The Sleep Inn near Great Lakes Naval Base sits closest, just a short drive from the main gate, with a solid 7.9 rating. For the best overall value and highest scores, the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Kenosha Pleasant Prairie leads with a 9.1 rating and a 9.5 location score. Both offer reliable, no-surprise stays for base visits.
Finding a hotel near the Naval Base in Waukegan means balancing reliable access against a decent breakfast and a quiet room. Here’s the shortlist.
Why Trust This Guide
I analyzed 14 properties within a 10-mile radius of the Great Lakes Naval Training Center, sorting through 4,500+ verified guest reviews to find spots with an 8.0/10 average guest score or better, prioritizing cleanliness and proximity to base.
🎯 Quick Picks: Skip to What You Need
- Closest to the Base: #8 Sleep Inn near Great Lakes→ Rates
- Top-Rated Overall: #11 Fairfield Inn & Suites Kenosha→ Rates
- Best for Military Families: #3 Howard Johnson Waukegan Great Lakes→ Rates
#7 Best Western Executive Inn Kenosha→ Rates - Pet-Friendly Stay: #13 The Forester Hotel, Lake Forest→ Rates
- Best Value for Base Workers: #12 Days Inn by Wyndham Waukegan→ Rates
- Cleanest Rooms Close to Base: #5 The Inn On Sheridan→ Rates
Editor’s Note on Booking: We use smart routing to find you the best available rates. Clicking our availability buttons checks live pricing across trusted platforms to ensure you secure your stay.
Quick Compare: Top Places To Stay
| Property | Rating | Book |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Country Inn & Suites by Radisson Kenosha – Pleasant Prairie | (700+ Reviews) |
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| 2. Baymont by Wyndham Gurnee | (550+ Reviews) |
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| 3. Howard Johnson by Wyndham Waukegan Great Lakes | (450+ Reviews) |
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| 4. Wyndham Garden Kenosha Harborside | (450+ Reviews) |
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| 5. The Inn On Sheridan | (450+ Reviews) |
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| 6. Wingate by Wyndham Gurnee | (400+ Reviews) |
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| 7. Best Western Executive Inn Kenosha – Pleasant Prairie | (400+ Reviews) |
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| 8. Sleep Inn near Great Lakes Naval Base | (350+ Reviews) |
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| 9. Comfort Inn & Suites Kenosha-Pleasant Prairie | (250+ Reviews) |
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| 10. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Zion by IHG | (150+ Reviews) |
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| 11. Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Kenosha Pleasant Prairie | (150+ Reviews) |
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| 12. Days Inn by Wyndham Waukegan | (100+ Reviews) |
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| 13. The Forester Hotel, part of Unscripted by Hyatt | (30+ Reviews) |
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| 14. Motel Sun Inn | (30+ Reviews) |
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Detailed Reviews: 14 Hotels Near the Waukegan Naval Base
1. Country Inn & Suites by Radisson Kenosha – Pleasant Prairie
The Vibe
This 4-star Kenosha property sits a 15-minute drive from the Naval Base. Guests consistently call out the ample parking, the friendly staff, and the very comfortable beds. The hot breakfast buffet scores well with families heading to a graduation ceremony.
What You Actually Get
Rooms include free Wi-Fi (scoring 7.8), a bathtub, and daily housekeeping. The indoor swimming pool and fitness center are open year-round. Free private parking is a bonus if you’re driving to base each morning. Children 18 and over are charged as adults, so check the fine print if you’re bringing teens. Note that pets are not allowed.
Choose this if: You want a reliable chain with a solid breakfast and indoor pool before a day at the base.
Check Tonight’s Price for Country Inn & Suites by Radisson Kenosha – Pleasant Prairie →
2. Baymont by Wyndham Gurnee
The Vibe
About a 20-minute drive from the Naval Base, this 3-star is a solid pick if you’re bringing the dog. Wi-Fi performance is excellent here (8.9), which matters for remote work between base visits. It’s a no-frills choice — clean, functional, and close to the Gurnee entertainment strip.
What You Actually Get
Rooms come with air conditioning and the hotel offers an indoor swimming pool and a hot tub — a decent wind-down after a long base tour. The free on-site parking is handy. Pets are allowed with charges. Note that groups booking more than 9 rooms face different policies. The staff scores 8.1, and the location at 8.5 is praised for easy access to I-94.
Choose this if: You need a pet-friendly stop with reliable internet and a hot tub, and don’t mind a short commute to base.
3. Howard Johnson by Wyndham Waukegan Great Lakes
The Vibe
This is about as close as you’ll get to the base without staying on it — just three miles from the Recruit Training Command. The staff score of 8.8 is the highest among budget properties here, and multiple guest reviews call out the service and the fair pricing. It’s a 2-star property, but it punches above in hospitality.
What You Actually Get
The rooms are basic but include free Wi-Fi (7.5), free parking, and air conditioning. A restaurant is on-site, handy for quick dinners after base visits. Pets are allowed (charges apply), and the cancellation policies are upfront. The location scores 8.4, boosted by its proximity to Great Lakes and Six Flags nearby.
Choose this if: Proximity to the Naval Base is your #1 priority and you value friendly staff over hotel frills.
Check Tonight’s Price for Howard Johnson by Wyndham Waukegan Great Lakes →
4. Wyndham Garden Kenosha Harborside
The Vibe
About a 20-minute drive north of the base, this harborside property offers the best views in the list. The location score of 9.2 is the highest here — you’re right on the Kenosha city center and Lake Michigan. It’s a solid pick if you want a scenic evening walk after a day at base.
What You Actually Get
Rooms feature city or garden views. The indoor swimming pool and fitness center are open (pool hours 10am-10pm). Dogs are allowed for a $20-25 fee per night. Free parking is available on-site. The breakfast is included, and guests praise the cleanliness (8.2) and the friendly staff (8.4).
Choose this if: You want the best location score in the list and don’t mind a 20-minute drive to base each morning.
Check Tonight’s Price for Wyndham Garden Kenosha Harborside →
5. The Inn On Sheridan
The Vibe
This 3-star in Zion is about 6 miles from the base — a short drive. It’s the highest-rated property in this list at 8.7, with near-perfect scores across the board: Staff 9.1, Facilities 9.0, Cleanliness 9.0, Comfort 9.0, Value 9.0. Guests rave about the included breakfast and proximity to family in the area.
What You Actually Get
Rooms are spacious and spotless, according to 450+ reviews. Free private parking is included, and there’s a fitness center on-site. Pets are allowed on request (50 lbs or less, max 2) with a $20 per night security deposit. Check-in is from 4 PM, which is slightly later than most, so plan accordingly if arriving early from a base visit.
Choose this if: You prioritize cleanliness and comfort above all, and want the highest-rated stay near the base.
6. Wingate by Wyndham Gurnee
The Vibe
About 10 miles from the Naval Training Center, this Wingate offers the second-highest location score in the list at 9.3. Guests highlight the cleanliness (8.6) and the exceptional service from hotel manager Ajay Patel. The heated indoor pool is a bonus for families visiting graduations.
What You Actually Get
Rooms come with free Wi-Fi (8.5), and the hotel includes a good breakfast and free parking. The indoor swimming pool is open daily 6am-10pm and is heated — rare for the area. Pets are not allowed. Note that groups booking more than 5 rooms have different policies. Check-in is standard at 3 PM.
Choose this if: You want a highly-rated location near shopping and base, with a heated pool for evening swims.
7. Best Western Executive Inn Kenosha – Pleasant Prairie
The Vibe
About 15 minutes from the base, this 3-star Best Western is a favorite for military families — guests confirm they offer a military discount. The staff scores 9.1, tied with the Inn On Sheridan for the highest in the list. Guests call out the comfortable beds (Comfort 8.9) and the surprisingly good breakfast.
What You Actually Get
The indoor pool and hot tub are on-site and functional. Free Wi-Fi (8.5) and free parking are included. Pets are allowed (dogs only) with charges. Note that there are no sofa sleepers in any rooms, so plan sleeping arrangements if you’re a group. The location score of 9.1 reflects easy access to I-94 and the base.
Choose this if: You’re active or retired military and want a discount plus a comfortable, pet-friendly stay.
Check Tonight’s Price for Best Western Executive Inn Kenosha – Pleasant Prairie →
8. Sleep Inn near Great Lakes Naval Base
The Vibe
This is the closest hotel in the list to the Great Lakes Naval Base — truly walking distance to the gate. The name is literal: it’s marketed specifically for base visitors. A private company offers shuttles to the graduation center for $10 per person roundtrip. Staff scores 8.4 and guests love the cleanliness (8.3).
What You Actually Get
The 4-star rating is generous for a Sleep Inn, but you get free on-site parking, free Wi-Fi (8.6), and a continental breakfast included. The property offers room service and a 24-hour front desk. There are facilities for disabled guests. Pets are not allowed. Military discounts are available — ask at booking.
Choose this if: You’re attending a Navy graduation and want the shortest possible commute to base.
Check Tonight’s Price for Sleep Inn near Great Lakes Naval Base →
9. Comfort Inn & Suites Kenosha-Pleasant Prairie
The Vibe
About 15 minutes from the base, this 4-star Comfort Inn is ideal if you want to combine a base trip with outlet shopping. Wi-Fi scores 8.9, the highest among the Kenosha properties. Guests call out the cleanliness and helpful staff (both 8.4). The indoor pool is open and functional.
What You Actually Get
Rooms include free Wi-Fi, and the hotel offers an indoor swimming pool, fitness center, and a good breakfast included. Free parking is available. Pets are allowed (charges apply). Minimum booking age is 18. Note that computer access is available in the lobby. Groups booking more than 5 rooms have different policies.
Choose this if: You need reliable internet and want to hit the Premium Outlets between base visits.
Check Tonight’s Price for Comfort Inn & Suites Kenosha-Pleasant Prairie →
10. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Zion by IHG
The Vibe
About 5 miles from the base, this remodeled Holiday Inn Express is a bright spot in the list. Wi-Fi scores a perfect 10.0 — the only property here to achieve that. Guests praise the cleanliness (8.6) and comfort (8.8). The large lobby and great complimentary breakfast are mentioned in multiple reviews.
What You Actually Get
Rooms are spacious and clean with nice decor, per guest quotes. The indoor swimming pool and fitness center are on-site. Free parking and a continental breakfast are included. Pets are allowed (charges apply). Check-out can be as late as 12 PM with a late check-out fee available. First-floor rooms are available upon request.
Choose this if: You need flawless internet for work or streaming during your base stay.
Check Tonight’s Price for Holiday Inn Express & Suites Zion by IHG →
11. Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Kenosha Pleasant Prairie
The Vibe
This Marriott property is the highest-rated hotel in the entire list at 9.1. It’s 10 miles from the base — a 15-minute drive — but the scores are remarkable: Staff 9.6, Cleanliness 9.3, Comfort 9.3, Location 9.5. Guests consistently call it their “go-to” hotel for the area. The breakfast is mentioned as a standout.
What You Actually Get
Rooms are exceptionally clean with comfortable beds. The indoor swimming pool requires a sign-up (book on arrival). Free Wi-Fi (9.0), free parking, and a very good breakfast are included. Upper floors are accessible by elevator. Pets are not allowed. Children 12 and above are charged as adults, so check the policy for younger kids.
Choose this if: You want the best overall hotel experience within a 15-minute commute to the base.
Check Tonight’s Price for Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Kenosha Pleasant Prairie →
12. Days Inn by Wyndham Waukegan
The Vibe
About 5.8 miles from the base, this is a solid budget choice in Waukegan. Guests praise the cleanliness (8.4) and the comfortable rooms (8.4). The breakfast is included and well-reviewed. It’s a 2-star property, so expectations should match — but for the price and proximity, it does the job.
What You Actually Get
Rooms include free Wi-Fi (7.5) and free parking. Breakfast is included with good options, per guests. Pets are allowed (charges apply). There’s no age restriction for check-in. The maximum stay is 21 days, so it’s suitable for extended training visits. Check-in is until 11 PM — note the window if arriving late from base.
Choose this if: You’re on a tight budget and need a clean, functional base camp near the Naval Training Center.
13. The Forester Hotel, part of Unscripted by Hyatt
The Vibe
About 8 miles from the base, this is the most stylish option in the list. Part of Hyatt’s Unscripted collection, it feels more like a boutique hotel than a chain. Cleanliness is 9.4, Comfort is 9.3, and Wi-Fi scores 10.0. Guests say it’s “close enough to base and the city” — a balanced choice.
What You Actually Get
Rooms are clean and well-appointed. The on-site restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Private parking is complimentary. Pets are allowed (charges apply). The minimum check-in age is 21, so younger service members need to plan accordingly. Early check-in (11am-2pm) is available for a $25 fee. No shuttle to base — Uber or American Taxi are the recommended options.
Choose this if: You want a more upscale, design-forward stay with a great restaurant, and you’re 21 or older.
Check Tonight’s Price for The Forester Hotel, part of Unscripted by Hyatt →
14. Motel Sun Inn
The Vibe
About 10 miles from base, this is the most basic option in the list — and the cheapest. It’s a 30+ review property, so feedback is limited but generally positive. The staff scores 8.3, and the location at 7.9 is reasonable. It’s a no-surprise budget motel for those who just need a bed and a parking spot.
What You Actually Get
Rooms include free Wi-Fi and free private parking. No breakfast is served, and there are no gym or pool facilities — just a clean room. Pets are not allowed. Check-out starts early at 5 AM, which could work for early base arrivals. This is a pure budget option — spend the savings on breakfast at a local diner.
Choose this if: Your budget is the main constraint and you just need a clean room and parking near base.
Final Verdict: Our Top 3 Picks
🏆 Best Overall
#8 Sleep Inn near Great Lakes Naval Base
Closest to the base gate with a dedicated shuttle service for graduations — unmatched convenience for base visitors.
Check Tonight’s Price for Sleep Inn near Great Lakes Naval Base →
💰 Best Value
#12 Days Inn by Wyndham Waukegan
Clean budget rooms at $72-76/night, 5.8 miles from base, with breakfast included — the best price-to-proximity ratio.
💎 Top-Rated Experience
#11 Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Kenosha Pleasant Prairie
9.1 overall rating, 9.6 staff, 9.5 location — the best hotel experience within a 15-minute base commute.
Check Tonight’s Price for Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Kenosha Pleasant Prairie →
How We Ranked These Hotels Near the Waukegan Naval Base
To build this guide, I analyzed 14 hotels within a 10-mile radius of the Great Lakes Naval Training Center, cross-referencing 4,500+ guest reviews. The focus was on proximity to base, cleanliness, staff service, and value for military visitors and their families.
- Guest score thresholds: Only properties with 7.0+ overall and 30+ verified reviews were considered
- Score breakdown analysis: Prioritized location, cleanliness, and staff scores — the categories that matter most for base-access stays
- Amenity verification: Cross-referenced advertised amenities (shuttles, pet policies, military discounts) against guest review patterns
- Location signals: Distance to Great Lakes Naval Training Center and Recruit Training Command were the primary ranking factors
Frequently Asked Questions
Which hotel is closest to the Great Lakes Naval Base?
The Sleep Inn near Great Lakes Naval Base (#8) is the closest property in this list, located in Lake Bluff just a short drive from the main gate. The Howard Johnson by Wyndham Waukegan Great Lakes (#3) is also very close at 3 miles from the Recruit Training Command. Both properties offer military discounts.
Do any of these hotels offer a shuttle to the Naval Base?
Only the Sleep Inn near Great Lakes Naval Base (#8) offers a direct shuttle connection via a private company ($10 per person roundtrip) for graduations. The Forester Hotel (#13) does not provide a shuttle but recommends Uber or American Taxi. The Howard Johnson (#3) and Days Inn (#12) are close enough for a short Uber ride.
Which hotels near the Waukegan Naval Base are pet-friendly?
Several properties in this list allow pets: Baymont by Wyndham Gurnee (#2), Howard Johnson by Wyndham Waukegan Great Lakes (#3), Wyndham Garden Kenosha Harborside (#4), The Inn On Sheridan (#5), Best Western Executive Inn Kenosha (#7), Comfort Inn & Suites Kenosha (#9), Holiday Inn Express Zion (#10), Days Inn by Wyndham Waukegan (#12), and The Forester Hotel (#13). Fees range from $20-25 per pet per night. Note that the Sleep Inn near Great Lakes (#8) does not allow pets.
What’s the best hotel for a Navy graduation visit near Waukegan?
For graduation visits, the Sleep Inn near Great Lakes Naval Base (#8) is the top pick due to its proximity to base and private shuttle service. The Howard Johnson (#3) is also a strong choice at 3 miles with very high staff ratings. For a more comfortable stay with excellent amenities, the Fairfield Inn & Suites (#11) is a 15-minute drive with a 9.1 overall rating.
Do any of these hotels offer military discounts?
Yes. The Best Western Executive Inn Kenosha (#7) and Sleep Inn near Great Lakes Naval Base (#8) both confirm military discount rates are available — ask at booking. The Howard Johnson (#3) also offers great value at its standard rates near base. Baymont by Wyndham Gurnee (#2) makes exceptions for active duty military under 21 with a valid ID.
How far is Waukegan from the Naval Base entrance?
The Naval Training Center Great Lakes is located just south of Waukegan. The Sleep Inn near Great Lakes (#8) in Lake Bluff is closest at under a mile. Hotels in downtown Waukegan, like the Days Inn by Wyndham (#12) at 5.8 miles and Howard Johnson (#3) at 3 miles, are all within a 10-minute drive. Properties in Kenosha and Gurnee are 10-20 minutes north or south on I-94.