Places to Stay in Chicago:
The Ultimate Hotel Guide (2025)
Introduction to Chicago Hotels
Welcome to Chicago, the Windy City—where the skyline dazzles, the parks are lush, and the hotel scene is as dynamic as the city itself. Whether you’re drawn to the buzz of downtown Chicago, the iconic green spaces of Millennium Park, or the shimmering shores of Lake Michigan, you’ll find a hotel that fits your vibe. Chicago’s neighborhoods each bring their own flavor: River North pulses with nightlife and art, the Magnificent Mile is a shopper’s paradise, and Wicker Park is a haven for indie spirits. With hotels ranging from sleek high-rises to cozy boutiques, there’s something for every traveler and every budget. Plus, with easy access from Chicago O’Hare Airport and Midway, getting to your hotel is a breeze. No matter where you stay, you’re never far from the city’s best restaurants, parks, and cultural hotspots.
Choosing the Right Neighborhood
Picking the perfect neighborhood is half the fun—and half the challenge—of planning your Chicago stay. If you want to be in the heart of the action, downtown Chicago is your go-to, with a central location that puts you steps from Millennium Park, the Art Institute, and Michigan Avenue’s endless shopping. Craving a taste of the city’s creative side? River North is packed with art galleries, buzzy restaurants, and nightlife that goes late. For families, Lincoln Park offers leafy green spaces and a laid-back vibe, while the Gold Coast is all about high-end restaurants and luxury hotels just off Michigan Avenue. If you’re after a more local, indie experience, Wicker Park and Logan Square deliver with cool bars, vintage shops, and some of the city’s best eats. Think about what you want to see, do, and eat—then pick the neighborhood that matches your style and makes exploring Chicago a breeze.
Best Places to Stay by Neighborhood, Style & Budget
Your Chicago hotel shouldn’t just be a place to crash. It should reflect the city’s energy, creativity, and layered charm. After more than a dozen visits and stays at over 20 different hotels, I’ve built this guide to help you cut through the noise and book something that actually fits your trip—whether you’re here for rooftop cocktails, gallery hopping, or just trying to avoid a hotel with beige everything.
This where to stay in Chicago guide is organized by neighborhood, style, and budget so you can skip the scroll spiral and book something worthy. You’ll also find a list of recommended hotels for each neighborhood and budget, making it easy to choose trusted options for your stay.
More Chicago Travel Inspiration
Planning a full weekend in the Windy City? Don’t miss our curated guides:
- Chicago Travel Guide – Iconic architecture, standout neighborhoods, and design-forward city walks.
- Chicago Hidden Gems – Speakeasies, cocktail lounges, and secret spots locals love.
- Chicago Design Guide – From Gold Coast glam to gritty Art Deco interiors worth copying.
Downtown Chicago Hotels: Glamour in the Loop
The Loop is one of Chicago's most iconic neighborhoods—Chicago’s architectural heart—and the place to be if you’re visiting for the first time. As the city center, The Loop is home to major sights like Willis Tower, Cloud Gate, Millennium Park, the Bean, the riverwalk, and buildings that basically invented modern architecture. The Loop is often recommended for first time visitors due to its central location and easy access to attractions. Stay here if you want to walk to almost everything and don’t mind a little weekday hustle. The area is also known for its public transit, with the iconic elevated tracks of the 'L' train circling the neighborhood.
The Palmer House Hilton
Neighborhood: The Loop | Style: Gilded Age Grandeur | Budget: $$
As one of the city's luxurious hotels, the Palmer House Hilton stands out for its opulent design and premium amenities. This is the hotel that invented the brownie, because of course it did. Its lobby ceiling is basically a Sistine Chapel fever dream, and the location puts you smack in the middle of downtown. Guests can also enjoy the convenience of an on site restaurant, offering exclusive dining without leaving the property.
Best for: Theater lovers, architecture tourists, and anyone who wants their hotel lobby to look like it could host a royal wedding.
Pendry Chicago
Neighborhood: Loop / Riverwalk | Style: Moody skyline swagger | Budget: $$$$
It’s dark, dramatic, and comes with glam style. Pendry lives in a gold skyscraper that feels like a Bond villain’s lair (in the best way).
Best for: Couples, design junkies, travelers who want a skyline soak and a strong negroni.
Silversmith Hotel
Neighborhood: The Loop | Style: Polished, low-key Art Deco | Budget: $$
Think Palmer House’s cooler, quieter sibling. It’s grown-up, well-placed, and doesn’t try too hard.
Best for: Business trips, return visitors, quiet luxury with a side of symmetry.
West Loop Chicago Hotels: Where to Stay for Food + Vibe
Once warehouses, now wine bars. The West Loop is where Chicago goes to eat, drink, and look good doing it. The neighborhood is known for its vibrant local culture, offering visitors a chance to experience authentic community events, art, and culinary delights. If you're interested in nightlife, the area also features several music venues that showcase live performances and contribute to the energetic atmosphere. Think hip brunch spots, art walls, rooftop lounges, and a neighborhood that still feels like it’s figuring itself out—in a good way.
The Hoxton
Neighborhood: West Loop | Style: Industrial chic, rooftop energy | Budget: $$
Exposed brick? Check. Mid-century chairs you’ll want to steal? Check. This place nails the “cool without being exhausting” vibe. The rooftop has a pool and skyline views—and you’re basically sleeping above a food hall. The Hoxton is also known for serving a good breakfast, making mornings here a treat.
Best for: People who plan trips around dinner reservations, solo travelers who want a scene but also a good night’s sleep.
The Publishing House
Neighborhood: West Loop | Style: Boutique B&B | Budget: $$
This one’s personal. A reimagined publishing house turned into an 11-room haven with vinyl records, velvet chairs, and breakfasts that feel like a warm hug.
Best for: Creative couples, quiet rechargers, design devotees who hate chain hotels.
The Emily Hotel Chicago
Neighborhood: West Loop | Style: Retro, concrete, swagger | Budget: $$
Classic energy: moody lighting, vintage touches, and lobby vibes that say, “I freelance.”
Best for: Creatives, coworking types, people who packed Aesop.
River North & Streeterville Hotels: Luxury Meets Energy
River North is where upscale meets energetic, with its close proximity to the Chicago River providing scenic views and easy access to major attractions. The neighborhood is also renowned for its vibrant contemporary art galleries, making it a hub for modern culture. Expect galleries, cocktail bars, and some of the city’s best restaurants tucked between high-rises. Streeterville skews a little quieter but gives you direct access to the lake, Navy Pier, and museum row.
The Langham, Chicago
Neighborhood: River North | Style: High-art, high-rise luxury | Budget: $$$$
Set inside a Mies van der Rohe masterpiece, this place feels like an art gallery that also gives massages. Quiet, polished, and as luxe as you want it to be.
Best for: Spa weekends, architecture fanatics, honeymooners who hate clutter.
Hotel EMC2
Neighborhood: Streeterville | Style: Techy, artsy, surprisingly sexy | Budget: $$$
Quirky and confident, with science-themed art and room service delivered by robots. And yes, the bathrooms are awesome.
Best for: Couples, tech-forward travelers, people who want the hotel to be part of the story.
Four Seasons Chicago
Neighborhood: Magnificent Mile | Style: Understated elegance | Budget: $$$$
It’s calm, collected, and you can actually hear yourself think. Expect Lake Michigan views, plush everything, and service that’s somehow both invisible and perfect.
Best for: High-end escapes, adult birthdays, people who don’t want to feel “on.”
Gold Coast Hotels in Chicago: Quiet Luxury + Rooftop Mimosas
The Gold Coast is all charm and quiet confidence, offering a great location near the beach, the boutiques, and some of the city’s most expensive real estate. If you want elegance without the noise—or if brunch is your cardio—this is your zone.
Viceroy Chicago
Neighborhood: Gold Coast | Style: Sleek boutique rooftop | Budget: $$$
This is where bold design meets morning mimosas. Floor-to-ceiling windows, geometric everything, and a rooftop that delivers.
Best for: Brunch lovers, boutique hotel addicts, couples who dress up “just because.”
Thompson Chicago
Neighborhood: Gold Coast | Style: Urban cozy | Budget: $$$
Leather, wood, and moody lighting make this feel like a stylish hideaway. It’s quiet luxury for introverts with good taste.
Best for: Low-key getaways, winter escapes, fireplace energy (even if it’s imaginary).
Wicker Park & Logan Square Hotels: Boutique, Indie, and Local
These neighborhoods serve local cool, indie shops, and vintage cocktail bars. You’ll trade downtown glitz for murals, dive bars, and street tacos—but gain character and some of the city’s best people-watching. The area is also known for its vibrant Mexican food scene, abundant green space in local parks, and easy access to public transport, making it convenient for both sightseeing and commuting.
The Robey
Neighborhood: Wicker Park | Style: Minimalist deco | Budget: $$
A converted Art Deco tower with light-filled rooms and unbeatable rooftop vibes. Also, it’s near the Blue Line’s elevated tracks, so O’Hare is a breeze.
Best for: Bar hoppers, design fans, second-timers who don’t want downtown.
The Hotel at Midtown
Neighborhood: Logan Square | Style: Sporty, spa, city retreat | Budget: $$
Attached to a massive wellness complex, this is the spot if your idea of vacation includes a steam room and weight rack.
Best for: Gym lovers, wellness travelers, off-the-path adventurers.
Hotel Comparison Table
| Hotel | Neighborhood | Style | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Palmer House Hilton | The Loop | Gilded glamour | $$ | First-timers, history |
| Pendry Chicago | Loop / Riverwalk | Moody glam | $$$$ | Romantic getaways, skyline views |
| Silversmith Hotel | The Loop | Polished Art Deco | $$ | Quiet, design-minded stays |
| The Hoxton | West Loop | Industrial chic | $$ | Foodies, solo travel |
| The Publishing House | West Loop | Boutique B&B | $$ | Creative couples |
| Ace Hotel | West Loop | Retro, concrete cool | $$ | Freelancers, creatives |
| The Langham | River North | Art-forward luxury | $$$$ | Spa days, calm stays |
| Hotel EMC2 | Streeterville | Science meets style | $$$ | Techy, design-forward travelers |
| Four Seasons | Magnificent Mile | Understated elegance | $$$$ | Luxe, lake views, quiet |
| Viceroy Chicago | Gold Coast | Sleek, rooftop-ready | $$$ | Boutique lovers, brunchers |
| Thompson Chicago | Gold Coast | Urban cozy | $$$ | Romantic, low-key stays |
| The Robey | Wicker Park | Indie minimalism | $$ | Return visitors, creatives |
| Hotel at Midtown | Logan Square | Sporty wellness | $$ | Fitness & spa travelers |
Chicago Hotel Amenities: What to Expect
Chicago hotels know how to roll out the red carpet, whether you’re after a rooftop bar with skyline views, a full-service spa, or a restaurant that’s a destination in itself. In downtown Chicago, you’ll find hotels with everything from indoor pools and fitness centers to chic lounges and concierge services ready to help you unlock the city. Many Chicago hotels are housed in buildings that are architectural icons, blending historic charm with modern luxury. Easy access to public transit means you can zip from your hotel to the city’s top restaurants, museums, and parks without breaking a sweat. Whether you’re splurging on a luxury hotel or keeping it simple, expect friendly staff, thoughtful amenities, and a true taste of Chicago’s hospitality.
Family-Friendly Hotels: Where to Stay with Kids
Traveling with kids? Chicago is a playground for families, and the right hotel can make your trip unforgettable. Stay near Lincoln Park for easy access to the zoo and sprawling parks, or pick a spot close to Navy Pier, where the Ferris wheel and boat rides are guaranteed crowd-pleasers. Downtown Chicago hotels along Michigan Avenue often offer family-friendly perks like game rooms, kids’ menus, and even babysitting services, so parents can sneak in a little relaxation. Look for hotels with pools to burn off extra energy, or choose a spot with a kid-approved restaurant for stress-free meals. No matter your family’s style, Chicago’s hotels make it easy to explore the city’s parks, museums, and attractions together.
Romantic Hotels in Chicago: Where to Stay with Style
If you’re planning a romantic escape, Chicago delivers with style. Imagine sipping cocktails at a rooftop bar as the city lights twinkle, unwinding together in a full-service spa, or strolling hand-in-hand through downtown parks. For couples, luxury hotels along Michigan Avenue and in River North offer plush rooms, stunning city views, and easy access to some of Chicago’s best restaurants and nightlife. Wicker Park’s boutique hotels set the scene for a more intimate, local experience, while a stay in a downtown Chicago hotel means you’re never far from iconic architecture and cozy corners. Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary or just sneaking away for a weekend, Chicago’s hotels set the mood for romance—one skyline sunset at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What’s the best neighborhood to stay in Chicago for first-timers? | The Loop or River North—central, walkable, and full of iconic landmarks. Easy access to trains, museums, and the riverwalk. |
| Are Chicago hotels expensive? | In summer? Yes. Midrange hotels typically run $250–$350/night. Luxury properties can reach $600+ during events or peak weekends. |
| Is it safe to stay downtown? | Yes. Areas like Streeterville, Gold Coast, and the Loop are heavily traveled and tourist-friendly. Use standard city awareness. |
| Do I need a car in Chicago? | Not at all. The “L” train, Divvy bikes, and walkable neighborhoods make it easy to get around without renting a car. |
| Which hotels have rooftop views? | Pendry (soaking tubs!), The Hoxton (pool), Viceroy (rooftop lounge), and The Robey all offer skyline views from above. |