from the main traffic. An evening reception is held here on weeknights.
The indoor pool and fitness room are located on the 19th floor. The views are not bad up here, so take a look around even if you are not swimming. Even though there is no Jacuzzi here, it still seemed a bit muggy around the pool. There is a fruit bowl in the fitness room. Remember to bring your room card!
Thanks to Richard Newell for sharing his images of the hotel.