What guests are saying
What guests love
- An authentic, well-kept Midcentury Modern motel — a rare and charming downtown survivor.
- Free on-site parking and honest rates in the heart of River North.
- The beloved retro Ohio House Cafe for a classic diner breakfast.
What to keep in mind
- A simple motel, not a full-service hotel
- Basic rooms; a no-frills, vintage experience
Best for Road-trippers, design fans, and value seekers who love retro character and want free parking in the middle of downtown.
Summary of guest reviews. Sources: Ohio House Motel, Preservation Chicago. Photography courtesy of Ohio House Motel, used with permission. Details may change over time.
Why this building matters
Built in 1960 at the corner of LaSalle and Ohio, the Ohio House is a textbook piece of Midcentury Modern roadside architecture — clean lines, geometric forms, and a low-slung motor-court layout that once welcomed motorists pulling off the new expressways. As River North transformed from a warehouse district into a gallery-and-dining hotspot, the Ohio House endured, its googie-era charm (and its famous diner-style coffee shop) intact.