Chicago, with its stunning skyline, rich history, and vibrant culture, is a city that promises an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re visiting for business, leisure, or a bit of both, finding the right hotel can make all the difference. Here’s a guide to some of the best hotels in Chicago, catering to various tastes and preferences.
Top Picks for Hotels in Downtown Chicago
The best hotels downtown Chicago offers are filled with a bustling atmosphere with proximity to iconic landmarks, dining, and entertainment. Here are some top picks for hotels in the heart of the city:
The Langham, Chicago: Riverfront Royalty
Think “elegance” is overrated? This Chicago River stunner—the best hotel in Chicago according to some people—will change your mind. Here’s why suits and influencers alike bow down:
- Baths bigger than studio apartments – soak with views of sailboats gliding under bridges;
- Spa rituals using CBD from Illinois farms (yes, that kind of CBD);
- Afternoon tea where the scones wear gold leaf and the tea whispers secrets;
But here’s the flex: Their jazz brunch features musicians who’ve played for Obamas.
Virgin Hotels Chicago: Rebel with a Rooftop
Why it’s the hotel chicago cool kids stalk:
- SmartyPants rooms – beds separated by sliding “dressing chambers” (privacy + pregame);
- Commons Club – lobby turned co-working space by day, cocktail den by night;
- No mini-bars – instead, apps summon champagne sabering to your door;
Pro move: Book a “Chamber King.” The round bed’s seen more selfies than the Bean.
Kimpton Gray Hotel: Gatsby’s Chicago Lovechild
Art Deco meets modern mischief in the Loop:
- Rooftop bar disguised as a 1920s speakeasy (order the “Gray Lady” – gin, absinthe, regret);
- Rooms dressed in marble and mischief – secret snack stashes behind paneled walls;
- Wine hour where strangers become friends over Malbec and deep-dish debates;
Don’t miss: The free bike rentals. Cruising Lakeshore Trail beats Ubering to your meeting.
Why These Own the Leaderboard
The best hotels in Chicago aren’t about thread counts—they’re about stories:
- Langham = Where CEOs close deals between massages;
- Virgin = For TikTokers who need backdrops for #OOTD;
- Kimpton Gray = History buffs craving Prohibition vibes with WiFi;
Hungry? Skip the tourist traps. Concierges here trade secrets for:
- Lou Mitchell’s syrupy pancakes (since 1923);
- Au Cheval’s burger that broke Reddit;
- Revival Food Hall – global bites under one roof;
Each hotel Chicago has offers more than just host stays—they mint memories. Check in as a visitor. Check out plotting your relocation.
Cool Hotels in Chicago You’ll Want to Book Right Now
Forget cookie-cutter chains—these cool Chicago hotels are the city’s unofficial ambassadors of vibe. We’re talking stays that double as art installations, where your room key unlocks more than doors—it opens portals to Chicago’s soul.
The Robey: Wicker Park’s Concrete Canvas
Why do architects and Instagram poets collide here? Because it is one of the best boutique hotels.
Chicago has:
- Triangular tower piercing the sky like a steampunk spaceship;
- Rooftop cocktails with views stretching to the Sears (okay, Willis) Tower’s armpit;
- 1929 Art Deco bones now housing vinyl shops and tattooed baristas;
Neighborhood perks:
- 2-minute strut to record stores smelling of dusty wax;
- Midnight tacos at Big Star, where bourbon flows like Lake Michigan;
The Hoxton: Your Hipster Cousin’s Living Room
Where lobbies morph into co-work spaces by day, jazz dens by night:
- Rooftop pool doubling as a summer salsa club;
- “Shoebox” rooms packed with Smeg fridges and local kombucha;
- Free morning coffee that’s actually good (take notes, Hilton);
West Loop wins:
- Smell the croissants from Publican Quality Bread;
- 7pm reservations at Au Cheval—burger mecca where diets die smiling;
Nobu Hotel: Zen Warrior’s Urban Dojo
For those who want wasabi with their whiskey:
- Beds dressed in kimono silk – napping as performance art;
- Secret sushi counter where chefs slice toro like samurais;
- Rock garden lobby that shushes Loop’s chaos;
Don’t miss: The matcha martini. It’ll make you question every green juice you’ve suffered through.
Why These Hotels Own “Cool”
Chicago’s coolest hotels aren’t about thread counts—they’re mood rings:
- The Robey = For vinyl collectors turned rooftop raconteurs;
- The Hoxton = Digital nomads who work best with a negroni in hand;
- Nobu = Sushi purists who want their hotel as sharp as a chef’s knife;
Where to go if your stomach demands food:
- Girl & The Goat’s blistered shishitos (4 blocks east);
- Lula Cafe’s farm-to-table wizardry (worth the Uber);
- Kuma’s Corner – heavy metal burgers that’ll rearrange your gut biome;
Chicago Hotels with Balcony: Enjoy the Skyline
Want a hotel with a balcony? Chicago has something for you. Forget cramming onto observation decks—these hotels with balcony chicago options serve skyline views with champagne in hand. No elbow wars, no selfie sticks—just you, the city’s glow, and maybe a saxophonist’s distant wail.
LondonHouse Chicago: Rooftop Royalty
Why balcony addicts stalk this riverfront gem:
- Tri-level rooftop – sip cocktails under the DuSable Bridge’s golden glow;
- Balcony suites where the Chicago River becomes your personal screensaver;
- Prohibition-era speakeasy downstairs (because views taste better with bourbon);
Here’s the flex: That Juliet balcony isn’t just for Romeo cosplay—it’s prime real estate for watching architecture boats float by.
Hotel Lincoln: Park Bench Privilege
Where urban jungle meets actual trees:
- Balconies framing Lincoln Park – wake to joggers, not jackhammers;
- French doors opening to green-and-glass panoramas (zoo lions’ roars included);
- Sunset views that turn the Hancock Building into a glowing exclamation point;
Pro move: Order room service crab cakes. Let the conservatory’s orchid scent season your meal.
Why These Balconies Beat Observation Decks
The best hotels in Chicago know secret:
- LondonHouse = For drama queens who want their balcony moment with velvet ropes;
- Hotel Lincoln = Nature nerds craving city lights and morning bird songs;
Something for foodies nearby? Concierges route you to:
- Alinea’s edible helium balloons (10-minute walk from LondonHouse);
- Green River’s oyster happy hour (seen from Hotel Lincoln’s perch);
- Marge’s Still – retro ice cream sodas served since JFK was prez;
Luxury Stays: The Most Expensive Hotels in Chicago and More
For those who measure splendor in champagne towers and thread counts, the most expensive hotel in Chicago contenders aren’t just stays—they’re power moves. Here’s where the 1% rest their designer luggage:
The Peninsula Chicago: Your Personal Palace
Why it’s the most expensive hotel in Chicago for oligarchs and tech titans:
- Bathrooms bigger than studio apartments – marble so pristine, you’ll feel guilty for showering;
- Private spa suites where CBD massages come with Lake Michigan vistas;
- Dining rooms where truffles are shaved like it’s going out of style;
Butler flex: They’ll press your Tom Ford suit while you nap.
Waldorf Astoria Chicago: Gold Standard Glam
Where chandeliers cost more than your car:
- Suites with baby grand pianos (requests for “Chopsticks” politely declined);
- Spa treatments involving 24-karat gold facials – because aging is for peasants;
- Secret whiskey library stocked with bottles older than your grandparents;
Dinner theater: The chef’s table experience ends with dessert flambéed tableside.
The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago: Sky-High Swagger
Magnificent Mile’s cloud-level oasis:
- Floor-to-ceiling windows framing the lake like living art;
- Pillow concierge offering 14 options (including one stuffed with Illinois lavender);
- Gucci store in the lobby – because retail therapy shouldn’t require crossing the street;
Proximity perk: Your AMEX gets a workout before you reach the elevator.
Why These Command King’s Ransoms
- Peninsula = For CEOs who want their stock tickers mirrored in the marble floors;
- Waldorf = Newlyweds burning trust fund money on truffle omelets;
- Ritz-Carlton = Socialites needing Insta backdrops between spa appointments;
What about food? These hotels don’t do “menus”—they offer culinary journeys:
- Peninsula’s Peking duck carved by fifth-generation masters;
- Waldorf’s black truffle pizza (yes, that’s edible gold dust);
- Ritz’s caviar bumps at breakfast – because why start the day sober?;
Hotels Near Navy Pier and Riverwalk: Perfect for Sightseeing
Want to sleep where the city’s heartbeat thrums loudest? Chicago riverwalk hotels and hotels near Navy Pier sell experiences dipped in skyline magic.
Sable at Navy Pier: Your Carnival-Core Crash Pad
Why Navy Pier purists stalk this spot:
- Rooms with ringmaster views – Ferris wheel lights pirouette across your ceiling nightly;
- 2-minute toddle to funnel cakes and firework shows (no Uber required post-sugar crash);
- Lake Michigan breezes that slap harder than a Midwest winter;
But here’s the kicker: That “easy access to attractions” means:
- Midnight strolls along deserted pier planks (ghost ships optional);
- Secret rooftop deck for smugly watching boat tour crowds below;
- Free coffee stations that know exactly when your 6 AM jog fails;
The Langham: Riverwalk Royalty
Where luxury wears a business suit and sneakers:
- Floor-to-ceiling windows framing river taxis like living postcards;
- Five-minute strut to the Riverwalk’s margarita stands and street pianos;
- Spa with river-rock massages – Swedish meets Chicago industrial chic;
Pro move: Book a “Cultural Concierge” to plot your Art Institute → Architecture Tour → Alinea day.
Why These Rule the Waterfront and Navy Pier
The chicago riverwalk hotels and chicago hotels near navy pier aren’t about convenience—they’re about commanding the narrative:
- Sable = For families who want cotton candy and class;
- Langham = Power players needing CBD gummies and boardroom-ready espresso;
Want something to eat? Ditch Yelp. Concierges here trade intel for:
- Giordano’s deep-dish so thick, it counts as a mattress;
- City Winery’s riverfront cabernet sauvignon slushies (yes, really);
- Beatnik’s Turkish pillows and tajines that’ll make you rethink “dinner”;
Hotel Chicago West Loop: Where Trendy Meets Comfort
When it comes to hotels in the loop, Chicago offers something really special. The Chicago Loop hotels scene gets all the glory, but savvy travelers are sneaking west—where converted warehouses now harbor sleeps sharper than a Michelin-starred chef’s knives. Here’s where to bunk when Fulton Market’s foodie frenzy calls your name.
Hampton Inn: Your No-Surprises Home Base
Need a stay that’s all comfort, zero fuss? The Hampton Inn delivers Midwestern reliability with:
- Pillows fluffed like mom’s guest room (but with better WiFi);
- Free breakfast that’s actually edible – waffle iron included, judgement-free;
- 5-minute hobble to the L train – downtown’s skyscrapers in 15 flat;
Why it works:
- Business travelers steal extra muffins for late-night spreadsheets;
- Families appreciate the pool’s just-deep-enough safety net;
- Everyone loves the “no sneaky fees” policy (seriously, it’s weird);
The Emily Hotel: Fulton Market’s Cool Cousin
Where exposed brick meets exposed creativity:
- Rooms dressed in “industrial cozy” – think factory windows + velvet headboards;
- Up & Up rooftop – craft cocktails with views of Google’s chrome jungle;
- Cira restaurant – mezze platters that’ll make you text “OMG” to your group chat;
- Art curated by locals – no generic beachscapes here;
- Keycard-free entry via app – lose your card, keep your dignity;
- Fulton Market doorstep – smoked brisket smells wafting through the lobby;
Perfect for:
- Design snobs who think “chain hotel” is a dirty phrase;
- Remote workers needing Instagrammable Zoom backdrops;
- Foodies chasing next-gen ramen at 2 AM;
Why These Work
- Hampton Inn = Dependable toast with your avocado;
- The Emily = Artisanal sourdough with truffle butter;
- Chicago’s hotel scene thrives on both – no judgement if you crave both in one trip;
Each hotel Chicago’s West Loop offers doesn’t just host stays—it hijacks your Instagram feed. Pack stretchy jeans and an appetite. The only thing you’ll regret is leaving.
Chicago Hotels with View of Lake Michigan
Forget basic city views—these Chicago stays turn Lake Michigan into your personal mood ring. From steel-gray mornings to sunset sherbet evenings, here’s where to let freshwater vistas hijack your itinerary.
Four Seasons Hotel Chicago: Cloud Nine with a Conscience
A hotel Chicago wants you to visit:
- Floor-to-ceiling windows framing the lake like a living Rothko painting;
- Bath so deep you could practice backstroke (marble included);
- ”Quiet car” elevators – because even billionaires need mute buttons;
Their spa’s “Lake Effect” massage uses warmed beach stones. You’ll emerge softer than the sand at Oak Street.
Park Hyatt Chicago: Minimalist’s Waterfront Waltz
Where the lake becomes your screensaver:
- Beds positioned like theater seats – wake to sailboats gliding through your window;
- Rain showers with pressure strong enough to power-wash your soul;
- Art collection that makes the Art Institute blush;
Neighborhood hack: The Mag Mile’s chaos stops at their revolving door. Inside? A snow globe of calm.
Why These Rule the Shoreline
Chicago’s lakefront hotels aren’t selling rooms—they’re auctioning perspectives:
- Four Seasons = For tycoons who want their stock portfolios mirrored in the water;
- Park Hyatt = Design snobs who think “clutter” is a four-letter word;
Let’s talk food:
- NoMi’s honey-glazed duck (Four Seasons’ culinary flex);
- Cindy’s rooftop avocado toast (Park Hyatt neighbors know);
- Lakefront Trail jogging routes that make treadmills obsolete;
Best Hotels to Stay in Chicago for Every Traveler
Whether you’re here to shop till you drop or geek out on Art Deco, these hotels morph to match your vibe.
Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile: Parisian Panache Meets Midwest Charm
Why fashionistas and Francophiles flock here:
- Rooms dressed in minimalist chic – think Eiffel Tower views without the jet lag;
- Lobby scent = croissants + Chicago ambition (oddly addictive);
- 5-minute strut to Water Tower Place’s retail therapy;
But this isn’t some stuffy ode to France:
- Late-night steak frites at Café des Architectes;
- Bath products so luxe, you’ll scheme to stuff them in your suitcase;
The Blackstone: Time Traveler’s Playground
Where Al Capone’s ghost high-fives modern artists:
- 1910 Beaux-Arts bones now housing rotating art installations;
- Whiskey-soaked history (ask about the Secret Service tunnel);
- Cultural proximity – across from Grant Park’s summer symphony madness;
Book the “Writer’s Room” suite. Typewriter included, Pulitzer aspirations optional.
Why These Adapt to You
Each of the aforementioned hotel Chicago offers thrives on duality:
- Sofitel = Retail warriors needing espresso IVs between sprees;
- Blackstone = History buffs who want speakeasy vibes with USB ports;
Pack your personality. The city’s ready to match it.
Tips for Choosing Your Perfect Chicago Hotel
When selecting a hotel in Chicago, consider your priorities: location, amenities, and budget. Whether you’re looking for luxury, convenience, or a unique experience, Chicago’s diverse hotel offerings ensure there’s something for everyone. Look for special deals and packages, especially during off-peak seasons, to make the most of your stay.
In conclusion, Chicago’s hotels cater to a wide range of preferences, from luxurious retreats to trendy hotspots. Whether you’re visiting for business, leisure, or a mix of both, you’ll find the perfect place to rest and rejuvenate in this vibrant city.
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