If you're driving down I-88 through the western suburbs, you can't miss it. It’s that tall, glass-heavy tower looming over Yorktown Center. Honestly, most people just assume it’s another cookie-cutter corporate hotel meant for spreadsheets and stale coffee. They're wrong. The Westin Chicago Lombard is actually a bit of a weirdly perfect hybrid. It’s a massive convention center, sure, but it’s also one of those rare spots where you can actually get a decent night’s sleep without feeling like you’re trapped in a fluorescent-lit office building.
It’s big. Like, 500 rooms big.
When you walk in, the lobby hits you with that specific "White Tea" scent Westin is obsessed with. It’s calming, if a bit corporate-chic. But the real reason this place stays packed isn't just the smell or the Marriott points; it’s the fact that it sits in this bizarrely convenient sweet spot between O'Hare, downtown Chicago, and the sprawling corporate campuses of the Illinois Technology and Research Corridor.
Why the Location at Yorktown Center Actually Works
Most people hear "hotel by a mall" and cringe. You're probably thinking of food courts and screaming teenagers. But being attached to Yorktown Center is low-key the best thing about the Westin Chicago Lombard.
You've got immediate access to over 150 stores, but more importantly, you aren't stuck eating overpriced room service club sandwiches for three days straight. You can literally walk out the door and hit a Yard House or Capital Grille. If you’re feeling lazy, the hotel has its own heavy hitter: Harry Caray’s Italian Steakhouse.
It’s not just a gift shop version of the legendary Chicago spot. It’s the real deal. You’ll see the sports memorabilia, the massive steaks, and that specific "Holy Cow!" energy. Pro tip: if you go, the Chicken Vesuvio is the move. The Chicago Tribune once called it the best in the city, which is a bold claim for a place in Lombard, but it holds up.
The "Heavenly" Bed and Other Wellness Gimmicks That Actually Aren't Gimmicks
Let's talk about the rooms. They’re standard Westin—clean lines, neutral tones, and the famous Heavenly Bed. Honestly, those beds are dangerous. If you have an 8:00 AM meeting in the Junior Ballroom, you better set three alarms. The pillow-top situation is no joke.
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The rooms also got a refresh recently (around 2022), so you aren't dealing with those weird 2007-era carpets anymore. Some of the suites even have Peloton bikes in them now. It’s part of their "WestinWORKOUT" room concept. Basically, if you’re the type of person who needs to sweat out a business dinner at 11:00 PM without people watching you, this is your vibe.
Speaking of working out, the fitness studio is decent, but the indoor pool is the sleeper hit. It’s heated, it’s 75 feet long, and it’s usually empty on weekday mornings. If you’re traveling with kids, it’s a lifesaver.
What’s the Deal with the 39,000 Square Feet of Event Space?
This is where the Westin Chicago Lombard makes its money. It has the largest grand ballroom in the western suburbs. We're talking nearly 19,000 square feet in just one room.
If you’re here for a wedding, you’re probably in the Junior Ballroom. It’s better than the big one, honestly. Why? The floor-to-ceiling windows and the private terrace overlooking the pond. It feels less like a basement bunker and more like an actual place people want to be.
- The Grand Ballroom: Massive. 2,000+ people. Great for tech expos or huge galas.
- The Junior Ballroom: The "pretty" one. Views, natural light, and a terrace.
- The Lilac and Magnolia Rooms: For when you don't have 500 friends but still want the fancy carpet.
Surviving the Suburban Jungle: Real Advice
Parking is free. In the Chicago area, that’s basically a miracle. They have a massive four-story garage, so don't let the front desk talk you into valet unless it’s snowing sideways.
If you need to get into the city, don't try to drive during rush hour. You will lose your mind on the Eisenhower Expressway. Instead, use the hotel’s complimentary shuttle to the Lombard Metra station. It’s about a 30-to-40-minute ride into Ogilvie Transportation Center, and you can drink a beer on the train. Much better.
Nearby Gems You Should Actually Visit
- The Morton Arboretum: It’s about 4 miles away. 1,700 acres of trees and trails. If you need to clear your head after a day of PowerPoint presentations, go here.
- Drury Lane Theatre: Right across the way in Oakbrook Terrace. High-quality Broadway-style shows.
- Brookfield Zoo: About 12 miles out. If you’ve got a free afternoon, it’s one of the best zoos in the country.
- Babcock’s Grove House: A local favorite in downtown Lombard. Get the burgers. Seriously.
Is It Worth the Price?
Rates fluctuate wildly. You can snag a room for $140 on a random Sunday, but if there's a massive convention or a wedding block, it’ll spike past $300.
Value-wise, you’re paying for the convenience. You’re close to everything in DuPage County. The staff is generally on point—though, like any big hotel, the breakfast rush at Holy Mackerel! (their other on-site spot) can get a little chaotic. If the line is too long, there’s a Starbucks right in the lobby.
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Actionable Next Steps
If you're planning a stay or an event at the Westin Chicago Lombard, keep these three things in mind:
- Skip the WiFi Fee: If you aren't a Marriott Bonvoy member, join for free before you check in. Otherwise, they’ll ding you about $15 a day for basic internet.
- Ask for a Pond-View Room: The rooms facing the back are much quieter than the ones facing the shopping center traffic.
- Check the Convention Calendar: Before you book, see if there’s a massive event happening. If the "Frosty Faustings" gaming tournament or a major medical conference is in town, the elevators will be a nightmare.
Book your room at least three weeks out to avoid the "last-minute business traveler" surcharge, and if you're there on a Saturday, make a reservation for Harry Caray’s early. It gets surprisingly busy with locals who don't even stay at the hotel.