Ohio House Motel

600 N La Salle Dr, Chicago, IL 60654, South Chicago, United States

3-star hotel

Guest rating: 4.3 / 5

Overview

Ohio House Motel is a retro, Mid-Century modern budget motel that has operated in Chicago's River North neighborhood since 1960. The two-story property retains its classic motel layout with exterior room entrances, giving it a distinctive vintage character rarely found in a downtown Chicago location. Its 3-star, budget-friendly positioning combined with a 4.3 rating from 1,400 reviews makes it a well-regarded no-frills option in an otherwise pricier part of the city.

Rooms

Standard rooms are basic but functional, each with an exterior entrance, premium cable TV, and free WiFi. Guests wanting more space can book a minisuite, which adds a kitchenette and a pull-out sofa, making it a practical choice for longer stays or travelers who want to prepare light meals in-room.

Dining & Perks

The motel offers a hot, made-to-order breakfast at no charge, though this perk is reserved for guests who book directly through the hotel's website. Coffee is available around the clock, and on-site parking is offered free on a first-come, first-served basis -- a notable convenience in a dense urban neighborhood where parking is otherwise scarce and costly.

Location & Surroundings

Set in the trendy River North neighborhood, the motel is about four blocks from the nearest El train station and six blocks from the shopping of the Magnificent Mile. Major attractions are within easy reach, including the Chicago Riverwalk (928m), The Chicago Theatre (914m), Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago (1.1km), Cloud Gate and Millennium Park (roughly 1.4km), the Art Institute of Chicago (1.7km), and Willis Tower/Skydeck Chicago (1.6km). Slightly farther attractions such as Navy Pier (2.3km), the Chicago History Museum (2.1km), Lincoln Park Zoo and Shedd Aquarium (around 3.2km), and the Adler Planetarium (3.6km) are also reachable on foot or via a short ride.

Best for

Ohio House Motel suits budget-conscious travelers and sightseers who want a walkable, central River North base without paying downtown hotel prices. It's a strong fit for road-trippers and anyone needing a car, thanks to free first-come, first-served parking, and for those attending events near the Magnificent Mile or Chicago Theatre given the short walk to both.

Travel tips

Book directly through the hotel's website if you want the free made-to-order breakfast, since it's not included with third-party bookings. Arrive early to secure a parking spot, as it's offered on a first-come, first-served basis, and take advantage of the nearby El station (about four blocks away) to reach attractions like Navy Pier, the Field Museum, or Shedd Aquarium without needing a car. Most major River North and downtown sights -- including Millennium Park, Cloud Gate, and the Riverwalk -- are within a 15-20 minute walk.

What guests say

Guests consistently praise the motel's cleanliness, friendly and professional staff, and quiet rooms that allow for restful sleep despite the central urban location. The convenient, walkable location near major Chicago attractions and the availability of free parking are frequently highlighted as standout advantages. The made-to-order breakfast also draws positive mentions for its taste. A minor recurring complaint involves a discrepancy between advertised amenities and reality, specifically one guest noting the room lacked the soaking tub they expected, receiving a standard shower/tub combo instead. Overall, reviewers who arrived skeptical of the "motel" categorization reported being pleasantly surprised by the renovated, Mid-Century modern feel and would return.

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