Dekalb has luxury options, affordable hotels, and everything in between, all with easy access to the surrounding area.
Dekalb officially became a chartered town in 1853. It was named after Baron Johann de Kalb, a major general in the American Revolutionary War. It's about an hour from downtown Chicago, not too far from the big city, but far enough away to enjoy a bit of solitude.
These days, Dekalb is home to the third-largest university in the state. It's also home to several large companies, which means Dekalb has a bustling economy with great new restaurants cropping up all the time.
When to Visit Dekalb, Illinois
When you visit Dekalb depends heavily on what you plan to do while you're there. If you are coming to Dekalb to visit Northern Illinois University, you'll want to visit while school is in session, between September and December and between February and May. These also happen to be the most expensive times to visit Dekalb, so be sure to book your accommodation well in advance.
It's also important to check whether there's a big football game coming up or when the university is hosting parents' weekend, so you can avoid the crowds or book your hotel early.
The summer is a very pleasant time to visit Dekalb, and the hotel prices are much lower than during the school year. Summer temperatures average a comfortable 75 degrees, with July as the hottest month of the year.
During the winter holiday period, hotel prices are also quite reasonable. The weather can get quite cold during this time of year, of course, and Dekalb gets a lot of snow in January, which is also the city's coldest month of the year. The great thing is that there are plenty of indoor activities to keep you busy, such as museums and historical villages.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Dekalb, IL:
Averate Rates by Star Rating
Below are 3 charts displaying average price trends by star rating class in Dekalb, IL. Analyze these illustrations to calculate the most cost effective seasons to stay in Dekalb throughout the year.
Luxury Hotel Options in Dekalb, Illinois
4 Star Average Prices: $124.89
There are several luxury hotel options in Dekalb, such as Timber Creek Inn & Suites. The Timber Creek Inn is located in nearby Sandwich, about 30 minutes south of Dekalb, and is close to Aurora University and the Plano Amtrak Station. It's also close to the Raging Waves Waterpark. The hotel is very modern. All the rooms have air conditioning, plasma-screen televisions, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Guests can get some exercise in the indoor pool and the state-of-the-art 24-hour fitness center. Every night's stay also includes a buffet breakfast that offers a wide selection of pancakes, eggs, bacon, cereal, oatmeal, toast, and more.
Country Inn & Suites by Carlson is a fantastic luxury hotel in Sycamore, which is only 6 miles from Dekalb. Plenty of restaurants and bars are nearby. You can opt for the king bed with a whirlpool tub for a romantic luxury weekend away. You'll also find an indoor pool, a spa tub, a gym, and plenty of free parking available. The hotel also includes a huge buffet breakfast with plenty of options for vegetarians.
Affordable Hotel Options in Dekalb, Illinois
3 Star Average Prices: $120.71
Dekalb is packed with affordable hotel options that still have plenty of amenities. The Baymont Inn & Suites Dekalb is a good choice. The price is unbeatable, and with your stay, you can enjoy a free continental breakfast, a fitness center, and an indoor pool. It's only a few blocks away from the university, so if you're looking for an affordable hotel nearby, this is the best option.
Super 8 Dekalb II is also a wonderful budget option for your stay in Dekalb. The Super 8 is right in the city center and is only a few miles from the airport. If you want to enjoy a round of golf during your stay in Dekalb, the Super 8 Dekalb II is only a few minutes' drive from the Buena Vista Golf Course. The hotel offers guests a complimentary breakfast and free Wi-Fi in every room. If you want to keep active, you can head to the indoor pool to swim a few laps. If you're traveling as part of a large group, the hotel has space for RVs and coach buses in the parking lot.
Another affordable hotel in Dekalb is the Red Roof Inn & Suites. It's a fairly new hotel with a modern design and large rooms filled with natural light. The hotel is within walking distance of Huskies Stadium and only a short drive to Northern Illinois University. Your room includes a free continental breakfast, free parking, and free Wi-Fi. The Red Roof Inn & Suites also allows pets, so you don't have to leave your furry loved ones at home.
2 Star Average Prices: $106.58
Best Discounts in Dekalb, Illinois
There are some really great discounts on rooms around Dekalb. If you are a member of AAA, Quality Inn in Sycamore offers discounts on rooms if you have your AAA card. The hotel is only a short distance from downtown Dekalb, but it's also close to Aurora University and Chicago Rockford International Airport. Every room includes free breakfast, complimentary Wi-Fi, and access to a spa tub and indoor swimming pool.
If you're looking for a hotel in Dekalb that offers senior discounts, check out Baymont Inn & Suites Dekalb. It offers a 13 percent discount to guests who have proof of age. The Baymont Inn & Suites provides guests with a free continental breakfast, an indoor pool, and a fitness center. There is plenty of free parking with space for RVs and coach buses.
Best Value Options in Dekalb, Illinois
There are so many great value-for-money hotel options in and around Dekalb. The Holiday Inn Express in Rochelle is a great choice. It's only 20 minutes from downtown Dekalb and is about 15 minutes from Northern Illinois University. For an amazing price, you get a free buffet breakfast, complimentary wired internet, and access to an indoor pool and fitness center. There's also a free business center where you can hold meetings, as well as a laundry service in case you need to have something washed or pressed.
Another great value hotel option near Dekalb is the Herrington Inn & Spa. This hotel is all about affordable luxury. It's in nearby Geneva, Illinois, which is right along the Fox River. All the rooms have fireplaces, private balconies, whirlpool tubs, and a nightly delivery of milk and cookies. There's also a complimentary breakfast available in the dining room each morning. The inn feels like an intimate bed and breakfast, even though there are 60 rooms. There is also a spa where you can book a massage or facial.
The Country Hearth Inn is also a good value hotel near Dekalb. It's a few miles away in Rochelle, right off of Interstate 39, so it's easy to get to and very close to Northern Illinois University. It's also less than 20 miles away from Chicago Rockford International Airport. It's a great place in an excellent location, and it's packed with amenities. Every room has free Wi-Fi, guests get a complimentary continental breakfast, and you can keep in shape in the on-site fitness center with treadmills, stationary bicycles, and weights.
The Best Restaurants in Dekalb, Illinois
As a college town, Dekalb has plenty of great pizza joints and fast-food restaurants, but the food scene in Dekalb isn't all burgers and fries. The city has a huge selection of international options as well as some wonderful family-style American eateries.
Pita Pete's is a popular option for those looking to have a healthy meal. Its pitas are made fresh and delivered from the Al Khyam Bakery of Chicago every day. The restaurant makes its own hummus, baba ghanoush, tzatziki, and pita chips in-house. It's a build-your-own type of restaurant, so you can choose your protein, your salad, and your sauce to create a personalized pita that's healthy and delicious.
For something special, head to the Mikimoto Japanese Steakhouse. It has wonderfully fresh sushi on the menu as well as cooked seafood options. There's also a wonderful steak menu. Be sure to make a reservation so you can sit at one of the hibachi-style tables and watch the chef cook your meal right in front of you. Go for a surf-and-turf option of steak and shrimp or simply enjoy the house filet mignon. Be sure to finish off your meal with the mochi green tea ice cream.
The Junction Eating Place is perfect any time of day. It's an American diner with breakfast served all day and plenty of options to keep everyone in the family happy. The restaurant sources its produce locally when possible and pride itself on hiring students from nearby universities. Diners can enjoy big juicy burgers and healthy salads and sandwiches, as well as giant omelets and grilled salmon dishes.
Dekalb is a great college city with so many wonderful hotels. Whether you're looking for a luxury weekend away or want an affordable hotel to stay in while you visit your son or daughter at nearby Northern Illinois University, you can find a hotel that can suit all of your needs and desires.
FAQs about hotels in Dekalb
How much does a cheap hotel in Dekalb cost per night?
In the last year, a 2 star hotel in Dekalb can be as cheap as $106.58 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a 3 star hotel in Dekalb cost per night?
In the last year, the average 3 star hotel in Dekalb has been $120.71 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a higher-end hotel in Dekalb cost?
In the last year, the average 4 star hotel in Dekalb has been $124.89 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
Recent traveler reviews of Dekalb, IL
Below are reviews of the city of Dekalb, IL from an actual visitor's perspective.
"Lots of food options"
Score
4.0 / 5
Angela S., from 24-Aug-2026
"The city was very nice"
Score
4.0 / 5
Ward A., from 16-Aug-2026
"Plenty of places to eat"
Score
5.0 / 5
George B., from 19-Jul-2026
"I used to live here"
Score
4.0 / 5
Wesley H., from 18-Jul-2026
"DeKalb is a college town that has many choices for shopping"
Score
5.0 / 5
DeKalb is a college town that has many choices for shopping and restaurants. It is a medium sized, safe and friendly community with lovely parks. East access to I-88 expressway and charming towns nearby.
Sarah K., from 26-Feb-2026
"Wonderful & Beautiful Town"
Score
5.0 / 5
Wonderful town, beautiful and racially diverse which is great!
Christine S., from 12-Oct-2025
"Enjoyed visiting the university."
Score
4.0 / 5
I enjoyed visiting the university
Christopher C., from 18-Sep-2025
"Peaceful"
Score
4.0 / 5
Peaceful
Lisa J., from 13-Jul-2025
"Only place we come!"
Score
4.0 / 5
We live in DeKalb and this only place we come!
Elizabeth A., from 05-Jul-2025
"Near NIU and the Football Stadium"
Score
4.0 / 5
Hotel is across the street from NIU. Easy walking distance to football stadium.
Richard B., from 24-Sep-2023
"Very Historical Town"
Score
4.0 / 5
There is a lot of history in the town.
David V., from 20-Sep-2023
"Great Steak House"
Score
4.0 / 5
Great steak house, Ellwood Steak. Waitress, Jackie was amazing along with the food!
Jon F., from 10-Jul-2023
The average traveler rating of the city of Dekalb, IL shown above is
4.3 out of 5 based on 12 reviews