There’s a Country-style English Guesthouse Right Outside of Chicago — Here’s What It’s Like to Stay

As a Chicagoland-based local and a seasoned travel writer, Deer Path Inn has long been on my radar. My first staycation at this impressive countryside-style guesthouse was with my youngest child in tow. We enjoyed a special mother-son overnight, which included eating intricate finger sandwiches, sweets, and scones and sipping flavorful brewed teas in the lovely English Room, snapping photos in front of the titan stag sculpture in the verdant courtyard garden, and wandering to the nearby town square on foot to see the fountain and marvel at the vegetables and flowers neatly displayed in tight rows down a brick alleyway. Later, we snuggled under blankets and watched a movie, eschewing an alarm for the following day.

I brought my husband to dine with me this time, but he didn’t stay long — someone needed to watch our brood at home. It’s a tough job to spend a night lounging in a king-sized bed with luxurious linens all to myself, but as a mom of three teenage boys, I was chomping at the bit for the most indulgent and pleasure-seeking escape of all: time alone.

The experience went just as well as you’d expect, and I promise you, the attentiveness and care of the hospitable staff were not lost on me. Stepping into my reserved elevator, I was delivered to the Cornwall Suite. A flawless spot to lounge with a novel, the light-filled living room had a marble fireplace and wine bottles lining the shelves. Still, it was the deluxe bathroom with a deep jetted infinity tub, which fills from a fixture on the ceiling, that caused me to gasp audibly. Oh, yes, this was the setting for me and that novel.

I’d later dine in The English Room and White Hart Pub and practice my mixology skills during a cocktail class in The Bar with the creative and joyful Jorge Centeno, the chief spirits officer. All of it would feel like a dream that was over too soon. This inimitable inn sets the bar high for unforgettable stays in the Midwest and around the globe.

For 95 years, Deer Path Inn, with its Tudor-style façade, nostalgic wood paneling, original artwork, and cozy interior, has been an indispensable landmark on Chicago’s North Shore. From the moment you step through the manor house doors and spot the wellies lining the wall, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported back in time to an English countryside estate. Included on The National Register of Historic Places and the Historic Hotels of America lists, this boutique hotel, recently renovated in 2016, consistently earns a top spot for our World’s Best Awards. It’s easy to see why.

Read on for my full review of Deer Path Inn, an illustrious favorite that you just have to experience to believe.

The Rooms

The storybook rooms, ranging from 350 to 800 square feet, are graciously sized and designed with a gentle palette of pastels and neutrals. The décor is plush and classy yet understated, giving it a timeless style. From the upholstered and comfy furnishings to the luxurious drapery to the Frette linens, rich texture and home-like touches make you want to linger in bed longer than you perhaps should.

Deer Path Inn is known for its personalized care. “If someone tells us it’s their anniversary, we put a bottle of Champagne in their room at no charge,” says James Barnett, a global hospitality star and the new General Manager at the inn. “It’s purely for service.”

I stayed in the Cornwall Suite, which has a lovely open living and dining room floor plan with separate sleeping quarters. Fresh orchids brighten up each space, including the capacious bathroom stocked with Molton Brown toiletries. Everything is on brand, of course, including not only the bath products that are made in England, but also, the in-room Garrett popcorn, which as any Chicagoan knows, is a definitive Windy City staple.

“The housekeeping team is incredible. The level of detail and consistency is impressive,” says Barnett. I concur: I was instantly won over by the hand-delivered lemony madeleine cookies dusted with powdered sugar.

Food and Drink

With three award-winning dining options, you certainly won’t go hungry while staying here. The executive chef, Jeff Vucko, formerly chef de cuisine at Langham, Chicago, and executive chef at Pendry, is another bright and relatively new addition to the team.

“With people’s memories of a place, there are certain dishes they don’t want to see leave the menu,” says Barnett. “We are cautious about that and will update the menu where we can.”

The English Room is the beating heart of the culinary experience at Deer Path Inn. You’ll likely witness a pair clinking wine glasses while celebrating a special occasion—I saw a couple shake the hand of my server, George while gushing, “Thank you for remembering!”

Adjacent to the main dining space is the light-filled Garden Room, where many enjoy afternoon tea, and if the weather is favorable, you can relish alfresco tea service on the splendid Courtyard Patio. A group of ladies with lacy multi-hued fascinators brightened up a long table next to where I was sipping cheery fig tea. “We do this every year,” one chic woman gushed.

The Bar is where you can enjoy a tipple, casual bites, or a full-on dinner. Ahi tuna nachos, burrata, cottage pie, wild mushroom risotto, and Scottish Salmon are on the menu. The wood-paneled setting is so relaxing and serene that it’s easy to whittle away the hours in this cozy, low-lit enclave.

Casual and traditional, White Hart Pub is a real treat. Try the bangers and mash, shepherd’s pie, or fish ‘n chips. It’s like a vacation to the Old World.

However, for guests who want to unwind in the comfort of their own chamber, the in-room dining menu is available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Surprisingly, sushi is also available (on select days between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m.). My breakfast of avocado toast and fresh berries was delivered promptly and was delicious.

Activities and Experiences

While there is no swimming pool on site, guests may enjoy easy access to Lake Forest’s private beach, situated just over one mile from the property. If you’d prefer not to walk, complimentary bicycles are available, or car parking passes are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

There’s a small fitness center, which is open at all hours if you need to work out. The neighborhood is gorgeous, so I suggest going for an outdoor jog if you’re a runner. The concierge can help you plan a route, but I recommend heading toward Market Square or the beach.

Be sure to take advantage of the special packages offered throughout the year. For example, you can enjoy the wellness and sleep-inspired package called “A Good Book & A Spot of Tea,” which includes tea service at bedtime, English snacks, a lavender mocktail, and a special “Sleepy Sips” curated playlist. Partnering with the Lake Forest Book Store, guests will receive a hand-selected book. The inn’s Chief Spirits Officer also presents a cocktail trinity inspired by English authors: The Charles Dickens, The Jane Austen, and The William Shakespeare.

For alcohol-free offerings, the Zero-Proof Experiences are tailor-made for sober-curious holidaymakers. Reserve a “Zero-Proof” hotel package featuring an in-suite DIY mocktail mixology kit and a private mocktail mixology lesson with the Chief Spirits Officer. If you’d like to visit The Bar at the Inn, you can also indulge in a rotating menu of alcohol-free cocktails — be sure to take a peek at the Inn’s Instagram page to see the bartenders in action.

Family-friendly Offerings

As someone who travels frequently with her family, I greatly appreciate amenities like complimentary valet service, especially when a lot of luggage needs tending. Also, as Fido is a household member, small dogs are welcome at the inn.

Evening milk and cookies, presented in the hotel lobby, are an amenity that kids — and, let’s be honest, adults too — adore.

It’s also worth noting that Deer Path Inn is ideal for a multigenerational experience. It’s not uncommon to see grandparents who want to spend quality time with grandchildren enjoy afternoon tea together.

Accessibility and Sustainability

Deer Path Inn is known for its exceptional service and attentive care, and this ethos extends to guests with mobility challenges. From three different guestroom categories that offer accommodating functionality to valet or accessible self-parking to wheelchair ramps to an elevator with braille, this hotel has thought of everything.

“We’re adapting to be more eco-friendly, moving toward aluminum tubes or bulk dispensers for toiletries,” says Barnett. “It’s a conscious choice.”

Location

Just 33 miles north of the Windy City, Lake Forest is a charming village on Chicago’s North Shore, with an abundance of activities and marvels to experience. Within walking distance from the hotel, you can easily reach the historic Market Square, full of boutique shops, eateries, and local happenings. Gorton Community Center is also nearby — visit here to experience live musical events, cultural arts, and community fun.

The Lake Forest Train Station, which services Chicago, is within a half-mile of the inn, and Deerpath Golf Course and Lake Forest Beach are both just over one mile away.

How to Get the Most Value Out of Your Stay

For the best value, book ahead, especially since the inn tends to fill up fast during the peak seasons. “It’s a great place to visit in summer — we have all the amenities like the lake — but winter, January and February, is our slower period, which would be reflected in the rates.”

Another way to maximize your stay is to delight in the cozy nooks throughout the hotel’s public spaces. Bring a book, read the provided newspapers, or play a game of chess with your family — the Deer Path Inn is meant to be savored with loved ones. “It’s a flexible place where you can relax and tone it down, or you can plan your North Shore visit and go to the Botanic Gardens, take the train to the city, take a bike ride, or go down to the beach. You can fit all that in one stay or just slow down a little bit,” says Barnett.