Best places to stay in downtown chicago
Welcome to the best places to stay in downtown Chicago!
If you’re looking for a place to stay that’s convenient, comfortable, and affordable, then this article is for you.
Downtown Chicago is a great place to visit, with plenty of museums and landmarks to explore. But if you’re looking for a hotel that’s close enough to everything but far enough away from the hustle and bustle of the city, we’ve got some options for you!
Where to Stay in Chicago for Luxury
The Kimpton Gray Hotel in downtown Chicago goes above and beyond to ensure that guests have everything they need, providing complimentary toiletries, like lip balm and deodorant, as well as “loaners” of anything, from international plugs & cell phone chargers to humidifiers. Rooms are modern and minimalist, and the hotel is conveniently located in the financial district, just two blocks from The Rookery and surrounded by theaters, museums, and spas.
Overlooking the Riverwalk, The Langham, Chicago offers floor-to-ceiling river-view suites and a full range of amenities, including a pool & hot tub, fitness center, and even children’s activities. Club Level packages include breakfast, afternoon tea, and butler service.
In the heart of the Magnificent Mile, The Peninsula Chicago is surrounded by shopping that will keep the whole family happy, from Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue to the Disney Store and Hershey’s Chocolate World. Families will appreciate dedicated children’s activities and babysitting to enable a night out or perhaps a relaxing visit to the Peninsula Spa.
North of Lincoln Park and Wrigley Field, The Guesthouse Hotel is well worth the ride into town. It is just blocks from the shore and Montrose beach, dog beach, and the Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary. This home away from home offers boutique suites with fully-equipped kitchens, private terraces with grills, washers and dryers, as well as spacious living and dining areas.
Where to Stay in Chicago: Mid-Range
In the heart of the opulent Gold Coast neighborhood, the Thompson Chicago, a Thompson Hotel has an excellent location near Oak Street and Oak Street Beach. Rooms are stylish and sophisticated, with floor-to-ceiling windows and unique artwork.
In the Streeterville neighborhood, just a few blocks from the many attractions at Navy Pier, Loews Chicago Hotel offers tastefully decorated and well-appointed rooms and the use of a fitness center and lap pool. This hotel is also environmentally conscious, as is the nearby Kimpton Hotel Monaco Chicago, which offers free bicycle sharing and helmets. This pet-friendly oasis has spacious window seats, engulfed in sumptuous draperies, which overlook the city and the neighboring Riverwalk.
As the name suggests, the Hampton Majestic Chicago Theatre District is located in the heart of Chicago’s performing arts area in the Downtown/Loop neighborhood, conveniently attached to the Private Bank Theater. A five-minute walk takes you to the Art Institute of Chicago and Millennium Park, and there are many historic buildings and museums nearby. Your stay includes modern amenities and a hot breakfast with a wide selection.
Where to Stay in Chicago on a Budget
Although the city’s less expensive lodgings are priced higher than most destinations, there are some options with reasonable rates that are in good neighborhoods. The Hotel Versey – Days Inn is in the Lincoln Park neighborhood, just a few blocks from Diversey Harbor and a 20-minute walk to Wrigley Field. The lobby immediately gives you a sense of its upbeat, quirky atmosphere, where you will find Chicago murals in the clean, well-kept rooms.
Comfort Suites Michigan Avenue / Loop has a wide range of amenities to match its higher end standards but also offers some very affordable rooms in its perfect location on the Riverwalk, close to the Chicago Children’s Museum and Navy Park.
You can also find some very affordable options at the pet-friendly La Quinta Inn & Suites Chicago Downtown, which is close to the Skydeck Chicago and the Money Museum, and is across the river from Union Station. A hot breakfast is included, a rarity in the city, and there are self-serve laundry facilities.
Where to Stay in Chicago for Couples
For a quiet, romantic getaway, snuggle up in one of the suites at the Welcome Inn Manor Bed & Breakfast. Within this restored brick mansion, you will find an eclectic mix of antique Victorian furniture, unusual artwork, African sculpture, and Nat King Cole memorabilia. If you don’t have a car to make the drive into the city, the hosts will happily drive you to any of Chicago’s attractions, including the nearby Hyde Park’s Museum of Science and Industry and Oriental Institute Museum.
In the Gold Coast neighborhood, just a few blocks from the Magnificent Mile, The Talbott Hotel is freshly renovated and has a trendy but personal European feel and five-star service. The hotel’s restaurant has an outdoor dining area where you can enjoy seeing passers-by smile at the giant ladybug cow climbing the hotel’s façade above the entrance.
This is close to the popular shops and bistros of Oak Street, as is the neighboring Waldorf Astoria Chicago. Rooms here have a simple elegance while offering the newest technology. The hotel has every amenity one could expect, from a fitness center and lap pool to a full-service spa and babysitting, and a worry-free “no tipping” policy.
North of the city center in the Lincoln Park neighborhood and less than two blocks from Apollo Theater, Villa D’Citta is a bed-and-breakfast that has six impeccable rooms with private baths. This Chicago Greystone building oozes with character, decorated in a traditional old-world Italian style. Your stay includes the use of a well-stocked dream kitchen, although you can call for room service if you prefer to cuddle in front of your own gas fireplace.
Where to Stay in Chicago for Families
For families looking for five-star accommodation, check out the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago. The brand is known both for being family friendly, and the Chicago property is no different. The elegant hotel features excellent Lake Michigan views and a stellar location along the Magnificent Mile.
As for kid-focused amenities, there is a hotel ice-cream man who makes room service calls that allow you to create your own sundae. There is also an indoor kids’ clubroom with video and boardgames, arts and crafts, and a space to watch movies. Babysitting (for an extra fee) can also be arranged with 24-hour advance notice.
Also try the popular Ace Hotel Chicago in the West Loop neighborhood. This industrial chic hotel has an artsy, retro vibe – some rooms are stocked with records and turntables, while others have guitars as wall art, and mid-century modern furnishings are in all. For families, we recommend the suites, which have separate kitchenettes and a private terrace. There is also an excellent restaurant on-site.
The Gwen, A Luxury Collection Hotel is also right on the Magnificent Mile and caters to families looking for a luxury hotel experience. In a 1930s landmark building, this Art Deco-style hotel features a mix of spacious rooms and suites, the best of which come with terraces facing Michigan Avenue. On-site amenities include a restaurant and well-equipped gym.
Finally, the Viceroy Chicago is another top family hotel. In the Gold Coast neighborhood just off the Magnificent Mile, the hotel has a glamorous but homey vibe with plenty of art and design touches. The rooms and suites are creative and colorful and come with fabulous lake or city views from floor-to-ceiling windows. They also come with relaxing amenities, like rainfall showers in spacious baths and Nespresso machines. Away from the rooms, you’ll find a rooftop terrace with a seasonal swimming pool, a gym, and restaurant.
Where to Stay in Chicago near the Airport
Chicago is home to two airports: Midway (MDW) and Chicago O’Hare (ORD). Both are international airports, although O’Hare has more international flights. If you are arriving late at night or leaving early in the morning, it may be easiest to stay near the airport.
One of the best choices near Midway Airport is the Hyatt Place Chicago Midway Airport. Located on the Midway Hotel Center Campus, it is just two blocks from the airport, but don’t worry, you don’t have to walk. There is a free shuttle bus. The rooms are modern and comfortable, and kids stay free. A complimentary breakfast is included, and there is a swimming pool.
To stay within walking distance of O’Hare, try the Hilton Chicago O’Hare Airport. The hotel has underground walkways to the domestic terminals and from here, you can connect to the international terminal. The Blue-line train to downtown is also here. Rooms are modern and comfortable at this 4-star property. Amenities include an indoor swimming pool and a restaurant.
Best places to stay in downtown chicago
Chicago is a city that loves to live large, and the downtown area is no exception. If you’re looking for a place to stay in this part of town, it’s important to know what you’re looking for. Here are some of our favorite places to stay in downtown Chicago:
1. Chicago Loop, best area to stay in Chicago
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, best Chicago neighborhood for foddies
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, where to stay in Chicago for museums
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, great for nightlife
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, luxury area
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, nice area where to stay in Chicago
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, good area for families
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, best Chicago neighborhood for theater aficionados
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, welcoming area to stay in Chicago
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.