The Hilton Chicago/Oak Brook Hills Resort & Conference Center turned 30 years old last month, and we should all be so lucky to look at good as this resort at 30.

In fact, it has never looked more beautiful following a recent multimillion-dollar renovation. All the public spaces in this 386-room resort property—the lobby, ballroom, meeting rooms, and restaurants—are completely updated and rebuilt with an original design scheme that harkens back to the mid-20th century’s Golden Age of Leisure, says Nathan Karsten, director of sales and marketing.

One feature that’s not so mid-20th century, however, is the resort’s increased commitment to sustainable hotel practices.

“The environmentally-friendly efforts are evident throughout hotel operations, but none more so than what takes place on the Willow Crest Golf Club grounds outside, which is comprised of a 150-acre Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary,” Karsten says.

This season’s Horticultural Gallery includes new pollinator gardens, an updated honeybee conservation program, monarch waystations, native species restoration, and more.

Other new features added at the resort include the Fitness, Lifestyle & Wellness Center. Residents can purchase annual membership programs that provide access the fitness center, exercise classes, yoga, spin, spa, golf simulators, indoor and outdoor pools, and other amenities.

“The resort’s philosophy is centered around the idea of ‘bringing back community’ traditions—whether it’s a holiday family gathering in the Grand Ballroom or lunch at our farm-to-table signature restaurant,” Karsten says.

In other words, the Hilton Chicago/Oak Brook Hills Resort & Conference Center is a popular spot for visitors who want a luxurious retreat in the suburbs, but the resort is also an important anchor for Oak Brook and the surrounding area. It’s one of the key destinations for upscale events with more than 42,000 square feet of newly renovated, flexible event space, which includes 36 meeting rooms (including a 13,000-square-foot Grand Ballroom with a capacity of 1,500), a tiered
amphitheater with theater seating for 145, more than 20 breakout rooms, and multiple reception sites including an expansive outdoor pavilion tent.

Some of the community events the resorts hosts include an annual New Year’s Eve party, Easter Brunch in the Grand Ballroom with pictures with the Easter Bunny, Mother’s Day Brunch with a MOMosa Bar, and an annual Father’s Day event.

For locals, the resort’s dining options include B.—a full-service restaurant, patisserie, and lounge featuring a modern farm cuisine.

“Chef de Cuisine Jose Valdez incorporates a wide selection of local, fresh and seasonal flavors, which are meticulously hand-crafted to create simple food with depth,” says Karsten. “B. is also an advocate of honeybee awareness, with much of its menu flavored with fresh honey sourced from property hives.”

There’s also Tin Cup, a gastro pub with a patio overlooking the pristine Championship Willow Crest Golf Club. The resort’s golf course is easily one of its best features: The club is home to several professional and amateur golf events, offering quality playing conditions on its 18-hole championship golf course designed by eminent architect Dick Nugent. In fact, Chicagoland Golf named it one of the “Top Public Golf Courses” in Illinois.

“Although we run a large operation here, we do so with a boutique mindset,” Karsten says. “Our high service standards are really what set us apart. The staff here looks forward to turning a challenging event into something to truly marvel at. This is the main ingredient in the formula behind our successful business model, and why people have been coming back for 30 years.”

Start planning now for the Hilton Chicago/Oak Brook Hills Resort & Conference Center’s annual 4th of July fireworks tradition for the area’s best views of the City of Westmont’s fireworks, launched on-site over hole No. 1 on the Willow Crest Golf Course. This year, Oak Brook Hills will again offer “Best Seats in the House” 4th of July packages, which include premium seating Adirondack chairs and personal food and beverage service all evening. To learn more about the resort, its meetings offerings, and special events, call 630-850-5555 or go to oakbrookhillsresort.com.