Wind Creek Chicago Southland is a casino resort in the south suburbs of Chicago, and when I learned I’d be staying there on a hosted visit, I had one big question: Would I enjoy it if I didn’t gamble?
After spending two days on the property, I found there’s much more to Wind Creek than the casino floor. Between the comfortable accommodations, full-service spa, excellent dining, and convenient location for exploring the area, I had plenty to enjoy without ever placing a bet.
Here’s what you can expect, what stood out during my stay, and whether I’d recommend it, even if gambling isn’t part of your plans.
My stay was hosted by Wind Creek Chicago Southland and the Chicago Southland CVB. As always, all opinions are my own.
Good to Know
- Location: East Hazel Crest, Illinois
- Opened: 2025
- Parking: Free, attached garage
- Best for: Couples, leisure travelers, casino guests, and visitors exploring Chicago Southland
- My room: Deluxe King
- Resort Amenities: Casino, spa, multiple restaurants, fitness center
Planning your trip? Check rates and availability for Wind Creek Chicago Southland.
First Impressions
One of the first things I noticed about Wind Creek Chicago Southland was how easy it was to get to. It’s just off Interstate 80 near Interstate 57, so within minutes of leaving the highway, I was pulling into the attached parking garage (which is free, by the way).
Because the resort opened in 2025, everything still felt brand new, and the decor and artwork were beautiful.
The front desk staff was genuinely friendly, and a bellman showed me how to use the destination-dispatch elevator system.
Instead of pressing a button inside the elevator, you scan your room key at a kiosk first. It lets you choose either your guest room floor or one of the public areas, then tells you which elevator car to board. That elevator is programmed to go only to the destination you selected. It took me a minute to get used to, but I ended up appreciating the added security since guests can only access their assigned room floor or the hotel’s public spaces.
My Deluxe King Room
I wasn’t expecting my Deluxe King room to feel quite so luxurious, so I was pleasantly surprised. The room was beautifully furnished and filled with natural light. My king-size bed was very comfortable, and I appreciated having multiple outlets and USB charging ports on the nightstands.
The room also had several thoughtful features. The lights and the privacy/housekeeping request indicator were controlled by touchscreens at both the entryway and the bedside, so I didn’t have to get out of bed to turn off the lights.
There was also a desk work area, but the chair wasn’t adjustable. At 5’2″, I couldn’t quite get comfortable, so I ended up working from the bed instead. (Honestly, the bed is my favorite spot to work anyhow.)
I never watch TV when I travel, but if you do, there’s a 55-inch flat-screen. I was much more excited about the full-length mirror. It’s a pet peeve of mine when hotels don’t have one. The room also included a safe, mini fridge, coffeemaker, and complimentary bottled water.
The bathroom had a large glass-enclosed shower and a well-lit vanity that made getting ready easy. There was also a makeup mirror, clothes steamer, and hair dryer. The shower had multiple spray settings and excellent water pressure, which always earns bonus points from me.
Restaurants at Wind Creek Chicago Southland
Wind Creek Chicago Southland has several dining options, including a reimagined buffet, an upscale steakhouse, an oyster bar, and a noodle bar. During my stay, I ate at Alto Steakhouse and Food Bazaar.
Food Bazaar
By the time I checked in, it was late afternoon, and I was hungry, so I headed to Food Bazaar. It’s a modern take on the traditional casino buffet. Instead of walking down long buffet lines and serving yourself, you visit a collection of individual food stations, order what you want, and it’s prepared and handed to you.
It solved just about everything I’ve always disliked about buffets. I didn’t have to use serving utensils that hundreds of other people had touched or wait behind someone deciding between the mashed potatoes and mac and cheese. I simply ordered what I wanted and picked it up when it was ready.
The food stations include Southern soul food, Italian, seafood, burgers and sandwiches, Mexican, and desserts, so there was no shortage of options. I was in the mood for Italian, so I ordered a margherita pizza and a Caesar salad from Bottega. The crust had a nice chew to it, and the fresh mozzarella was the star of the pizza.
And yes, I may have wandered over to Sugar Lips afterward. I told myself I was just looking… but somehow, a couple of bite-sized desserts from Sugar Lips ended up on my plate.
Alto Steakhouse
The next night, we had dinner on the top floor at Alto. Walking in, I immediately noticed the dry-aging steaks on display. It was the first hint that this wasn’t going to be an ordinary hotel restaurant.
Chef Fabio Viviani, a former Top Chef finalist, serves as Alto’s culinary partner, bringing Italian influences to the steakhouse menu.
You can see the Chicago skyline from the dining room on a clear day, but I spent most of dinner paying attention to what was on my plate instead. This ended up being one of the best meals I’ve had in a long time, and I’d happily come back just for dinner, even if I weren’t staying at Wind Creek Chicago Southland.
Dinner started with several appetizers, but the smoked burrata immediately became my favorite. The tomato jam that accompanied it added just the right amount of sweetness to balance the creamy cheese, and I found myself making sure every bite included a little of both.
For my entrée, I ordered the spicy Creste di Gallo, and it lived up to its description. Too many dishes claim to be spicy and barely deliver, but this one had a noticeable kick without overwhelming the other flavors.
Every plate that came to the table looked just as impressive as mine, and we spent the first five minutes taking photos before anyone took a bite.
By the time dessert arrived, I was completely stuffed. Everyone else somehow managed to find room for it, but I had officially reached my limit. Judging by how quickly the desserts disappeared, I may have missed out.
Before heading back downstairs, I stepped out onto the terrace for one last look at the skyline.
Touring the Spa
While the rest of my group enjoyed their spa treatments, I took the opportunity to tour the facilities instead. Even without experiencing a treatment myself, I came away impressed by everything I saw.
The spa features several areas where guests can relax before or after their treatment. There’s also a whirlpool, a sauna, and four aromatherapy experience showers.
I’d never heard of aromatherapy showers before, but each one offers a different combination of water temperature, spray pattern, and aromatherapy scent, which I thought was a pretty neat idea.
There’s also a Himalayan salt sauna, a steam room, spacious changing areas, and thoughtful amenities like razors, shower caps, and other toiletries in case you forgot something at home.
The treatment area includes eight rooms, two of which have private showers for body wraps and exfoliation treatments.
I also got a sneak peek at the new guided mud room. Guests begin with a salt scrub, rinse off, apply either a mud or charcoal mask, and then relax on heated seats while steam helps the treatment do its work before rinsing everything off.
It sounded like a great option for couples, friends, or anyone looking for a different kind of spa experience.
The Casino
Although I didn’t gamble during my stay, I did check out the casino. The gaming floor is filled with row after row of slot machines, a full lineup of table games, a dedicated high-roller area, and a sportsbook lounge for anyone who wants to watch the game while placing a bet.
Even without playing a hand, I could tell the energy on the floor would be a big draw for casino regulars, while the sportsbook lounge felt like a comfortable spot to grab a drink and watch a game even if you’re not betting on it.
One other thing that caught my attention was the robot bartenders. It was early morning, so they weren’t mixing drinks yet, but it was a fun little surprise to see them.
Exploring Chicago Southland from Wind Creek
One of the things I appreciated most about staying here was its location. It made a great home base while exploring the south suburbs of Chicago.
Over two days, I checked out the colorful Richard Haas murals in Homewood, made my own candle at Blue Pearl Candles, and toured the historic Gayety’s Chocolates factory to see how the candy gets made. I grabbed lunch at Flossmoor Station Brewery, watched local artists at work at Lotton Art Glass, and wrapped up with some downtime at Chicago Gaelic Park.
At the end of each day, it was nice to return to my cozy, comfy room, have several dining options without getting back in the car, and unwind before heading out again the next morning.
Is Wind Creek Chicago Southland Worth It?
So, would I enjoy the resort without placing a single bet? Absolutely. Between the room, the restaurants, the spa, and its location, I never felt like I was missing out by skipping the casino. If you’re looking for a place to stay while exploring Chicago Southland, I’d happily recommend Wind Creek, whether gambling is part of your plans or not.
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