I’ve been to Chicago four times now, and every single trip has involved a minor crisis trying to pick where to stay. The city is enormous, the neighborhoods each have a completely different personality, and the hotel options run the gamut from five-star institutions on the Magnificent Mile to quirky boutique properties tucked into old Victorian buildings. So I finally sat down and mapped it all out.
What you’ll find below is my honest breakdown of the best hotels in Chicago organized by the kind of traveler you are, the neighborhood that makes most sense for your trip, and what you actually care about: views, spas, in-room jacuzzis, family-friendly amenities, or a specific budget. I’ve included options across every price point because, as I’ve learned, Chicago has a lot of competition between properties, and that works in your favor.
Table of Contents
Where to Stay in Chicago: A Neighborhood Primer
The question I always get before anyone books is: “Which area should I even be in?” Chicago doesn’t have a single obvious answer because it depends entirely on what you’re there to do. Here’s how I think about it:
The Loop and Downtown: This is Chicago’s central business district and the most convenient base for first-timers. You’re walking distance to Millennium Park, the Art Institute, Willis Tower, and the riverfront architecture. Hotels here tend to be larger and more polished, and best hotels in downtown Chicago searches dominate this area for a reason.
River North: Just north of the Chicago River, this is where you’ll find the best nightlife, gallery row, and a dense concentration of excellent restaurants. It’s livelier than the Loop and slightly more boutique-friendly. If you want to walk to great food and stay in something with personality, River North Chicago hotels are worth the extra look.
Magnificent Mile (Gold Coast/Streeterville): The Mag Mile corridor is where the flagship luxury hotels live. Think The Peninsula, Four Seasons, Waldorf Astoria. It’s glossy, walkable for shopping, and the lake is close. If luxury is the priority, this is your zone.
Wicker Park/Bucktown: Further west, this is Chicago’s most creative neighborhood, full of independent restaurants, vintage shops, and music venues. Boutique hotel options are more limited here but what exists tends to be interesting.
Hyde Park: Home to the University of Chicago and the Museum of Science and Industry, Hyde Park is quieter and a bit removed from the main tourist drag. It’s a good base if you’re spending time on the South Side or attending something at the university.
Best Hotels in Downtown Chicago (The Loop)
The Loop is the part of Chicago that first-time visitors picture when they think of the city: big buildings, the iconic L train running overhead, Millennium Park out front. The best hotels in Chicago Loop tend to be established, well-run properties with reliable service.
LondonHouse Chicago, Curio Collection by Hilton
This one sits right at the corner of Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive, perched above the Chicago River. The building itself is a 1920s Art Deco landmark and the rooftop terrace has one of the best views in the city. What surprised me most about LondonHouse is how the decor actually earns the “boutique” label without feeling contrived.
The rooms are proper-sized, the river views from upper floors are legitimately good, and the rooftop bar draws locals as well as guests. Rates typically start around $200-$350 per night. If you care about best hotels in Chicago with a view, this is always near the top of my list.
The Blackstone, Autograph Collection
The Blackstone has hosted more US presidents than almost any other hotel in the country, and that history shows up in the architecture and the hallways without being overdone. It’s on South Michigan Avenue, steps from Grant Park and the Art Institute.
Rooms lean toward classic rather than minimalist, which I appreciate. This is one of the better-priced options in this tier, often running $150-$250 per night depending on season.
Kimpton Gray Hotel
The Kimpton Gray occupies a 1910 Beaux-Arts building in the heart of the Loop financial district. It’s quieter than some other downtown options, which works well for business travelers or anyone who prefers a calmer base. The rooftop bar, I|O Godfrey, has skyline views and is worth visiting regardless of whether you’re staying here.
Chicago Athletic Association Hotel
This Victorian landmark has been operating as a hotel since 2015 after spending over a century as a private club for Chicago’s athletic elite. The public spaces are some of the most interesting in any Chicago hotel, and the proximity to Millennium Park is excellent. If you want history with your stay, the Athletic Association delivers that consistently.
Best Hotels in River North Chicago
I’ve stayed in River North twice and it’s the area I’d pick for a weekend trip where eating and drinking well is the priority. The hotel density here is high, which means competition keeps quality up.
Viceroy Chicago
The Viceroy sits in what was once the Cedar Hotel, a 1920s building that’s been transformed into one of the more design-forward properties in the city. The swimming pool area is genuinely lovely, the rooftop bar gets crowded for a reason, and the Gold Coast adjacent location gives you quick access to the Mag Mile for shopping.
This is one of the best hotels in Chicago for couples who want something that feels curated without crossing into stuffy territory.
Nobu Hotel Chicago
If the Nobu restaurant is a draw for you (and it usually is for anyone who’s been), staying in the attached hotel makes the whole experience seamless. The rooms follow the same Japanese minimalist aesthetic as the brand’s other properties, the beds are exceptional, and the service is the kind that remembers what you ordered the night before. This is squarely in the luxury tier at $350+ per night but the consistency is reliable.
Thompson Chicago, by Hyatt
Thompson Chicago is one of my go-to recommendations for people who want a best boutique hotels in Chicago experience without the quirks that sometimes come with smaller independent properties.
The rooms are well-proportioned, the design is warm without trying too hard, and the location on Chestnut Street puts you near both the Magnificent Mile and Rush Street nightlife.
Virgin Hotels Chicago
Virgin Hotels has a specific formula: chambers instead of traditional rooms (a separate dressing area, a proper vanity, a pocket door between the changing space and sleeping area), and it works. The social spaces here are lively without being overwhelming. It’s a strong choice in River North Chicago hotels for solo travelers or couples who want somewhere with energy.
Best Luxury Hotels in Chicago
Chicago’s luxury hotel scene is dominated by a few legendary names. These are the properties that define what best luxury hotels in Chicago actually means, and each has a distinct identity worth understanding before you book.
The Peninsula Chicago
The Peninsula is the benchmark. It has held five-star status for decades and the service is the kind you notice because it anticipates what you need before you know you need it. The pool area is exceptional for a city hotel, the spa is serious (not just a treatment room and a steam), and the afternoon tea service in the lobby is worth doing once.
Upper-floor rooms face either north toward the lake or south toward the skyline. Ask for a north-facing room if views matter to you. Rates start around $500 per night and rise significantly in summer.
The Langham, Chicago
The Langham occupies floors of the Wrigley Building, which alone is a reason to be interested. The rooms are large by city standards, the Chuan Spa is one of the best hotel spas I’ve encountered in the US, and the whole operation has a quieter, more residential feel than the Peninsula’s more theatrical luxury.
If Chicago spa hotels are a priority and you want something that genuinely delivers on that, the Langham is where I’d go.
Four Seasons Hotel Chicago
The Four Seasons sits above a shopping center on Michigan Avenue, which sounds unglamorous until you walk into the lobby. Upper floors have some of the best lake views of any hotel in the city.
The rooms are among the largest in Chicago’s luxury category, the pool looks over the lake, and the service matches the Four Seasons reputation. This is the choice I’d make if I were traveling with family and wanted reliability above all else.
Waldorf Astoria Chicago
The Waldorf in Chicago feels more intimate than many of the brand’s properties elsewhere. It’s smaller, the design leans European, and the spa has a proper thermal suite. For romantic hotels in Chicago, this property comes up repeatedly in conversations about where to take someone for a meaningful occasion.
The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago
The Ritz-Carlton sits on the 12th floor and above of Water Tower Place, so the lobby experience starts with an elevator ride. It’s an unusual entry for a hotel of this caliber but the rooms, service, and spa compensate. The club lounge is one of the better ones in the brand and worth the upgrade if that’s how you like to travel.
Best Boutique Hotels in Chicago
The best boutique hotels in Chicago tend to be found in historic buildings that were something else in a previous life. That’s part of what makes them interesting.
The Publishing House Bed and Breakfast
This is one of the most genuinely distinctive places to stay in Chicago. The building was a Free Methodist publishing house in 1909. When it was renovated into a bed and breakfast, the owners dedicated each of the 11 rooms to a Chicago author.
You’ll find Upton Sinclair’s room, Audrey Niffenegger’s room, and a copy of each author’s work waiting for you. The heated floors and clawfoot tubs are a nice addition. It’s not for everyone but if it resonates, there’s nothing quite like it in the city.
The Robey
The Robey occupies a 1929 Art Deco building in Wicker Park, which tells you immediately what kind of hotel this is going to be.
The rooftop pool has views of the Chicago skyline that look almost too good to be real, the rooms lean toward intimate rather than spacious, and the neighborhood gives you access to a part of Chicago that most hotel-oriented tourists miss. For best boutique hotels in Chicago in a non-central neighborhood, this is the one I’d pick.
IVY Boutique Hotel
IVY occupies a converted 1920s building in Gold Coast and feels like someone’s very well-curated home. The rooms are individually designed, the service is attentive in the way only small properties can pull off, and the location between the lake and Rush Street gives you flexibility about what kind of evening you want.
Hotel Zachary, Chicago
Hotel Zachary is right across from Wrigley Field, which means it’s the obvious pick for Cubs fans. But even if baseball isn’t your thing, the Wrigleyville location has good food and a distinctly local energy that some of the downtown properties lack.
The rooms are comfortable and the views of the ballpark from certain floors are worth experiencing even if you don’t catch a game.
Romantic Hotels in Chicago (Including Jacuzzi Suites)
Chicago is a genuinely good city for a romantic trip. The architecture is gorgeous, there’s serious dining, and the lakefront at night has a cinematic quality. The search for romantic hotels in Chicago and specifically for hotels with jacuzzi in room Chicago comes up constantly, so here’s what I’d actually recommend.
Waldorf Astoria Chicago (Romantic Pick)
For a special occasion with someone you want to impress, the Waldorf is the choice. The spa has couples treatments, the rooms have a European elegance that feels occasion-appropriate, and the dining at Brass is excellent. Some suites include soaking tubs rather than a true jacuzzi, so it’s worth confirming your room configuration when booking.
Viceroy Chicago (Couples Pick)
The Viceroy has a handful of suites with in-room soaking tubs and the overall design aesthetic works well for a romantic weekend. The rooftop bar helps. This is the better choice if you want the romantic experience with more of a social scene around it.
LondonHouse Chicago (River View Pick)
For couples specifically interested in a view, LondonHouse is hard to beat. Booking a river-facing room on a higher floor and spending time on the rooftop terrace is a reliable romantic formula. The hotel also offers curated packages for couples that include champagne and spa credits.
Hotels with Jacuzzi in Room Chicago
For specifically in-room jacuzzi or whirlpool configurations, the options that consistently deliver include Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile (some suites), the Radisson Blu Aqua (select rooms), and several properties in suburban Chicago if you’re willing to go outside the city center.
Within the city, it’s worth calling directly and asking about whirlpool suite availability rather than relying on the booking platform descriptions alone, which can be inconsistent.
Chicago Spa Hotels Worth Booking
Not every hotel spa is worth your time. These are the Chicago spa hotels where the facility is genuinely the point, not an afterthought.
The Langham, Chicago (Chuan Spa)
The Chuan Spa draws on traditional Chinese medicine principles and the facilities are extensive: multiple pools, a proper thermal suite, and a treatment menu that covers most things you’d want. What sets it apart from other hotel spas is that it doesn’t feel rushed, which is rarer than you’d think in a city property.
The Peninsula Chicago (The Peninsula Spa)
The Peninsula spa is on the top floors of the building with city views from the treatment rooms. The pool is exceptional, the indoor/outdoor area works year-round, and the fitness center is one of the better-equipped hotel gyms in Chicago. This is the pick for someone who wants the full spa hotel experience in one package.
Waldorf Astoria Chicago (Guerlain Spa)
The Guerlain spa at the Waldorf is smaller than the Langham or Peninsula but more intimate and bookable for couples experiences. The thermal experiences here are especially good.
Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile
The Sofitel has a solid spa that gets less attention than the big three above, which works in your favor for availability. The French aesthetic carries through into the treatments and the setting, and the overall experience punches above what you’d expect based on room rates.
Best Hotels in Chicago with a View
The best hotels in Chicago with a view are competing for either the skyline looking south/west or the lake looking east and northeast. Both are excellent; they’re just different experiences.
LondonHouse Chicago (River and Skyline)
The rooftop terrace here has a 360-degree perspective that captures the river bending south and the skyline rising behind it. Upper-floor rooms on the west-facing side of the building get a version of this from your window. My honest advice: book a high floor, open the curtains before you go to sleep, and you’ll remember waking up here.
Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel
The Radisson Blu sits inside the Aqua Tower, one of Chicago’s most architecturally distinctive skyscrapers, with its undulating balconies. Upper floors have lake views that are legitimately stunning at sunrise.
The pool terrace also has a skyline view that photographs well at dusk. For best hotels in Chicago with a view at a more accessible price point than the luxury tier, this is my top recommendation.
Four Seasons Chicago (Lake Michigan)
The upper floors of the Four Seasons face Lake Michigan directly, and on a clear day the lake looks more like an inland sea than anything you’d expect in the middle of the country. For lake views specifically, the Four Seasons upper floors are as good as it gets in Chicago.
The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel
The Gwen is in a 1928 Gothic-style building on Michigan Avenue. Upper rooms look south along the Magnificent Mile with the skyline behind it, which is a slightly different and very photogenic perspective compared to the river-facing hotels.
Affordable Hotels in Chicago That Don’t Feel Cheap
This is the section most people actually need. The good news about affordable hotels in Chicago is that the city has real competition in the mid-range tier, which keeps quality relatively honest. I define affordable here as roughly $100-$200 per night.
Freehand Chicago
Freehand sits in an old 1927 building in the Streeterville neighborhood and operates as a hybrid hostel and boutique hotel.
You can book private rooms that feel genuinely designed rather than merely functional, the common areas are excellent for solo travelers, and the Broken Shaker cocktail bar is one of Chicago’s better bars regardless of where you’re staying. I’d comfortably recommend this to anyone traveling solo or with a friend on a tighter budget.
Hotel Lincoln
Hotel Lincoln is in Lincoln Park, steps from the zoo and the neighborhood’s tree-lined streets. It’s casual, comfortable, and the rooftop has lake and city views that you wouldn’t expect at this price point. If you’re spending time on the North Side, this makes sense as your base.
Hotel Versey
Hotel Versey is in the Lakeview neighborhood, which gives you Wrigleyville proximity and access to the lakefront. It’s small and well-maintained, with the kind of service you usually only associate with more expensive properties. Rates are frequently available under $150 per night off-peak.
Arlo Chicago
Arlo is a newer addition to Chicago’s affordable tier and brings a New York-style compact room concept to the city. The rooms are small but intelligently designed, and the common spaces compensate. Downtown location, reasonable rates, and reliable quality.
Family Friendly Hotels in Chicago
Chicago is actually a great city to visit with kids. The natural history museums, Millennium Park, Navy Pier, and the lakefront all work well for families. Family friendly hotels in Chicago need to deliver on space, an indoor pool (especially in winter), and proximity to kid-appropriate activities.
Four Seasons Hotel Chicago (Families)
The Four Seasons is my top pick for families with young children. The rooms are large enough to actually function with a family, the pool is superb, and the service includes kids’ amenities without you having to ask. It’s expensive, but the Four Seasons is reliable in a way that takes stress out of travel when you’re managing children.
Loews Chicago Hotel
Loews brands itself explicitly as family-friendly and the Chicago property delivers on it. The rooms are spacious, there are connecting room options, and the pet policy is generous if you’re traveling with a dog. Location near Navy Pier works well for families spending time there.
Hyatt Centric Chicago Magnificent Mile
The Hyatt Centric is a solid mid-tier family option on the Magnificent Mile. Connecting rooms are available, the location is walkable to museums and the lakefront, and the indoor pool is functional (though not a destination in itself). Good value for what you get.
Embassy Suites Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile
Embassy Suites makes the list because of the suite format: a separate living room gives families actual space to exist when they’re not sleeping. The free cooked breakfast every morning is genuinely useful when you’re feeding children before a day of sightseeing. It’s not the most design-forward option but it’s consistently competent.
Best Chicago Hotels at Christmas
Chicago in December is genuinely worth doing despite the cold. The Christkindlmarket in Daley Plaza, the lights along Michigan Avenue, and the ice skating at Millennium Park create a city atmosphere that I think is underrated compared to New York or Boston at the same time of year.
For best Chicago hotels at Christmas, here’s what I’d prioritize:
LondonHouse Chicago: The rooftop terrace in December is cold but the views of the lit-up skyline and river are remarkable. The hotel decorates the lobby thoughtfully, and the location is a short walk from the Christkindlmarket.
The Blackstone: Proximity to Grant Park and the South Michigan Avenue lights makes this an excellent base for the holiday season. The historic building takes on a different quality in December.
The Peninsula Chicago: If budget is not a concern, the Peninsula at Christmas is worth experiencing. The lobby decorations are elaborate, the afternoon tea gets a holiday menu, and the whole operation feels properly festive without being kitschy.
Four Seasons Chicago: Lake views in winter have their own appeal, and the Four Seasons lobby at Christmas is genuinely beautiful. The pool area is a good retreat from the cold.
Quick Picks by Traveler Type
First-time visitor: LondonHouse Chicago or Kimpton Gray Hotel
Luxury travel: The Peninsula Chicago or The Langham
Romantic weekend: Waldorf Astoria or Viceroy Chicago
Best view: LondonHouse Chicago (rooftop), Radisson Blu Aqua (lake), Four Seasons (lake)
Boutique/character: Publishing House B&B, The Robey, IVY Boutique Hotel
Best spa: The Langham (Chuan Spa) or The Peninsula
Family trip: Four Seasons or Embassy Suites Downtown
Budget: Freehand Chicago, Hotel Lincoln, Hotel Versey
River North specifically: Virgin Hotels, Nobu Hotel, Thompson Chicago
Chicago at Christmas: LondonHouse Chicago or The Peninsula
Final Thoughts
Chicago rewards research before you book because the neighborhood you choose shapes the whole trip. If I’m going for a weekend with my partner, I’m in River North or Gold Coast. If I’m bringing my kids, I want the extra space and the lake. If budget is the priority, Freehand and Hotel Lincoln consistently overdeliver for what they charge.
The hotel scene here has gotten more competitive in the last few years, which means you can often find the property you actually want at a price that makes sense. Use the categories above as your starting point, then confirm directly with the hotel on specific room configurations, especially if views or in-room amenities like jacuzzi suites matter to your trip.
If you found this useful, check out my guide to the best things to do in Chicago for what to plan around your stay.
What is the best area to stay in Chicago?
Downtown (the Loop) and River North are the most convenient bases for first-time visitors. The Loop puts you close to Millennium Park and major museums; River North gives you better access to restaurants and nightlife. Gold Coast works best if you’re prioritizing luxury hotels near the Magnificent Mile.
What are the best hotels in downtown Chicago?
LondonHouse Chicago, The Blackstone, and the Kimpton Gray Hotel are consistently the strongest options for combining location, design, and value in the downtown Chicago area. For pure luxury, the Ritz-Carlton and Waldorf Astoria are both in this zone.
Are there Chicago hotels with a jacuzzi in the room?
Yes, though in-room jacuzzi or whirlpool suites require booking specific room types. The Waldorf Astoria, Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile, and Radisson Blu Aqua all have select suites with in-room soaking tubs. Calling the hotel directly is the most reliable way to confirm availability and configuration.
What are the best romantic hotels in Chicago?
The Waldorf Astoria and Viceroy Chicago are the most consistently recommended for romantic stays. LondonHouse Chicago is an excellent choice for couples who want exceptional views as part of the experience. The Publishing House B&B is the most unique romantic option in the city for those who want something genuinely different.
Which Chicago hotels are best for families?
The Four Seasons Chicago is the most reliable family option with spacious rooms and an excellent pool. Embassy Suites Downtown Magnificent Mile works well for the suite format and free breakfast. Loews Chicago Hotel is also explicitly family-oriented with connecting room options.
What is the best Chicago hotel for views?
For skyline and river views, LondonHouse Chicago and its rooftop are the standard recommendation. For Lake Michigan views, the Four Seasons upper floors and the Radisson Blu Aqua are the strongest options. The Radisson Blu sits in the Aqua Tower, which is architecturally interesting and offers lake views at a more accessible price point.
What hotels in River North Chicago should I consider?
Virgin Hotels, Nobu Hotel Chicago, Thompson Chicago, and the Kimpton Gray are all strong options in or adjacent to River North. Each has a different personality: Virgin for social energy, Nobu for design and dining, Thompson for boutique reliability, Kimpton for a quieter base.
Which Chicago hotels are best at Christmas?
LondonHouse Chicago for the rooftop views and proximity to the Christkindlmarket. The Peninsula Chicago for the most festive full-service luxury experience. The Blackstone for proximity to Grant Park and the South Michigan Avenue lights. All three are worth considering depending on your budget and priorities.
