Name: Waterfront Hotel and Marina
Address: 3309 North Chapel Hill Road, Johnsburg, Illinois, United States of America, Johnsburg, Illinois, US
Price range: $93–$116 per night
Rating: 7.67

What guests think

At Waterfront Hotel and Marina, travellers highlight friendly, helpful staff and budget-friendly stays with many clean rooms and relaxing river or lake views, while also noting the property is older with dated areas and ongoing updates.

Common drawbacks include unreliable or absent WiFi, no breakfast or on-site dining, and limited amenities such as a pool or hot tub. Many also note dated rooms and building areas, with occasional maintenance or cleanliness issues, hard beds or thin pillows, and metallic-smelling water. However, desk hours can be limited, and after-hours assistance may be hard to reach. Expect a no-frills stay prioritizing value and simplicity over full-service amenities.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Facilities

Facilities are basic: no pool, hot tub, or fire pit, ample parking (some say the lot needs work), and a modest marina with a few docks needing repair.

Related guest reviews

10

Amanda

Sep 13, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Staff was friendly. Property was quiet at night but not much around without driving. There isnt room service which is listed, both restaurants are closed. Property is kind of old, but clean. Great place for the price.

10

Daniel

Jan 5, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Very clean quiet comfortable room. Had some issues with wifi. Plenty of free parking. No restaurants close by. Staff is excellent. No breakfast offered.

10

John

Mar 24, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Great owner who took care of everything requested! Super convenient with easy parking for large UHaul truck

6

Andrew

Jul 29, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Great location but is definitely dated if not cleaner. Parking lot was a 2/10.

10

Christophe

Jul 27, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

What’s not to like? It’s right on the lake, got a huge parking lot, my room had the lake view, it was clean and comfortable. I could not ask for more.

6

Greg or Pam

Sep 4, 2024

·

Stayed 5 nights

This is a very old facility that they are trying to renovate. The bathrooms were updated and clean and the bed was comfortable. The carpets were very dirty throughout the entire building. Front desk and staff is extremely limited and only there from 8 AM to 4 PM. If you want your room cleaned, more towels, or bedding changed, etc., you must tell them in advance or it does not happen. Staff was very friendly and helpful but limited. There is no restaurant or eating facility on site or even close. If they ever get it fixed up, I think it would be a nice place but as is, it needs a lot of help. It was an OK hotel for the price, but I would not go back.

6

Gregory

Jul 14, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Place was clean and manager was friendly and helpful. But no amenities at this basic hotel room. No wifi, no iron, no breakfast, etc. There is a fridge and microwave in room. Price was right and place was OK but I'll probably splurge for something nicer next time.

8

Brian

Aug 7, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Loved the property being right on the water.Room was nice and clean..Slight patch work above our toilet in the ceiling was dripping..The vacant property next door would be a great hall as a suggestion.Unfortunately the bar and grill on the lower level of the hotel was closed from covid.Would love to see that reopen possibly..Marina was very nice also..Altho some docks are in need of repair.All together still enjoyed this place.

10

britney

May 20, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Everything was closed for cleaning, had almost the whole place to ourselves

6

Tracy

Sep 6, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

It has a nice view on the water side of the building, but that's about it. No fire pit, No pool, & No hot tub.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Cleanliness

Cleanliness feedback is mixed: many rooms are described as very clean, but others report stained carpets or bedding, leaks or patchwork ceilings, smoke odors, bugs, and spot cleaning misses like spider webs or dirty glass.

Related guest reviews

10

Robert

Jan 21, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The absolute cleanest room I've ever had! Price is extremely fair.

10

Sherry

Oct 12, 2025

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Stayed 1 night

It is a nice hotel, nothing fancy but it was very clean. Check-in was fast and staff were very pleasant. Bed was hard but that is a personal thing.

4

Maribeth

Aug 5, 2025

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Stayed 1 night

The place is in desperate need of an update. The carpet was stained, the bedding had stains on it and the towels were new unwashed and blue. Weird. The AC was so loud and there was 1 flat pillow per person.

10

Amery

Sep 13, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Comfy bed and hot water. Over all nice stay with a great view of the river. Only complaint would be sliding glass doors need cleaned for a better view.

6

Greg or Pam

Sep 4, 2024

·

Stayed 5 nights

This is a very old facility that they are trying to renovate. The bathrooms were updated and clean and the bed was comfortable. The carpets were very dirty throughout the entire building. Front desk and staff is extremely limited and only there from 8 AM to 4 PM. If you want your room cleaned, more towels, or bedding changed, etc., you must tell them in advance or it does not happen. Staff was very friendly and helpful but limited. There is no restaurant or eating facility on site or even close. If they ever get it fixed up, I think it would be a nice place but as is, it needs a lot of help. It was an OK hotel for the price, but I would not go back.

8

Kelly

Sep 21, 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

Super nice staff. It was ver clean, needs some updating.

8

David

Sep 8, 2025

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Stayed 1 night

The property was exactly what I needed. It was a couch in a friends house that I did not have in the area. The bathroom had a big leak on the ceiling and was moldy. Other than that, hard to be beat for the price.

10

Patricia

Oct 19, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Excellent owners clean room. Don’t hesitate to stay here it is wallet friendly and well managed.

4

Fidela

Sep 2, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The room smelled of cigarette smoke, the bathroom had dampness on the ceiling, the water had a very bad smell, we stayed for 2 nights, they didn't make the bed or enter the room to refill coffee or whatever was needed.

8

David

Sep 22, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

There was an area in the bathroom ceiling that had been poorly patched and was not appealing.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Rooms

Rooms are dated and mostly small but functional, with nice river views and balconies in many units. WiFi is often unreliable, beds can be hard with thin pillows, and some report loud AC, drafty doors, low showers, or metallic-smelling water.

Related guest reviews

8

Sandra

Sep 2, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The staff was very friendly and helpful. The property is very convenient to the area, and the room was clean and comfortable. The building is aged and could use some updates. The door to my room was very difficult to open and close near the frame. Not sure why, but it's like the door dragged on the floor in that spot. WiFi was not working, and my cell signal was spotty. I brought my own pillow after reading other reviews, and am glad I did. Overall it was a good place to stay for a last minute change in plans.

10

Kristy

Oct 21, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Lovely rooms and a beautiful view of the river at an affordable price...

4

Becky

Sep 11, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Somehow during booking, I missed the fact that all the rooms have only one bed. That was the first surprise. And as others have said, the showers are so low that it makes it really hard for tall people to shower comfortably. I had to crouch down to be able to wash my hair. The view of the river was nice, but it didn’t make up for the other inconveniences.

8

Dionna

Oct 19, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

It was a really great little hotel. Our only complaint was the room had no grab bars in the bathroom for the older crowd. It was a nice little room facing the river with a balcony. We each grabbed a drink and sat out there at night and watched the boats go by and when it rained overnight, we got out of bed and watched the rain and lightning. The office staff were super friendly and informative. Just a really nice little hotel for a great price. Didn't even miss the king size bed as much as I thought we would. For people who aren't used to the sound of cars going by, I would suggest a room on the park side. We're from Chicago so we were welcomed by the traffic noise and it helped us to sleep. Lol. We had the door open with the screen closed and could hear the rain all night. Loved it.

4

Maribeth

Aug 5, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The place is in desperate need of an update. The carpet was stained, the bedding had stains on it and the towels were new unwashed and blue. Weird. The AC was so loud and there was 1 flat pillow per person.

8

Jonathan

Sep 15, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

Checking in was really easy and the staff is very friendly. Room was alright some small improvements would be better bed, if they would clean the spider webs around the balcony, and the water had a very harsh metal smell. If you are only staying for a few days don't shy away.

2

Jordan

Dec 3, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Heat did not work and patio door had a giant draft so room was freezing

10

cindy

Mar 21, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Our room was small but comfortable and the bed was very comfy, ended up staying a third night.

6

Rick

Jun 12, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The room was fine but they need a water softener severely! heavy Iron in the water.

6

Steven

Nov 10, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

WiFi and decor could be better. Heater/AC was under desk.. fairly comfortable and good value

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Service

Service is frequently praised as friendly, helpful, and efficient, with smooth or early check-ins. Several reviews note limited front-desk hours and occasional difficulty getting assistance after hours.

Related guest reviews

10

Daniel

Jan 5, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Very clean quiet comfortable room. Had some issues with wifi. Plenty of free parking. No restaurants close by. Staff is excellent. No breakfast offered.

10

John

Mar 24, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Great owner who took care of everything requested! Super convenient with easy parking for large UHaul truck

10

Gail

May 6, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The owner was friendly and made sure that I understood he was a phone call away if there were any after hour issues. He explained everything at check in and answered any questions. I would definitely stay again if I needed a place in the area!

6

Greg or Pam

Sep 4, 2024

·

Stayed 5 nights

This is a very old facility that they are trying to renovate. The bathrooms were updated and clean and the bed was comfortable. The carpets were very dirty throughout the entire building. Front desk and staff is extremely limited and only there from 8 AM to 4 PM. If you want your room cleaned, more towels, or bedding changed, etc., you must tell them in advance or it does not happen. Staff was very friendly and helpful but limited. There is no restaurant or eating facility on site or even close. If they ever get it fixed up, I think it would be a nice place but as is, it needs a lot of help. It was an OK hotel for the price, but I would not go back.

8

Connie

Aug 25, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The location was great for us, and the gentleman who ran the front desk was incredibly helpful.

4

Melissa

Nov 26, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

This is a very old and outdated hotel, not actually in McHenry. Instead it is in johsburg. That being said, there is a gas station a little ways away where you can get water or snacks as there is nothing to be had closer that 10-15 minutes away nor there. The balcony door did not close all the way and we listened to wet road noise all night that was even louder than the volume of passers by and their doors closing. It is not handicap accessible and smells of marijuana. There is only somebody available to assist between the hours of 9am and 8pm (I think it was that late.) Nobody to get help if there was a problem. No phones in rooms and our cell service was not the best if there would have been an emergency. Our room was terribly cold with temps being cold and wet for October 13-15. One gentleman there however was nice and helpful. The woman and other man, couldn’t have cared less. 90 days later and I’m still fighting for my stay stamps.Gggrrrrr

10

Todd

Dec 19, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Just a nice little hotel nearby my family. Have stayed here many times. Gary at the front desk is great. Always calls me before arriving to confirm the reservation. Overall, a very convenient and economical place for me to stay.

10

kristina

Jul 20, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

I flew out to visit my dad who just entered hospice.. The front desk gentleman made an exception the check me in a little early after my flight came in and I really appreciated it!

10

Scott

Nov 30, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Front desk clerk was friendly and helpful. Room was clean and everything worked.

6

ITing

Oct 11, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Safe area. The man at the front desk was friendly and welcoming. The air conditioning seemed to not have an in between high and off. Nice views with the water. However it was an older building and older room. Updates are needed.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Location

Scenic waterfront location with quiet areas and pleasant river or lake views; convenient for some stays. The immediate area has limited walkable dining and amenities, so driving is often needed.

Related guest reviews

10

Amanda

Sep 13, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Staff was friendly. Property was quiet at night but not much around without driving. There isnt room service which is listed, both restaurants are closed. Property is kind of old, but clean. Great place for the price.

10

Daniel

Jan 5, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Very clean quiet comfortable room. Had some issues with wifi. Plenty of free parking. No restaurants close by. Staff is excellent. No breakfast offered.

10

Kristy

Oct 21, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Lovely rooms and a beautiful view of the river at an affordable price...

8

Robert

Sep 3, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

I like the waterfront

8

Ray

Jul 8, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

This spot was great for what I needed. I was in the area for an event and the Waterfront was only 15 mns away. Its right along Fox River and has a great view and a spacious property. Not much in the immediate area though. There's a diner around the bend and a dive bar/restaurant about 5 mns drive, and thats it, everything else is much further away. Loved the balcony from my room with the view of the river. Clean room, bed, and bathroom. The man at the front desk was nice when he checked me in. No complaints.

10

Autumn

Oct 5, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

My stay was amazing! Very quiet and peaceful. Not much around but if you ask the employees try will be glad to help.

8

Paula

Oct 9, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Very nice view of the Fox River.

10

Christophe

Jul 27, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

What’s not to like? It’s right on the lake, got a huge parking lot, my room had the lake view, it was clean and comfortable. I could not ask for more.

8

Connie

Aug 25, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The location was great for us, and the gentleman who ran the front desk was incredibly helpful.

8

James

Mar 20, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Nice location on the Fox river

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Dining

Dining is limited: no breakfast is provided, the on-site restaurants/bar have been closed, and there’s no room service. Nearby options vary by traveler, with some finding places a drive away and others saying there are several in the area.

Related guest reviews

10

Amanda

Sep 13, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Staff was friendly. Property was quiet at night but not much around without driving. There isnt room service which is listed, both restaurants are closed. Property is kind of old, but clean. Great place for the price.

10

Daniel

Jan 5, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Very clean quiet comfortable room. Had some issues with wifi. Plenty of free parking. No restaurants close by. Staff is excellent. No breakfast offered.

8

Ray

Jul 8, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

This spot was great for what I needed. I was in the area for an event and the Waterfront was only 15 mns away. Its right along Fox River and has a great view and a spacious property. Not much in the immediate area though. There's a diner around the bend and a dive bar/restaurant about 5 mns drive, and thats it, everything else is much further away. Loved the balcony from my room with the view of the river. Clean room, bed, and bathroom. The man at the front desk was nice when he checked me in. No complaints.

10

Michael

May 6, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The Waterfront hotel and Marina was obviously not a brand new property, but it was well maintained, clean, and very conveniently located for my purposes. There were plenty of nearby places to eat (or shop, if that's what was important). I'd consider returning if I ever go back to that area again.

10

joann

Jul 28, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

It’s not The Plaza, but so what. It’s clean, everyone is friendly, and the property is beautiful! The lake view is fantastic, and great bars and restaurants nearby. We’ll be back next year!

6

Greg or Pam

Sep 4, 2024

·

Stayed 5 nights

This is a very old facility that they are trying to renovate. The bathrooms were updated and clean and the bed was comfortable. The carpets were very dirty throughout the entire building. Front desk and staff is extremely limited and only there from 8 AM to 4 PM. If you want your room cleaned, more towels, or bedding changed, etc., you must tell them in advance or it does not happen. Staff was very friendly and helpful but limited. There is no restaurant or eating facility on site or even close. If they ever get it fixed up, I think it would be a nice place but as is, it needs a lot of help. It was an OK hotel for the price, but I would not go back.

2

brenda

May 20, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

no restaurant as advertised lots of bugs in room.How do i get a refund

6

Gregory

Jul 14, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Place was clean and manager was friendly and helpful. But no amenities at this basic hotel room. No wifi, no iron, no breakfast, etc. There is a fridge and microwave in room. Price was right and place was OK but I'll probably splurge for something nicer next time.

2

AMIT

Sep 10, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

No Wifi working No break fast provided. Bathroom shower broken

8

Brian

Aug 7, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Loved the property being right on the water.Room was nice and clean..Slight patch work above our toilet in the ceiling was dripping..The vacant property next door would be a great hall as a suggestion.Unfortunately the bar and grill on the lower level of the hotel was closed from covid.Would love to see that reopen possibly..Marina was very nice also..Altho some docks are in need of repair.All together still enjoyed this place.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Month	Average price
April	$77
May	$103
June	$98
July	$111
August	$98
September	$93
October	$85
November	$77

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
				1 $93	2 $93	3 $116
4 $116	5 $93	6 $93	7 $93	8 $93	9 $93	10 $93
11 $93	12 $93	13 $93	14 $93	15 $93	16 $93	17 $93
18 $93	19 $93	20 $93	21 $93	22 $93	23 $93	24 $93
25 $93	26 $93	27 $93	28 $93	29 $93	30 $93	31 $93

Waterfront Hotel and Marina

Prices for Waterfront Hotel and Marina

Monthly average prices

About this property

Location

Room options

Standard Room

Riverview Queen

Guest reviews of Waterfront Hotel and Marina

Who stays here?

What guests think

Property Policies

Check-in instructions

Good to know

FAQs about Waterfront Hotel and Marina

Prices for upcoming dates