Best places to stay in chicago downtown
If you’re looking for a place to stay in Chicago, you’ve come to the right place.
We’ve gathered some of the best places to stay in downtown Chicago, and we’re going to tell you all about them.
So sit back, relax, and get ready for some good news: there are plenty of places to stay in Chicago that will make your trip even more enjoyable.
This article will provide you with more information on Best places to stay in chicago downtown, Best area to stay when visiting chicago, best places to stay in chicago for couples, and Best place to stay in chicago during christmas.
Best area to stay when visiting chicago
Chicago is a city that has it all. The Windy City is home to some of the most iconic architecture and cultural institutions in the world, and it’s also home to some of the best places to stay in Chicago.
Whether you’re looking for a cozy bed-and-breakfast or a luxury hotel, Chicago has plenty of options. You can find an Airbnb on almost any budget, but if you’re looking for something more upscale, don’t worry—Chicago has plenty of those too!
We’ve rounded up some of our favorite places to stay in Chicago below.
1. Chicago Loop
Presided over by the awe-inspiring Willis Tower, Chicago’s Loop has long held visitors in thrall with its dazzling array of shops, restaurants, theaters, parks and art & architectural wonders.
Grant Park, where the world-famous Art Institute of Chicago is located, as well as where annual events such as Lollapalooza and The Taste of Chicago have historically taken place, is one of the the Loop’s central highlights, with the Buckingham Fountain a photo op dream.
Those who are interested in Chicago’s rich architectural history will want to check out the Chicago Architecture Foundation, with its painstakingly accurate model of the city, while the Chicago Cultural Center offers year-round concerts and exhibitions for the public.
The Adler Planetarium is a must for all ages, while street foodies will find a mouth-watering line-up of food trucks bordering Daley Plaza.
Because the Loop is Chicago’s official “downtown,” there are countless lodging options available, from 4-star hotels to budget hostels. As with any major tourist destination, prices largely depend on the season, but do keep an eye out for special discounts and event prices that are listed exclusively online.
2. West Loop / West Town
Chicago’s former industrial district, the West Loop has since become one of the city’s trendiest and most diverse boroughs. Since the turn of the 20th century immigrants have defined West Town’s culture, with their influence continuing to be celebrated through the many sights, sounds, and tastes of the area.
Arguably Chicago’s dining hotspot thanks to its Restaurant Row, the West Loop boasts an unending assortment of dishes and food items from around the world, with more than its share of pubs and live music venues to satiate any nightlife champion.
The French Market, located just inside the Ogilvie train station, spotlights such fare as Belgian fries, lobster rolls, Hawaiian poke bowls, and all manner of pastries and produce, making it the perfect destination for high-end strolling and sampling.
It’s not just food that’s a major draw in the West Loop, however; the Arcade Emporium at Fulton Market is a gamer’s paradise with its pool and air hockey tables, pinball machines, and arcade games, while Brooklyn Boulders gives you the opportunity to rock climb indoors.
For an especially Big Lebowski-worthy evening, you can head to Punch Bowl Social for bowling and brews.
3. South Loop
Situated on the lakefront Museum Campus, the South Loop is where you’ll find some of Chicago’s grandest museums, as well as the Jazz Showcase, blues label Chess Records, and Buddy Guy’s Legends.
Here is where established and forthcoming artists alike seek out and showcase new work, with students, locals, and travelers coming together for lively nighttime events.
No stay in Chicago is complete without a walk through the South Loop’s elegant Prairie Avenue District, home of the “Millionaire’s Row” where many of Chicago’s earliest elite set up residence.
Those who partake in a water taxi lake route tour can disembark directly in front of Shedd Aquarium, with the nearby Field Museum an ideal companion for your science-themed outing.
The South Loop’s stunning lakefront views make for some of the best hotel possibilities, although prices can run on the costlier side during peak seasons.
4. River North
This hip neighborhood on the Near North Side boasts a luxurious selection of boutique shops, bistros, and cocktail bars, with the Merchandise Mart, built in the 1920s as part of the former industrial complex and the world’s largest commercial building, a must-do attraction.
The Navy Pier is a summer highlight, with its adjacent Pier Park offering families a full day’s experience thanks to an IMAX cinema, old fashioned rides, mini golf, and boat tours.
Music lovers will no doubt want to check out the world-famous House of Blues and Museum of Broadcast Communications, while the Museum of Contemporary Art and Chicago Shakespeare Theater are for true Renaissance souls.
This area is one of the best places for nightlife. You will find here some of the best pubs and clubs of the city.
The area’s lovely boutique hotels make for a particularly romantic stay in Chicago.
5. Magnificent Mile
True to its name, the Magnificent Mile is where over a century of Chicago’s opulence can be found, from Gilded Age hotels, mansions, and even ballrooms to some of the world’s most sumptuous shopping spots.
Here visitors can gawk at impressive (if not imposing) landmark buildings like the Chicago Water Tower, Tribune Tower, Wrigley Building skyscraper, and John Hancock Center, with the latter featuring a rooftop observation deck and restaurant.
The Richard H. Driehaus Museum is set within a 19th century mansion, and holds the largest collection of Louis Comfort Tiffany pieces, as well as Gilded Era art, fashion, and design collections, with the third-floor ballroom hosting a year-round rotation of lectures, cocktail series, and cultural soirées.
The Newberry Library is an intellectual’s haven, with its well-preserved letters from some of the world’s most famous authors, historic maps, and first edition classic books, all open for public viewing.
While hotels along the Magnificent Mile are preciously priced to say the least, you can still stop by for a fine meal and cocktail at such landmark lodgings as the Blackstone Hotel, where countless U.S. presidents have stayed, as well as the more notorious Al Capone.
6. Old Town
Settled by German immigrants in 1850, Old Town feels like stepping back in time. With its beautiful Victorian architecture, quiet tree-lined streets, and lively goings-on, Old Town frequently ranks high among must-see areas during a stay in Chicago.
The famous Second City Theater, where such comedic legends as John Belushi, Tina Fey, and Stephen Colbert got their start, is a landmark attraction while the edgier Zanies, whose alumni includes the likes of Aziz Anzari, offers adults-only humor.
Just around the corner from Second City is the Old Town Pour House, which on any given day offers at least 90 beers on tap, while the area’s surrounding shops and eateries leave nothing to be desired on the food aficionado front.
7. Lincoln Park
Located on the North Lakeside, Lincoln Park is the largest park in Chicago, and further boasts one of the city’s most affluent neighborhoods. Warmer seasons make for ideal beach-going, while the Lincoln Park Conservatory lets guests explore a paradise of tropical flora & fauna.
The Lincoln Park zoo is a crowd-pleaser for all ages, and the Chicago History Museum offers visitors a special treat in the form of a giant, climbable Chicago-style hot dog.
The Steppenwolf Theater Company, where award-winning stars such as John Malkovich and Gary Sinise honed their acting skills, is still up and running, while the lesser-known but equally worthwhile Theatre on the Lake has its own ongoing roster of shows and events.
And of course, an afternoon in Lincoln Park is its own main attraction, with the park’s lily pond, pavilion, and sprawling green making it the perfect picnic site.
8. Theater District
The bustling hub of Chicago’s Theater District is where some of America’s greatest actors and comedians have cut their teeth, and live theater thespians will no doubt want to take in a show at one of the milestone venues including:
- CIBC Theatre, opened in 1906 as a vaudeville club
- James M. Nederlander Theatre, a decadent cinema also dating back to the early 20th century
- Cadillac Palace Theatre, inspired by Versailles
- The Goodman Theatre, Chicago’s largest and oldest Tony Award-winning non-profit theatre
With so many landmark sites and venues to see, you may want to consider booking a Theater District tour, which will take you through the heart of Chicago’s performance past, as well as offer an insider’s glimpse into some of the country’s most opulent venues and architectural masterpieces.
9. Lakeview
The laid-back Lakeview area is perfect for visitors looking for a more local, low-key experience during their stay in Chicago. With casual eateries like the iconic Wiener’s Circle and legendary theaters like The Vic, one could easily make a day (or more) of it in Lakeview.
The busy shopping districts along Broadway offer the best vintage clothing, instrument, and furnishing finds, with additional outdoor markets aplenty.
Music lovers will definitely want to explore the showroom of the Chicago Music Exchange and tour one of the largest vintage guitar collections in the world.
Lakeview’s unpretentious bars and neighborhood restaurants, as well as its many live music and event venues, make it a particularly welcoming area to stay in Chicago. And with Lake Michigan right outside your door, you’ll have instant access to boating, golfing, and picnic hotspots.
10. Airport area
One seldom considers the airport area of any city as little more than a layover wasteland, but Chicago is one of those rare gems that boasts a number of attractions just beyond the terminal.
Foodies will especially delight in tasting famed Chicago fare like deep-dish pizza, as well as Chicago-style hotdogs, at the many eateries located around O’Hare International.
The 48 lanes of Brunswick Zone are an enticing draw for bowling pros, while the Lake Park Golf Course is located just 10 minutes from the airport; both feature a full range of snacks, drinks, and casual entertainment.
Just 5 miles from O’hare, Schiller Woods sits atop an 8,000 acre stretch of forest and wetland, and even contains a natural prairie. Hikers can take full advantage of the many trails, as well as savor the area’s natural wildlife.
Due to the proximity of the CTA Blue Line, which connects O’Hare to the downtown Chicago district, it’s more than feasible to find lodgings just off the airport stretch, which often cost significantly less than more centrally located hotels.
Best places to stay in chicago downtown
You’re going to Chicago!
You know what that means: you’re ready to go on an adventure, and you want to make sure you find the best places to stay in Chicago downtown.
But where should you stay? And what are the best hotels in Chicago? Well, we’ve got some answers for you.
The Drake Hotel: This historic hotel is located in the heart of downtown Chicago. It offers amazing views and modern amenities, with a convenient location next to Michigan Avenue and Millennium Park. The Wrigley Building: The Wrigley Building is a historic landmark that has been converted into a luxury apartment building. It offers one-bedroom apartments with wood floors and exposed brick walls, as well as common spaces like an outdoor garden deck and fitness center. Union League Club of Chicago: This club offers three different options for staying in the area: a standard guest room, which features hardwood floors, marble bathrooms, and original artwork; a two-room suite with hardwood floors, marble bathrooms, and original artwork; or a penthouse suite with hardwood floors, marble bathrooms, and original artwork (plus a private rooftop terrace).
If you’re looking for an affordable option that’s still close enough to walk or take public transportation into downtown, consider The Loop Hotel (312 E Superior St). This boutique hotel has been renovated with comfort in mind: they have spacious rooms with big windows and plenty of natural light; they also have a restaurant on-site (with both indoor and outdoor seating), so you can grab a bite before heading out and exploring. If this sounds like your kind of place, check them out!
If you want to be close to some of Chicago’s most popular tourist attractions, but don’t want to be in the thick of things, try staying at one of these hotels in River North: Hotel Burnham (rated 4 stars on TripAdvisor), Hotel Monaco Chicago (rated 4 stars on TripAdvisor), or Hotel Palomar Chicago (rated 3 stars on TripAdvisor).
If it’s luxury accommodations that you’re after, check out the Ritz-Carlton Chicago or Four Seasons Hotel Chicago (both rated 4 stars on TripAdvisor).
Best place to stay in chicago during christmas
We totally understand your hesitation—you’re trying to make the most of a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the Windy City and want to make sure that the place you stay is a good fit for your needs. So we’re going to share with you some of our favorite places to stay in Chicago during Christmas, so that when you finally get here, all you have to worry about is what Santa is going to bring you!
1. The Champagne Lodge
Without a doubt, the best hotel in Chicago is The Champagne Lodge. The Champagne Lodge is known for its exceptional customer service, its plush suites, and its amazing amenities. Complete with gorgeous furniture, delicious food, and suites that come in a wide range of sizes, this is a great place for people to warm up after taking in the sites in Chicago. One of the facets that sets The Champagne Lodge apart from the others is access to an exceptional swimming pool suite package. With a heated pool, an oversized steam room, and romantic LED mood lighting, it is easy to see why this is one of their most popular plans.
2. The Claridge House
Another popular Hotel in Chicago is called The Claridge House. The Claridge House is known for providing everyone with peace and quiet even as it sits on one of the busiest sections of Chicago. With 165 rooms complete with light features and a minimalist feature, this is a great place for people to come if they would like to relax. There are also plenty of museums, restaurants, and the shores of Lake Michigan just a few feet from the front door of this hotel.
3. Thompson Chicago
Another amazing Hotel in Chicago, Thompson Chicago has its roots in the Prairie School of Architecture. The Thompson Chicago for its beauty, organic accents, and a gorgeous view of Lake Michigan. Furthermore, Thompson Chicago is home to one of the top restaurants in all of Chicago, the Nico Osteria. This restaurant is known for serving delicious Italian food along with its quirky artwork.
4. The LondonHouse Chicago by Hilton
The Curio Collection by Hilton plays host to The LondonHouse Chicago. The LondonHouse Chicago is set in a beautiful building where the Magnificent Mile joins the Chicago River. The LondonHouse Chicago is known for its amazing views and its gold-offered ceiling on the ground floor. The best rooms feature glass walls from the floor to the ceiling. They overlook the river and some of the beautiful bridges that cross the Chicago Revier. There is even a rooftop bar and a restaurant on the 21st floor.
5. The Langham Chicago
This is one of the highlights of Chicago’s riverboat architecture. The Langham Chicago is 52 stories tall and it gives off a vibe that is reminiscent of some of the top spy movies of the past 100 years. The customer service is exceptional, the architecture is amazing, and the views are gorgeous. There is even a delicious restaurant right in the hotel, so guests do not have to go very far to get an amazing meal. The Langham Chicago leaves nothing to be desired.
Best places to stay in chicago for couples
Chicago is one of the most exciting places to visit in the United States. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway for two or simply want to relax by the lake, there are plenty of options. Here are some of our favorite places to stay when visiting Chicago!
1. The Publishing House Bed and Breakfast
One of Chicago’s most distinctive boutique hotels, the Publishing House is housed in a 110-year-old historic structure. Prepare to unwind by selecting one of the 11 available rooms, which range in size from small to XL. Visitors are invited to make use of the unique common areas, including the peaceful reading nook and the elegantly furnished main dining room. In the upper kitchen, a homemade breakfast is ready in the morning.
2. Peninsula Chicago
Nestled in the heart of downtown Chicago, the Peninsula offers five-star accommodations for those who want to splurge on a very special night away. There are plenty of rooms and suites available, from the 531-square-foot Superior Room to the 3,645-square-foot Peninsula Suite. Once you’ve secured a room, check out the spa offerings, which include treatments like a hot stone therapy massage, manicures and pedicures and a men’s purifying facial. Reunite and relax together at the stunning 19th-floor indoor pool.
3. INN at Longman & Eagle
We’re going to go out on a limb here and say that even most locals don’t realize that there are six guest rooms tucked away above the award-winning restaurant Longman & Eagle. And that isn’t even the best bit. Rooms start at just $95/night, so it’s a fab option for couples who are looking to fly under the radar. The INN at Longman & Eagle features decor that is inviting and thoughtful but not too in-your face. The most romantic room? Almost certainly #55, one of the inn’s most spacious rooms that’s kitted-out with a king-sized bed and a standalone tub.
4. Viceroy Chicago
Nestled in the heart of Chicago’s Gold Coast neighborhood, the Viceroy is equal parts sleek and sexy. The blue-hued glass tower houses 180 rooms spread across 18 floors, including a variety of splurge-worthy suites. But even the standard rooms offer a romantic backdrop for a downtown staycation, complete with floor-to-ceiling windows, chic gold accents and comfy furniture. Make a dinner reservation downstairs at Somerset before heading upstairs to take in the views and sip cocktails at rooftop bar, Devereaux.
5. The Hoxton
Creative-type couples will feel right at home at the Hoxton, a London import that’s decked out in handsome furniture, locally sourced art and clever design touches. The 182 guest rooms range from snug to roomy and are equipped with floor-to-ceiling windows and slick modern bathrooms. In-house restaurants Cira and Cabra are excellent backdrops for date night. And there’s no better spot for a cozy nightcap than basement bar Lazy Bird, one of the finest watering holes in all of Chicago.
6. The Langham Hotel
With views of the Chicago River and Lake Michigan, a top-notch restaurant, a massive ballroom and 316 spacious rooms and suites, it’s not surprising that The Langham is often recognized as one of the best hotels in the country. Need to be enticed even further? Fine, we’ll indulge you. This five-star hotel offers all the high-end comforts you could imagine for a romantic staycation or getaway. Take a dip in the 67-foot swimming pool, heat things up in the hydrotherapy Jacuzzi or book a specialized spa treatment in the world-class Chuan Spa.
7. Nobu Hotel
Celeb-adored boutique hotel chain Nobu makes its Chicago debut with a 11-story, 115-room tower in the West Loop. Design firm Studio K is responsible for blending the hotel’s Japanese aesthetic with industrial touches that have become synonymous with the neighborhood. The accommodations range from a 360-square-foot Deluxe room to the 1,900-square-foot two-bedroom Villa City View suite. Upgraded features include soaking tubs, steam showers, room service and yoga mats, but guests can also explore the property’s fitness center and indoor tranquility pool. Of course, one of the hotel’s main draws is the in-house restaurant by the same name—a sushi haven helmed by chef Nobu Matsuhisa—as well as a sophisticated rooftop bar.
8. Waldorf Astoria Chicago
Feel like splurging on your next couples treat? Why not go all out at this Gold Coast hotel, where the guest rooms average 890 square feet? It’s all about the finer things in life here, so expect marble bathrooms with soaking tubs, vanities with inset LCD televisions, beds covered with 460-thread count sheets, and many rooms with furnished terraces and cozy fireplaces. Elsewhere in the hotel, you’ll find the Spa & Health Club, featuring traditional spa services like facials and massages, and a mosaic-tiled, saline-water-filled lap pool.
9. Sophy – Hyde Park
Spend the weekend in Hyde Park when you secure a room at Sophy Hotel, which is sandwiched between Lake Michigan and Washington Park, offering full access to one of Chicago’s best neighborhoods. Sophistication is the key word here as every room inside this boutique property is outfitted with beautiful hardwood floors, a marble-tiled bathroom and eye-catching art. The digs are cozy enough that you might be tempted to while away the day in bed (fine by us), but in-house restaurant Mesler Kitchen offers an outdoor dining area for dinnertime if you change your mind.
10. Hotel Lincoln
Most Chicagoans know Hotel Lincoln for its swanky rooftop bar, the J. Parker, but have you ever considered spending the night at this 12-story stunner in the heart of Lincoln Park? The rooms here lean more comfy than stuffy, with plush beds, funky artwork and practical technology. When indoor dining and drinking are permitted, guests have their choice of three in-house restaurants that range from fun-loving neighborhood joint the Kennison to the uber-exclusive Sushi Suite 202. As for the aforementioned rooftop bar? Nothing says romance like a round of cocktails with a side of skyline views.
11. Freehand Chicago
Freehand Chicago transformed a relatively slim space in the heart of River North into an utterly gorgeous hotel that’ll leave you with enough interior design inspiration to last a lifetime. The rooms here feature plenty of mid-century furniture, jazzy wall hangings and lush, green-tiled bathrooms, creating a comfortable, chic vibe that’s echoed elsewhere in the building, including the hotel’s bar, The Broken Shaker. Plus, with rooms starting at $119 a night, it’s a budget-friendly option for couples who want to get away for a night without paying a second mortgage.
12. Chicago Athletic Association
To say the Chicago Athletic Association is beautiful is to put it mildly. Stay in one of the 241 luxury boutique rooms—throwbacks to the club rooms of athletic associations long gone. From the unparalleled view of Millennium Park and Lake Michigan at Cindy’s rooftop restaurant to more great food and drink at Cherry Circle Room and even Shake Shack, there’s no shortage of options. You’ll also love the Game Room, with its private alley entry and bocce, shuffleboard and billiards. Find access to everything you need and more in this wonderfully restored 1890s building.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this guide to the best places to stay in Chicago downtown! Whether you’re looking for a hotel, hostel or bed & breakfast, we’ve got you covered.
It’s no secret that Chicago is an amazing place to visit—but it’s also an incredible place to live. If you’re thinking about moving there and want to try out some new neighborhoods before making the leap, check out our guide on where to stay in Chicago for more ideas.