Illinois has a quiet way of revealing its charm—one historic inn, vineyard suite, or lakeside escape at a time. Whether you’re wandering cobblestone streets in Galena, savoring a French dinner in Homewood, or cozying up at a golf resort in Glenview, the state offers a variety of romantic getaways that feel both close to home and worlds away. I remember thinking, "We don’t always need to travel far to feel completely transported." Each place held space for connection—whether it was a grand gesture or a simple shared meal.
Best Romantic Weekend Getaways in Illinois:
Goldmoor Inn - 2 hours 45 minutes from Chicago, Illinois
Perched above the Mississippi River with sweeping views and quiet grace, the Goldmoor Inn in Galena felt like stepping into a romantic dream. The turret suites, the in-room fireplaces, and the gentle hush of the countryside all came together like a love letter in motion. I remember thinking, “This is the kind of place you don’t want to leave—not just because it’s beautiful, but because it feels like it knows you.”
What I Loved Most: Soaking in a whirlpool tub while watching the sun set through arched windows, the softest music playing and time standing still.
My highlights? A candlelit dinner at the inn’s restaurant—pan-seared duck breast with wild mushroom risotto, paired with a glass of velvety Pinot Noir. Every bite was rich with flavor and perfectly timed with the view beyond the windows.
Travel Tips:
- Location: 9001 N Sand Hill Rd, Galena, IL 61036
- Vibe: Romantic, refined, secluded
- Best For: Couples celebrating an anniversary or honeymoon
- Amenities: Suites with whirlpool tubs, spa services, on-site fine dining, private patios
- Cost: $$$ – Rates from ~$300/night
- Tip: Reserve a turret suite for the best views and ultimate privacy
The Deer Path Inn
Staying at The Deer Path Inn in Lake Forest was like being whisked away to the English countryside—without leaving Illinois. From the Tudor-style architecture to the roaring fireplaces and polished service, everything felt steeped in elegance and storybook romance. I remember thinking, “This is how it must feel to live inside a fairytale.”
What I Loved Most: An evening stroll through the garden courtyard, followed by cocktails in the pub, made us feel like the outside world had completely disappeared.
My highlights? Dinner in The English Room—filet medallions with port wine reduction and truffle mashed potatoes. The dim lighting, soft music, and white-gloved service made it a meal to remember.
Travel Tips:
- Location: 255 E Illinois Rd, Lake Forest, IL 60045
- Vibe: Sophisticated, old-world charm, upscale
- Best For: Couples seeking luxury and history wrapped in one
- Amenities: Fine dining, English pub, luxurious suites, elegant gardens
- Cost: $$$ – Rates from ~$350/night
- Tip: Reserve afternoon tea in the English Room—it’s as delightful as it sounds
La Banque Hotel, Homewood
La Banque Hotel made us feel like we’d discovered a slice of Europe tucked into the heart of Homewood, Illinois. Housed in a beautifully restored former bank, this boutique hotel blended timeless charm with luxurious ease. I remember thinking, “It’s amazing how a place can feel so familiar and so indulgent all at once.” From the marble floors to the arched windows and curated artwork, every detail told a story of thoughtful restoration and romance.
What I Loved Most: Curling up in the lounge with a glass of wine and soft jazz playing in the background—just the two of us, no rush, no distractions.
My highlights? Dinner at La Voute Bistro + Bar, the hotel’s in-house French restaurant. I had the duck confit served with whipped potatoes and haricot verts, finished with a citrus glaze that was perfectly balanced. We shared a crème brûlée for dessert that cracked like glass and melted in our mouths.
Travel Tips:
- Location: 2034 Ridge Rd, Homewood, IL 60430
- Vibe: Intimate, refined, European-inspired
- Best For: Couples looking for elegance and cultural charm
- Amenities: Boutique rooms, onsite French restaurant, art gallery, fitness center
- Cost: $$ – Rates from ~$180/night
- Tip: Book a couples’ package and don’t miss brunch at La Voute
The Glen Club, Glenview
The Glen Club offered a quiet kind of luxury, wrapped in the manicured greens of its championship golf course and the peaceful rhythm of Glenview. Staying here felt like stepping into a slower, more graceful world. I remember thinking, “Everything here is designed to make you breathe a little deeper.” From the sweeping views of the fairways to the soft elegance of our room, it was the perfect balance of retreat and refinement.
What I Loved Most: Sitting on the terrace at sunset, glasses clinking, the fairway bathed in golden light—it felt like we had the whole place to ourselves.
My highlights? Dinner at the Club’s elegant dining room. I had the filet mignon with truffle mashed potatoes and grilled asparagus, paired with a bold red wine that lingered just right. It was a simple meal made exceptional by the view, the service, and the company.
Travel Tips:
- Location: 2901 W Lake Ave, Glenview, IL 60026
- Vibe: Elegant, tranquil, golf-resort charm
- Best For: Romantic weekends, special occasions, golf lovers
- Amenities: Golf course, fine dining, private terraces, banquet rooms
- Cost: $$$ – Rates from ~$250/night
- Tip: Ask for a lake-view room for a stunning morning surprise
Harvey House Bed and Breakfast - 15 min from Chicago
Harvey House Bed and Breakfast felt like walking into someone’s dream of comfort. Nestled in Oak Park, it wrapped us in warm hospitality and timeless elegance the moment we arrived. The crackle of the fireplace, the rich wooden accents, the clawfoot tubs—it all whispered relaxation. I remember thinking, “This is the kind of place that holds you, heart and all.” It was romantic in the most peaceful, effortless way.
What I Loved Most: Waking up to the scent of coffee and cinnamon, slipping into a robe, and enjoying breakfast by the fire without ever needing to leave the house.
My highlights? The morning spread of lemon-ricotta pancakes topped with berries, crispy bacon, and French-pressed coffee was perfection. Homemade, beautifully presented, and soul-warming.
Travel Tips:
- Location: 107 S Scoville Ave, Oak Park, IL 60302
- Vibe: Cozy, upscale, romantic hideaway
- Best For: Couples who love timeless elegance and gourmet breakfasts
- Amenities: Fireplaces, jetted tubs, homemade breakfast, walkable location
- Cost: $$ – Rates from ~$200/night
- Tip: Choose the Bungalow Suite for extra privacy and a two-person spa tub
Affordable Couples' Weekend at Inn at 835, Illinois
The Inn at 835 transported us to another era—refined, elegant, and unhurried. Located in historic Springfield, it offered quiet charm and thoughtful touches that made us feel like cherished guests. I remember thinking, “This is where romance lives—in the pause between check-in and check-out.” The tall ceilings, antique furnishings, and vintage character added an old-world romance to every moment.
What I Loved Most: Sipping wine in the garden courtyard under string lights as the world slowed to a hush.
My highlights? A charcuterie board and glasses of red wine served in the parlor lounge—simple and cozy, with just enough indulgence.
Travel Tips:
- Location: 835 S 2nd St, Springfield, IL 62704
- Vibe: Historic, quiet, genteel
- Best For: Couples who enjoy classic architecture and Southern-style hospitality
- Amenities: Suites with whirlpool tubs, breakfast, garden, walkable to historic downtown
- Cost: $$ – Rates from ~$150/night
- Tip: Take the free bikes for a charming ride around Washington Park
Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast - 2 hours and 45 minutes
Set in the rolling hills of Galena, Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast felt like something from a storybook. The stone turret, stained glass, and ivy-covered walls whispered of history and heart. I remember thinking, “This is the kind of place where love lingers in the walls.” From the moment we stepped inside, it was all about warmth, welcome, and escape.
What I Loved Most: Watching snowflakes fall outside while soaking in the heart-shaped whirlpool tub with candlelight flickering nearby.
My highlights? A decadent breakfast of baked French toast with maple glaze, crispy sausage, and fresh-squeezed orange juice. It tasted like comfort and care.
Travel Tips:
- Location: 1237 Franklin St, Galena, IL 61036
- Vibe: Romantic, historic, whimsical
- Best For: Couples seeking peace, pampering, and small-town charm
- Amenities: Fireplaces, whirlpool tubs, gardens, homemade breakfast
- Cost: $$ – Rates from ~$160/night
- Tip: Ask for the Tower Room for the full mansion experience
The Davie School Inn - 5 hours from Chicago
Turning an old schoolhouse into a boutique inn? It sounds quirky, and it is—in all the best ways. The Davie School Inn in Anna, Illinois, was unexpected, full of character, and deeply charming. I remember thinking, “We’ve never stayed anywhere quite like this.” The rooms were huge, the ceilings high, and the vibe somewhere between nostalgic and luxurious. It was playful and romantic at once.
What I Loved Most: The blackboard still hung on the wall in our suite, reminding us of simpler days while we lounged in complete comfort.
My highlights? A full country breakfast delivered to our room: scrambled eggs with garden herbs, thick-cut bacon, pancakes, and fresh fruit. It was like home—but elevated.
Travel Tips:
- Location: 300 Freeman St, Anna, IL 62906
- Vibe: Eclectic, nostalgic, relaxed
- Best For: Couples seeking something different with a touch of whimsy
- Amenities: Oversized suites, breakfast delivery, whirlpool tubs, historic charm
- Cost: $$ – Rates from ~$170/night
- Tip: Bring a bottle of wine and enjoy a quiet night in with the original classroom blackboard as your backdrop
Plan Your Romantic Escape
Whether you're toasting under the stars at a countryside bed and breakfast or exploring a historic downtown hand-in-hand, Illinois delivers unforgettable romantic weekends. From the boutique luxury of La Banque Hotel to the castle-like charm of Goldmoor Inn, each of these stays brings its own unique atmosphere—wrapped in warmth, elegance, and the kind of moments you’ll want to revisit again and again.
More to Explore
Jump to a Spot...
- • Goldmoor Inn - 2 hours 45 minutes from Chicago, Illinois
- • The Deer Path Inn
- • La Banque Hotel, Homewood
- • The Glen Club, Glenview
- • Harvey House Bed and Breakfast - 15 min from Chicago
- • Affordable Couples' Weekend at Inn at 835, Illinois
- • Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast - 2 hours and 45 minutes
- • The Davie School Inn - 5 hours from Chicago