Choosing where to stay can make a huge difference to your trip, especially in a city as spread out as Chicago. During my visit, I stayed in the River North neighbourhood, and I honestly think it’s one of the best areas for first-time visitors. Most of the city’s biggest attractions are within walking distance, there are plenty of fantastic restaurants and cafés nearby, and it’s easy to get almost anywhere without relying too much on transport.
Whether you’re looking for a stylish boutique hotel, a luxury stay overlooking the Chicago River, or somewhere comfortable that won’t completely blow your travel budget, Chicago has plenty of excellent options.
Here are the best hotels in Chicago that I’d recommend for your next visit.
Acme Hotel Company Chicago
During my visit to Chicago, I stayed at Acme Hotel Company, and honestly, I couldn’t have picked a better base for exploring the city. Located in the River North neighbourhood, it’s only a short walk from the Magnificent Mile, Millennium Park, the Chicago Riverwalk, and plenty of restaurants and cafés. I barely needed public transport throughout my stay, which made sightseeing incredibly easy.
Originally opened as the Berkshire Hotel in the 1920s, the building has been transformed into a fun boutique hotel with colourful artwork, quirky décor, and a modern industrial feel that gives it plenty of character. It feels very different from a typical chain hotel, which is something I really appreciated.
My room was spacious, comfortable, and surprisingly quiet despite being right in the middle of downtown. After walking more than 20,000 steps exploring Chicago, I was especially grateful for the incredibly comfortable bed and hot shower at the end of each day. If you’re looking for a stylish hotel with an excellent location that won’t completely blow your budget, I genuinely think Acme Hotel Company is one of the best hotels in Chicago.
The Langham, Chicago
If you’re looking to spoil yourself during your visit, The Langham is one of Chicago’s finest luxury hotels. Occupying the first 13 floors of the iconic IBM Building, designed by renowned architect Mies van der Rohe, the hotel overlooks the Chicago River and sits just a few minutes from the Magnificent Mile.
The rooms are spacious and elegantly designed, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering incredible views across the river and skyline. Marble bathrooms, deep soaking tubs, premium bedding, and thoughtful service make every stay feel special. The hotel’s award-winning Chuan Spa, indoor swimming pool, and sophisticated afternoon tea are also standout experiences.
It’s certainly one of the more expensive options in the city, but if you’re celebrating a honeymoon, anniversary, or simply want a memorable luxury stay, The Langham is hard to beat.
LondonHouse Chicago
One of the first buildings you’ll notice while walking through downtown Chicago is the beautiful LondonHouse Hotel. Sitting at the corner of Michigan Avenue and the Chicago River, its historic Beaux-Arts building dates back to 1923 and occupies one of the city’s most recognisable locations.
Inside, the hotel blends historic architecture with modern luxury. Rooms are stylish and comfortable, while many offer incredible river or skyline views. The biggest attraction, however, is the rooftop bar and terrace. It’s easily one of the best rooftop spots in Chicago, especially around sunset when the city lights begin to appear, and the river reflects the surrounding skyscrapers.
If you want to stay somewhere that feels Chicago unmistakably while being within walking distance of Millennium Park, the Riverwalk, and the Magnificent Mile, LondonHouse is an excellent choice.
Pendry Chicago
The Pendry Chicago brings new life to one of the city’s most beautiful historic buildings, the former Carbide & Carbon Building. Its striking Art Deco exterior has been a Chicago landmark since 1929, while the interiors combine vintage glamour with contemporary design.
The rooms feature warm timber finishes, luxurious bedding, rainfall showers, and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking downtown. Downstairs, you’ll also find one of Chicago’s most popular restaurants and bars, making it a lively place to stay both day and night.
The location is another major advantage. Millennium Park, the Chicago Theatre, and the Riverwalk are all within a comfortable stroll, making it ideal if you plan to spend most of your time exploring on foot. It’s a fantastic option if you enjoy boutique luxury with plenty of personality.
The Peninsula Chicago
The Peninsula has earned its reputation as one of the finest luxury hotels in the United States. Located just off North Michigan Avenue, it places guests in the heart of Chicago’s famous shopping district while still being close to many of the city’s biggest attractions.
Everything about the hotel feels polished and elegant. Rooms are exceptionally spacious, featuring marble bathrooms, advanced in-room technology, and large windows overlooking the city. Guests also have access to a stunning indoor pool, an award-winning spa, and a rooftop terrace offering panoramic views of downtown.
Service is consistently exceptional, with staff regularly recognised among the best in the hospitality industry. If you’re looking for a classic five-star experience where every detail is taken care of, The Peninsula delivers exactly that.
citizenM Chicago Downtown
For travellers who value smart design over oversized rooms, citizenM offers one of the best value stays in central Chicago. Located just a short walk from Millennium Park and the Riverwalk, it’s perfect if you want a modern hotel without paying luxury prices.
The rooms are compact but cleverly designed, making excellent use of the available space. Everything from the lighting to the curtains and temperature can be controlled using a tablet, while the comfortable king-sized beds and powerful rain showers make it surprisingly luxurious for the price.
Downstairs, you’ll find large communal workspaces, comfortable lounges, and a café that’s open throughout the day. It’s particularly popular with solo travellers, couples, and digital nomads looking for a stylish base in a fantastic location.
The Gwen
Located directly on the Magnificent Mile, The Gwen combines luxury accommodation with one of Chicago’s best shopping locations. The hotel occupies part of the historic McGraw-Hill Building, with beautiful Art Deco details that celebrate the city’s architectural heritage.
Rooms are spacious and filled with natural light, featuring elegant furnishings and modern amenities. One of the highlights is the rooftop terrace, where guests can relax with cocktails while enjoying sweeping views over downtown Chicago.
Its location also makes sightseeing incredibly easy. Navy Pier, Millennium Park, and the Chicago Riverwalk are all within walking distance, while countless restaurants, cafés, and shops are right outside the front door.
Palmer House, a Hilton Hotel
If you enjoy staying somewhere with history, few hotels in Chicago can compete with the Palmer House. First opened in 1871 before being rebuilt after the Great Chicago Fire, it remains one of America’s most famous historic hotels and has welcomed everyone from presidents to Hollywood stars.
Walking into the grand lobby feels like stepping back in time. The painted ceilings, ornate chandeliers, and elegant décor create an atmosphere that’s very different from modern hotels. At the same time, the guest rooms have been updated with contemporary comforts while still retaining their historic charm.
The hotel also sits in the Loop, making it an excellent base for exploring Millennium Park, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Theatre District.
Virgin Hotels Chicago
Virgin Hotels Chicago offers a fresh, modern take on city accommodation. Located just a few minutes from the Chicago River and Millennium Park, it combines playful design with genuinely practical rooms that work well for both leisure and business travellers.
The hotel’s “Chambers” are cleverly divided into separate sleeping and dressing areas, making them feel much more spacious than a typical hotel room. Large windows bring in plenty of natural light, while thoughtful touches such as rainfall showers and comfortable lounge areas make longer stays especially enjoyable.
The rooftop bar, Cerise, has become one of downtown Chicago’s most popular evening spots, offering fantastic skyline views alongside creative cocktails and live entertainment.
Four Seasons Hotel Chicago
For travellers looking for timeless luxury, the Four Seasons Chicago continues to set the benchmark. Located on the Magnificent Mile with views across Lake Michigan, it offers an elegant retreat while keeping you close to the city’s top attractions.
The spacious rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows, luxurious marble bathrooms, and some of the best views in the city. Families will also appreciate the thoughtful children’s amenities, while couples can enjoy the beautiful indoor pool, spa, and fine dining restaurant.
Although it’s one of the city’s premium hotels, the level of service, comfort, and attention to detail make it a favourite among travellers returning to Chicago year after year. If your budget allows, it’s an unforgettable place to experience the city.
Where I’d Stay Again
There are plenty of fantastic hotels in Chicago, from five-star luxury properties to stylish boutique stays and affordable city hotels. The right choice really depends on your travel style and budget.
For me, Acme Hotel Company was exactly what I was looking for. The location made exploring the city incredibly easy, the hotel had so much personality, and after long days walking around Chicago, coming back to a comfortable room and a great shower was exactly what I needed.
If you’re planning your own trip, I hope this guide helps you find the perfect place to stay. And if you’d like more Chicago travel tips, hotel reviews, and destination guides, don’t forget to explore the rest of the Travel For Phoebe blog. You can also join me over on YouTube, where I share my travel experiences to help you plan your next adventure.