Located just 24 miles from the south end of downtown Chicago, Oak Forest is known for its amazing parks, beautiful views, and top-of-the-line shopping. The city got its start as a railroad stop on the Pacific Railroad and provided transport service for the local dairy farms. As the area grew and Chicago expanded, Oak Forest turned into a suburban area for those looking for a great community with good schools and family-friendly amenities outside of the hustle and bustle of the city.
Oak Forest, located along the shores of Lake Michigan, is a popular stop for tourists looking to enjoy the water sports and beach activities of the lake and have quick access to the nightlife and artistic and cultural offerings of Chicago. Oak Forest itself has a number of activities for visitors of all ages to enjoy, including museums, art galleries, and numerous parks and nature centers. Whether you are looking for modest accommodations to enjoy your trip or want hotel accommodations that provide for untold luxury, you can find accommodations with the amenities you are looking for in Oak Forest.
When is the best time to visit Oak Forest, IL?
Due to its location in the Midwest, Oak Forest is best enjoyed during the summer months when the city will experience the most sunshine and the warmest temperatures. Unfortunately, since this is the peak tourist time for the area, you can expect accommodations to be more costly and harder to find.
If you are looking for a more reasonable price for accommodations but still looking for a great season to enjoy the amenities of the area, the fall can be a great choice. You will not likely be able to enjoy the beach activities during this time of year, as the water can begin to get cold, but you can still enjoy the amazing views and go on enjoyable boating and cruise tours.
Spring can also bring you great deals, and if you go later in the season, you will likely find many of the tourist attractions open, but be cautious of traveling in early spring, as winter weather can linger into the early spring months. For travelers who are looking to get the best deals and aren't as concerned with the lakeside attractions, travel during the winter can be enjoyable, as well. Both Chicago and Oak Forest go all out for Christmas and offer amazing light displays and ice skating. Just be prepared for some delays in the event a winter storm affects your travel.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Oak Forest, IL:
Oak Forest, IL: Prices by Star Rating Class
Below are 3 charts illustrating avg. nightly cost trends by star rating class in Oak Forest, IL. Browse these charts to evaluate the best months to stay in Oak Forest for your upcoming travels.
Are there luxury hotels near Oak Forest, IL?
4 Star Average Prices: $116.13
Doubletree Hilton by Alsip is the perfect destination for travelers looking for some more upscale accommodations. The hotel is located on 127th Street in Alsip, just a few miles from the Oak Forest city center. The hotel is centrally located and provides for quick travel to many of the popular area neighborhoods, such as West Pullman, Scottsdale, Ashburn, and Oaklawn.
When it comes to amenities, the hotel has everything you might be looking for to enjoy your stay. It has on-site shopping and a lounge to enjoy an evening drink and listen to music. It also offers amenities such as an indoor pool, a 24-hour fitness center, and even on-site banking services.
Fairfield Inn & Suites Chicago Tinley Park is another hotel that provides its guests with a host of amenities. Guests can enjoy free breakfast and Wi-Fi and a 24-hour fitness center to fit in an early morning workout. You can also enjoy free parking services, an indoor pool, and dry cleaning and laundry services. The hotel is located just a short drive from the Amtrak station and the Martinique Banquet Complex.
What budget-friendly hotels are there in the Oak Forest area?
3 Star Average Prices: $140.79
For travelers on a budget, you can still find hotel accommodations with the amenities you are looking for at great rates in the city of Oak Forest. Quality Inn & Suites, located on 159th Street in Orland Park, is close to the city and provides amenities such as free breakfast and Wi-Fi, an arcade and game room, an indoor pool, and a gift shop to pick up last-minute souvenirs. The hotel is located just a few miles from the Hollywood Casino Amphitheater and the Arctic Arena.
Sleep Inn Tinley Park, located on Spring Creek Drive, also provides comfortable accommodations at great rates. The hotel is just a 10-minute drive from Morgan Park and the Rush and Division Street area. Guests are supplied with free breakfast every morning and can enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi to stay connected during their stay. You also can take advantage of the fitness center and 24-hour business area. For those traveling with pets, the hotel welcomes them for a small fee.