Howard Johnson in Downtown Chicago - then and now

Howard Johnson's downtown Chicago location historically appealed to budget-conscious travelers with central placement and airport connections. Since the 2000s, Chicago's hospitality market has diversified; some older budget properties have been renovated, reflagged, or closed. Travelers should verify current property status, ownership, and shuttle services before booking.

Howard Johnson's downtown Chicago legacy

Howard Johnson long stood as a recognizable budget option for travelers in Chicago, offering more of a hotel's amenities at a motel-style price. In its heyday the downtown property appealed to layover travelers and budget-conscious visitors who wanted simple rooms close to the Loop and quick access to O'Hare International Airport.

What it offered

Guests historically cited three advantages: value pricing, a central location, and airport connections. The downtown address made it easy to reach theaters, Michigan Avenue shopping, and business districts. Many guests also appreciated shuttle links to O'Hare for early flights or short stays.

How the market has changed

Chicago's hospitality scene has shifted since the 2000s. The city now has a denser mix of boutique hotels, lifestyle brands, extended-stay options, and updated economy chains that emphasize design, mobile check-in, and loyalty-program benefits. That competition narrowed the gap between traditional budget motels and full-service hotels.

At the same time, several older budget-brand properties nationally have been renovated, reflagged, or closed. If you plan to stay in downtown Chicago today, you should compare current maps and brand listings rather than rely on older references about a single property.

A compact, practical approach to travel

One lasting reason travelers remember Howard Johnson downtown is its straightforward promise: a reasonably priced, no-frills place to sleep in the city. That practical value - easy location, simple rooms, and efficient service - still guides many travelers who choose budget hotels in Chicago.

While critics once noted that such properties lack the cultural depth and historic character of Europe's small inns, budget urban hotels continue to focus on convenience and predictable value rather than boutique experiences.

Before you book

Brand names and individual hotels change. Check a current hotel map, the brand's official site, or a major booking platform for the latest information on whether a specific Howard Johnson property operates in downtown Chicago, what amenities it offers today, and whether it runs an airport shuttle.

Note: ownership and the operational status of individual properties have evolved since the 2000s; verify current ownership, brand affiliation, and on-site services before booking.

1. Confirm whether a Howard Johnson property currently operates in downtown Chicago and its exact address.
2. Verify whether that property (if any) offers an airport shuttle to O'Hare.
3. Confirm current brand ownership/affiliation of Howard Johnson (corporate parent) as of 2025.