What we now know as Bedford Park was originally acres of flat prairie land. In 1906, the Corn Products Refining Company started to build a wet milling plant on the land. By 1919, homes were established for the factory's foremen, all of which were financed by the CPR company. The community established a sense of local government in 1924 and elected its first president. Corn Products provided a well system and volunteers served as the police and fire service. In fact, the fire department used a two-wheel horse cart until 1951.
The Village of Bedford Park was officially incorporated in 1940, and most of the residents continued to work at Corn Products through the 1960s. Other major companies moved to the area and provided jobs over the years, including CSX, Fed Ex, 3M, Cracker Jack, Continental Can, and Viskase. Today, the village's water department is the third largest user of Lake Michigan water in this part of the state. Even the fire department has grown from its early horse-and-carriage days to a 64-member staff featuring top-rated paramedics and HAZMAT professionals. Residents and visitors also have easy access to Chicago via car and public transportation.
Whatever your reason for visiting Bedford Park, it's important to find the right hotel that allows you to experience everything this lively village has to offer.
When should you visit Bedford Park, IL?
The best time to visit Bedford Park is in the shoulder seasons from April through May and again in September and October. Temperatures are pleasantly warm during these seasons, but hotel rates and crowds are more manageable than they are during the summer. Thanks to Bedford Park's proximity to Chicago, you can take advantage of key events occurring throughout the year, including the Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo, Mayfest Chicago, Chicago Fringe Festival, Oktoberfest Chicago, and the Chicago International Film Festival.
If you don't mind crowds, summer is prime time to visit the Chicago area. Keep in mind, however, that Bedford Park experiences increased hotel rates during Chicago's peak season, so be prepared to pay a little extra for your summertime getaway. Temperatures in Bedford Park fluctuate significantly, meaning that you'll have strong breezes from Lake Michigan one day and a heat wave the next. Important events scheduled for summer include Taste of Chicago, Square Roots Festival, the Chicago Air and Water Show, and Lollapalooza.
Winters in Bedford Park are bitterly cold, with wind chills sending temperatures tumbling into the negatives. The upside is that most hotels are empty, allowing you to have your pick of accommodations and flights. As long as a winter storm doesn't cancel your travel plans, a wintertime getaway in the Chicago area means taking refuge in the city's museums, cafes, and other iconic indoor attractions. You can also check out the McDonald's Thanksgiving Parade, Christkindlmarket Chicago, Fifth Third Bank Winter WonderFest, and the Chicago Auto Show.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Bedford Park, IL:
Averate Rates by Star Rating
Below are 3 charts displaying average price trends by star rating class in Bedford Park, IL. Analyze these illustrations to calculate the best time to book a room in Bedford Park throughout the year.
Which luxury hotels are in Bedford Park?
4 Star Average Prices: $149.48
If you prefer more upscale accommodations near Bedford Park, you're in luck.
Holiday Inn Chicago Midway Airport boasts an on-site bar, a stylish lounge, fitness facilities, an indoor pool, a patio, and a delicious cooked-to-order breakfast available for an extra surcharge. Guest rooms are well-appointed with separate hanging closets, irons and ironing boards, bathroom amenities, hair dryers, mini refrigerators, microwaves, coffee makers, flat-screen TVs with premium channels, iPod docking stations, operable windows, and well-lit work spaces. Suites add additional space to accommodate the entire family.
Another upscale option is Hyatt Place Chicago Midway Airport, which is located just two blocks from Midway International Airport. The hotel boasts 24-hour complimentary airport shuttle service, free parking, a coffee-to-cocktails bar with specialty beverages, 2,000 square feet of meeting space, a state-of-the-art fitness center, an outdoor fire pit, an indoor pool, and complimentary breakfast. Guest rooms include 47-inch high-definition TVs, sofas, plush Hyatt Grand Beds, remote printing, free Wi-Fi internet access, and blackout curtains with double-paned windows.
Chicago Marriott Midway is another airport hotel offering all the bells and whistles. Guests enjoy a 24-hour fitness center, an indoor pool, relaxing poolside lounge chairs, a stylish lounge with ample seating and a fireplace, event spaces, and an optional cooked-to-order breakfast. This inviting hotel provides free shuttle service to the Midway terminal and Orange line, making it easy to get around Chicago without a vehicle. Rooms feature contemporary decor with oversized work desks, flat-panel TVs, Wi-Fi access, and luxurious bedding.
Are there affordable hotels in Bedford Park, IL?
3 Star Average Prices: $145.75
Finding an affordable hotel in Bedford Park is easy if you're willing to stay flexible and consider nearby neighborhoods to expand your options.
Super 8 by Wyndham Bridgeview/Chicago Area is a suburban hotel near Toyota Park that offers straightforward amenities and comfortable guest rooms just off Interstate 294. Enjoy free Wi-Fi internet access, a complimentary breakfast, a 24-hour front desk, ample parking, early check-in, and a late check-out. Guest rooms are simple but well decorated with modern decor, black-and-white photography, flat-panel TVs, coffee makers, and work desks.
Located off the I-294 Beltway, Motel 6 Bridgeview IL provides easy access to the Chicago Loop and nearby attractions, including the Stony Creek Golf Course and Brookfield Zoo. Amenities include free morning coffee in the lobby, free local calls, laundry facilities, a 24-hour front desk, and free Wi-Fi. Guest rooms are small but welcoming with wood-effect flooring, cable TV, and comfortable bedding.
If you don't mind staying a little farther from Bedford Park, consider booking a room at Econo Lodge in Willowbrook. This budget-friendly property offers a seasonal outdoor pool, a free continental breakfast, late check-outs, and a fax machine. Guest rooms include hair dryers, coffee makers, ironing facilities, and flat-screen TVs.