IHotel is an All-inclusive Stop on the UI Campus

Like most college towns, Champaign-Urbana has no shortage of hotels, bars and restaurants, many of which cater to students. The IHotel offers all of the above in a welcoming atmosphere that doesn't just cater to the kids. It offers a getaway that is pleasing to all ages.

The IHotel sits in the center of the University of Illinois campus, a large state college that is a mix of old buildings and modern additions. The hotel complex is a joint effort of the Fox/Atkins Development Group and the University itself. Both groups were looking to bring more than a hotel onto the school grounds. They wanted the whole package, complete with a full-service restaurant and conference center that could be used by the campus as well as the outside community. It has worked out perfectly and the banquet rooms have housed everything from basketball conferences to favorite local events like Ladies' Night. It's also become a popular place for wedding celebrations.

There are 120 rooms and suites at the IHotel, all of which are smoke-free, with a modern decor and amenities like work areas, flat screen tvs and IPod holders. The Hotel has a business center, fitness room and massage services available to all of its guests. There is no shortage of food at this location either. On the premises there is both an ICafe , serving Starbucks coffee drinks and snacks, and a Houlihan's Restaurant where you can get a full course meal before a performance at the Krannert Performing Arts Center.

The IHotel is also perfectly situated for the sports lover and the Fighting Illini have plenty to offer in that department. the hotel is across from the basketball team's Assembly Hall, close by to the football team's Memorial Stadium and down the block from the Atkins Tennis Center, home of the 2013 NCAA Tennis Championships. The hotel and restaurant can fill up quickly on game night before and after events so reservations are suggested. And it's a great place to hang and watch the games on the bar's multiple TVs if you can't get tickets but still want to feel like you are a part of the action.

Houlihan's at the IHotel doesn't have to adhere to a specific menu provided by the chain so you will find a unique menu. They have been experimenting with drink and menu items to attract locals off campus, including daily specials, Sunday brunch, low calorie drinks like the Skinny Raspberry Mojito drinks and small plates that include White Bean & Artichoke Hummus. If you want to make it an all-inclusive weekend, there are great hotel packages with varying amenities. Visit their website or call 217-819-5000 to find out what is currently available.