5 Reasons to Not Leave the Grounds of the Marriott Lincolnshire Resort – A visit to the newly renovated resort and Three Embers restaurant in Northern Illinois.
Going to a resort sometimes means just dropping your bags in your room and going off into the area in which you are visiting. That is not the case at the newly remodeled Marriott Lincolnshire Resort. Here are 5 reasons why you won’t want to leave.
Located near the Wisconsin/Illinois border and about 45 minutes north of the city of Chicago, this property just received a $25 million major renovation. The first thing you will notice is that this resort is not located on the edge of a busy street but rather in an exclusive enclave. As you enter on Marriott Drive, you are immediately surrounded by lush greenery and landscape. The further on to the grounds you are, you will start to see the golf course, hiking trails and theater. Then you find yourself at the entrance to the hotel itself.
Easy parking for this city girl is a major perk especially in winter when I am driving a Toyota Highlander to get me through those snow covered streets. When walking into the lobby, the open and airy yet warm and inviting design is felt. As much as I love spaciousness, it was the blazing fire in the magnificent fireplace located in the lobby that caught my eye. So cozy.
As I prepared to check into my room, I saw business travelers working at tables in front of the fireplace, friends, colleagues and families gathered around comfortable seating areas laughing and having fun and guests relaxing in front of the fire. Relaxation has begun.
With 390 rooms and suites, there is a space for everyone. It is clear that thought went into the décor and furniture placement to allow for comfortable conversations and the opportunity to gaze out on to the landscape that while snow covered, is still beautiful.
Marriott is known for their comfortable beds and this was no exception.
If you are looking for a place to host an event, there is a permanent tent just off the lobby area that faces the pool and grounds that is the ideal spot. Be forewarned though as it books up very quickly.
It’s all about the food
A major part of the resort’s renovation was in the dining area. And that is a very good thing! Three Embers is the property’s upscale restaurant with a mission and Chef team to match. With the message of locally sourced, made from scratch and cooked on a wood fired grill, they have achieved a trifecta of delicious dishes. This is not just in flavor but in presentation as well. This restaurant is far more than a hotel restaurant. This is a dining experience that belongs to guests and locals alike.
Thanks to Executive Chef Pierre Duval, Chef Yo Chang and Pastry Chef Jessica Gnaster, our dinner was an experience in true local flavors coming from the two acre farm located on the property.
With honey from their 24 honey bee hives to the 150 pepper plants to the tomato plants, freshness is the name of the game. The honey finds its way into many of their offerings:
Honey Badger beer
Honey from the gift shop
Honey Popcorn (addictive and beyond anything you have ever had!)
Charred Cauliflower Bisque with Honey badger beer and creme fraiche (note: original recipe comes with maple glazed pork belly)
Pan Seared Scallops with beet puree, toasted quinoa, citrus butter and roasted broccoli
Burnt Honey Panna Cotta with honey poached pear, hazelnut brittle and sugar coated cranberries
As you dine in this restaurant, you feel like you are one with the environment. Floor to almost ceiling windows that face the pool and greenery bring nature in. Mile high ceilings amplify that sensation.
This is the restaurant to have a lovely dinner for two or ten or Tuesday night dinner or celebratory meal. Chef Pierre will make sure you are well taken care of. That includes a wine or beer pairing for each dish on the menu.
If you are looking for a casual bite or some cocktails with friends, stop by Wright’s Brew and Bistro. Same ceilings. Different ambience. Casual. Comfortable. Delicious. Craft beers and bistro fare complete the night.
As an added benefit for coffee lovers like me, Starbucks has built a full café inside the hotel with all the amenities we expect from this coffee shop.
Fitness comes in many forms
A vacation means different things to different people. Some like to purely relax and others like to include exercise as a part of their getaway. That’s why this resort is the perfect fit for everyone. There is a fitness solution for each guest’s goal.
- In the midst of the beautiful landscape are 37 miles of hiking and biking paths that extend into Wisconsin for you to wander and explore. Breathe in nature and the fresh air.
- If traditional exercise rooms get your heart rate up, then stop by and jump on a treadmill for some cardiovascular activities.
- Or grab some friends and family and play some tennis or volleyball.
- Weather permitting, you have 2 (yes, two!) pools to choose from. Swim, lounge, grab a bite to eat and enjoy.
Golfer’s paradise
If golf is your passion, Crane’s Landing at the Marriott Lincolnshire is for you. This George Fazio designed golf course is located on 110 acres of Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Woodlands. Views of the Des Plaines River can be seen from this 18 hole, Par 70 course. For the golfer whether casual or serious, Crane’s Landing challenges you to play your best. Full amenities are available to you including electric carts, practice facility, rental clubs, bar and grill and golf shop. If your children are interested in the game, there is a program just for them.
The Spa Experience
Chakras. Hot stones. Tuning Forks. Calming music. Flickering candles. There is nothing like visiting a spa with the intention of releasing all stress and tensions in your life. Even if momentarily. Lucky for me, I was introduced to The Spa at Lincolnshire where I was able to escape in to the land of peace.
Learning about the different types of spa treatments was the best conversation. How many ways are there to melt away my shoulder tension?! Thanks to the knowledgeable Sheila, I learned about each of these philosophies and am sharing it with you. Choose those that will help you clear your mind. Each has their own mission and benefit. It was the hot stones that won my heart.
After a wonderful massage, I felt rejuvenated and ready to conquer anything in my path. Luckily, I was enveloped in the peacefulness of the resort so could languish in my relaxed state for a little while longer. Pampering yourself not just affects yours physical being but your mind as well. With all the different treatment options for men and women and a full service salon, you will leave this calming space with a smile on your face feeling better than ever. By the way, the spa welcomes hotel guests as well as locals.
Broadway comes to Lincolnshire
Growing up in Milwaukee, I had the good fortune to have parents who loved the theatre. That meant we were able to attend Marriott’s theatre in the round whenever possible. The theatre design means there are no bad seats!
The theatre offers musicals, classic American theater, children’s productions and Broadway shows all meant to entertain and delight you. Established in 1975, they have sold nearly a half a million tickets every year. Some past examples of shows include Miss Saigon, Cats, Legally Blonde, and so many others. The new season is now open with the shows listed below:
Whether you live locally or are coming for a getaway, enjoy the experience found at this theatre and then stop by Three Embers for a delicious dinner. You will be glad you did. For more information on the theatre, tickets can be purchased at the box office, through Ticketmaster or by phone at 847-634-0200.
Within this resort complex are amenities to make sure you enjoy your stay. To be entertained. To be challenged whether golf, tennis or biking. Restaurants that cater to your demand for the highest quality ingredients, dishes that not only taste amazing but look it as well. A beverage service that pairs your wine to enhance the flavors of each course not overwhelm it. An ambience that is all about relaxation. A spa that melts your stress away. And of course, customer service that exceeds your expectations. The Marriott Lincolnshire is welcoming you to their newly renovated property as an overnight guest or if you live locally. Come sit by the fire and just breathe.
Thanks for stopping by!
That sounds like such a lovely place to relax! I wouldn’t want to leave, ever! haha
That so true! That’s just how I felt. Thanks, Liz.
What a great looking place, the food looks sublime… I love restaurants that make an attempt to produce some of their own produce! Bit of a trek from rural Hungary though 😉 😀
It was! And that just means you need to come to the Chicagoland area for a visit! So much to see and enjoy.
My mind stopped working the moment I read honey popcorn and burnt honey panna cotta 🙂 The place looks incredible and the food looks absolutely delicious!
That popcorn was UNBELIEVABLE! The whole meal was delicious. Thanks!
Well, with all of those choices, I’d not have any reason to leave either! Looks like the perfect staycation getaway! 🙂
That’s so true! It was a peaceful trip. Thank you!
I went to Chicago not so long ago and loved it. Greta food scene and so many options. Loved viisting the Bean too. Glad you had fun at the Marriott. Looks like a great hotel.
Thanks! There is definitely a lot to do in and around Chicago!