<p>Just wondering how convenient to campus. Hotel Orrington seemed very nice - but much more expensive - so just wondering what others thought about the Best Western. Thanks!</p>
<p>My mom and I stayed there one night last spring, and as I remember, it is your average hotel. Nothing horrible and disgusting, but nothing lavish and beautiful. And you’re right, the Orrington is definitely a luxurious, high-priced hotel! Either way, you should head over to Le Peep on Church Street for breakfast the next day. It’s a great way to walk the streets of Evanston, see its offerings, and get a good meal before touring NU!</p>
<p>During our college visits in Chicago we stayed downtown and took the EL to campus. It was very easy, we had lots of hotel choices, and we were in the middle of Chicago after the School visits as these never went late for us. We will do the same again in March, found a hotel for $100 per night</p>
<p>I have stayed there many times (my preferred choice). Average hotel, but very convenient pricing and great place to park your car. I simply walk from the hotel to campus. It’s also near the El train and restaurants in downtown Evanston.</p>
<p>I think we might’ve stayed there for Northwestern Model UN last year. It was pretty well placed, unless you’re walking around in high heels - then the walks seemed pretty long, but they really weren’t that bad. We walked all over the place and didn’t find anything much of an inconvenience. And, obviously, it was relatively close to campus. The rooms were comfortable, nothing outstanding but clean and easy to stay in.</p>
<p>D and I stayed there in November, and I would not choose to stay there again. It was very convenient and close to campus; however, it was old, run-down, musty/mildew smelling, and not real clean. I got something very quickly, so I didn’t really look around. If we go back, I will see what all is available and be more selective.</p>
<p>^^^ I have never had any negative experiences with the place. Granted, it’s no 4-star hotel and doesn’t claim to be. If the OP wants to save money, it’s hard to beat. I also recommend the Hilton Garden Inn. Otherwise, the other area-hotels are expensive.</p>
<p>Keep this in mind: I’m a tightwad New Englander (as is my husband) and not a business traveler, and I’m not used to fancy hotels, and I can’t see spending the extra for the Orrington, myself. We’ve stayed at the Best Western three times now (child is sophomore at NU, off campus this year and South campus last year; if he were on the North Campus, it might be different story). It was just fine for us–clean, convenient, wireless available, and, if you have a room high up overlooking the lake and to Chicago, the view is breathtaking. We have always eaten breakfast either at Whole Foods, Le Peep, or–our favorite, but more expensive–Dixie Kitchen. We’ve never eaten at Best Western and don’t plan to.</p>
<p>The Best Western is a 10 or so minute walk from the clock tower at the edge of campus. Not bad. And it’s very close to the train stops to Chicago.</p>
<p>Thanks for the all the feedback. Didn’t know about the Whole Foods nearby - I love eating at Whole Foods while away traveling! I am going to stay at the Best Western. We will be there two nights while my son auditions and frankly I’d rather save the $45 a night difference staying there rather than Orrington or Hilton (especially since I may be needing every extra penny to pay tuition!). Thanks for all the comments.</p>
<p>JSmom, good luck to your son. As you probably know, the music buildings are on the south side. My son is a voice major and pretty much hangs out in the lower half of the campus. Of course, that covers a pretty big area!</p>
<p>If you love insanely beautiful sunrises–check the weather forecast, but even cloudy days are gorgeous to me–head over to the Lakefill before sunrise with your camera. Just be sure to wear arctic-level clothing, since I’m figuring you are going to be there in Jan/Feb. It is pretty windy out there. I was agog to see people jogging and bicycling on the Lakefill in February. So far, I’ve always made it to the Lakefill for sunrise photography at least one day during our 3 visits, but I have yet to convince S to get up for the sunrise. Or stay up all night! It really is breathtaking. LOTS of birds in the warmer months.</p>
<p>The Whole Foods is the biggest one I’ve seen. There’s space for may 50 or more to eat at the front of the store, and their ready-to-eat food is pretty impressive. Also a bit cheaper than our Whole Foods (metro NYC).</p>
<p>Oh, and Dixie Kitchen and Le Peep are right next door to each other on Church Street. Very close to campus. Just google for menus/directions. Dixie Kitchen has the best grits on earth, I think. (Besides mine.) Also on Church St. is the Flat-Top Grill, which is make-your-own stirfry–a fun place and not too $$. Evanston has LOTS of fun/delicious/reasonable eateries, but that can eat (haha) into a student’s budget very quickly, as my S found out. Now he’s learning to cook…</p>
<p>I would agree with not spending much money on a hotel. When we visit my D we are rarely in the room anyway. We have stayed at the Best Western many times to be economical and it is very average. Not the cleanest place and the front desk is generally not very helpful. When I stay I ask to stay on a side that does not hear the El because I have been woken up very early when the train starts running. Sometimes the entire room feels like it is shaking! There is one side of the building that is quieter but I can’t remember which one. I would also call the Hilton. It is convenient to South Campus and sometimes has rates comparable to the Best Western. If I can get one or one that is close, I MUCH prefer to stay there. When there are things going on on campus (Orientation, Parents Weekend), the rates at the Hilton go up. However, if you are going just to visit, you may be able to get a lower rate.</p>