Chicago boasts one of the best hotels in the country, thanks to its architectural wonders, award-winning food scenes, unique museums, and compelling lakefront views. Not only that, but the city also offers well-known hotels that are full of flavor and facilities. Without further ado, here are our top picks for the best Chicago hotels.
The Langham, Chicago
The Langham Chicago is known for its excellent service and elegant appearance. Since its inception in 2013, this art-filled hotel has occupied the first 13 floors of the historic 52-story IBM building. It is located on the banks of the Chicago River, just steps from Michigan Avenue, and has one of the best views of the river in Chicago, making it one of the best hotels with views in Chicago.
The Langham is famous for its more than 300 sophisticated and spacious suites. They have large windows with beautiful views of the city. All rooms feature contemporary furnishings in neutral colors, dark walnut and lilac accents, soaking tubs, and rain showers.
The hotel’s elegant in-house dining room, Travelled, is discreetly situated on the second level. They offer seasonal American foods sourced from ranches and farmers across the country. They also offer Spanish, Italian, Greek, and French cuisine.
The hotel features a fitness club, a 67-foot-long indoor pool with a hydrotherapy Jacuzzi, and the Chuan Spa, which offers services such as acupuncture and facials. This five-star hotel, close to some of the best restaurants in downtown Chicago, is priced between $563 and $669.
Pros
Staying at this hotel provides a comprehensive experience.
Comfortable mattresses and relaxing, large bathtubs are frequently praised.
Cons
The in-house spa and restaurant are costly.
The Peninsula Chicago
Peninsula Chicago is frequently ranked as one of the best wellness hotels in Chicago and the United States for its spectacular combination of service and luxury. Combine Hong Kong’s urban prowess with the rugged appeal of the metropolis. The Peninsula Chicago’s position, adjacent to Chicago’s Magnificent Mile, places visitors within walking distance of dining and shopping options.
Accommodations at The Peninsula Chicago are larger than standard downtown rooms, with a creamy color scheme and exquisite trim. However, the modern technical details in the rooms stand out the most. From a bedroom remote that regulates the lights and room temperature to a bathroom button that dims the lighting and activates the do not disturb sign, there’s something for everyone.
The Peninsula’s award-winning Shanghai Terrace restaurant offers traditional and contemporary Chinese cuisine. In addition, Pierrot Gourmet serves French bistro food in a cafeteria that allows one to eat outside on the terrace. The exquisite lobby serves all meals, and on weekends it’s a feast for the chocolate buffet of your fantasies.
This hotel features a half-Olympic-length indoor pool with plenty of space to swim, a renowned spa with a range of Asian-inspired treatments, and a 20th-floor gym. In addition, this five-star hotel offers the friendliest staff, according to many tourists. The cost ranges from $650 to $769.
Pros
Excellent service and attention to detail.
Rooms are 530 square feet, making them some of the largest in the city.
One of the best hotels in Chicago, with a huge spa and gym.
Cons
This premium hotel is expensive.
Due to its popularity, the bar and restaurants have long waiting lists.
Chicago Athletic Association Hotel
The Chicago Athletic Association hotel dated back to 1893 and was once an elite center for top athletes and businessmen. The Venetian Gothic exterior blends with 2000s-era interiors, complete with formed pebble fireplaces and terrazzo floors, after being converted into a retro-modern hotel “club” in 2015. The famous lobby has a Harvard flair and Hogwarts. This hotel is located in downtown Chicago, directly across from Millennium Park.
The spacious rooms vary in size, with the largest overlooking Millennium Park. Although tiny, the rooms and suites are cleverly designed to optimize space while maintaining simplicity and style. The historical architectural structure features large windows and marble bathtubs in each room.
Cindy’s Rooftop is an open-air restaurant that serves large-format drinks. Downstairs is Shake Shack, a hamburger and hot dog restaurant. Cherry Circle Room, a fast food restaurant, and the Game Room, with a relaxed atmosphere. Other services include a foosball table in the game area and a 24-hour fitness center.
Pros
The old gothic charm of this hotel has been preserved.
Its location offers spectacular views of the park and the lake.
Cons
The ancient structure suggests smaller chambers.
Long queues form due to the popularity of the in-house restaurants.
The locals frequent the bars and restaurants, which means a great nightlife.
Viceroy Chicago
Located on the elite Gold Coast block in a 120-year-old building, Viceroy Chicago perfectly appeals to both the old-school indulgence and the 21st-century traveler. The Viceroy stands out for its representation, from its brilliantly restored ’90s to its 30-foot wall of quotes in the lobby. In addition, the location of this hotel puts visitors close to the most popular shopping areas and tourist attractions.
Many of the 180 contemporary rooms include brightly colored walls, furniture, and spectacular views of Lake Michigan. In addition, the rooms are equipped with a host of modern amenities, including bathrooms with rain showers.
Somerset is a restaurant built to look like an inviting yacht club, with gilt mirrors and abundant Art Deco lighting. Its fresh American cuisine changes regularly, but signature dishes like smoked beetroot tartare are a must. Devereaux, the rooftop club, serves specialty drinks with views of the impressive Chicago skyline.
Although there’s no spa at this Viceroy resort, having access to the hotel’s complimentary Tesla vehicle service makes up for it. This 4.5-star hotel offers tourists a sense of tranquility while still being close to many activities and the beach. It costs between 325 and 433 dollars.
Pros
Rooms with panoramic views of the city.
Excellent location in one of the most beautiful areas of the city.
Cons
Lake-view rooms may have a partial view.
There is no spa on the premises.
Virgin Hotels Chicago
Virgin Hotels Chicago plays with opposites, with a lively public outlook but a quiet private view. The pioneering hotel opened in 2015 and was built by the owner of Virgin Airlines. One of the largest in downtown Chicago, this hotel is just a few blocks from Michigan Avenue. It offers an intriguing approach to new indulgence and pleasure aimed at younger business models and tech-savvy explorers—an app for messengers (like Door Dash), as well as TV control.
The cherry-red hall, or chamber, of the 26-story hotel, divides the massive changing space from the bedroom section. As one of the best Chicago hotels for couples, the friendly atmosphere exudes a contemporary feel.
There are no authentic restaurants, despite an abundance of alternatives to eat and drink. Instead, there’s the Commons Club, a cocktail club, Two Zero Three, a coffee shop daily, and a wine bar by night. A rooftop bar with creative drinks and a speakeasy, Cerise has excellent views of the city from its patio.
If you want to enjoy additional services, such as a swimming pool or a spa, the hotel has a 24-hour fitness center. This 4.5-star hotel charges between $259 and $333 per night.
Pros
The rooms have amenities and separate changing rooms.
The panoramic views from the rooftop of the living room are impressive.
Cons
Since the motel is next to the train tracks, it can be noisy.
There is no pool or spa on the premises.
Waldorf Astoria Chicago
With its classic luxury, the Waldorf Astoria on Chicago’s Gold Coast area in East Walton couldn’t be more understated and elegant. With the hotel’s extensive art collection, one can convey the illusion of walking through an art exhibition.
The apartments, which include comfortable king-size beds, are designed in an elegant, Parisian style. Some offer unexpected amenities like in-room fireplaces, walk-in showers, and separate tubs that appeal more to traveling couples. Michael Mina, a well-known chef, has two dining rooms on site. Petit Margeaux is a charming vintage French patisserie serving quick bites like gourmet sandwiches and fresh pastries. The Brasserie, a Parisian cafe with exceptional hand-crafted French cuisine, underscores the hotel’s reputation as one of the best Chicago hotels for couples.
There is a regular gym, lap pool, and a well-known Spa for its exceptional services. This five-star hotel is a perennial favorite with luxury guests, with rates ranging from $555 to $753.
Pros
Rooms with fireplaces provide a romantic atmosphere.
Cons
An expensive price range.
Kimpton Gray Hotel
The protected Georgia Gray marble inspires the hotel’s name in most renovated interiors. In its day, it was known as the New York Life Insurance Building. The Kimpton Gray Hotel, with its flair for elegance and as one of the best hotels in downtown Chicago, is excellent for business travelers.
The rooms are named for their calming gray color palette, powder blue accents, and unique artwork. Consolidating vintage elements with fresh furniture – the soft platform beds imply mid-century calm, contrasting the dark wood armoire with the ornate interior channels much more extravagant.
The Vol. 39 Lobby Bar has been given the bookcases and leather look of a romantic law office renovation. If you’re in a good mood, there’s Boleo, an Argentinian rooftop club with a massive retractable roof that offers Latin American street cuisine. It is one of the favorite places for both tourists and locals. This 4.5-star hotel features all the hallmark facilities of the brand, including complimentary wine receptions, and is priced between $239 and $339.
Pros
Popular rooftop restaurant with a central setting.
The location is ideal for business travelers.
Cons
The location in the center of the city allows for noise.
The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Michigan Avenue Chicago
The Marriott Bonvoy Gwen Hotel is located on the iconic Magnificent Mile in a classic Art Deco structure. The hotel is connected to The Shops at North Bridge in Chicago’s River North neighborhood, just a few blocks from the Chicago River.
Unlike other expensive Chicago hotels, this hotel has an old-world charm with beautiful tones, sophisticated decor, crystal chandeliers, and exquisite furnishings. Rooms simply change color to match the lobby and include ultra-luxury Frette bedding.
Upstairs at the Gwen, a rooftop bar and restaurant from one of Chicago’s best-known chefs is active during seasons of favorable weather. There is also a stylish rooftop patio with fire pits. On weekends, it serves brunch with creative cocktails and small meals. Kostali by Naha, a Mediterranean restaurant, has the potential for a dinner menu. This 4.5-star hotel has brunch rates ranging from $309 to $439.
Pros
The rooftop patio and the location of this hotel are its features.
Cons
The location on bustling Michigan Avenue requires a somewhat quiet environment.
Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago
The Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago combines panoramic views of Chicago with a contemporary and cosmopolitan design. This modern hotel, located next to Millennium Park and The Magnificent Mile, is a hidden gem. The lobby alone has a 50-foot fireplace and exciting art, plus this hotel has an app.
The stylish rooms feature a modern minimalist theme with varied color palettes. The standard decoration of the rooms is in turquoise colors, with white walls and wooden floors in some suites. It is the location of the Fire Lake Grill House & Cocktail Bar, which serves Midwestern cuisine.
Several amenities are on the rooftop, such as a swimming pool and a hot tub. There are indoor and outdoor pools as well as a fantastic gym. There’s an 8,000-square-foot fitness center with a basketball court and 25-yard pool, a 1/5-mile jogging path, and a yoga room—Rates for this 4.5-star hotel range from $205 to $416.
Pros
There are three pools on-site, a spa, and a large garden.
Cons
The price is costly for the quality of the accommodation.
The Drake
Drake’s old-fashioned manner has been endearing since 1920For nearly a century, it has hosted numerous aristocrats, including Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Diana. In addition, the location is fantastic – across the street from Oak Street Beach and surrounded by shops and restaurants. Views of Lake Michigan and the metropolis are breathtaking.
Drake’s rooms have retained their historic beauty while incorporating modern conveniences. All rooms have Italian marble bathrooms, soft signature beds, and Hilton bedding.
The Coq d’Or, which offers drinks, lunch, and dinner daily, is one of the two restaurants in the hotel. Palm Court serves afternoon tea, and Lavazza welcomes coffee or quick bites. This is a 4-star hotel with rates ranging from $196 to $420.
Pros
A historic hotel in an ideal position.
Cons
The rooms may need renovation.
Nobu Hotel Chicago
Located in Chicago, 1.5 km from Union Station, Nobu Hotel Chicago provides accommodation with a restaurant, private parking, a fitness center, and a bar. The property is 1.7 km from Willis Tower and 2.2 km from United Center and CIBC Theatre. There is a 24-hour reception, shuttle service, room service, and free Wi-Fi.
The rooms are equipped with a TV.
Nobu Hotel Chicago has spa and wellness facilities with an indoor pool and sauna.
Millennium Station and DePaul University are 2.5 km away. The nearest airport is Midway International Airport, 17 km from Nobu Hotel Chicago.
The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago
Perched on the top floors of the Water Tower Place skyscraper in Chicago’s Gold Coast District, this hotel offers tastefully decorated rooms with views of the city lake from large landscape windows. The upscale shops and restaurants of the Magnificent Mile are within walking distance of this hotel.
Rooms at the Ritz-Carlton, Chicago, feature a 37-inch flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, and a spacious marble bathroom with complimentary deluxe toiletries.
The Chicago Ritz Carlton hotel features a 4-lane heated lap pool, spa, 24-hour concierge service, casual bar-restaurant, modern fitness center, and 24-hour business center.
This hotel is less than 1 mile from the Navy Pier entertainment area. The Chicago Museum of Contemporary Art is adjacent to the hotel.
Four Seasons Chicago
Located in downtown Chicago, just steps from the high-end shopping, dining, and entertainment venues of Michigan Avenue’s Magnificent Mile, this hotel features views of the city’s skyline, a restaurant, and a luxury spa. There is free Wi-Fi.
All rooms at the Four Seasons Chicago have panoramic views of the Chicago skyline or Lake Michigan, a flat-screen LCD TV, an iHome clock radio, and a renovated marble bathroom with Le Labo toiletries.
Adorn Bar and Restaurant is located on the 7th floor with views of the Magnificent Mile and downtown. The Adorn offers globally inspired cuisine and cocktails featuring the bounty of the American Midwest, with an iconic location and premium service.
The Spa at the Four Seasons features a state-of-the-art fitness center and a 50-foot indoor pool. The hotel also has a 24-hour business center, a kids’ club with video games, foosball, an arts and crafts area, and a movie theater.
This hotel is 1.5 miles from Millennium Park, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Lincoln Park Zoo. The 900 North Michigan Shops is directly below the hotel. Navy Pier is a 10-minute drive away.
Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago
Rising 92 stories above the Loop and North Michigan Avenue along the Chicago River, this stainless steel and stained glass landmark building boasts spectacular views from all areas of the hotel. This hotel offers luxury spa services, haute cuisine, and exclusive services, among other unique benefits.
All Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago rooms are spacious and include floor-to-ceiling windows with iconic views of Lake Michigan, the Chicago River, or the skyline. In addition, rooms feature a limestone bathroom, a deep soaking tub, and a 65-inch flat-screen cable TV.
Celebrity chef Nick Dostal creates a menu of classic American flavors at the hotel’s restaurant, Terrace 16, which features a lively indoor dining room, bar, and seasonal outdoor terrace overlooking Lake Michigan, the River Chicago, and several of the city’s iconic landmarks.
The hotel features a 75-foot indoor heated pool surrounded by plush loungers, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and a full-service business center.
The Trump Hotel is a 2-minute walk from the famous shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues of the Magnificent Mile area of ​​Michigan Avenue. In addition, the hotel is less than 2 miles from Navy Pier.
Hotel Chicago Downtown, Autograph Collection
Adjacent to the House of Blues and the Chicago River, this River North area hotel is within walking distance of Millennium Park. The hotel has the floor dedicated to business and event facilities, a 24-hour fitness center, and spa services.
All rooms at the Hotel Chicago Downtown Autograph Collection have floor-to-ceiling windows, a 42-inch flat-screen TV, an iPod docking station, a large desk, bathrobes, and fine Egyptian cotton bedding.
The hotel bar, Chicagoan, offers a variety of craft drinks every night. Adjacent to the hotel lobby is Bin 36, which serves cocktails and food. In addition, 24-hour concierge, laundry, and valet parking services are also provided.
The Autograph Collection Downtown Chicago Hotel is one mile from Navy Pier and the Willis (Sears) Skyscraper. In addition, the Merchandise Mart public transportation station and the Magnificent Mile shopping area are within walking distance.
The Guesthouse Hotel
Located 2.8 km from Montrose Beach on Lake Michigan, The Guesthouse Hotel offers suites with gourmet kitchens, a fitness center, and free Wi-Fi in Chicago.
All suites at the Chicago Guesthouse Hotel have a flat-screen TV, high ceilings, a private balcony, and a washer and dryer. In addition, the terraces have a barbecue area.
The Guesthouse Hotel houses a boutique shop stocked with products from local artists and designers. It also has a 24-hour front desk, supermarket, shared lounge, and meeting facilities.
The hotel is 2.9 km from Wrigley Stadium, 3.9 km from DePaul University – Lincoln Park Campus, and 10 minutes from the Lincoln Park Zoo. Chicago O’Hare International Airport is 20 km away.
Kimpton Hotel Monaco Chicago, an IHG Hotel
Centrally located along the Chicago River in the famous Loop business district, this hotel offers in-room spa services and a 24-hour gym. This eco-friendly hotel is a 9-minute walk from Millennium Park.
All Kimpton Hotel Monaco Chicago designer rooms have a 37-inch LCD TV, a minibar box with organic and gourmet snacks, a yoga mat, and fluffy bathrobes.
Free coffee and tea are offered in the lobby, and there is a wine reception every night. In addition, room service from the Fisk & Co. restaurant, located next to the hotel, is available 24 hours a day.
The hotel is just a 12-minute walk from the luxury shops, entertainment, and dining options of the Magnificent Mile. The Theater District, including the CIBC Theatre, is less than a mile from the hotel. Midway International Airport is 19.3 km away, and Chicago O’Hare International Airport is 27.3 km away.
Ivy Boutique Hotel
This boutique hotel features spacious rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows and unique items in the heart of downtown Chicago, just two blocks from the shops, entertainment, and dining options of the Magnificent Mile.
All rooms at the Ivy Boutique Hotel feature modern dark wood furnishings, automatic shades, a 42-inch flat-screen TV, and an iPod docking station. Some have a separate living room. In addition, guests can enjoy fully stocked minibars, WiFi, and in-room spa services for an additional fee.
Divine Lounge offers a daily breakfast and a variety of signature cocktails and appetizers in the evening. In addition, the open-air Sky Terrace provides views of the city’s skyline.
The hotel offers all guests complimentary access to CorePower Yoga and Planet Fitness. It also has almost 300 m² of meeting and banquet facilities.
The hotel is 1 mile from Army Pier and Millennium Park and 16 miles from O’Hare International Airport.
The Royal Sonesta Chicago River North
This 4-star boutique hotel is located in the heart of the River North neighborhood in downtown Chicago. This eco-friendly hotel offers an indoor pool and a terrace.
Featuring design and dĂ©cor inspired by the Chicago World’s Fair, rooms at The Royal Sonesta Chicago River North feature a 37-inch flat-screen TV with fitness channels. The bathroom is spacious and includes designer bathrobes and toiletries.
The Royal Sonesta, Chicago River North, has a 24-hour gym equipped with modern machines and equipment.
The Royal Sonesta, Chicago River North, serves free coffee and tea in the morning. CBR, located next to the hotel, serves regional cuisine for breakfast and dinner. Brunch is served on weekends.
This hotel is a 1-minute walk from the Chicago Subway Red Line and less than 1 mile from Navy Pier and Millennium Park. O’Hare International Airport and Midway Airport are located 17 miles from the property.
Chicago Thompson
This luxury boutique hotel in downtown Chicago features an on-site restaurant and free property-wide WiFi. It is a 2-minute walk from Michigan Avenue, where shops and restaurants exist.
Rooms at the Thompson Chicago are modern and include a minibar and flat-screen cable TV. The bathrooms include bathrobes, deluxe toiletries, and a modern rain shower.
The hotel’s restaurant, Nico Osteria, serves artisan pasta, grilled seafood, and signature cocktails in a luxurious setting. There is room service.
The Chicago Thompson hotel also houses a 93 m² fitness center. In addition, the hotel provides complimentary daily newspapers and free tea and coffee in the lobby.
The hotel is 1 mile from Millennium Park and a 5-minute walk from Lake Michigan and Oak Street Beach.
London House Chicago, Curio Collection by Hilton
The LondonHouse is located in a historic building on Michigan Avenue along the Chicago River. It features Chicago’s only three-level rooftop bar. The hotel is less than a 10-minute walk from Millennium Park.
All spacious rooms at the LondonHouse Chicago include free Wi-Fi, a large work area, and a 55-inch flat-screen TV. In addition, some rooms offer views of the Chicago skyline and historical landmarks.
The 24-hour fitness center includes state-of-the-art equipment, a ballet barre, and more. In addition, the hotel has flexible meeting spaces and a grand ballroom with stunning views.
The hotel’s LH offers views, a new take on regional cuisine, and cocktails. In addition, it has a unique terrace overlooking the river and a dining area under the vaulted dome on the 23rd floor.
Navy Pier and the Art Institute of Chicago are within a mile of the LoudonHouse Chicago Curio Collection by Hilton.
Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel
Located directly on the Chicago River in Chicago’s Theater District, this boutique hotel features the VIP R Lobby Lounge Bar, Artist Studio, coffee shop, and library.
The Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel offers rooms with contemporary dĂ©cor and modern amenities. All include private bathrooms with wood and marble furnishings and offer views of the Chicago River or the city’s skyline. They also have cable TV and a seating area.
The hotel has a rooftop bar that offers cocktails, meals, and views of the city’s famous architecture. It is also home to the relaxing Rejuvenation Center, with an indoor pool and spa services. There are also meeting rooms, a business, and a fitness center.
The Downtown Chicago Renaissance Hotel is just over 1 km from Millennium Park and a 10-minute walk from Michigan Avenue and Navy Pier.
Loews Chicago Hotel
Loews Chicago Hotel features a rooftop lounge with views of the city’s skyline, a modern restaurant, and a large indoor lap pool. Located near the Chicago River and a 10-minute walk from Navy Pier, the hotel features free WiFi.
Rooms feature a distinctive Chicago design and offer views of the city and lake. All rooms include an iPod docking station and a 42-inch flat-screen TV. In addition, there is a minibar, Keurig® coffee maker, and luxury bedding.
The Loews Chicago Hotel has extensive meeting facilities, including 1 room for video conferencing. There is also a 24-hour state-of-the-art fitness center.
The hotel is less than 1 mile from Millennium Park, the Magnificent Mile, and Millennium Station. In addition, the hotel is 18 miles from Chicago O’Hare International Airport and just 12 miles from Midway International Airport.
The destination fee includes the following:
-$10 Uber credit per stay (valid for the duration of your hotel stay and in the Chicago area only. Activates at check-in and expires at 4:00 PM on the day of departure)
- USD 10 daily food and beverage credit
- 10% discount at Pinstripes, Big Bus Tours, and Volare entertainment venues
- Premium WiFi connection every day
