Holiday Inn Express & Suites Chicago North-Waukegan-Gurnee by IHG
611 Lakehurst Rd, Waukegan, IL 60085, North Chicago, United States
3-star hotel
Guest rating: 4.1 / 5
Overview
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Chicago North–Waukegan–Gurnee by IHG is a casual 3-star hotel set along Highway 43 in the North Chicago/Waukegan area. It’s positioned for easy access to nearby attractions in Gurnee and the Lake Michigan shoreline, and holds a public rating of 4.1/5 based on 898 reviews.
Location & Nearby Attractions
The hotel is about 4.7 km from Six Flags Great America, with multiple park rides nearby including American Eagle (4.0 km), Goliath (4.1 km), X-Flight (4.2 km), THE FLASH: Vertical Velocity (4.3 km), Raging Bull (4.4 km), and Whizzer (4.5 km), plus Hurricane Harbor Chicago (4.7 km). American Place Casino is very close (about 0.5 km). For outdoor and cultural options, Independence Grove Forest Preserve is around 5.3 km away, Bess Bower Dunn Museum of Lake County about 9.5 km, and Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park about 12.3 km.
Rooms & Suites
Rooms are described as bright and relaxed, with free Wi‑Fi and flat-screen TVs. Standard in-room conveniences include tea and coffeemakers, microwaves, and minifridges. Upgraded rooms add whirlpool tubs, while suites provide separate living areas with sofabeds and wetbars; room service is available.
Dining
A complimentary breakfast buffet is served in a casual dining area. Guest feedback often highlights the availability of hot breakfast items, though some reviews mention that items may run out or not be replenished quickly at times.
Amenities & Recreation
On-site facilities include an indoor pool and hot tub, plus a 24-hour gym. The hotel also offers a business center and free parking.
Best for
This property is best for Six Flags Great America visitors who want to stay a short drive from the park’s entrance and major rides, and for casino-goers given the proximity to American Place Casino (about 0.5 km). It also suits travelers who prioritize value-focused essentials such as free breakfast, free parking, in-room microwaves/minifridges, and an indoor pool/hot tub for downtime.
Travel tips
If your plans include Six Flags Great America and Hurricane Harbor Chicago, expect a quick drive of roughly 4–5 km; leaving early can help you arrive before peak entry times. With American Place Casino about 0.5 km away, this hotel can work well for short evening outings without a long commute. If breakfast is important to your schedule, consider going earlier to increase the likelihood of full item availability, based on some guest feedback.
What guests say
Reviews commonly emphasize the free hot breakfast as a standout, with multiple guests mentioning hearty hot options. Cleanliness and friendly, helpful staff are recurring positives, and some guests note that heating/cooling and in-room basics meet expectations. Negative themes include occasional concerns about room size versus price and reports of smoke odors in hallways/rooms. A few guests also mention operational frustrations such as early wake-up/check-out interruptions and breakfast items not being replenished promptly.
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