Carlton Inn Midway

4944 S Archer Ave, Chicago, IL 60632, South Chicago, United States

2-star hotel

Guest rating: 3.8 / 5

Overview

Carlton Inn Midway is a budget, 2-star hotel in the Archer Heights area of South Chicago, roughly 2 miles from Midway International Airport. It offers a straightforward, no-frills stay geared toward travelers who want an affordable base near the airport and convenient transit into downtown Chicago.

Rooms

Rooms are basic and simply furnished, equipped with a microwave, minifridge, coffeemaker, premium cable TV, and complimentary WiFi. Guest reports on room upkeep have been mixed, with some noting cozy, clean accommodations and others describing cleanliness issues, so travelers with strict cleanliness expectations may want to be aware of this variability.

Dining & Freebies

The hotel includes a complimentary continental breakfast, though guest opinions on the food quality vary. Additional freebies include a 24-hour shuttle service to both Midway Airport and the nearby El train station, as well as complimentary parking.

Amenities

On-site facilities include a business center and a fitness center, useful for both work-focused and fitness-minded travelers. Laundry facilities are also available on-site for an additional fee.

Location

The property sits about 0.3 miles from an El train station, giving guests easy rail access into downtown Chicago and its major attractions. Landmarks such as Willis Tower, Skydeck Chicago, the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, and Millennium Park are all roughly 10-12 km away, while the National Museum of Mexican Art is the closest attraction at about 7 km.

Best for

This hotel best suits budget-conscious travelers and those needing quick, convenient access to Midway International Airport, thanks to its 24-hour airport shuttle and proximity of about 2 miles. It also appeals to travelers relying on public transit, since the nearby El train station (0.3 miles away) offers a direct, low-cost route into downtown Chicago's major museums and landmarks.

Travel tips

Take advantage of the free 24-hour shuttle to reach both Midway Airport and the nearby El train station rather than driving, since downtown attractions like the Art Institute of Chicago, Willis Tower, and Millennium Park are all roughly 10-14 km away. Budget extra time getting in and out of the immediate area, as some guests have noted it can be a bit of a haul to access surrounding roads. Grab the included continental breakfast early, and consider checking your room and bathroom fixtures upon check-in given occasional guest reports of maintenance issues.

What guests say

Guest feedback frequently highlights friendly, helpful staff and a convenient location near transit as consistent strengths, along with appreciation for the free breakfast and late-night shuttle service. However, recurring complaints center on inconsistent room cleanliness, including reports of unclean bedding, uncomfortable pillows, and dim, oddly configured hallways connecting buildings. Some guests also reported functional issues such as non-working showers and felt maintenance requests weren't adequately addressed. Overall, the hotel appears to deliver reliable service and convenience but with variable physical upkeep.

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