Just a few weeks ago, my husband and I surprised our daughters with a trip to The Walt Disney World Resort! While planning the trip, we found the best deal on flights was a VERY early departure from Chicago-Midway Airport. I immediately started looking for hotels in the area and a family friend suggested the Carlton Inn Midway.

I will say, if you are not used to driving in the Chicago area, make sure you check the map to the hotel. We just trusted the GPS on the way in and we went through a very tight area and there was some roads closed due to construction. When we left we learned there was another interstate exit from the other direction that would have been much simpler than the way we came in.

I was pleasantly surprised at this little gem. The room very large and had everything you could need. The beds were very comfortable and even passed my daughters jumping test! We did find that the walls were a bit thin, but honestly it wasn’t a major problem. We tried to keep our children as quiet as possible.

I had forgotten to list my children on the reservation, so as I was checking in, one of the women working told me she was going to add more towels to our room. When we arrived in our room, there was a towel elephant to greet us. My daughter thought it was so neat- and mentioned that it was just like Walt Disney World! Little did she know…

Mr. Elephant as my daughter affectionally referred to him!

Parking is VERY limited, but they are very good about helping you find a spot in a pinch. We were able to park in a handicap spot due to no other open spots and they coned off a spot for us once another spot became available. The staff really goes above and beyond to take care of all of their guests. 

Riding the Orange L Train to downtown Chicago!

The motel is located about 6 miles from Chicago-Midway and there was a short walk from our hotel to the Puluski station for the Chicago L Orange line, which is the rapid train system that serves the city. My girls LOVED seeing the sites of the city from the elevated train system. Pointing out that “Shake it up!” was based on Chicago was excited for my daughter as well. 

We walked down around Michigan Avenue and then around to see some Chicago landmarks. My daughters enjoyed walking around and exploring the big city. 

Cloud Gate, more often referred to as The Bean

We were in the city during the St. Patrick’s day festivities and had a special treat! We were able to see the Chicago River all decked out for St. Patrick’s day! To be honest, this wasn’t on my radar since I was focused on Walt Disney World- but I have to say, I’m so happy we were able to see this Chicago tradition! For more information, check out this link.

The Chicago River is dyed green every year for St. Patrick’s day!

For dinner we decided to go to Giordano’s! This was an amazing meal and if you have never had Chicago-style pizza, you have to make sure to try this! You will NOT be disappointed in this gourmet feast.  

Now that’s a pizza pie!

The next morning we were up bright and early! We tried to keep our girls quiet- but they squealed in delight when we told them that we weren’t staying in Chicago for Spring Break, but we were flying out in just a few hours to Orlando for our magical vacation. We quickly got dressed and I took the girls down to have breakfast- they have a selection of donuts, bagels, yogurt and hot breakfast sandwiches provided by White Castle. Of course, my girls went with the pink icing donuts and shared some yogurt- it’s vacation, right? 

The breakfast

Seating area

Vending and ice machines located in the lobby area

After breakfast, we loaded up in the clearly marked van. Just a short ride to Chicago-Midway Airport and we were off to our fantastic spring break vacation! The next time we fly out of Chicago-Midway, we will be using Carlton Inn again!