15 Best Hotels in Chicago, IL

Written by Lavanya Sunkara
Updated Nov 26, 2021
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Rising from the shores of Lake Michigan, Chicago is an architecture lover's dream, and its hotels are some of its marvels. The Windy City has a number of top hotels, known for their quality amenities and world-class hospitality.

Most of the city's high-end hotels are centered around its top attractions. In The Loop, the downtown grid that overlooks Millennium Park and the river, are some high-end luxury hotels near eateries, museums, theaters, shops, and the 110-story Willis Tower (the second-tallest building in the Western Hemisphere).

Adjacent to The Loop in the area called Near North Side, you'll find the lively Streeterville neighborhood and River North, boasting the Magnificent Mile on Michigan Avenue. The Magnificent Mile is the best area to stay in Chicago. This upscale commercial district has posh hotels, cool restaurants, and some of the most iconic buildings of the city.

Streeterville is home to the Navy Pier and entertainment venues. To the north, the Gold Coast Historic District, known for its stately homes, high-rise residential buildings, and beaches, has some hotels like Waldorf Astoria Chicago and Thompson Chicago overlooking the water.

Whether you are visiting to take in the city's architectural and cultural gems, or catch a sporting event, we've got you covered with some nice hotels in Chicago. From luxury hotels set in Art Deco buildings with sleek accommodations to an assortment of boutique properties with personalized service, this vibrant Illinois city has everything for families, couples, and business and leisure travelers.

Best Luxury Hotels in Chicago

1. The Langham, Chicago

Accommodation: The Langham, Chicago

Overlooking the Riverwalk along the Chicago River, The Langham is one of Chicago's top luxury hotels. With unfettered views of the river from your suite's floor-to-ceiling windows, you can relax in luxurious accommodations.

The hotel resides on the first 13 floors of the landmark tower designed by renowned architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and has 316 handsomely decorated rooms and a range of amenities, including an indoor pool, signature spa, two restaurants, fitness center, and children's activities.

The Langham is within walking distance of the Magnificent Mile, Navy Pier, and Millennium Park. You can opt for the Club Level Package that includes breakfast, afternoon tea, and butler service. Families with children can take advantage of the babysitting service. Art lovers can enjoy the fine art collection of more than 150 distinctive artworks displayed throughout the hotel.

Address: 330 N Wabash Ave, Chicago, Illinois

2. The Peninsula Chicago

Accommodation: The Peninsula Chicago

Combining traditional Asian service and Midwestern hospitality, the five-star Peninsula Chicago hotel is renowned for its exceptional service and proximity to the city's main attractions. Located on the Magnificent Mile, the Peninsula is within walking distance of the Museum of Contemporary Art and the historic Water Tower Place.

On-site, enjoy a relaxing spa treatment at the Asian-inspired spa, dine at its award-winning restaurants (including Shanghai Terrace serving Cantonese delicacies), and retreat to luxurious guest rooms with old-world elegance. This pet-friendly hotel has 83 suites with skyline views, a sun terrace, and a half-Olympic length indoor swimming pool with large windows overlooking the city. At the modern gym, you can sign up for fitness classes and yoga.

Families can get the Camp Peninsula package, which offers 50 percent off the cost of an adjoining room (where they can set up a special in-room tent for kids to play in). Little ones can eat for free from the children's menu at the restaurants and partake in the Peninsula Academy's kids collection of cultural and fun activities, like scavenger hunts. The hotel can also arrange for babysitting if you want a night out.

Address: 108 E Superior Street, Chicago, Illinois

3. Four Seasons Hotel Chicago

Photo Source: Four Seasons Hotel Chicago

Accommodation: Four Seasons Hotel Chicago

Steps from the Magnificent Mile and North Michigan Avenue's luxury shopping and dining, the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago offers a contemporary escape with 16 floors of 185 newly renovated suites and 160 guest rooms.

Rooms boast views of Lake Michigan and the city skyline and come with a calming decor, modern amenities, and spacious bathrooms.

Indulge at the lavish spa or sneak in a workout at the fitness center or the 50-foot indoor swimming pool. The spa has a Roman-style pool, sauna, and whirlpool. Enjoy delicious, gourmet, farm-to-table meals at the city's finest dining establishment-Allium, the hotel's on-site restaurant offering fresh, seasonal menus. If your visit falls on a Sunday, don't miss the Sunny Side Up brunch buffet at Allium.

Kids can make use of the hotel's club room filled with video games, arts and crafts, foosball, and a movie section. The hotel is close to Millennium Park, the Art Institute of Chicago, and Lincoln Park Zoo.

Address: 120 E Delaware Place, Chicago, Illinois

4. Waldorf Astoria Chicago

Accommodation: Waldorf Astoria Chicago

Richly appointed guest rooms with sophisticated furnishings, fireplaces, and massive bathrooms welcome guests at the Waldorf Astoria Chicago. Situated in the Gold Coast neighborhood, this five-star, pet-friendly property offers 215 elegant rooms and suites with balconies overlooking the Lake Michigan shoreline.

Take advantage of the on-site health club offering pilates and gyrotonic classes, and the 14,000-square-foot Spa & Health Club complete with an indoor lap pool and treatments tailored for you. After a day of shopping at the nearby posh Oak Street Shopping District, relax and savor French cuisine at the Parisian-inspired patisserie Margeaux Brasserie.

Address: 11 E Walton St, Chicago, Illinois

5. The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago

Accommodation: The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago

Set within the Water Tower Place and located in downtown Chicago, the Ritz-Carlton Chicago is ideally placed for exploring the city's attractions. The newly revitalized family-friendly property has a wide range of services and amenities, including an indoor pool, the Ritz-Carlton Spa with five luxurious treatment rooms, a fitness center with wellness classes, and twice-daily housekeeping service.

The elegant property boasts on-site wedding professionals and offers wedding packages to make your special day seamless. Families traveling with children can expect child-sized bathrobes and complimentary children's toiletries.

Address: At Water Tower Place, 160 E Pearson Street, Chicago, Illinois

6. Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile

Photo Source: Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile

Accommodation: Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile

Designed by French architect Jean-Paul Viguier, the triangular all-white steel and prism glass structure of Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile houses a 32-floor urban oasis with 415 newly renovated guest rooms, including 63 suites. Rooms boast floor-to-ceiling glass walls overlooking the cityscape and Lake Michigan and are adorned in French Art de Vivre furnishings and decor.

At the Café des Architectes, you can enjoy French-inspired dishes made from locally-sourced ingredients on the seasonal outdoor terrace. The hotel is a short stroll from the Magnificent Mile, the Museum of Contemporary Art, and trendy boutique shops.

Address: 20 E Chestnut St, Chicago, Illinois

7. Park Hyatt Chicago

Accommodation: Park Hyatt Chicago

Park Hyatt Chicago boasts some of the most spacious accommodations in the city. This premier property near the iconic Michigan Avenue's Magnificent Mile features a sophisticated decor, an impressive art collection, and upscale amenities.

Have a comfortable stay in the spacious residential-style suites, get a workout in the three-lane, 25-yard indoor lap pool, and indulge in a delicious meal at NoMI Kitchen, a Michelin Star recipient, while enjoying views of the Water Tower.

Don't be surprised when the resident dog welcomes you at check-in at this pet-friendly property. The hotel is two miles from the Navy Pier and the Art Institute of Chicago.

Address: 800 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, Illinois

8. The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Michigan Avenue Chicago

Photo Source: The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Michigan Avenue Chicago

Accommodation: The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Michigan Avenue Chicago

Housed in the landmark McGraw-Hill Building in the commercial district, The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Michigan Avenue Chicago features an Art Deco appearance and has 311 guest rooms, some of which come with beautiful terraces overlooking Michigan Avenue. Choose from King, double, as well as luxurious suites.

The hotel is connected to the upscale retailers at The Shops at North Bridge. On-site, you will find two American restaurants-the rooftop Upstairs at the Gwen and Circa Restaurant, along with a state-of-the-art, 24-hour fitness center and a business center. The hotel is pet-friendly, so you don't have to leave your furry friends behind.

Address: 521 N Rush Street, Chicago, Illinois

9. Loews Chicago Hotel

Accommodation: Loews Chicago Hotel

Located within walking distance to the Navy Pier in the Streeterville neighborhood, Loews Chicago Hotel offers guests amazing lake and city views and spacious accommodations. This pet-friendly hotel has 400 tastefully decorated guest rooms, including 25 luxurious suites, a restaurant, fitness center, lap pool, and rooftop terrace to enjoy the views.

When you stay here, rest assured that you are supporting an environmentally conscious hotel as it implements recycling efforts, has low-flow showerheads and compact light bulbs, and employs eco-friendly cleaning products.

Address: 455 N Park Dr, Chicago, Illinois

Best Boutique Hotels in Chicago

1. Thompson Chicago

Accommodation: Thompson Chicago

For couples looking for a boutique hotel, the Thompson Chicago is an excellent choice. Located near Oak Street and Oak Street Beach, the hotel is ideal for a beach getaway.

Rooms are stylish and modern, with artwork on the walls and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the historic homes and leafy streets of the Gold Coast neighborhood.

Indulge in authentic Italian seafood at the hotel's restaurant, Nico Osteria. And if you must hit the gym, the on-site fitness center will do, but Lake Michigan is just steps away. The hotel is also pet-friendly.

Address: 21 E Bellevue Place, Chicago, Illinois

2. Kimpton Gray Hotel

Accommodation: Kimpton Gray Hotel

Set in one of the landmark buildings formerly known as the New York Life Insurance building dating back to 1894, Kimpton Gray Hotel is a sleek, modern property in the financial district.

Suited best for business travelers, the hotel goes above and beyond to provide items needed on the go, from loaning international plugs and cell phone chargers to giving complimentary toiletries.

Kimpton Gray Hotel is close to The Rookery historic office building, surrounded by museums and theaters. On-site, you can enjoy Argentinian food and beverages at the rooftop lounge, Boleo. If you are looking for a small group get-together, book the private dining space of Ezperanza. Similar to other Kimpton hotels, this property is pet-friendly and caters to your four-legged companions.

Address: 122 W Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois

3. Viceroy Chicago

Accommodation: Viceroy Chicago

At the Viceroy Chicago, sleep in the lap of luxury in the gold and black accented retro-chic rooms overlooking the architectural marvels of the Windy City. This Gold Coast boutique hotel, housed in the site of the 1920s Cedar Hotel, has 180 luxury guest rooms, including 18 suites.

The property offers a fitness center, a seasonal rooftop outdoor pool, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a restaurant named Somerset helmed by Michelin-starred Chef Lee Wolen.

After a day of sightseeing in the city, relax and enjoy light bites at the Devereaux rooftop lounge as the setting sun casts an array of colors on the city's picturesque skyline.

Address: 1118 N State Street, Chicago, Illinois

4. Ace Hotel Chicago

Accommodation: Ace Hotel Chicago

Ace Hotel Chicago was once home to an Italian-American cheesemaking company, and now this industrial brick building in Chicago's West Loop features 159 minimalist, Bauhaus-inspired rooms, decorated with local artwork.

Rooms come with flat-screen TVs, and some of them are even equipped with a turntable with a selection of vinyl records.

The hotel also has a rooftop terrace and lounge, Waydown, for stunning city views, and a top-notch restaurant, City Mouse. If that's not enough, you are in the middle of a bustling restaurant scene.

Address: Ace Hotel Chicago, Illinois

5. Hotel Zachary, Chicago, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel

Photo Source: Hotel Zachary, Chicago, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel

Accommodation: Hotel Zachary, Chicago, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel

Hotel Zachary, Chicago, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel is located in the Lakeview neighborhood just steps from Wrigley Field, home to the Chicago Cubs, making it a perfect base for baseball fans. Named for the Wrigley Field architect, Zachary Taylor Davis, the hotel pays tribute with decor inspired by the field and has a lively atmosphere.

Rooms are contemporary, and most of the suites feature hardwood floors and stunning views of the ballpark from floor-to-ceiling windows. The Red Line transit is a block away, offering easy access to the city's top attractions.

Address: 3630 N Clark Street, Chicago, Illinois

6. Sophy Hyde Park

Accommodation: Sophy Hyde Park

The elegant Sophy Hyde Park is a boutique property in the Hyde Park neighborhood, which is home to numerous shops and restaurants. The hotel is also within a 10-minute walk of downtown Chicago.

The rooms and suites have a fun, eclectic vibe with lots of modern art on the walls and working record players with a choice of vinyl to listen to. They also come with hardwood floors, high-quality linens, and marble bathrooms. Book one of the luxury suites for stand-alone soaking tubs, separate living and dining spaces, and full kitchens.

More art is found in the public spaces, giving the hotel a contemporary, museum-like vibe. Each piece has been carefully selected to inspire conversations. Other amenities here include a fitness center, a shuttle bus to local attractions within a two-mile radius, and concierge services. If you are traveling with a dog, one pet up to 50 pounds is allowed to stay for a $25 per night fee.

Address: 1411 E. 53rd Street, Chicago, Illinois