The Hilton O'Hare has always been and remains one of the Classic spotting hotels globally. We around had 16 hours here overnight - a smash and grab on new United metal.
The hotel has 10 floors and is linked to the main terminal complex - with walkways direct into Terminal 1. However if coming from the international terminal we recommend you get off the monorail at Terminal 2 and exit outside via the elevator to take a short cut into the back of the hotel.
If you are a Hilton Honours member you can select a room allocation through the app around 24 hours before you arrive. You are also able to pre-check in on the app and get an electronic key this negating the need to go to reception. You'll need the electronic key to operate the elevators.
While the hotel is in the middle of the airport complex you need to select an even numbered room looking south. Ideally select a room as close as possible to one of the ice machines marked on the maps. Using electronics (i.e. FR24) you will be able to tactically walk to the ice machines to see anything land or depart on the northern runways.
On a clear day and when in a high numbered room you can pick out some MDW movements. Additionally it is worth noting there are end corridor windows that gives views in each direction. The higher the floor the better. On this occasion we were in 9080 which did the job very well.
Outside view.
Ice machine area.
View onto northern runways from ice machine.
Room view - 9080.
Room view - 9080.
Room view - 9080.
Room view - 9080.
End of corridor view towards international terminal.
End of corridor view over American gates.
Room view - 9080.
Map - part 1
Map - part 2
Map - part 3
Map - part 4