The fun part of planning any trip is plotting out your itinerary. Learning about all the interesting attractions you’ll be able to experience is a great way to get excited for your trip. You’ll find no shortage of things to do in Chicago, for example.
But one of the least fun aspects of trip planning is trying to find accommodations that suit your tastes. If you’re on a tight budget, trying to figure out what hotel will get you the best value for your money is no easy task. If luxury is what you’re after, you may spend hours scouring lists of the best the city has to offer.
We’re here to make that aspect of your trip planning a little easier too. No matter what type of stay you’re looking for, from romantic to luxurious to unique to budget-friendly, we’ve got you covered with this breakdown of the best hotels in Chicago. Forget the cool attractions — these hotels are sure to get you excited about your trip to the Windy City!
Luxury Hotels in Chicago
Waldorf Astoria
The Waldorf Astoria offers the ultimate in luxury as one of the top hotels in the entire country. Ideally located in the swanky Gold Coast neighborhood, it’s within walking distance of multiple restaurants, upscale shops and exciting attractions.
The hotel’s 215 rooms and suites are spread across 19 stories and offer jaw-dropping views of the city below. Rooms are apartment-sized and feature Parisian-themed decor along with flat-screen TVs, iPod docks with surround sound, and ultra-luxe marble bathrooms with TVs inset in the mirrors. Many include fireplaces as well.
Guests can also enjoy a refreshing dip in the indoor pool, a relaxing massage in the onsite spa and dining at the Balsan European Bistro.
The Langham
The Langham opened its doors in 2013, bringing modern sophistication and British elegance to the famous skyscraper on the downtown riverfront designed by renowned architect Mies van der Rohe. Stunning inside and out, rooms begin on the fifth floor and nearly all have views of either the Chicago River or the city skyline.
The marble bathrooms feature rain showers, spa products and deep-soaking granite tubs, some of which even sit in front of big picture windows. The property also boasts a gourmet Mediterranean eatery and a posh spa where treatments are inspired by Chinese medicine.
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The Ritz-Carlton
Located next to Water Tower Place atop an upscale shopping mall just off the Magnificent Mile, the Ritz-Carlton offers a tranquil, opulent retreat with its well-equipped rooms featuring large windows with views of Lake Michigan.
The exceptional service includes nightly visits from the “candy man,” a hotel employee who comes around with a well-stocked candy cart. Guests can also look forward to treatments in the lavish spa and swimming in an indoor pool with a glass ceiling view of the famous John Hancock building.
Romantic Hotels in Chicago
The Peninsula Chicago
The palatial Peninsula Chicago offers five-star accommodations that attract heads of state, celebrities and other VIPs. Everything about it impresses, including huge rooms that range from the 531-square-foot Superior Room to the 3,645-square-foot Peninsula Suite.
Each one has lots of high-tech features like personal televisions, iPod docks and control panels for adjusting the lighting, as well as marble baths with deep-soaking tubs.
Couples can enjoy relaxing at the 19th-floor indoor pool, hot stone massages and other treatments at the spa, and four onsite dining options, including Z Bar, the property’s rooftop lounge that serves mouthwatering international cuisine. The “Keys to the City” perks include a private shopping session at Saks Fifth Avenue, a priority pass and an Art Institute guidebook.
Thompson Chicago
The Thompson Chicago is an ideal spot for a romantic rendezvous as it’s within walking distance of the lake, fantastic shopping and cafes in the Gold Coast neighborhood. Spacious rooms are oozing with elegance, including floor-to-ceiling windows and bathrooms that feature lots of high-end amenities like soaking tubs for two.
Its onsite Italian eatery Nico Osterio is considered one of the best restaurants in town, serving house-made pasta and creative high-end cocktails. If you’re thinking about popping the question, the Thompson also offers an engagement package that includes complimentary Lexus car service, a private helicopter tour, champagne toast and a photo of the moment you become engaged.
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St. Jane Hotel
The Hard Rock Hotel Chicago became the St. Jane in the summer of 2018 in honor of activist Jane Addams. Set within the landmark Art Deco Carbide and Carbon Building, the Tower at St. Jane offers the ultimate romantic retreat with velvet furniture and sweeping views of Lake Michigan, the city skyline and the river.
You’ll also get access to a 24th-floor lounge and dedicated concierge staff that will take care of all your needs.
Unique Boutique Hotels in Chicago
Acme Hotel
The highly rated Acme Hotel offers a great location in the trendy and central River North neighborhood. It’s located just over a five-minute walk from shopping on the Magnificent Mile and is surrounded by gastropubs, wine bars and swanky boutiques.
Funky and unique, it’s a big hit among urban hipsters with its graffiti-painted stairs, elevator with walls made of classic album colors and glowing neon signs. The property hosts tech-savvy rooms with free WiFi, ergonomic chairs, smart TVs and wireless sound systems. Guests can even rent Google Glasses and Apple Watches to use during their stay.
There’s also a cozy lounge and game room with a fooseball table, a fitness center with a sauna and hot tub, an onsite bakery that serves organic breakfast and pastries, and a bar for sipping tasty craft cocktails.
Aloft Chicago Downtown River North
Another unique and fun option in the trendy River North neighborhood in central Chicago, Aloft Chicago Downtown River North is a contemporary glass-fronted hotel loaded with cool retro touches. You’ll find a gym in the basement and a pool table in the lobby while rooms have bright and colorful interiors with dedicated work spaces.
After a day of work or play, come back and enjoy cocktails at the hotel’s WXYZ bar or relax in the Re:mix lounge. Aloft is pet-friendly too. In fact, your canine friend will get his own water bowl, treats and bed.
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Longman & Eagle
Situated in the Logan Square neighborhood, the Longman & Eagle is referred to by locals as “hipster central.” It was inspired by old-time inns with sleeping quarters that are located above a tavern.
The tiny, art-centric inn has just six unique rooms located above the cult eatery of the same name. Each one has its own distinct art and decor, along with mix tapes and custom wooden speakers, mini-bars and bathrooms with hanging terrariums over the sinks. Guests are also provided with wooden drink coins that are good for two free drinks at the bar downstairs.
Budget-Friendly Hotels in Chicago
Hotel Versey
Hotel Versey is a great value option in the central Lincoln Park neighborhood. Located in downtown Chicago, it’s within walking distance of many restaurants, bars, boutiques and music venues. It has an interesting history, as it was formerly known as the Rock and Roll Days Inn, which saw a long list of famous musicians and bands come through.
The lobby features murals, maps, sports memorabilia and records that offer inspiration for exploring the city, and while rooms are basic, they’re clean and comfortable. Guests enjoy free WiFi as well as passes to the nearby LA Fitness gym.
Freehand Chicago
Located in River North’s former Tokyo Hotel building, Freehand Chicago is both a hotel and a hostel, with shared dorm rooms as well as standard private hotel rooms and penthouses. A stylish property, rooms feature colorful wall hangings and warm wood wainscoting. All include free WiFi and daily continental breakfast.
Guests can also take advantage of shared kitchen facilities and enjoy drinks at the Broken Shaker downstairs, an outpost of the award-winning Miami cocktail bar. They can also participate in scheduled events like walking tours and DJ parties.
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Homewood Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown
Set within the upscale Shops by Northbridge Mall in the River North neighborhood, Homewood Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown features one- and two-bedroom suites with fully-equipped kitchens and separate living room and sleeping areas that make it ideal for families.
A full hot breakfast is provided every morning, and from Monday through Thursday, a complimentary dinner reception is hosted with food, wine and beer. The property has a rooftop indoor pool with views of the city and even offers complimentary grocery shopping services.