Safe Hotel in Bloomington ILLINOIS (Normal, Oakland: hotels, safe area, restaurant)

[MemphisChik]

My family and I will be traveling through Illinois over the weekend and are anticipating an overnight stay in Bloomington. Being from Memphis, TN, a city with far too many "seedy", unsafe areas and a history of hotel crime, I've become somewhat leery of staying in places I know little about. We will be arriving via I-55 N and making the change to northbound I-39. I would greatly appreciate some insight on the Bloomington area and some thoughts on safe/affordable hotels. Also, any nearby attractions that would appeal to a 2 yr old would be great!

Thanks in advance for any assistance!
Rita

[BUalumni]

Both Bloomington and Normal are very safe. Most of the hotels are in nice, safe areas. Sure, you will find some that are in some "seedy" areas on the west side of Bloomington, but I don't think you would be interested in them anyway. Besides, this area is a small part of the town. Just do a hotel search. Any of the bigger ones that you find are going to in nice locations. There is a Doubletree hotel close to the I-55, I-39 area. I have been there once and it was really nice.

[breer23]

The names have probably changed, but you should be fine with any of the hotels at exit 165 (Main St.) on I-55. I realize that this is actually past your turn to get onto I-39, but it might be worth the extra mile or two.

[studedude]

Any of the hotels at the exit to RT150, Market St. are fine. Also good places to eat at that exit. My wife and I stay there frequently and safety has never been a concern.

[MemphisChik]

I appreciate the great replies to my post. You all have been a great help!!

[NYrules]

All of "the stuff" is on Veterans Parkway. Pretty much every hotel, store, and restaurant you can name is over on there, EVEN KRISPY CREAM! MMMMM (or is that Oakland Ave???) Anywho, just exit off onto Veterans Pkwy. (Bus I-55 loop) The area is very safe, has plenty to do, a lot of places to eat, you name it. Just stay away from the "Empire Inn" Or Ramda, or whatever the heck its called this week. It's the hotel located on the north east corner of Empire St. and Veterans Pkwy... UGGGHHH! What a dump!

[breer23]

Originally Posted by studedude

Any of the hotels at the exit to RT150, Market St. are fine. Also good places to eat at that exit. My wife and I stay there frequently and safety has never been a concern.

My only suggestion if you stay at the hotels here is not to wander too far to the east. The area around the hotels is fine, with plenty of places to dine, but if you head into downtown BLM along Market, it can be a little unsavory.

[breer23]

Also, if you wanted something kitchy, you could try Jumer's Chateau, just off of Veterans' Pkwy.