Enjoy a 3.7-star stay at Randolph Hostel & Hotel in Fox Lake, IL. Free Wi-Fi, parking, pet-friendly rooms, and close to Volo Museum and Wilmot Mountain.
Visitors appreciate the peaceful lakefront setting, friendly service, and unique on-site brewery. The property offers comfortable, clean rooms with some suites featuring kitchens, making it well-suited for relaxing getaways. There are some minor housekeeping and maintenance inconsistencies, but prompt staff responses help address issues.
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Rooms, shared spaces, dining and exterior — grouped so you can skim quickly.
Located on the shores of Fox Lake, Randolph Hostel & Hotel offers a peaceful setting with scenic lake views and a historic charm that appeals to visitors seeking relaxation and outdoor activities. The property benefits from a quiet atmosphere, enhanced by its proximity to the water and nearby beach, making it suitable for guests looking for a tranquil retreat. Some rooms feature kitchens, adding convenience for longer stays or group visits.
The hotel operates as a smoke-free, pet-friendly establishment with practical amenities including free Wi-Fi, on-site parking, and air conditioning. While there is no breakfast or airport shuttle service provided, the presence of a brewery taproom on-site adds a unique local touch, praised for its vintage style and craft beer selection. Guests have noted the convenience of this feature for casual dining and socializing without needing to leave the property.
Close to several attractions such as the Volo Museum, Wilmot Mountain Ski Resort, and Richardson Adventure Farm, the location supports various sightseeing and recreational options. Transportation access is reasonable, with Chicago O'Hare International Airport about an hour's drive away. Some travelers highlighted that housekeeping could improve consistency, but overall staff were responsive and attentive to guest needs.
Randolph Hostel & Hotel suits visitors who appreciate a quieter lakeside experience with easy access to nature, local culture, and outdoor activities. Its modest rating reflects a solid performance in comfort and service for guests interested in a functional stay rather than luxury. The combination of lakefront proximity and a small-business feel appeals especially to those valuing atmosphere and convenience over extensive hotel amenities.
The short version: what's available day-to-day, and the key practical details most travelers search for.
Reviews from travelers who stayed here in the last 12 months, grouped to help you spot the pattern quickly.
Clean and tidy. Check in was simple. I reserved same day, and communications were prompt. Just a short walk to the beach, and no driving home from the taproom downstairs! It is very peaceful and pretty at sunrise.
The Randolph hotel has lots of charm and is pretty quiet and quaint. The bar hours are nice as well because no one wants to be kept awake by loud music and people late at night. The view of the lake is amazing and there isn't much I would change about my stay here. I will say that house keeping doesn't keep up with restocking or taking out trash but outside of that I really can't complain. Maintanance fixed a plumbing issue within a couple hours so they definitely keep up with issues to make sure guests can stay comfortable. The bathrooms are shared there's one on the second floor and one on the 3rd floor. I wouldn't say they are kept very clean but I will say that they are spacious and fully functional. They allow dogs which is amazing because it's hard to find cheap stays with so many positive attributes in a decent area for people with pit-bulls and the hotel gave me the opportunity to keep my service dog in training with me without a question of breed. There's a lot of nice people surrounding the hotel and the entire vibe is great. I would definitely stay here again maybe with a bigger room. Our room had no tv fridge or microwave but it was perfect for us and had plenty of outlets for electric hook ups so we managed to make due and it is very close to many things to do in town!
We booked the suite for a girls weekend and it was perfect. It was big and beautiful. It has a full kitchen which we weren’t expecting. The location is great and right in the river. The hotel itself is on to of a brewery which proved to be very convenient. I had a tiny issue after my stay but the staff was very kind and prompt in fixing the issue. Which is telling of how much they care about there small business! 10/10 would visit again!
A Hidden Gem on the Lake with a Historic Twist! I absolutely loved my stay at The Randolph Hotel in Fox Lake! The lakeside setting is nothing short of stunning—calm, peaceful, and the perfect place to unwind. Waking up to the gentle sounds of the water and enjoying coffee on the patio with a lake view was a dream. But what really sets this place apart is the on-site brewery. It’s styled after a 1930s-era taproom and it totally nails the vibe. From the vintage decor to the craft beer selection, it feels like stepping back in time—but with better beer! The staff was incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, and every brew I tried had its own unique character. If you're looking for a relaxing lakeside getaway with a bit of historic charm (and great drinks), this is the place. I’ll definitely be coming back!
The host was very responsive and kind. We enjoyed the spacious rooms and the fun bar downstairs. Everyone was friendly and helpful. There are boat and jet ski rentals just next door. A few steps from the water and a 5 minute walk to a cute little beach was such a nice treat.
Amazing experience. Great service book here if you want a wonderful trip!!! Outstanding respond time just amazing all together comfort and clean!!! So clean!!!
We stayed here for 4 weeks this past March, and had a great time. Ideal location right on Fox Lake with a great view. Hotel is historic and quaint plus VERY reasonably priced. Wish we had come here during summer.
Beautiful location, love the history, very very very clean , and great management with prompt service and communication.. With every moment and Dollar wORTH it. Happy to have stayed at the RANDOLPH HOTEL on Chain O Lake. WE ARE HOPING TO COME BACK AND TRY THE JET SKI AND MORE RENTAL PLACE NEXT DOOR.. Also, beautiful seating on the lake in sand with twinkle lights. Would easily be a wonderful couple get away. A brewery conventionally downstairs, well priced delicious menu, open outside seating, great food with uniquely thought of menu. This hotel has it all.. Absolutely a gorgeous diamond hidden gem.. Thank you for your hospitality RANDOLPH HOTEL!! GENUINELY, THE WIFE AND MYSELF
Based on sightseeing, recreation, and getting around
Curated spots travelers usually pair with a stay in Illinois. Distances are rough real-world times, not straight-line.
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