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Chicago Hotels

Chicago hotels are known for their hospitality, their elegance, and their style. As America’s premier “Third Coast” destination, Chicago is filled to the brim with hotels ranging from historic charm to the epitome of luxury to comfortable basics. Because the city is such a perennially popular destination in the warmer months (and around the holidays, when the city’s Christmas spirit really gets into full swing), many of the hotels can book up fast. So, a good rule of thumb when planning a trip to Chicago is to nail down your hotel reservations as soon as possible.

Of course, you’ll want to choose your hotel based upon a few factors. First should be where you want your base of operations to be, considering the things you want to see and do while in town. Second, of course, is budget. Staying at the Park Hyatt Chicago in the heart of Michigan Avenue may be an attractive option, but may also be a bit outside of what you’d planned to spend on this trip. The third factor is your preferred style when traveling. Are you with a significant other on a romantic getaway? That’s one kind of hotel, versus the different kind of option you might need with the kids in tow.

Fortunately, there are dozens upon dozens of other hotels in various neighborhoods that represent the full spectrum of lodging options available in a cosmopolitan city like Chicago. You can find everything from cozy budget options to elegant romantic rooms to distinctive boutique suites. Hotels can be found in neighborhoods all across the city, too, like the centrally located Magnificent Mile and the trendy neighborhoods of Streeterville and Gold Coast. You could also opt to stay further out from the city center but closer to other types of attractions in places like the South Loop and Old Town.

Check out our guide below to see the types of hotels you might look into while in Chicago and the areas you can find them in.

Chicago Hotel Types

The styles of hotel also vary and should play a role in your decision about where to stay in America’s second city. Here’s a selection of different styles of hotel.

Budget Hotel

These hotels are going to be your best bet financially, but may not offer too many extra amenities and are likely to not allow pets. They are also more likely to be further out in the city.

Mid-Range Hotels

This style of hotel is probably what most people will go for, and encompasses several of the other categories on this list. These hotels will offer several basic amenities and go a little further for not much more in the price column.

Luxury Hotels

Chicago is full of luxury hotels, from the Waldorf Astoria to the Peninsula Chicago. These hotels offer the best of the best and will require a significant investment. However, you can get better deals if you visit in the off season.

Family Friendly Hotels

These hotels are familiar with those traveling with kids, and you aren’t going to feel out of place with the twins running around behind you as you check in. They’ll have things like trundle beds, a pool, and perhaps even a game room.

Business Hotels

These hotels are for those in town on a mission. They’ll offer things like a business center, complimentary coffee and tea (and maybe breakfast), and a smooth operation that helps you get in, out, and on with your day.

Boutique Hotels

Some of the most enjoyable places to stay in Chicago, boutique hotels offer a unique experience that you won’t find at the chain places. Whether it’s a distinctive décor, an award-winning restaurant, or something undefinable, you’ll truly cherish what makes this hotel special.

Hotel Locations

First, common neighborhoods that visitors to Chicago like to stay in:

The Loop

Called “The Loop” because it’s bounded by the circling elevated rail tracks, this neighborhood roughly encompasses the heart of Chicago. Some of the city’s most iconic luxury hotels are found here.

Streeterville

This area is just north of the river and to the east of the River North area. You’ll find many luxury and mid-range hotels.

Magnificent Mile

The stretch of land on either side of Michigan Avenue north of the Chicago River, this area is filled with luxury shops, fast fashion, and high-class hotels. 

Andersonville

This artsy community well north of the city center is home to Chicago’s vibrant LGBTQ community. It’s a quirky destination with artistic attractions, the Swedish American Museum, trendy cocktail bars, and boutique hotels.

River North

As its name implies, this area is north of the Chicago River and to the west of Streeterville. You’ll find iconic restaurants and hotels ranging from luxury to quite affordable.

Gold Coast

Just to the north of Streeterville, the Gold Coast is a very wealthy area that hugs Lake Michigan up to the south end of Lincoln Park. You’ll find mostly a combination of old-time luxury with budget options mixed in. 

Lincoln Park

The area west of the Park, this region is mostly residential with a few hotels thrown in. It’s a great place for families to stay because it’s close to kid-friendly attractions.

Chinatown

Located south of the South Loop, this is a good option for those looking to experience Chinese American culture. It’s also relatively close to the Museum Campus as well as Soldier Field.

South Loop

This large swath of the city runs from Buckingham Fountain down to about the Stevenson Expressway. Hotels here are going to be very different in style and price, depending upon how far north into this South Loop you want to stay. 

Old Town

Old Town is a popular area with shops, bars, family-owned restaurants, and high-end residential offerings. Here you’ll find a couple of hotels that cater to visitors looking to explore downtown, including the famous Hotel Lincoln.

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Top Chicago Hotels

Majestic Hotel, Chicago

Majestic Hotel is a charming boutique hotel designed to resemble an English manor. Located in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood, not far from Lake Michigan and Wrigley Field, it offers guests such amenities as complimentary continental breakfast, free Wi-Fi access, and on-site parking.

Hotel Lincoln, Chicago

This funky boutique hotel is located on North Clark Street, just across the street from Lincoln Park and steps from Lincoln Park Zoo, North Avenue Beach, and the Chicago History Museum. Hotel Lincoln has three in-house dining establishments, and offers guests amenities like a fitness center, business center, complimentary bike rental, and more.

Hotel Felix, Chicago

Hotel Felix offers guests the promise of a boutique hotel experience in the midst of the hustle and bustle of Chicago’s lively River North neighborhood. On-site amenities include a small fitness center, business center, and 2 different in-house dining options.

Hotel Chicago West Loop

Located in Chicago’s trendy West Loop neighborhood, this quirky hotel is home to an assortment of simple guestrooms typically going at affordable rates. Amenities here include pet-friendly rooms, on-site parking, a fitness center, and most notably, an in-house art gallery.

Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Downtown/Magnificent Mile

This River North hotel is located just two blocks west of Michigan Avenue in the heart of one of Chicago’s primary dining and shopping destinations. Guestrooms are available in several different layouts, and in-house amenities include a fitness center, pool, on-site restaurant, and more.

Four Seasons Hotel Chicago

Four Seasons Hotel Chicago is one of the most well-regarded hotels in the entire city of Chicago. Here guests can enjoy sparkling accommodations and luxurious amenities, all while taking in the splendor of one of the area’s most prestigious addresses.

Club Quarters Hotel Central Loop

Club Quarters Hotel is located just blocks from such popular attractions as Skydeck Chicago, the Art Institute of Chicago, and Millennium Park. It offers guests a range of amenities in the heart of downtown Chicago.

Chicago Athletic Association Hotel

Located in a historic building that once housed one of Chicago’s finest private clubs, the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel offers luxurious accommodations in a unique setting. It is prominently located on Michigan Avenue, directly across the street from Millennium Park.

Warwick Allerton, Chicago

Still going strong after nearly a century of hospitality, the Warwick Allerton is one of Chicago’s most historic hotels. Situated in a prime spot right along beautiful Michigan Avenue, the Warwick Allerton features well-appointed rooms and a host of desirable on-site amenities.

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