Serviced Accommodation, Aparthotels and Serviced Apartments in Illinois

Illinois has a population of over twelve million, occupying a landmass more than fifty-five thousand square miles. Geographical descriptions tend to identify three main regions covering Illinois, which are the Central Plains, the Shawnee Hills and the Gulf Coastal Plain. Living up to its ‘prairie’ nickname, the Central Plain grasslands cover up to 90% of Illinois land.  Neighbouring states include Wisconsin northwards, Iowa and Missouri to the west, Kentucky to the south, and Indiana to the east. Lake Michigan and the bustling city of Chicago make the northeast of Illinois particularly attractive for travel. Despite Springfield being the state capital, as the third largest city in the US, Chicago is evidently considered the business and cultural capital. The lake views, skyscraper skyline and landmark buildings make Chicago and Illinois prime locations for business travel. Therefore, the highest concentration of state serviced apartments is based in Chicago.

Like most of America, the Paleoindians were the first to occupy Illinois over ten thousand years ago. It was not until the seventeenth century that the first European explorers visit Illinois. These explorers were French, and Illinois became part of the French colony until the land became British territory following the French-Indian War in 1763. Eventually, after the American Revolution, Illinois was granted its independence and later statehood in 1818. Abraham Lincoln, at the age of 21 then moved to Illinois in 1830. He would go on to become a House representative on behalf of Illinois until he was eventually elected President in 1861. The famous ‘Land of Lincoln’ state slogan was therefore designated in his honour. Since, the population has grown drastically, and Chicago has especially become a symbol of American culture and economic progression.

ILLINOIS LIVING

Residents of most EU countries, Australia and Canada can all access the United State visa-free through the Visa Waiver Programme. These citizens are enabled to stay for tourism or business for up to ninety days. All arrivals will need to fill out the US customs declaration, either completed electronically (APC) or on paper. For more information on visas, and specific state requirements, it’s worth visiting www.travel.state.gov.

Once arriving in Illinois, you have a variety of transportation options available to choose from. Whilst driving can be more challenging in the busier locations, such as Chicago, it can also allow free-willed travel to some of Illinois’ popular landmarks and beautiful landscapes. It is worth visiting www.usa.gov/visitors-driving for more details on both national and specific state driving. Otherwise, you will never be short of taxi operator options. Booking a taxi in Chicago is particularly simple, with several companies such as Checker and 303 Taxi enabling easy city travel.

ECONOMIC CLIMATE

From an economic standpoint, Illinois ranks as one of the highest performing states in the US, maintaining a per capita income higher than the national average, $45,000. In recent years, amazingly, the state’s GDP has been larger than that of Saudi Arabia. Most of the state’s prosperity comes out of Chicago though. The city’s population is diverse and has grown to provide businesses with a lucrative consumer market. Complementing these consumers and corporates collectively is the extensive range of transportation, guaranteeing easy connectivity and business movement. Incentives for foreign business investment are also numerous across Illinois, including particular tax exemptions, supportive business programs, and enterprise zones designed to stimulate economic growth. This is all on top of the great variety of serviced apartments Situ has on offer for foreign corporates.

ATTRACTIONS

The combination of history and signs of present modernisation blend beautifully to form what Illinois is today. Travellers can go back as far into the past as possible when visiting the Cahokia Mounds. Renowned as the largest prehistoric Indian settlement and earthwork in the Americas, the mounds are a UNESCO World Heritage Site worth visiting for a greater understanding of both Illinois and American history. Those interested in Illinois’ more recent history are spoilt with Lincoln Monument and his Presidential Library. Both located in the state’s capital, Springfield, the structures are great commemorators of such an iconic figure in not only Illinois’ history but also US history. Also associated with Lincoln is the Lincoln Park Zoo, one of the oldest in the US and very popular amongst visitors and locals.

In contrast, Illinois boasts an amazing business environment, particularly through Chicago. This is evident when you take a walk down the Magnificent Mile. It has almost everything you could think off, including museums, restaurants, boutiques and immense towers, such as the Tribune. Make sure you bring plenty of United States Dollars (USD) to make sure you can make the most of this exclusive Illinois experience. Staying in serviced accommodation could put you on the edge of this strip and the beautiful Lake Michigan just down the road.  If you fancy looking over the entire state after a long day working or exploring, you can visit the extraordinary Willis Tower Skydeck. Standing 1,350 feet tall, the tower allows visitors the chance to view the entirety of Chicago and beyond. It can be the perfect way to end a day of historic exploring or business conduct.

Whatever reason you choose for visiting the beautiful state of Illinois, or however long you decide to stay, Situ has corporate accommodation available to make sure your stay is as convenient and relaxing as possible.