The Oak Lawn center is approximately 1 mile southwest of Hometown.
As a suburb of Chicago, Oak Lawn's peak tourist season runs from June to September. Summers are hot and humid with average temperatures exceeding 90 degrees. While ideal for outdoor recreation and sightseeing, the summer months bring increased hotel rates throughout the metropolitan area, translating into higher prices, even in Oak Lawn. If you do visit during peak tourist season, you'll be able to experience events such as the Taste of Chicago Festival or the Oakley Festa Pasta Vino, so keep an eye on those events calendars.
Fall is a great time to visit Oak Lawn because you get the best of both worlds. Less crowds and cooler weather result in reduced hotel rates, but daytime temperatures are pleasant enough for exploring. Just be sure to bring a few layers of clothing, as temperatures can drop significantly after sunset. Notable fall events you won't want to miss include the Chicago Fringe Festival, Oktoberfest, Hyde Park Jazz Festival, and the Chicago Marathon.
Winters in the Chicago metropolitan area are long and brutal. From November to March, you'll experience biting winds and temperatures below freezing, which deter most tourists. If you do plan on battling the wintry weather, you'll enjoy some of the best hotel deals of the year and can still seek refuge inside the city's museums and attractions. Wintertime events to look forward to include Christkindlmarket, The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, and Winter WonderFest at Navy Pier.
There are many advantages to beating the tourist rush and booking your trip to the Chicago area in the spring. April and May offer pleasant temperatures and lower hotel rates, although it's a good idea to pack an umbrella and a rain jacket. Between the Chicago Improv Festival, Mayfest, and the many other springtime events happening around Oak Lawn, there's always something to keep you occupied.
If you qualify, you can save even more money during your trip to Oak Lawn by taking advantage of discounts. Most area hotels, including Best Western Inn & Suites – Midway Airport, offer special rates to military families, government employees, corporate travelers, seniors, AARP members, and AAA members. All you have to do is book the appropriate rate and provide the front desk with your proof of eligibility at check-in. In many cases, doing this can save you as much as 20 percent off the hotel's best available rates.
Higher-end hotels such as Hilton Garden Inn Chicago/Midway Airport also offer their own customized travel packages, which can give you extra amenities for your dollar. For instance, a family fun package can come with premium internet access and breakfast for four, while a romance package might include a full restaurant breakfast for two and a sparkling wine upon arrival. Packages vary by property, so be sure to research your options if you're hoping to create a memorable experience.
Oak Lawn and the greater Chicago metro area offers many midrange hotel options that give you plenty of value for the money.
The Sleep Inn Midway Airport is conveniently located 12 miles from Willis Tower in the downtown, and it offers a free shuttle service to the airport just 1 mile away. Enjoy a free continental breakfast, an on-site business center, a jogging track, and a fitness room. The colorful guest rooms feature flat-screen televisions, free Wi-Fi access, work desks, coffeemakers, and available mini-fridges.
Holiday Inn Express Crestwood is located just off I-294 in a suburban shopping area, about 3 miles from the Robbins train station with direct access to downtown. The classic guest rooms boast cable television, in-room movies, free Wi-Fi access, work desks, and available microwaves and mini-fridges. Kids 19 and under also stay free with an adult, making it a great option for families. This property also features a free hot breakfast buffet, an indoor pool, two meeting rooms, guest laundry facilities, free parking, a fitness center, and a business center.
Extended Stay America – Chicago – Midway is a modest, extended-stay property 12 miles from Soldier Field, home of the Chicago Bears. Enjoy free parking, a free continental breakfast, and a coin-operated laundry facility. The low-key guest studios feature everything you need for a cozy stay, including flat-screen televisions with premium cable, free Wi-Fi, and full kitchens.
As a Chicago suburb, Oak Lawn offers a number of kid-friendly attractions worth visiting. The Wolfe State Wildlife Refuge offers beautiful nature trails, a lagoon, and playground equipment, making it the perfect spot for some physical activity.
The Children's Museum in Oak Lawn is arguably the community's biggest claim to fame. The museum's play-based exhibits encourage imagination and learning for children of all ages, even for infants and toddlers.
Hollywood Park in Crestwood is a fantastic, kid-focused entertainment center offering go-karts, a maze, an arcade, and bumper cars, while the Haunted Trails Family Amusement Park in Burbank features ghoulishly themed fun and an 18-hole mini golf course. Fun Time Square in Alsip is another similar attraction, offering bumper boats, paintball, batting cages, and go-karts.
Other great family-friendly attractions include the Lake Katherine Nature Center and Botanic Gardens, Odyssey Fun World, and Brookfield Zoo.
Exploring everything the Chicago metropolitan area has to offer is a tall order, but it's a pleasant challenge everyone should experience at least once in his or her life. Whether you're looking for an upscale accommodation with easy access to the airport or a budget-friendly hotel in a quiet area, you can find the perfect hotel in Oak Lawn that meets your needs and budget.
Below are reviews of the city of Oak Lawn, IL from an actual visitor's perspective.
I really don't know anything about the city. I stayed in the hotel most of the time. I went to see my family.
Everything we needed was close to the hotel (stores, restaurants, etc.).
Nice clean hote; staff was really nice
It's a safe place.
Very nice
Palermo's pizza is yum and close by.