The Best Chicago Boutique Hotels

Situated right alongside lovely Lake Michigan, and featuring a beautiful skyline comprised of some of the world’s most iconic skyscrapers, Chicago is one of the more distinctive cities you’ll encounter during your travels. People from all over the world are drawn to this unique place on account of its fine collection of art galleries, museums, architecture, dining, shopping, sports, and history. For many visitors, the only proper way to go about exploring such a one-of-a-kind destination is by staying at a one-of-a-kind boutique hotel for the during of their stay. Fortunately, Chicago is home to a number of appealing boutique hotel options at a variety of price points.

Part of the charm of a boutique hotel anywhere in the world—but this is especially so in Chicago—is that the finest ones are special. They tend to have a novel vibe, an atmosphere that is truly theirs and theirs alone. As a result, it can be difficult to summarize the typical ambiance of a Chicago boutique hotel. On the whole, though, boutique hotels in Chicago typically exhibit their idiosyncratic flair even at curbside. That is, you’ll know you’ve found a winner from the first moment you lay eyes on the boutique hotel in question. Whether it’s a flamboyant neon marquee, a riveting picture-window art installation, or a lobby anchored by light fixtures that seem as if they’ve been imported from outer space, boutique hotel décor in Chicago is all about the grand statement and bold gesture.

Boutique hotels in Chicago let their distinctiveness shine through in the design, décor, and layout of their individual guestrooms, too. Lest you think the boutique hotel experience in Chicago is not practical, rest assured you’ll find rooms available here in all the standard formats: 1 king bed, 2 queen beds, and 2 double beds. However, if you’re looking for something more daring, you’ll find that as well. There are boutique hotels in Chicago that have guestrooms with such features as bunkbeds, floor-to-ceiling murals painted by some of the city’s best artists, and separate individual beds for your beloved furry friends! Your typical boutique hotel in Chicago also won’t just provide you with goodies like complimentary bath products, either. They’ll make an effort to stock their guestroom bathrooms with indie, craft bath products created by local artisans.

Hotel-wide amenities found at boutique hotels throughout the Windy City include the usual array of classic services most travelers have come to know and expect from a quality lodging experience. These amenities number such things as a fitness center, business center, and an on-site restaurant, bar, and/or coffeeshop. The finest boutique hotels located in Chicago do their best to offer guests a wide range of unique amenities, too. Many boutique hotels in Chicago these days let guests rent bicycles for free (when the weather permits), which makes for a terrific alternative method for getting about town. Several popular boutique hotels in Chicago put a real emphasis on being pet-friendly in every aspect of their operations, while one particular boutique hotel actually has its very own art museum located right on-site, directly next to its lobby! Guests may peruse its permanent collection and enjoy its rotating lineup of special exhibits totally free of additional charge.

Boutique hotels can be found throughout Chicago. In particular, you’ll often find boutique hotels here located in the city’s trendiest, most high-end neighborhoods. One prominent area for boutique hotels in Chicago is the Lincoln Park neighborhood. Staying at one of these establishments places you in the midst of a plethora of shopping, dining, and entertainment. Popular attractions like Lincoln Park Zoo, Second City, the Chicago History Museum, and more are nearby—as are other famous Chicago neighborhoods like Gold Coast, Old Town, River North, and Lake View. Boutique hotels may also be found in Chicago’s booming West Loop neighborhood. This up-and-coming entertainment district is home to some of the most cutting-edge restaurants, tap rooms, and cocktail lounges you’ll encounter anywhere. Staying at a boutique hotel in either of these areas will not be super cheap, but in addition to all the local excitement you’ll be well-situated to enjoy, it’ll keep you near many of Chicago’s most famous tourist sites.

Best Boutique Hotels in Chicago

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.

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.