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The Willows Hotel, a 1925 French-country boutique on a tree-lined Lake View street

The Willows Hotel

Hotel Surfridge1925Rissman & Hirschfeld 555 W. Surf Street, in Lake View

The Willows Hotel. Hotel Surfridge, 1925, Rissman & Hirschfeld, 555 W. Surf Street. Photo courtesy of The Willows Hotel.

The lobby of The Willows Hotel
The lobby of The Willows Hotel. Photo courtesy of The Willows Hotel.
A guest room
A guest room. Photo courtesy of The Willows Hotel.

Why this building matters

Built in 1925 and revived as a boutique hotel, the Willows trades downtown bustle for residential charm, with a French-inspired look and a warm, personal feel across its roughly 55 rooms. It is one of three 1920s Lake View and Lincoln Park boutiques run by Broughton Hotels — alongside the Majestic and City Suites — and sits a 10-minute walk from the lakefront, the Diversey Harbor, and the bustle of Clark, Broadway, and Halsted.

What guests are saying

What guests love

  • An intimate, old-fashioned neighborhood feel — complimentary breakfast and afternoon cookies included.
  • A quiet, tree-lined Lake View block a 10-minute walk to Lincoln Park and the lakefront, with lively Broadway at the door.
  • Vintage character, right down to the original 1920s Otis elevator.

What to keep in mind

  • A small 1920s hotel — rooms are cozy and vary
  • A neighborhood location, a couple miles from downtown

Best for Travelers who want an intimate, affordable neighborhood base with vintage charm near the lake and Lincoln Park.

Summary of guest reviews. Sources: The Willows Hotel, Commission on Chicago Landmarks, Preservation Chicago. Photography courtesy of The Willows Hotel, used with permission. Details may change over time.