Explore the history, adventure and kitsch of America's famous 'Mother Road', Best Western-style. Journey along the 2,400-mile Route 66 and take part in the monthly Scavenger Hunt to win great prizes!
AARP members and guests 55 and older save up to 20% on room rates at Best Western hotels in the U.S. and Canada, and many Best Western hotels worldwide.
Welcome to the BEST WESTERN PLUS Hawthorne Terrace Hotel, an intimate and charming hotel nestled in the bustling Lakeview neighborhood of Chicago. We are just steps from the vibrant nightlife, theatre, sidewalk cafés, upscale dining, lakefront biking and jogging. All of this and within minutes from celebrated Michigan Avenue by the use of scenic Lake Shore Drive. Combining the personal attention of a small hotel with the confidence you'll feel staying with a name you trust, each of the 83 tastefully-appointed rooms and junior suites include a complimentary continental breakfast and newspaper. The hotel offers full business facilities with two-line phones in every room, a fitness center with sauna and whirlpool. Within walking distance of Wrigley Field, Home of The Chicago Cubs, you can also enjoy lakefront jogging, golf and tennis. A meticulous renovation and an accommodating staff make the BEST WESTERN PLUS Hawthorne Terrace Hotel a popular choice for seeing all the best Chicago has to offer.
Our prime location steps from Chicago's lakefront, you will enjoy unmatched access to the most exciting part of town. You can be in The Loop or on Michigan Avenue in just minutes. You can explore all the local sights and sounds right here in the neighborhood. Electrifying nightlife and restaurants abound, from ethnic cuisine to sidewalk bistros to fine dining. We're also in the heart of Chicago's renowned off-Broadway theatre district.
For sports fans, golf, tennis and jogging are nearby. We're the closest hotel to historic Wrigley Field, the home of the Chicago Cub's and the oldest, most charming ballpark in the country. Since the BEST WESTERN PLUS Hawthorne Terrace Hotel puts you in the center of everything, it's the only hotel to choose in Chicago. Also the most convenient for easy travel to O'Hare Airport, Midway Airport and downtown by train, bus or taxi.
The 18th annual season opener aims to cure cabin fever with beer, food and live music under a giant tent.
Nearly 1,200 runners participated in the 2011 marathon on the scenic course route along the Rock River. In Rockford.
The 28th annual Belmont-Sheffield Music Festival will kick off Chicago's outdoor street fest season over Memorial Day Weekend.
At the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago.
One of the city's largest and most acclaimed fine arts happenings, it's held in the heart of Chicago's historic Old Town neighborhood.
Great music and more than 80 juried artists, in the heart of the Lincoln Park/DePaul neighborhood, of Chicago.
Finger lickin' slabs from some of the best local and national ribbers will be in the spotlight at this popular summer food/street fest. In Chicago.
Chicago area air travel in the 1920s began with a single runway made from cinder. Chicago Midway International Airport began as Chicago Air Park on 320 acres of land, approximately eight miles from downtown Chicago. In 1927, the mayor of Chicago, William H. Thompson, dedicated the airport as Chicago Municipal Airport. By 1931, it became the "World's Busiest" airport having serviced more than 100,000 passengers. It remained busy until Chicago O'Hare International Airport claimed the title in 1961.
In 1949, Midway was renamed Chicago Midway Airport in honor of the Battle of Midway during World War II. The airport remains the second largest commercial passenger airport in Illinois, behind O'Hare. Passengers looking for commercial travel to Denver, Atlanta, Minneapolis, Orlando, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Kansas City, St. Louis, Detroit and Los Angeles, can do so with Southwest Airlines, Delta Air Lines and Frontier Airlines. International travel is provided by Volaris Airlines and Porter Airlines. After a long flight, kick up your feet in a comfortable Best Western guest room and enjoy a peaceful night's rest.
Chicago area travelers looking for convenient air travel options and services are in luck. Chicago O'Hare International Airport, located northwest of downtown Chicago, is one of the top ten busiest airports in the world. During World War II, the airport was a manufacturing plant for Douglas C-54s. After the war, the C-54 manufacturing plant became a Air Force Reserve and United States Air Force Air National Guard facility. From the early 1930s until the early 1950s, Chicago Midway International Airport was the main airport for Chicago area residents and visitors. Once Midway International became too crowded, O'Hare was developed as the main airport for the Windy City.
Passengers looking for commercial flights have a choice of more than 35 airlines from the airport's 182 gates, spread out in four terminals. American Airlines and United Airlines have hubs at O'Hare, with 45% of the airport passengers using United Airlines. The airport also offers flights to over sixty international destinations from Terminal Five, the international terminal. The airport is consistently voted the "Best Airport in North America" by Business Traveler Magazine and Global Traveler Magazine. Whether arriving to or departing from Chicago, stay close to the airport in a comfortable Best Western guest room and enjoy a wonderful night's rest.
The Chicago Theatre, built in 1921, was originally named the Balaban and Katz Chicago Theatre. The marquee outside of this flagship theatre, represents the unofficial symbol for the city of Chicago. In 1983, this Chicago Landmark was added to the National Register of Historic Places. The theatre was one of the first in the country to be built in the Neo-Baroque French-Revival style and remains the oldest of its kind in Chicago.
Throughout the years, the theatre has hosted premiere films, plays, concerts, speeches and magic shows. Step inside this beautiful seven-story building, to see the five-story grand lobby decorated in a French Baroque style, the grand staircase and crystal chandeliers. Enjoy standing on the stage during the Marquee Tour and learn of its rich history. Choose one of the area Best Western hotels for a wonderful night's rest and enjoy your time in the Windy City.
The Lincoln Park Zoo is located near the shores of Lake Michigan in a lush natural park, minutes from downtown Chicago. Founded in 1868, the zoo is one of the oldest zoos in America. Spend a wonderful day exploring over 1,200 animals including polar bears, gorillas, monkeys, penguins, reptiles, sea lions, tigers and lions. The Carousel and Children's Train Ride are also fun rides for little ones.
Stop by the Wild Things! Gift Shop to shop for toys, books, clothing, jewelry and hand-made items. Open daily and free-of-charge, a visit to the zoo is fun for all Chicago visitors. You'll find comfortable accommodations with Best Western hotels throughout the Chicago area.
The Art Institute of Chicago first opened in 1879 on the corner of State and Monroe Streets, with a simple mission of exhibiting a variety of art and educating students. The museum was built in its current location in 1893 from the rubble of the 1871 Chicago fire. The museum houses fifteen collections, including Textiles, Photography, Contemporary, Modern and European Decorative Arts. The Touch Gallery encourages visitors to feel the art to enrich their experience and appreciation of art.
Spend a few days exploring the many attractions, shopping, dining and recreation in Chicago. Best Western hotels offer comfortable accommodations and excellent guest services at several locations throughout Chicago. Make the most of your time in this exciting city.
Willis Tower, formerly known as the Sears Tower, stands at an impressive 1,451 feet high. From 1973 to 1998, it was the tallest building in the world. At 108 stories high, it remains the tallest building in America. The building, located on the Chicago Loop, was the headquarters for Sears, Roebuck and Co. from 1973 until 1992. While in the Chicago area, be sure to visit this iconic landmark.
Enjoy a quick 60-second ride to the 103rd floor, for an incredible view of the city from the 1,353-foot-high Skydeck. Each year, more than one million tourists visit the Skydeck. The glass bottom skyboxes allow visitors to look through the floor to the city below. Recharge for another fun day in the Windy City, in the comfortable accommodations of Best Western hotels.
Wrigley Field has been the home field for the Major League Baseball Chicago Cubs baseball team, since 1916. The field was built in 1914 and is the second-oldest ballpark in America. Over 41,000 fans pack the stadium to watch the Chicago Cubs play their opponents. The field was originally named Weeghman Park for the Chicago Whales. This was before being renamed Wrigley Field for the chewing gum magnate William Wrigley, Jr., the owner of the team.
While in the Chicago area, visit the ballpark for a guided tour to learn more about its rich history and beginnings. The ballpark, nicknamed, "The Friendly Confines", also offers educational tours for kids. Baseball fans can partake in a behind-the-scenes guided tour of the stadium to better understand its 97 year history. Be sure to bring your camera to capture the beautiful ivy-colored outfield walls. Stay close to the action at the ballpark in a comfortable Best Western guest room for to enjoy a wonderful night's rest.