Swanky Staycations

By Lisa Arnett
Appears in the February 2024 issue.

Plot a getaway without leaving the suburbs with these local lodgings

Whether you’re looking for a way to celebrate Valentine’s Day or just need a change of scenery to chase away the winter doldrums, these seven hotels offer all the creature comforts of a fancy vacay without the travel time.

Hotel Indigo Naperville Riverwalk

120 Water St., Naperville

If your ideal staycation destination is right in the middle of everything, this sleek hotel located on Water Street is a no-brainer. You’ll be within walking distance of all the shops and restaurants downtown Naperville has to offer. Guest rooms have vibrant, modern touches such as mural-style wallpaper, wide-plank wooden floors, and industrial-inspired sconces. Right off the lobby is Plank Bar & Kitchen, with green velvet chairs for sipping coffee and a long bar fit for a nightcap. The menu ranges from breakfast basics to bar bites such as chicken wings tossed in gochujang-spiced barbecue sauce and prosciutto-draped flatbread with Burrata and balsamic glaze.

During your stay, book a massage, facial, or pedicure at the hotel spa, Solaia (solaiaexperience.com). A couples’ massage starts at $270 and includes sparkling wine and chocolates.
Room rates: From $179/night
Book it: 630-778-9676, ihg.com

Hotel Arista

2139 City Gate Ln., Naperville

With several restaurants in the building at Hotel Arista, you can dine well for a weekend without ever setting foot outside. There’s Che Figata (Italian fare), Tap In Pub (sports bar with golf simulators), Zorba (breakfast by day, cocktails by night), and Lavazza (coffee, gelato, sandwiches, salads). Guest rooms are simple and chic, with plenty of room to spread out. If a big soaking tub is on your list of must-haves, you’ll want to book a deluxe suite ($299 and up). Packages are available, including one with bubbly and rose petals. For some pampering during your stay, check out the Arista Spa & Salon, where services include hot stone massages, body wraps, pedicures, and facials.
Room rates: From $209/night
Book it: 630-579-4100, hotelarista.com

Hyatt Lodge

2815 Jorie Blvd., Oak Brook

With its distinctive Prairie-style architecture and secluded location on a glassy pond, Hyatt Lodge beckons for a weekend escape that feels off-the-radar but within reach. The swimming pool gives resort vibes with a glass atrium ceiling, tropical plants, lounge chairs, and whirlpool, plus locker rooms with a sauna and steam room. If an overnight stay isn’t in the plan, you can buy a day pass to the pool starting at $25 per adult on resortpass.com.
Room rates: From $132/night
Book it: 630-568-1234, hyatt.com

The Westin Chicago Lombard

70 Yorktown Ctr., Lombard

At this 18-floor tower, the guest rooms are decked out in soothing neutral tones and white tea-scented toiletries and bathrobes await in the bathroom. Take a spin on a Peloton in the workout room or make time for a dip in the whirlpool or heated indoor lap pool. Dining-wise, Harry Caray’s Italian Steakhouse is in the building, and neighboring Yorktown Center offers RA Sushi and Flat Top Grill, among many other eateries. Want to bring your dog or cat along? Pets are welcome at the Westin with an $50 fee per night and a max of two pets per room. (Yorktown’s indoor mall is dog friendly year-round, and many shops designated with a pawprint graphic on the window.)
Room rates: From $159/night
Book it: 800-228-3000, marriott.com

The Drake Oak Brook

2301 York Rd., Oak Brook

Built in 1961 and recently renovated, this luxury hotel properly melds historic details with up-to-date amenities—and has plenty of special options on tap for Valentine’s Day. For a stargazing sesh with your sweetie, book the Dessert by Winterlight package, and the Drake staff will set you up with a star map, telescope, and a cozy blanket in the hotel’s courtyard ($75 per person, includes dessert and wine). The Colonial Room restaurant also hosts a Cupid’s Celebration dinner on February 14 with a four-course menu and live music ($96 per person, reservations required). Guests also can book spa services—such as a couples massage—courtesy of Windy City Massage.
Room rates: From $139/night
Book it: 630-571-0000, thedrakeoakbrookhotel.com

The Herrington Inn & Spa

15 S. River Ln., Geneva

This European-style inn on the Fox River is literally steps away from the buzz of downtown Geneva yet it manages to feel like a serious escape. All 60 of its quaint guest rooms have traditional decor, fireplaces, and whirlpool tubs, and most have private balconies with either courtyard or river views. The spa offers plenty of pampering opportunities, but the ultimate might be the Herrington Delight, a two-hour package featuring a body scrub, rainfall shower rinse, and full-body massage ($230). Onsite restaurant Atwater’s has a broad menu, from a simple burger and fries to elevated entrees such as braised short rib risotto and lobster Thermidor. A complimentary continental breakfast is included daily, and the warm cookies and milk delivered a nightly turndown are a sweet touch.
Room rates: From $179/night
Book it: 630-208-7433, herringtoninn.com

Hotel Baker

100 W. Main St., St. Charles

An historic icon in downtown St. Charles along the Fox River, the Hotel Baker was built in 1928 and maintains its vintage charm, all the way down to the gilded mirror and pedestal sinks in the guestroom baths. For a romantic interlude, book one of the spa rooms, which have private screened-in porches with Jacuzzis. Hotel restaurant Rox City Grill often features piano and vocal acts, the perfect accompaniment to kicking back with a martini. For those looking to venture out, there are a flood of bars and restaurants along Main Street. Just across the bridge, the equally historic Arcada Theatre hosts more than 200 concerts a year. Craft beer fans may want to check out nearby Alter Brewing and Pollyanna Brewing & Distilling Company.
Room rates: From $179/night
Book it: 630-584-2100, hotelbaker.com

Photos: IHG Hotels & Resorts (Hotel Indigo); Hotel Arista; Hyatt Lodge; Michael Kleinberg Photography (The Westin Chicago Lombard); The Drake Oak Brook; The Herrington Inn & Spa; Shane Cleminson (Hotel Baker)