Chicago is a vibrant city with a lot to offer, including some of the best hotels in the world. Whether you’re visiting for business or pleasure, choosing the right hotel can make or break your trip. In this article, we’re going to help you discover the best hotel in Chicago.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: The Peninsula Chicago is widely considered to be the best hotel in the city. But if you want to know why and explore other great options, keep reading.
Location is key
When it comes to choosing the best hotel in Chicago, location is a crucial factor to consider. A convenient location can make your trip much more enjoyable, while a poor location can lead to unnecessary stress and frustration.
Why location matters: First of all, being close to the attractions and activities you want to experience can save you significant time and money on transportation. Additionally, a good location can provide a safer and more enjoyable environment, especially if you plan on exploring the city at night.
Best Locations for Different Needs:
Downtown: If you’re looking to be in the heart of the action, downtown Chicago is the best place to stay. This area is home to many of the city’s most popular attractions, including Millennium Park, the Magnificent Mile, and Navy Pier. It’s also a great area for shopping, dining, and nightlife.
North Side: The North Side of Chicago is a great option if you’re looking for a more residential feel. This area is home to many of the city’s historic neighborhoods, such as Lincoln Park and Lakeview. It’s also close to Wrigley Field, the home of the Chicago Cubs, and the beautiful Lincoln Park Zoo.
South Side: The South Side of Chicago is home to many of the city’s cultural institutions, such as the Museum of Science and Industry and the DuSable Museum of African American History. It’s also home to the University of Chicago and the stunning Promontory Point.
Transportation Options:
Chicago has a variety of transportation options to help you get around the city quickly and easily. The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) operates an extensive network of buses and trains, including the famous “L” train system. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available throughout the city.
It is worth mentioning that: If you plan on driving during your visit, keep in mind that parking in Chicago can be expensive and difficult to find. Many hotels offer valet parking, but this can add significant cost to your stay.
On the other hand, if you prefer to explore the city on foot or by bike, Chicago has many pedestrian and bike-friendly areas, including the beautiful lakefront trail.
Top luxury hotels in Chicago
Chicago is a city that offers a wide range of options when it comes to accommodations. Whether visitors are visiting for business or pleasure, it is essential to find a hotel that provides comfort, luxury, and convenience. The following are some of the best luxury hotels in Chicago that visitors can consider if they are looking for a high-end hotel experience.
- The Peninsula Chicago: The Peninsula Chicago is a five-star hotel located in downtown Chicago. The hotel has 339 guest rooms and suites, and each room is equipped with a flat-screen TV, a minibar, and an iPod docking station. The hotel also has a spa, a fitness center, and an indoor pool. Visitors can enjoy the hotel’s famous afternoon tea and dine-in at their award-winning restaurants.
- The Langham, Chicago: The Langham, Chicago is a luxury hotel located in the heart of the city. The hotel has 316 guest rooms and suites, and each room is equipped with a marble bathroom, a flat-screen TV, and a minibar. The hotel also has a spa, a fitness center, and an indoor pool. Visitors can enjoy the hotel’s afternoon tea and dine-in at their Michelin-starred restaurant.
- The Ritz-Carlton Chicago: The Ritz-Carlton Chicago is a five-star hotel located on the famous Magnificent Mile. The hotel has 434 guest rooms and suites, and each room is equipped with a flat-screen TV, a minibar, and an iPod docking station. The hotel also has a spa, a fitness center, and an indoor pool. Visitors can dine-in at their award-winning restaurant and enjoy the hotel’s rooftop lounge.
- The Four Seasons Hotel Chicago: The Four Seasons Hotel Chicago is a five-star hotel located on the Magnificent Mile. The hotel has 347 guest rooms and suites, and each room is equipped with a flat-screen TV, a minibar, and an iPod docking station. The hotel also has a spa, a fitness center, and an indoor pool. Visitors can dine-in at their Michelin-starred restaurant and enjoy the hotel’s stunning views of Lake Michigan.
Visitors who are looking for a high-end hotel experience in Chicago can consider any of the above-listed hotels. Keep in mind that the prices for these hotels are relatively high, with room rates starting at around $400 per night. Unfortunately, these hotels may not be suitable for budget travelers. However, it is worth mentioning that these hotels offer exceptional customer service, top-notch amenities, and a luxurious experience that is worth the investment.
Best boutique hotels in Chicago
If you are looking for a more personalized and unique experience in Chicago, boutique hotels are the way to go. These hotels offer a more intimate atmosphere, personalized services, and distinctive designs that set them apart from larger hotel chains. Here are some of the best boutique hotels in Chicago:
- The Talbott Hotel: This historic hotel is located in the heart of the Gold Coast neighborhood and offers luxurious accommodations with a European flair. The rooms are elegantly decorated with marble bathrooms and plush bedding. The hotel also features a fitness center, a restaurant, and a bar.
- Hotel Lincoln: Located in Lincoln Park, this boutique hotel offers stunning views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline. The rooms are decorated with vintage furniture and artwork, creating a unique and charming atmosphere. The hotel also features a rooftop bar, a restaurant, and a 24-hour fitness center.
- The Robey: This art deco-inspired hotel is located in the trendy Wicker Park neighborhood and features minimalist yet stylish rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows. The hotel also has a rooftop bar with panoramic views of the city, a restaurant, and a fitness center.
- The Publishing House Bed and Breakfast: This cozy bed and breakfast is located in the West Loop neighborhood and features beautifully restored rooms with antique furniture and modern amenities. The breakfast served at the hotel is made with locally sourced ingredients, adding to the unique and personalized experience.
Keep in mind that boutique hotels usually have fewer rooms than larger hotel chains, so it is important to book in advance to ensure availability. These hotels also tend to have higher prices than budget hotels, but the personalized experience and unique atmosphere are worth the extra cost.
Affordable yet stylish hotels in Chicago
Chicago is a bustling city with a wide range of hotels to choose from. For those looking for affordable yet stylish options, there are several hotels worth considering.
- Freehand Chicago: This trendy hotel offers both private and shared rooms, making it a great choice for solo travelers or groups. The hotel features a rooftop bar with stunning views of the city, as well as a cozy cafe and bar on the ground floor. Freehand Chicago is located in the River North neighborhood, which is known for its nightlife and art galleries.
- The Hoxton Chicago: This boutique hotel is located in the West Loop neighborhood, which is home to some of the city’s best restaurants and bars. The Hoxton features stylish rooms with mid-century modern decor, as well as a cozy lobby bar and restaurant. The hotel also offers complimentary bikes to explore the city.
- Ace Hotel Chicago: This trendy hotel is located in the Fulton Market District, which is known for its trendy restaurants and bars. The Ace Hotel features stylish rooms with vintage-inspired decor, as well as a rooftop bar and lounge. The hotel also offers complimentary bikes to explore the city.
- Chicago Athletic Association Hotel: This historic hotel is located in the Loop neighborhood, which is known for its architecture and cultural institutions. The Chicago Athletic Association Hotel features stylish rooms with vintage-inspired decor, as well as a rooftop bar with stunning views of Millennium Park. The hotel also offers a game room and fitness center.
It is worth mentioning that all of these hotels offer affordable rates compared to some of the larger hotel chains in the city. Keep in mind that prices may vary depending on the time of year and availability.
Special considerations
When choosing a hotel in Chicago, there are several special considerations that travelers should keep in mind. These include family-friendly hotels, pet-friendly hotels, and accessible hotels.
Family-friendly hotels
Traveling with children can be a challenge, but many hotels in Chicago offer amenities and services that cater to families. It is worth mentioning that some of the most popular family-friendly hotel chains in Chicago include the Hilton, Marriott, and Hyatt.
- The Hilton Chicago Magnificent Mile Suites is a popular choice for families due to its spacious two-room suites and convenient location near attractions like Navy Pier.
- The Marriott Marquis Chicago is another great option for families, with its indoor pool and proximity to Millennium Park and the Field Museum.
- The Hyatt Regency Chicago also offers family-friendly amenities, such as a children’s play area and on-site dining options for kids.
Pet-friendly hotels
For travelers who want to bring their furry friends along on their Chicago adventure, there are several pet-friendly hotels to choose from. Keep in mind that while many hotels allow pets, there may be restrictions or additional fees.
- The Kimpton Hotel Palomar Chicago is a popular choice for pet owners, with no size or breed restrictions and no additional fees for pets.
- The Westin Chicago River North also allows pets and offers amenities like a pet bed and food bowl.
- The Loews Chicago Hotel is another pet-friendly option, with a “Loews Loves Pets” program that includes treats, bedding, and even pet-sitting services.
Accessible hotels
Chicago has many hotels that are accessible for travelers with disabilities. This includes hotels with accessible rooms and facilities, as well as those that offer services like wheelchair rentals and transportation assistance.
| Hotel | Accessibility Features |
|---|---|
| Hilton Chicago | Accessible rooms, braille elevators, wheelchair rentals |
| Sheraton Grand Chicago | Accessible rooms, accessible parking, wheelchair rentals, sign language interpreters available |
| Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel | Accessible rooms, accessible parking, wheelchair rentals, hearing-impaired services available |
Conclusion
Choosing the best hotel in Chicago can be a daunting task, but with this comprehensive guide, you’re now equipped with all the information you need to make an informed decision. Whether you’re looking for luxury or affordability, a boutique hotel or a family-friendly one, Chicago has something for everyone. So go ahead and book your stay at the best hotel in Chicago, and enjoy everything this amazing city has to offer!
