Best places to stay in chicago illinois
Chicago is a city known for its love of the arts, architecture, and a certain brand of food. But what do you do when you’re in town and want to stay somewhere that isn’t your standard hotel?
We’ve got you covered. In this article you would get more information on Best places to stay in chicago illinois, best places to stay in chicago for couples, best places to stay in chicago for families, and best places to stay in chicago downtown.
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.
Best places to stay in chicago illinois
Chicago is a city that has it all. From the beautiful Lake Michigan to the incredible architecture, there is no shortage of things to do and see in this city. The weather can be unpredictable but the locals are always friendly. Chicago is also home to some of the best restaurants and bars in the country.
Finding the right hotel can make your stay even more enjoyable, but with so many options it can be hard to choose. The following three hotels are among the best places you can stay during your visit:
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 for families
The best places to stay in Chicago for families are the ones that have everything you need, whether it’s a playground or indoor pool. These are our top picks:
1. Hilton Chicago — South Loop
The hotel offers guests spacious two-bedroom suites and is extremely conveniently located; the hotel is a stone’s throw away from Chicago’s famous “front yard”, Shedd Aquarium, the Art Institute, Grant Park, as well as the city’s green lung space and other cultural attractions.
You can lounge about in the gorgeous indoor pool or aim to create a new record in the indoor running track.
Summer months at the Hilton are a special treat, with sunbathing and lounging on the hotel’s huge rooftop deck.
2. Four Seasons Hotel — Magnificent Mile
Another luxurious option and a kid-themed hotel in Chicago, the Four Seasons is located mere steps away from the Magnificent Mile.
The hotel is a huge hit among families for its fun activities for kids, such as pizza-making classes, as well as the amazing facilities that parents can enjoy, such as the hotel’s world-class spa.
They even have their very own storyteller who will come by and put your kids to sleep with a bedtime story and an Ice-Cream Man who’ll bring in sundaes for those little ones who’ve been good!
Add to this the toys, treats and child-sized robes the hotel provides and you have yourself a kid-friendly wonderland!
The Four Seasons also has a great pool for kids and adults to enjoy.
3. InterContinental Chicago — Magnificent Mile
One among Magnificent Mile’s many luxurious offerings, the InterContintental enjoys a prime location with many cultural and entertainment attractions closeby.
Guests can enjoy the many attractions of the area or ride a trolley and visit the Millenium Park or Navy Pier.
What’s more, the hotel boasts a Junior-Olympic sized indoor pool (heated, that too!), for a relaxing or energetic swim — the choice is yours!
4. Swissotel Chicago — The Loop
Despite being slightly on the pricey side, the Swissotel is one of the best Chicago hotels for kids, in my opinion.
The hotel pampers your little ones with their Very Import Kid (VIK) check-in area that’s replete with an area for playing, coloring and reading as well as its “Kids’ Suites”.
These adjoining, separate rooms are stocked with furniture sized specifically for kids and a ton of kid-friendly goodies.
If your children aren’t exhausted yet by this barrage of activities, head to the indoor heated pool at the penthouse for some fun in the water.
5. Residence Inn Downtown — River North
The Residence Inn is a great place to stay in Chicago whether you want busy days full of sightseeing or want to disconnect from the world and just chill with your family!
Located close to Magnificent Mile, guests of this all-suite hotel can either opt to explore the attractions of the surrounding areas or relax in the gorgeous rooms that come equipped with full-size kitchens.
Extended guests of the hotel are welcome to use the grocery shopping service free of cost, or they can head to the on-site market for a quick bite.
The hotel also hosts an evening reception that provides complimentary refreshments to guests from Monday through Thursday.
They also provide complimentary hot breakfasts.
6. Hampton Inn and Suites Downtown — River North
You’re sure to come across the Hampton Inn and Suites in your search for good family hotels in Chicago no matter where you look!
Not only is the hotel conveniently located north of the Loop, but guests can also enjoy Wi-Fi and breakfast free of cost.
Take the kids for a fun-filled day to the many parks located nearby or head to the hotel’s in-house indoor heated pool for some splashing around!
7. Homewood Suites Downtown — Magnificent Mile
The Homewood Suites is an excellent family choice, owing to its spacious indoor pool, kid-friendly lobby with cider and cocoa and family suites.
Each suite comes with a separate living room and sleeping quarters, as well as a fully-equipped kitchen.
Guests can avail themselves of the free complimentary grocery shopping service and enjoy a family dinner in their suites or head to the nearby restaurants for a taste of the local Chicago flavors.
Spend a day visiting the many shopping areas, cultural attractions and museums that are easily accessible, thanks to the hotel’s prime location in Magnificent Mile.
8. Embassy Suites Downtown — River North
Mere minutes away from the city’s top attractions, the Embassy Suites is a fabulous kid-friendly hotel with a pool.
Families can enjoy a supremely comfortable stay in the hotel’s two-room suites and delicious complimentary cooked-to-order breakfasts.
The hotel also hosts a reception every night where guests can enjoy complimentary snacks and beverages.
After a long day of sightseeing, head back to the hotel for a relaxing soak in the indoor heated pool or whirlpool.
Could the day end on a better note? I think not!
9. Best Western Plus River North — River North
The Best Western Plus gives you a bang for your bucks, and then some!
The hotel provides free parking and its fantastic location means that you’re right in the midst of the party downtown!
The Navy Pier is a few minutes by walk (or free trolley) or you can spend hours shopping your heart out at the Magnificent Mile.
The hotel has a gorgeous full-size indoor pool that’s great for both adults and kids.
Families can either opt for the standard rooms or the suites; the latter comes with a separate living area and is the more spacious option.
10. Loews Chicago Hotel
One of the pioneers of family-friendly vacation experiences, the Loews chain was one of the first to introduce a full-fledged kids’ program and family-friendly amenities way before competitors even considered the idea.
Through the “Loews Loves Kids” program, the hotel provides amenities such as child-proofing kits for families with kids below 4 years of age as well as other customized packages for families.
To further add to its appeal, the Loews Chicago Hotel is conveniently located right in the middle of the action, with Magnificent Mile across the river and other attractions such as the Millenium Park, Navy Pier, River Walk and Art Institute a very short distance away.
Additionally, the hotel provides families the “Urban Explorer Family Package”, a year-round package that involves families going on a scavenger hunt across the city while also seeing its star attractions; two birds with one stone!
They also give you a really cool “explorer kit” with the package that includes goodies such as water bottles, backpacks, compasses and sunglasses to channel your inner Columbus!
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).
So, now you know the best places to stay in Chicago, Illinois. If you’re still not sure where to book your next trip, take a look at our top 10 list and find out which hotel or Airbnb is perfect for you!
