Feb 2012 - Sheraton Elk Grove Review

Hotel Stay Details
Hotel:  Sheraton Suites Elk Grove Village
Dates:  February 17-20, 2012
Rate Paid:  1,600 SPG points + $30/night
Regular Rate:  $133/night (including taxes)
Total $ Savings: $309
Point Redemption Value:  6.4 cents/pt

My father is an avid travel loyalty program enthusiast (aka, a travel nerd).  By that, I mean he's loyal to certain brands whenever he travels - United Airlines and Starwood Hotels primarily.  He tries explaining his obsession to my mother and me, but it's really exhausting to listen to so we just placate him and go along with it.

So after arriving at Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD), we got a rental car and drove about 20 minutes to Sheraton Elk Grove Village.  Here's my baby review:

Location
We were visiting our friends who lived in the northwest suburbs Arlington Heights, IL so this hotel was only about 10 minutes away.  We could have stayed with them, but I didn't want to share a kid's bedroom with their 2 year old son so I insisted that my parents get us a proper hotel nearby, preferably one with a pool.  As you can see below, the hotel (A) was very convenient to our friends' condo (B).  Great job, Dad!

It's a bit far from actual Chicago (C) but since this trip was for visiting friends, I didn't really care if I saw the Giant Bean or Wrigley Field this time - especially in the dead of winter.  I know we'll be back at least a few times a year when the summer weather lets we break out the cute new sundresses my grandmother got me.

But given its location, you definitely need access to a car though since it's not near any public transportation.  

Room
At first, when my father told me we had reserved a suite, it conjured images of massive luxury accommodations like you see in the movies like Las Vegas Caesar's Palace suite in The Hangover.  But as I discovered to my disappointment, a suite just means "1 bedroom apartment" instead of "studio apartment" so basically a suite is a set of extra doors.  Big whoop.  Also, all the rooms are suites, so not such a big baller, are we, Dad?

But still, it was enough space for the 3 of us.  Since I'm such a nice baby, I gave my parents the king sized bed and settled for the couch.  My mother, however, called in advance and had a crib (aka Baby Jail) reserved for me since I have a tendency to roll off when you least expect it.  Apparently, most decent hotels will have cribs available upon request.  Good to know they're thinking of us.

The living room area had a couch, a flat screen TV and a desk for my father to do some work while mom was putting on my latest "meet new people" outfit.  Finally, we cleared out the mini fridge and stocked it with my favorite drinks and bottles.  I prefer my formula chilled.  After about 30 minutes in the room, we were ready to roll.

Amenities

The hotel has a lounge with internet access (2 stations) and a restaurant downstairs, but best of all, there was a decent sized indoor swimming pool and hot tub as well as an outdoor pool (closed for the winter).

Now being a Manhattan baby, I don't get to frequent swimming pools as much as the suburb babies do.  So whenever I get a chance, I pull out my floaties and get my swim on.  (And yes, realize that whenever you see kids in a pool, just assume there's a little pee in it.  The chlorine's there for a reason.)

Finally, parking is readily available and best of all, it's free.  Since I can't walk yet, I let my parents carry me around in the car seat, but I imagine getting a nearby parking spot close to the main entrance is a blessing because my father's not as strong as he used to be.  Luckily we were there over the weekend so it wasn't crowded.  Probably because the hotel is located in a large office park and used mainly for weekday business travelers, not jetsetter babies with families.

Elite Benefits

They didn't offer my dad an upgraded room for being a SPG Gold Status member, but we did get free in room wifi internet (usually $10/day) for the full stay, so saved $30.  Otherwise, we could have also used the free Link@Sheraton computer stations in the lobby.

We did get a late check out offered to us at 4PM (instead of 12PM).  That gave me enough time for a final day swim and a proper lunch before the late afternoon flight back.

Rate
The best part is that we only spent $90 cash total for 3 nights because we got the room using Starwood's Cash & Points.  It's a Category 2 hotel so it's only $30 + 1,600 SPG points per night.

But for some reason, you have to reserve the room for 2 adults only (no children).  If you try to add 1 child on the online reservation, then the website won't let you book the Cash & Points rate.  Of course, when you arrive with a baby, they won't turn you away.

Overall
It's not a dream honeymoon vacation hotel, but for an affordable weekend in a clean room that's suited for a family, I give Sheraton Suites Elk Grove Village two baby thumbs up.