Exel Inn Hotel Review

I was with my college roommate in the suburbs just north of Chicago. We had gone to Wrigley Field that day to see the Cubs defeat the Arizona Diamondbacks. But now we had the trick task of finding a hotel to accommodate a tight budget. So I opened the hotel book and started calling hotels. We ended up staying at the Exel Inn in Prospect Heights, Illinois.

The room had a television with cable, a bathroom with a shower and hot water, two full size beds with Serta mattresses. If you have never slept on a Serta before you really haven't slept. I can also say that from personal experience, two average sized people can fit comfortably in the bed. But if possible, it is recommended to go 1 bed per person since they are only a full size. The air conditioning worked on a hot August night. The room was clean. Not bad for $55 plus tax on a Sunday night.

At some of the Exel's, guests can upgrade to the suite, which has a queen bed, a fold out sofa bed, and a hot tub. I was not fortunate enough to stay in this room. But when I was there in 2004, the going rate was $89 a night which is still a bargain.

The front desk operator was very professional in handling the transaction and I had no issues with the housekeeping, the security, or the other guests. If someone is looking for a comfortable room and trying to cost cut, I would recommend staying at the Exel Inn if there is one in the area. Their primary locations are in Illinois and Wisconsin. I cannot speak for all of them, but I have also stayed at the Exel Inn in Elk Grove next to O'Hare International and I also stayed at the Exel Inn located in Elk Grove Village next to a Wal-Mart.

Exel Inn's continental breakfast includes bagels, muffins, and juice. What can you complain about? If you wanted the gourmet breakfast, you would have stayed in the city for more than $100 a night. Then if you drove, you would have to pay $30 a day for parking. Exel Inn has an adequate parking lot area. There was never an issue finding a parking space.

I would have to say that the three hotels I stayed at were all pretty similar in every way. But I seemed to like the Elk Grove Village one the best based on its location. It was close to Medinah Country Club and close to Wal-Mart. Elk Grove Village is a nice area and it is only two miles from the airport.

I've stayed at Exel a total of four times now and look forward to staying there the next time I am in Wisconsin or Illinois.