Got a 6 am flight and live an hour away? That can mean a pickup at 2 am. For many travelers, it is easier to stay near O'Hare the night before. You get a short ride in the morning and a few more hours of sleep. This guide covers the best areas and hotels near O'Hare for early flights, business trips and families.
We are not tied to any of these hotels. We pick up and drop off at hotels all around O'Hare, and this is the same advice we give our own riders.
Should you stay near O'Hare the night before?
It usually makes sense when:
- You live far out, like Aurora, Waukegan or Gurnee. From there, we suggest a pickup 4 to 4.5 hours before a domestic flight.
- Your flight leaves before about 7 am.
- You are flying international and do not want any risk on the drive.
- Snow or ice is in the forecast for the morning.
- You are traveling with kids and want an easier morning.
- You are flying in from out of town and connecting the next day.
- You have meetings or a trade show in Rosemont before you fly.
It usually is not worth it when you live close, like Des Plaines, Park Ridge or Rosemont. The drive is 10 to 20 minutes, so you are better off sleeping at home.
Not sure? See our guide to how early to leave for O'Hare for pickup times by area.
The only hotel at the airport: Hilton Chicago O'Hare Airport
If you want the shortest possible morning, this is it. The Hilton Chicago O'Hare Airport is the only hotel on the airport grounds.
- Walk to your terminal. Indoor, underground walkways connect the hotel to Terminals 1, 2 and 3. The walk takes about 10 minutes.
- Terminal 5 by shuttle. The hotel runs a free shuttle to Terminal 5, where most international flights leave.
- Train access. The same walkways lead to the CTA Blue Line, which runs to downtown.
- Big and quiet. It has about 860 rooms, soundproofed windows, runway views, an indoor pool and a fitness center.
Best for: very early flights, travelers without a car, and anyone on an overnight connection. Keep in mind there is little to do around it, and extras like parking can be pricey.
Rosemont: the hotel district next to O'Hare
Rosemont sits just east of the airport and is packed with hotels. It is only a few minutes from the terminals, and there is a lot to do nearby:
- Donald E. Stephens Convention Center. One of the biggest trade show halls in the area, with 840,000 square feet of space.
- Parkway Bank Park. An entertainment district with about 15 restaurants, bars and venues around a central lawn that becomes an ice rink in winter.
- Fashion Outlets of Chicago. A large outlet mall.
- Well-known restaurants. Gibsons Bar and Steakhouse is a Chicago favorite for a business dinner.
- The Rosemont Blue Line station. Trains run to O'Hare and downtown.
Hyatt Regency O'Hare Chicago
A longtime favorite for business travelers. It connects to the convention center by an indoor skybridge, which is a big plus in a Chicago winter. The hotel runs a free airport shuttle 24/7, about every 15 to 20 minutes. It has more than 110,000 square feet of meeting space, and Gibsons is across the street. It also offers a Park, Sleep and Fly package if you want to leave your car.
Hilton Rosemont/Chicago O'Hare
Another hotel connected directly to the convention center. A good pick if you are working a trade show and flying out after.
Loews Chicago O'Hare Hotel
An upscale option on River Road, a short walk from Fashion Outlets of Chicago and the Rosemont Theatre. It offers an airport shuttle, a restaurant and a 24-hour gym.
The Westin O'Hare
A large, full-service hotel on River Road, about a mile from the airport and the convention center, with an airport shuttle. Popular with business travelers.
Crowne Plaza Chicago O'Hare Hotel and Conference Center
Right next to the convention center, with its own meeting space, an indoor pool and an airport shuttle.
Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago O'Hare Rosemont
Our top pick for families. Every room is a suite, so kids get their own space. It offers a free cooked-to-order breakfast, an indoor pool and a free airport shuttle. Parkway Bank Park and the outlet mall are a short walk away.
More Rosemont options
Aloft Chicago O'Hare, Hyatt Centric Chicago O'Hare, DoubleTree by Hilton Chicago O'Hare Airport-Rosemont and The Rose Chicago are all in the same area. Hampton Inn and Suites Rosemont Chicago O'Hare is a good value pick with free breakfast, an indoor pool and a free airport shuttle.
Des Plaines: good value just north of the airport
Des Plaines is just north of Rosemont. Hotels here often cost a bit less, and many are close to Rivers Casino and Allstate Arena.
- Hilton Garden Inn Chicago O'Hare Airport. Free airport shuttle, an indoor pool, and rooms with a fridge and microwave. Close to Rivers Casino.
- Holiday Inn Express and Suites Chicago O'Hare Airport. Free hot breakfast, about half a mile from Allstate Arena.
- Hyatt Place Chicago/O'Hare Airport. Free breakfast and a free airport shuttle.
- Best Western Des Plaines/O'Hare. A budget pick with free breakfast, free parking and an indoor pool.
Best hotels near O'Hare by type of traveler
| If you are | Look at | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Catching a very early flight | Hilton Chicago O'Hare Airport | Walk to Terminals 1, 2 and 3. No shuttle needed. |
| A business traveler | Hyatt Regency O'Hare, The Westin O'Hare, Loews Chicago O'Hare | Meeting space, good restaurants, 24/7 or frequent shuttles. |
| At a trade show | Hyatt Regency O'Hare, Hilton Rosemont, Crowne Plaza | Connected to or right next to the convention center. |
| A family with kids | Embassy Suites Rosemont, Hampton Inn and Suites Rosemont, Hilton Garden Inn Des Plaines | Suites or more space, free breakfast, indoor pools. |
| On a budget | Best Western Des Plaines, Holiday Inn Express Des Plaines | Lower rates, free breakfast. |
Tips for booking a hotel near O'Hare
- Ask about shuttle hours. Some shuttles run 24/7. Others start later than you think. Make sure the first run fits your flight.
- Ask which terminals it stops at. Terminal 5 is a separate stop from Terminals 1, 2 and 3.
- Plan for a crowded shuttle. Early-morning shuttles fill up with other guests and their bags. Give yourself extra time.
- Look at Park, Sleep and Fly deals if you want to drive yourself and leave the car at the hotel.
- Check for a late checkout if you are flying in and resting before a later connection.
- Book a refundable rate in winter, in case your flight changes.
Hotel amenities, shuttle times and rules change. Always confirm details with the hotel before you book.
Hotel shuttle or car service?
Hotel shuttles are fine for many trips. But they stop at several terminals, can be full early in the morning, and you handle your own bags. A car service can help in a few ways:
- Get to the hotel the night before. We can drive you from home to your hotel in the evening, with all your bags.
- Go straight to your terminal in the morning. Your chauffeur picks you up at the hotel door at the time you choose and drops you at your airline's departures curb.
- Skip the hotel altogether. Pre-dawn pickups are routine for us, at the same flat rate. For some travelers, a 3 am pickup is easier than packing up for a hotel night.
- Groups and families. An SUV or Sprinter van keeps everyone and every bag together. See our luxury SUVs.
Quick checklist for a hotel night before your flight
- Book a hotel with a shuttle that runs early enough, or book a car.
- Check in online for your flight the night before.
- Know your terminal. Most international flights leave from Terminal 5.
- Set two alarms and ask for a wake-up call.
- Pack the night before and keep your ID in your pocket.
The takeaway
If you live far from the airport or have a very early flight, a night near O'Hare can make the morning much easier. The Hilton at the airport is the closest. Rosemont has the most choices for business travelers and families. Des Plaines is good value. Wherever you stay near O'Hare, check the shuttle times, or book a ride so you know exactly when you will leave.
Need a ride to or from your O'Hare hotel?
Flat rates, pre-dawn pickups and door-to-terminal service, 24/7.
Book Your RideRelated reading: O'Hare airport drop-off, corporate car service, flying with kids from O'Hare, our Chicago guide for international visitors, and what to do when bad weather hits.
A travel guide from O'Hare Limo Service, the flat-rate ORD car and limo service covering Chicago and the suburbs.