Blog | William Tell

An Intimate Wedding at a Landmark: The William Tell Hotel

A wedding venue in the southwest Chicago suburbs with 50 years of celebrations in its walls — ceremony spaces, ballrooms, and rooms for every guest.

Wedding ceremony setup at the William Tell Hotel, Chicagoland venue

Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo 2026: A Local's Guide

Holiday Magic 2026 runs select nights Nov 21 through Jan 3 with 3.5 million lights. Dates, tips, and how to turn zoo lights into a cozy winter overnight.

Exterior of the William Tell Hotel near Brookfield Zoo in Countryside, Illinois

Pet-Friendly Hotels Near Brookfield Zoo: Bring the Dog

Brookfield Zoo doesn't admit pets — but your hotel can. The William Tell Hotel welcomes dogs 10 minutes from the zoo. Here's how to plan the trip.

Garden gazebo ceremony space at the William Tell Hotel

Where Does Route 66 Start in Chicago? Sign, History & Tips

Route 66 starts in downtown Chicago — the Begin sign stands on Adams Street at Michigan Avenue. The history, the photo tips, and your first miles west.

Route 66 Attractions in Illinois: The First 100 Miles

The best Route 66 attractions in Illinois, stop by stop from the Chicago Begin sign to Pontiac — giants, prison gates, neon, and fried chicken.

Route 66 Centennial in Illinois: 2026 Events Guide

Route 66 turns 100 on November 11, 2026. Here's every major Illinois centennial event still ahead, plus how to explore the first miles from Chicago.

Historic Route 66 Begin sign on a Chicago street with the Willis Tower visible in the background

Fifty Years on the Mother Road: The William Tell Hotel Story

Founded in 1974 on Route 66, the William Tell Hotel is a Countryside, IL landmark reborn. The story of the family, the name, and the revival.

La Grange, IL Restaurants: A Local's Guide to Eating Well

The best La Grange, IL restaurants by occasion — brunch, date night, family dinners, and BBQ — plus where to stay after.

Lounge at the William Tell Hotel, five minutes from La Grange restaurants

Hotels Near Midway Airport: The Case for 15 Minutes West

Comparing hotels near Midway Airport? The William Tell Hotel is 15 minutes west — quieter nights, easy parking, a real restaurant, and I-55 access.

King guest room at the William Tell Hotel, a stop on a Route 66 road trip

Hotels Near Brookfield Zoo: A Local’s Guide to Staying Well

The William Tell Hotel is a 10-minute drive from Brookfield Zoo Chicago. Here's how locals plan a zoo day, plus where to eat and stay.