Lois Larson
Chicago O'Hare Airport has a reputation for accommodating travellers with long layovers or flight cancellations, with some sources even recommending the airport as a place to stay the night. However, reports from February 2023 indicate a growing homeless population in the landside public areas, which may make staying overnight less appealing. While cots are sometimes provided during extreme weather, travellers generally need to sleep on the floor or in chairs. For those seeking a more comfortable night's rest, there are several hotels near the airport, including an onsite hotel at Terminal 2 and the Hilton Chicago O'Hare Airport Hotel, which is connected to all domestic terminals via an underground walkway.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Staying at O'Hare Airport | Possible, but not recommended due to the presence of airport security and a growing homeless population |
| Sleeping arrangements | Limited to chairs or the floor; cots are rarely provided |
| Alternatives | Onsite hotel at Terminal 2, off-site hotels with free shuttles, or King Spa (located 15 minutes from the airport) |
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What You'll Learn
Sleeping at O'Hare Airport
Sleeping in airports is never ideal, but sometimes it's necessary. If you find yourself needing to sleep in Chicago O'Hare Airport, here are some things to keep in mind.
First, it's important to note that there have been reports of a growing homeless population at the airport. If you need to sleep in the public/landside area, you may want to consider booking a hotel for the night instead. There are several options available, including an onsite hotel at Terminal 2 and off-site hotels offering free airport shuttles. The Hilton Chicago O'Hare Airport Hotel, for example, is located across from Terminals 1, 2, and 3 and is connected to all domestic terminals via an underground walkway. You can also use sites like Hotwire or Priceline to find deals on hotels near the airport, and many offer free shuttles to the terminals.
If you decide to sleep inside the airport, be aware that there are no cots provided, so you'll need to sleep on the floor or in a chair. One traveller recommends finding a quiet place above the food court between Terminals 2 and 3. They suggest taking a laptop to make it look like you're waiting for a flight, and note that very few people go up there. Keep in mind that airport security may ask you to leave if they think you're loitering, so try to be discreet.
If you're looking for a more comfortable option, there's the King Spa, just 15 minutes from O'Hare. For $25, you get 24-hour access to showers, a comfortable place to sleep, and food.
While sleeping in airports is never ideal, these tips can help make your experience at O'Hare a little easier.
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Onsite hotel options
If you're looking for a place to stay onsite at O'Hare Airport, there are a few options available.
The most convenient option is the Hilton Chicago O'Hare Airport Hotel, located across from Terminals 1, 2, and 3 and connected to all domestic terminals via an underground walkway. The hotel offers day-use rooms for travellers with free WiFi and access to the fitness centre. It is recommended by reviewers as a comfortable alternative to sleeping in the airport.
Another option for a comfortable night's rest is the King Spa, located just 15 minutes from O'Hare Airport. For $25, you get 24-hour access to a shower, a place to sleep, and food.
If you don't mind sleeping in the airport, there are a few spots that travellers have found suitable for resting. There is a quiet area above the food court between Terminals 2 and 3 where you can set up your laptop and camp out for a while without attracting attention. Additionally, cots are sometimes provided at the airport when there are stranded travellers due to bad weather, but this is not a regular occurrence.
For those seeking a hotel room for a few hours between connecting flights, there don't appear to be any onsite options. However, there are off-site hotels that offer free airport shuttles, which may be worth considering if you're looking for a more comfortable and private option.
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Offsite hotel options
If you are looking for offsite hotel options near O'Hare Airport, there are several options available. One popular choice is the Hilton Chicago O'Hare Airport Hotel, located across from Terminals 1, 2, and 3 and connected to all domestic terminals via an underground walkway. This hotel offers day-use rooms for travellers with free wifi and access to the fitness centre. Other nearby hotels include those suggested by Tripadvisor, which can be sorted by price, distance, traveller rating, and popularity.
If you are looking for a more affordable option, there is the King Spa, located just 15 minutes from O'Hare. For $25, you get 24-hour access to shower facilities, food, and a comfortable place to sleep.
Additionally, there are a few off-site hotels that offer free airport shuttles, which can be convenient and potentially more cost-effective. It is recommended to use websites like Hotwire or Priceline to find the best deals on these hotels.
While it is possible to spend the night at O'Hare Airport, reports from February 2023 indicate a growing homeless population in the public areas, so staying at a nearby hotel may be a more comfortable and safer option.
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Comfortable spots in the airport
Chicago O'Hare Airport is said to be one of the best layover airports in the U.S. because it has a lot to offer. If you're looking for comfortable spots in the airport, here are some options:
Lounges
First-class lounges are available for those seeking added comfort and privacy. Some of these lounges even have showers. The United lounge is also mentioned as a passenger-friendly location.
Yoga Room
If you're looking for a tranquil space to relax, unwind, and stretch, O'Hare offers a free yoga room for passengers.
Gates
For those seeking a quiet spot away from the hustle and bustle of the airport, the G and L gates are recommended. The G gates on the American side of the airport only service regional flights, and it feels like only half the gates are used at any time. The L gates are also noted as being quiet relative to the amount of space they have. Additionally, the C29 gate has been mentioned as being surprisingly empty.
Restaurants and Dining
O'Hare has a vast array of quick meals, non-perishable snacks, and exceptional dining options. Tortas Frontera, Rick Bayless' torta spot, is one of the airport's most popular restaurants, serving up tortas, soups, salads, and snacks.
Hotels
If you're looking for a comfortable place to stay near the airport, the Hilton Chicago O'Hare Airport Hotel is within walking distance of all domestic terminals and offers easy access to downtown via the Blue-line train. There is also a hotel outside Terminal 2 that offers a free airport shuttle.
Nearby Attractions
For those seeking a change of scenery, there are several nearby attractions to visit, including the Rosemont Theatre, Fashion Outlets of Chicago, Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, and Allstate Arena.
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Alternatives to sleeping in the airport
Sleeping in airports is never ideal, and while it is possible to sleep at O'Hare, there are a few alternative options to consider.
Firstly, if you are looking for a more comfortable and private option, there are hotels located near the airport. The Hilton Chicago O'Hare Airport Hotel is located across from Terminals 1, 2, and 3 and is connected to all domestic terminals via an underground walkway. There is also a hotel outside of Terminal 2, and many other nearby hotels offer free airport shuttles. Websites like Hotwire, Priceline, and Tripadvisor can help you find the best deals on these hotels.
If you are looking for a more affordable option, there are a few spots within the airport that may offer a more comfortable sleep than the floor or a chair. There is a quiet place above the food court between Terminals 2 and 3 where you can camp out with your laptop. There are also couches just after security/airside in Concourse K. Additionally, cots are sometimes provided during major flight delays and cancellations.
Finally, if you don't mind leaving the airport, there is a place called King Spa that is just a 15-minute Uber or taxi ride away. For $25, you get 24-hour access to showers, comfortable sleeping areas, and food.
While sleeping in the airport is possible, especially if you are on a tight budget, these alternatives can provide a more comfortable and relaxing experience during your layover or flight delay.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can sleep at Chicago O'Hare Airport, but it is not recommended. There have been reports of a growing homeless population in the landside area, and airport security can be annoying about loitering.
No, cots are not usually available at Chicago O'Hare Airport. They have only been provided in rare cases when many travellers were stranded due to bad weather.
Yes, there is an onsite hotel at Terminal 2, and the Hilton Chicago O'Hare Airport Hotel is located across from Terminals 1, 2, and 3.
There is a quiet place above the food court between Terminals 2 and 3 where you can camp out with a laptop.
Yes, there are several off-site hotels that offer free airport shuttles, and you can use websites like Hotwire or Priceline to find deals. King Spa is also a popular alternative, offering 24-hour access to showers, comfortable sleeping areas, and food for $25.
