Category Archives: About Illinois Beach Hotel

Illinois Beach Hotel to Open on April 5, 2024 

(Zion, IL) – Illinois Beach Hotel will reopen for business on Friday, April 5, 2024. Illinois Beach Hotel, the only Hotel located on Lake Michigan, offers overnight accommodations, on-site dining, event space and a gift shop.  

Holly Cir was named General Manager in January of 2024. She sees great potential for this beachfront destination saying, “In addition to being under new management, our unique property is in the process of ecosystem and habitat restoration.” Abby Farrell, Area Manager of Operations/Illinois and General Manager of Starved Rock Lodge, has assisted with the reopening said, “Our dedication to creating an inviting and enriching experience for the community continues, and we look forward to welcoming guests with open arms and warm hospitality.”

One of the best features of Illinois Beach Hotel is its proximity to the beach and Lake Michigan. The hotel has 92 spacious rooms, many with lakefront views to choose from. Rooms promise a beachy feel, comfortable Serta mattresses and amenity upgrades like new LCD TVs, refrigerators & microwaves, coffee makers and hairdryers. 

Illinois Beach Hotel is located within Illinois Beach State Park, just 50 miles north of Chicago. It represents the last remaining undeveloped Lake Michigan shoreline in the state of Illinois. Illinois Beach Hotel guests have access to the private beach and Lake Michigan. Natalie Phelps Finnie, director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, said Illinois Beach is one of the most unique and scenic sites in Illinois’ collection of state parks. “Illinois Beach is truly one of a kind, with beautiful beaches, lakefront views, rare plant and animal life, diverse recreational opportunities, and a wonderful hotel and restaurant on site,” Finnie said, “I encourage everyone to plan an unforgettable trip to Illinois Beach and Lake County this season.”

Upon reopening, Nolan’s (the on-site restaurant) will be open Wednesday through Sunday from 4-8pm. Breakfast will be available to overnight guests. Outdoor seating will be available seasonally at Nolan’s as well as on the Pavilion (located on the east side of the property overlooking Lake Michigan). Illinois Beach Hotel will also be accepting reservations for outdoor weddings with receptions in the Grand Ballroom as well as for special events such as Quinceaneras, corporate gatherings, Mitzvahs, graduation parties and more. The primary event space can accommodate up to 200 guests. A variety of catering options and bar packages are available.  

“We’ve made waves in the pool,” said Farrell, “The biggest goal we have ahead of us is restoration of the hotel’s indoor pool. We continue to work closely with the State of Illinois to bring this project to completion and look forward to welcoming the community back to the pool complex once complete.”  

To make a room reservation or learn more, go to: IllinoisBeachHotel.com or call 224-259-2600.

PRESS RELEASE DATE: March 25, 2024
Subject: Illinois Beach Hotel to reopen on 04/05/24 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Contact: Holly Cir, General Manager/IL Beach Hotel /Email: [email protected] 

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The Top Things to Do on Lake Michigan for a Perfect Weekend Getaway

With over 1,600 miles of shoreline, Lake Michigan provides the adventurous traveler with a ton of sights to see and things to do. Crossing the lake takes two and a half hours by ferry so you can explore all the areas surrounding the  Great Lake. 

If you’re struggling for things to do on Lake Michigan, then this is the guide for you. Illinois Beach Hotel is based right on the lake and serves as the perfect home base for your activities on the lake

Take a Dip 

One of the most obvious attractions and the best place to start your vacation on Lake Michigan is the lake itself. In the summer months, when the Lake Michigan weather is fine, take the opportunity for a swim in the crystal-clear water or relax at a secluded spot on Mackinac Island.

Once winter begins and the weather turns, the lake takes on a completely different and magical character. Huge portions of the lake freeze and swimming is no longer advisable.

Grab Some Fine Craft Beer

American craft beer has seen a worldwide boom in recent years and Illinois is at its very core.

You can quite often visit local breweries to see how their delicious beer is made and bring home some mementos. These are the breweries that are at the forefront of the beer revolution that has been slowly growing in America for some time. Don’t miss out on trying some.

Visit the Harley Davidson Museum 

If you’re a lover of the iconic American motorbike company then a trip to this museum in Milwaukee will be well worth a visit for you.

The museum showcases (nearly) every Harley Davison model made in the company’s history. As you wander around the museum, see if you can spot amazing one-off customized models like the King Kong tandem Harley.

Take a Trip to Chicago 

The most famous city that lies on Lake Michigan’s coast is Chicago. Known the world over for its fascinating history, vibrant cultural scene, and breathtaking skyline. 

Spend a day or two exploring the Windy City and everything it has to offer. Walk The Loop and see central Chicago in all its glitzy hustle and bustle. Explore the history of the city and learn all about Al Capone, and walk the streets that gave us President Obama. 

Seek Out The Blues

The Blues are huge in Chicago and Illinois. There is a reason, after all, that there is a subgenre known as ‘Chicago Blues’. The Blues was brought north by African American musicians as they moved north from the Mississippi Delta.

Muddy Waters and ‘Howlin Wolf’ both made their homes in Chicago and went on to inspire a generation of musicians.

Want More Things to Do on Lake Michigan?

This list of things to do on Lake Michigan is by no means exhaustive, just some of our recommended highlights. The best way to come and explore this wonderful Great Lake is to come and see the place for yourself. 

Luckily, we’ve got you covered for somewhere to stay. Illinois Beach Hotel is the very best place to stay on your vacation on Lake Michigan. Book today to come and see the sights.

5 Key Qualities and Amenities of the Best Hotels on Lake Michigan

There are nearly 100,000 hotels in the United States. With such a dizzying number, it can be hard to know what to look for when trying to pick out quality hotels. 

If you’re looking to take a vacation in the Great Lakes, then you should consider us here at Illinois Beach Hotel as one of the best hotels on Lake Michigan.

Here are five signs of a quality hotel that you should look out for, and that we can provide.

1. A Stress-Free Booking Process

When you book a hotel, it should be an easy process. No jargon, no confusing rates, just clear information, and a straightforward process. 

Quality hotels will allow you to make a reservation directly on their website or over the phone. You shouldn’t have to rely on a third-party agent to get you booked in. 

2. Excellent First Impressions

At the end of a long journey to your hotel, you need to be blown away by your surroundings and greeted in a warm and efficient manner. We strive to offer this to all of our guests. 

When you arrive at Illinois Beach Hotel, you’ll be welcomed and checked in swiftly so that you can get on with enjoying your vacation on Lake Michigan. 

3. Fantastic Food and Drink 

A sure sign of hotel quality is the food and drink available. One of our top tips for choosing a hotel is to take a look at the dining options available. 

Illinois Beach Hotel is the home of Nolan’s restaurant. We serve locally sourced comfort food in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. We have plenty of outdoor seating options so you can take in the stunning views over Lake Michigan while you eat. 

4. Friendly and Experienced Staff

You come to a hotel to be well-looked after so that you can feel like you are in a home away from home. The cornerstone of this treatment comes with having knowledgeable, friendly, and experienced staff members that are always on hand to help with any query or issue you could have. 

5. Clean and Well-Stocked Rooms

Your room should be your castle for the duration of your stay. You wouldn’t live in a dirty house, so you should expect nothing but the best from your hotel as well. We firmly believe in this. 

Your room should also come with all the best hotel amenities. Our rooms come with comfy beds, soft linens, a coffee maker, LCD TVs, free wi-fi, irons, and an ironing board. Your every need is catered for with us. 

One of the Best Hotels on Lake Michigan is Waiting for You

As you can see, a lot goes into running a quality hotel. When you’re away from home, you should feel valued, comfortable, and relaxed at all times. 

We pride ourselves on providing the best service and care available for all of our guests. Our friendly staff are more than ready to welcome you to one of the very best hotels on Lake Michigan. 

Book now for the vacation of a lifetime.

Key Tips for Choosing Hotels on Lake Michigan

Illinois can see close to 100 million tourists in a single year. That’s a lot of people coming to our state to see the sights. A lot of these tourists will have no idea where to stay or how to make a hotel choice for their Lake Michigan trip. 

If you’re one of those people, then there is no need to worry. Choosing from the array of hotels on Lake Michigan is easy. Just follow the steps in this guide and you’ll arrive at the hotel of your choosing with no problems at all. 

It’s also highly likely that you’ll end up opting for us here at Illinois Beach Hotel, and we can’t wait to welcome you to the area. 

Location

Location is probably the most important factor when it comes to your hotel choice. When you’re looking for things to do on Lake Michigan, you want a suitably situated home base to take off from.

It’s good if your hotel is cheap and has great amenities, but none of that will be worth it if the location isn’t up to snuff. Here at Illinois Beach Hotel, we’re extremely proud of our amazing location. 

You can take dinner outside at our restaurant and enjoy a meal with a breathtaking view of Lake Michigan. 

Check the Amenities 

The next thing to look out for when choosing hotels on Lake Michigan is the amenities. You want to make sure that you’re staying somewhere that has your needs covered. 

Our rooms provide excellent amenities, with comfortable beds, irons, ironing boards, LCD TVs, a coffee machine, and free wi-fi. Our suites come with extra amenities, including microwaves, refrigerators, and jacuzzis. 

Do Your Research 

Reviews exist for a reason, they’re there to give you a sense of the hotel and find out whether or not it is a good fit for you. Take them into account but don’t solely rely on them when assessing your options. 

Check out the website for the hotel you’re thinking of staying at, get a feel for the place, and make a fully informed decision on whether or not it’s the right hotel for you. 

Assess the Clientele 

Every hotel caters to a certain type of customer. Use reviews, images, and the hotel’s website to get a feel for the type of people that stay at that hotel. If they seem to be like you and your family, then there’s a good chance you’ll love that hotel. 

Take us here at Illinois Beach Hotel, for example. We cater to a wide range of people all year round, but we’re one of the best Lake Michigan hotels for families. 

One of the Best Hotels on Lake Michigan Is Waiting for You 

Finding hotels on Lake Michigan doesn’t have to be a tiresome exercise. As shown in the list above, you can follow a few easy steps to arrive at the perfect hotel for you. 

We believe that Illinois Beach Hotel will be the perfect hotel for your Lake Michigan trip. We pride ourselves on providing a comfortable, affordable, and memorable stay among one of America’s finest locations. 

Check out our rooms today to see how magical your next vacation could be.