Chicago Airport: A Comfortable Overnight Stay?

can you spend overnight at chicago airport

Chicago O'Hare Airport is one of the biggest hubs in America, with over 150 domestic scheduled operations and more than 60 regular routes to destinations abroad. Spending the night at the airport is possible, but not recommended due to noise and cleanliness issues. If you have to stay overnight, there are cots provided during major flight delays and cancellations, and couches just after security/airside in Concourse K. There are also airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, 24-hour food options, and nearby hotels. The Hilton Chicago O'Hare Airport Hotel is a popular choice for travellers, located within walking distance of Terminals 1, 2, and 3, and connected to all domestic terminals via an underground walkway. Other recommended hotels include the Best Western O'Hare and the Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Chicago-O'Hare.

Characteristics Values
Spending the night at the airport Unnecessary for non-early flights; noisy due to cleaning and maintenance crews; active at night with a growing homeless/migrant population; cots provided during major delays and cancellations; benches available but hard to sleep on
Nearby hotels Hilton Chicago O'Hare Airport Hotel; Best Western O'Hare; Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Chicago-O'Hare; inexpensive hotels in the range of $80-$100
Transportation Uber, taxis, and car services may be unavailable for early morning flights; Blue Line, Pulse 100 bus, and Pace 226 bus are available
Airport facilities Lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, yoga room, smoking areas

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Sleeping in the public area

Spending the night in the public areas of Chicago's O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is possible but not advisable. There have been reports of a growing homeless population in the airport, and travellers have complained about the noise from cleaning and maintenance crews. If you do decide to sleep in the public area of the airport, the best spots for a night's rest are said to be the couches just after security/airside in Concourse K. Cots are also provided during major flight delays and cancellations, but these are not available for travellers who choose to spend the night in the airport and cannot be reserved in advance.

If you are looking for a more comfortable option, there are several hotels located near the airport, including the Hilton Chicago O'Hare Airport Hotel, which is within walking distance of Terminals 1, 2, and 3 and can be reached via an underground walkway or a short ATS train ride from Terminal 5. The hotel offers a restaurant, a bar, and a swimming pool and wellness centre for a nominal fee. Other recommended hotels near the airport include the Best Western O'Hare and the Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Chicago-O'Hare. Additionally, there are some inexpensive hotels in the $80-$100 range located nearby.

If you are looking for dining options, the airport offers 24-hour food options, and there are several restaurants located nearby, including Hugo's Chop House, Flipt, and an Asian restaurant and taqueria at the Rivers Casino, a 10-15 minute taxi ride from the airport.

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Nearby hotels

If you're looking for a place to stay near Chicago O'Hare Airport, there are several hotels in the vicinity. Here are some options:

Hilton Chicago O'Hare Airport

The Hilton Chicago O'Hare Airport is located across from Terminals 1, 2, and 3 and is connected to all domestic terminals via an underground walkway. It offers convenience and quality, with good dining options, including a sports bar and a more formal restaurant. The hotel also provides a free shuttle service to and from the airport.

La Quinta by Wyndham Chicago O'Hare Airport

La Quinta by Wyndham is another option located close to the airport. It offers clean rooms, a complimentary breakfast, and free parking. It is also known for its professional and helpful staff.

Sonesta Simply Suites Chicago O'Hare Airport

Sonesta Simply Suites is a highly-rated option, praised for its comfort, cleanliness, and ease of access to the airport. It offers modern amenities, a 24-hour shuttle service, and is an excellent choice for the price.

Other options

In addition to the above, there are several other hotels near Chicago O'Hare Airport, including the Sheraton Suites, The Rose Hotel Chicago O'Hare, Staybridge Suites, Doubletree By Hilton, Aloft Chicago O'Hare, Crowne Plaza, and many more. These hotels offer varying amenities, and some also provide free shuttle services to and from the airport.

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Airport lounges

Chicago O'Hare International Airport offers various lounges, including the American Airlines Admirals Club, American Airlines Flagship First Lounge, Delta Sky Club, United Club, and United Polaris Lounge. These lounges provide amenities like Wi-Fi, refreshments, and comfortable seating. Some lounges, such as the American Airlines Admirals Club and SAS Lounge, allow you to purchase a day pass. Priority Pass members can access several lounges, including the Swissport Lounge in Terminal 5, and can also access the Amex Centurion Lounges and Plaza Premium Lounges with the Amex Platinum card.

The airport has 16 lounges in total, accommodating passengers with appropriate memberships, and there is at least one lounge in every terminal. United Airlines has three lounges in Terminal 1 and a fourth lounge in Terminal 2. American Airlines has four lounges, all in Terminal 3.

If you need to spend the night at the airport, you may want to consider the couches just after security in Concourse K. Cots are provided during significant flight delays and cancellations. However, employees will wake everyone up at 5 am to vacate the area. For more comfort and privacy, there is a hotel outside Terminal 2, and nearby hotels offer free airport shuttles.

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Food options

If you're spending the night at Chicago O'Hare Airport, there are a variety of food options available to you, both inside and outside the airport.

Inside the Airport

Chicago O'Hare International Airport has a variety of food options, including well-known fast-food chains and local restaurants. Here are some options:

  • Eli's Cheesecake: A famous Chicago bakery that offers cheesecakes, desserts, hot dogs, Italian beef, and pizzas. (Terminal 1 - B9)
  • HMSHost: A food service company that operates multiple restaurants within the airport, including America's Dog, Stanley's Blackhawks Kitchen and Tap, and Burger Federation.
  • The Publican: A popular Chicago restaurant with a location inside the airport.
  • Brown Sugar Bakery: A Southern-inspired bakery and cafe in Terminal 3, offering sugary treats, breakfast items, and coffee.
  • Bar Sienna: A restaurant serving pizzas, pastas, and salads, with a location inside the airport and another in the city.
  • Tortas Frontera: A Mexican restaurant by celebrity chef Rick Bayless, offering griddle-baked tortas.
  • Berghoff Cafe: An outpost of one of Chicago's oldest restaurants, offering breakfast options, sandwiches, and pretzels with beer cheese.
  • Dunkin': Coffee, doughnuts, and bagels (Terminal F9)
  • Beaudevin: A bar offering wine and other drinks.
  • Macaroni Grill: Italian cuisine, including pizzas and pastas, with alcohol also available.
  • Big Bowl: Chinese and Thai cuisine, with alcohol also available.

Outside the Airport

If you're looking for a change of scenery or wanting to explore the area, there are several restaurants near the airport:

  • Rivers Casino: A 10-15 minute taxi ride from the airport, the casino has several dining options, including Hugo's Chop House (fine dining), Flipt (burgers), an Asian restaurant, and a taqueria.
  • Joe's: A downtown Chicago restaurant recommended by a frequent traveller.

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Transport to the airport

If you're planning to spend the night at Chicago O'Hare Airport, it's worth knowing your options for transportation to and from the airport. Here are some transport options to consider:

Taxis

Taxis are a convenient option for travelling to and from Chicago O'Hare Airport. They provide door-to-door service and can be easily found at the airport taxi stands. You can also book taxis in advance, with companies like GO Airport Express offering pre-booked taxi services. Taxis can be a good choice if you're looking for a direct and relatively quick journey to your destination.

Public Transport

Chicago O'Hare Airport is well-connected to the city's public transport system. The Blue Line is the airport's rapid transit line, providing efficient transportation to various locations in Chicago. However, consider the time of your arrival or departure when opting for public transport, as some services may have limited operating hours.

Limousine Services

For a more luxurious travel experience, limousine services like Windy City Limousine offer transportation to and from Chicago O'Hare Airport. These services provide door-to-door transfers to downtown Chicago, hotels, conference venues, and other destinations. Limousine companies often operate 24/7, ensuring availability regardless of your travel schedule.

Airport Shuttles

Airport shuttle services, such as those provided by GO Airport Express and Coach USA, offer shared or private transportation to and from Chicago O'Hare Airport. These shuttles typically have spacious seating and ample luggage space. They provide a cost-effective alternative to traditional taxis and can be a convenient option for groups or individuals travelling together.

Rental Cars

If you prefer the flexibility of having your own vehicle, renting a car is an option. Car rental services are available at the airport, allowing you to drive directly from the airport to your desired location. This can be especially useful if you plan to explore the wider Chicago area during your stay.

Remember to consider factors such as convenience, cost, and availability when choosing your transportation option. Additionally, keep in mind that some services may have varying operating hours, so it's always good to check their availability for your specific travel timeframe.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, you can spend the night at Chicago O'Hare Airport. However, it is not recommended due to noise and activity levels. There are cots provided during major flight delays and cancellations, but these are not available for travellers who choose to spend the night at the airport. There are hotels nearby, such as the Hilton Chicago O'Hare Airport Hotel, which is within walking distance of Terminals 1, 2 and 3.

Yes, there are several other hotels near the airport, including the Best Western O'Hare and the Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Chicago-O'Hare. These hotels offer free airport shuttles and are a good option if you prefer comfort and privacy.

Chicago O'Hare Airport offers airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, and nearby hotels. There is also an onsite hotel at Terminal 2, which is convenient for layovers.

No, smoking is prohibited within the airport. However, there are designated smoking areas outside the airport.

Yes, there is a yoga room located airside in Concourse C. The room has a wall-mounted TV that displays yoga poses and is open from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

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