Staying near O'Hare is usually a compromise. You’re trading a view of the lake for a view of a tarmac, and you’re usually squished into a room that smells faintly of jet fuel and industrial carpet cleaner. But the Sheraton Suites Chicago Elk Grove is a bit of an outlier in that airport-hotel ecosystem. It’s located in that sweet spot of Elk Grove Village, right near the massive Business Park and just a quick shuttle ride from the terminals.
Most people book here because they need to be close to a 6 AM flight. That’s the reality. However, what usually surprises people is that this isn't just a bed and a TV. It’s a full-blown suite setup. Honestly, having a door between your bed and your "office" (even if that office is just a couch where you eat takeout) changes the entire vibe of a business trip.
The Layout: Why "Suites" Isn't Just Marketing Fluff
Let’s be real. A lot of hotels slap the word "suite" on a room because they put a slightly larger chair in the corner. That’s not what’s happening here. At the Sheraton Suites Chicago Elk Grove, you’re getting a legitimate two-room configuration. You walk into a living area with a sofa bed, a desk, and a wet bar. Then, there are actual French doors leading to the bedroom.
This matters.
If you’re traveling with a partner or a coworker, one person can be up taking a Zoom call or watching the news while the other person actually sleeps. It sounds simple, but in the world of airport hotels, it’s a luxury. The rooms are roughly 500 square feet. For context, that’s bigger than many studio apartments in downtown Chicago.
The furniture is standard Marriott-International-heavy-duty-chic. Think dark woods, ergonomic chairs, and those Sheraton Signature Sleep Experience beds that people seem to either love or find a bit too soft. If you’ve stayed at a Sheraton in the last five years, you know exactly what the color palette looks like: neutrals, greys, and navy. It’s safe. It’s professional. It won't win any design awards, but it won't give you a headache either.
Getting Around: The O'Hare Shuttle and The Logistics
You’re about 8 miles from O'Hare International Airport (ORD). In Chicago traffic terms, that could be 15 minutes or it could be 45. The hotel runs a complimentary shuttle, but here is the thing you need to remember: it’s scheduled. You can’t just walk out the front door and expect a van to be idling there. You need to call the hotel when you land and head to the Bus Shuttle Center.
If you are flying into Terminal 5 (International), you have to take the ATS (the airport train) over to the main terminals to catch the shuttle. It’s a bit of a hike. If you’re in a rush, just grab an Uber. It’ll cost you about $25-$35 depending on the surge, but it saves you the stress of waiting.
Parking and the "Park Here, Fly There" Strategy
Elk Grove Village is a hub for logistics. Because of that, this hotel is a prime spot for "Park, Stay, and Fly" packages. This is a massive hack if you live in the suburbs or are driving in from Wisconsin or Iowa. Often, the cost of one night at the hotel plus the parking package is cheaper than paying for daily parking in the O'Hare economy lots. Plus, your car is in a monitored hotel lot rather than a massive, windswept airport field.
Eating in Elk Grove: Beyond the Hotel Lobby
The hotel has Junipers. It’s a classic hotel restaurant. They do a solid breakfast buffet and a decent burger. But honestly? You’re in Elk Grove Village. You are surrounded by some of the best "unassuming" food in the Midwest.
If you have a car or want to spend $10 on a short Lyft ride, get out of the hotel for dinner.
- Kanpuku: This is a local favorite for sushi and Japanese comfort food. It’s tucked away in a strip mall, which is where all the best food in this area lives.
- Coach’s Corner: If you want that classic "Chicago sports bar" experience with wings and a heavy pour, this is the spot. It’s local, it’s loud, and it’s authentic.
- Gene & Jude’s: Okay, it’s about a 15-minute drive toward River Grove, but if you want the most famous hot dog in the world (no ketchup, don't even ask), it’s worth the pilgrimage.
The Business Park Connection
The Sheraton Suites Chicago Elk Grove sits right on the edge of the Elk Grove Business Park. This isn't just any business park; it’s one of the largest in the United States, housing over 3,600 businesses. We’re talking massive data centers, manufacturing hubs, and logistics giants.
If you are here for a meeting at a place like Apple Vacations, ADP, or one of the big tech firms, you are literally minutes away. This eliminates the "Chicago commute" stress. You can sleep until 7:30 AM and still make an 8:00 AM meeting. That alone is worth the booking price for most corporate travelers.
What People Get Wrong About the Location
Some people book this hotel thinking they can easily "pop into the city" for a quick sightseeing tour.
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Let's clear that up.
You are about 25 miles from the Loop (Downtown Chicago). If you take the Blue Line from O'Hare, it's a 45-minute ride. If you drive during rush hour, it's a 90-minute nightmare on the Kennedy Expressway (I-90). This hotel is for people who have business in the northwest suburbs, people who need O'Hare access, or people attending events at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in nearby Rosemont.
Rosemont is the "entertainment" neighbor. It’s only about 10-15 minutes away and has the Fashion Outlets of Chicago, a massive movie theater, and the Allstate Arena. If you’re staying at the Sheraton but want to see a concert or go shopping, Rosemont is your destination, not downtown Chicago.
The "Quiet" Factor
One major plus for this specific property is the noise level. Because it’s a bit further out than the hotels directly on Mannheim Road (which are basically on the runway), it’s significantly quieter. You don't get that constant low-frequency rumble of jet engines every 90 seconds. The hotel also faces a small pond and some greenery, which is a nice break from the concrete jungle of the airport perimeter.
Amenities and the "Marriott Bonvoy" Experience
Since this is a Marriott property, your status actually matters. If you’re a Platinum member or higher, you’ll usually get the breakfast transition or points. There isn't a massive "Executive Lounge" here like you might find at the downtown Marriott or the massive O'Hare Sheraton, but they do a good job of taking care of frequent fliers.
- The Fitness Center: It’s functional. It has the basics—treadmills, some free weights, and a cable machine. It won't replace your CrossFit gym, but it gets the job done for a 30-minute cardio session before a flight.
- The Pool: There is an indoor pool. It’s usually quiet during the week and a bit chaotic with families on the weekends.
- Work Spaces: The lobby has been updated to include more "social" work areas. It’s got that modern Sheraton "Community Hub" vibe where you can plug in your laptop and grab a coffee without feeling like you're loitering.
Real Talk: The Limitations
It’s an older building. They’ve done a great job with renovations, but you might still see some "character" in the elevators or the hallway lighting. Also, because it’s an all-suite hotel, the housekeeping teams have more ground to cover. Occasionally, check-in can be a little slow during peak hours because every room is a "big" room to clean.
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Also, if you're looking for a "romantic getaway," this isn't it. It’s a high-function, high-comfort utility hotel. It’s where you go to be productive and get a good night's sleep.
Actionable Takeaways for Your Stay
If you’ve decided to book the Sheraton Suites Chicago Elk Grove, here is how to make the most of it:
- Request a High Floor Facing the Pond: The views are surprisingly decent for a business park, and it’s the quietest side of the building away from the main road.
- Confirm the Shuttle Schedule Immediately: Don't wait until you're checking out to ask when the shuttle leaves. It fills up, especially for those 5:00 AM and 6:00 AM runs. Book your spot at the front desk when you arrive.
- Use the Wet Bar: Every room has a mini-fridge and microwave. There is a Jewel-Osco grocery store about 5 minutes away. If you're staying for more than two nights, grab some real snacks and water there to avoid the $5 hotel bottled water trap.
- Download the Marriott Bonvoy App: Use it for mobile check-in and the mobile key. The front desk can get a line during "flight cancellation" surges at O'Hare, and skipping the line is a lifesaver.
- Check for "Hidden" Parking Fees: If you aren't on a Park-and-Fly package, make sure you understand the nightly parking rate. It’s usually reasonable, but it’s an extra cost to factor into your budget.
This hotel remains a staple for a reason. It’s predictable. In a world of travel delays and tiny hotel rooms, having a separate living room and a reliable shuttle is sometimes all you really need to keep your sanity.