Where to Stay in Chicago: My Selection of the Best Accommodations

Wondering where to stay in Chicago? Looking for the best areas and districts?

You’re at the right place!

As I know Chicago very well, I have created this guide of:

• Chicago’s best areas for your stay (with details about the best places to visit and nearby attractions)
• For each area and district, the best hotels depending on your budget

Let’s find your dream hotel now!

My favorite hotels in Chicago

Here’s a quick summary of my favorite hotels in Chicago, in case you don’t have time to read my detailed article.

Simply click on the hotel names in orange to access details and rates:

• Where to stay in Chicago for sightseeing: Club Quarters Hotel Central Loop right in the city center
• Best 5-star hotels in Chicago: Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago, Loews Chicago Hotel or the fantastic The Langham Chicago
• Best budget accommodation in Chicago: HI Chicago Hostel
• Where to stay in Chicago with family: River Hotel
• My favorite hotel in Chicago for a romantic getaway: Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile

Chicago Downtown / The Loop

The Loop district is Chicago’s historic center and also its main business district. It takes its name from the loop formed by the elevated metro running around this area.

It’s extremely lively during daytime, thanks to its emblematic buildings, famous museums, and parks.

At night, the Loop gets a bit quieter compared to other districts in Chicago, although you will still find many restaurants and theaters.

You should choose this area to stay in Chicago if:

• You want to be close to the major tourist attractions
• It’s your first visit to Chicago, as you will be ideally located to explore the city
• You love urban architecture
• You’re an art and culture lover
• You want to easily get around on foot or by public transport

This neighborhood is the ideal place to visit:

• Millennium Park and its iconic Cloud Gate sculpture (nicknamed “The Bean”), a must-see attraction
• The Art Institute of Chicago, one of the world’s largest art museums with exceptional collections
• Willis Tower and its Skydeck observation platform on the 103rd floor, offering spectacular views of the city
• Chicago Riverwalk, a pedestrian pathway along the river with restaurants and boat activities
• Grant Park, home to numerous festivals and events. You will also find the famous Buckingham Fountain there.
• Theatre District, ideal to attend world-class performances and musicals
• Chicago Cultural Center, former public library known for its impressive glass dome.

Where to stay in Downtown Chicago (The Loop)

• Club Quarters Hotel Central Loop: Located a 5-minute walk from Willis Tower. Comfortable double room from 160$. Strong points: the perfect location to visit Chicago, friendly staff, comfortable bed. My favorite for its amazing value in downtown Chicago!
• Congress Plaza Hotel Chicago: Located at the entrance of Grant Park. Very spacious double rooms, some with park view, from 185$, breakfast at 30$. Strong points: excellent service, ideal location, very comfy beds.
• Bluegreen Vacations Hotel Blake, Ascend Resort Collection: Located a 10-minute walk from the Art Institute of Chicago. Modern, tastefully decorated double room from 230$. Strong points: close to everything, welcoming staff, room size.
• citizenM Chicago Downtown: Located close to the river. Elegant and minimalist design double room from 275$, breakfast at 19$. Strong points: rich and varied breakfast, cozy vibe, room equipped with Ipad controls.
• JW Marriott Chicago: This 5-stars hotel is located next to the Skydeck. It offers elegant rooms starting from 400$, breakfast at 23$. Strong points: indoor pool, Spa, gourmet restaurant. An excellent choice for a romantic stay in Downtown Chicago!

In Magnificent Mile / Streeterville

Magnificent Mile / Streeterville district is located north of downtown and the Chicago River.

Home to some of Chicago’s tallest skyscrapers, you’ll find here luxury hotels, fine dining restaurants and prestigious shopping centers.

In the western part of the neighborhood, you’ll find the famous Magnificent Mile, a shopping avenue considered one of the most renowned in the world, comparable to New York‘s 5th Avenue.

This area is particularly lively, whether for shopping, cultural activities, or entertainment.

You should stay in Magnificent Mile / Streeterville:

• If you’re a luxury shopping enthusiast
• For a family stay.

The neighborhood is ideal for visiting:

• Navy Pier, a pier extending into Lake Michigan where you’ll find a Ferris wheel, restaurants, and the Children’s Museum
• The 360 Chicago observation deck, that offers spectacular views of Chicago’s skyline
• The Magnificent Mile, with its luxury boutiques, department stores and historical buildings like the Wrigley Building and Tribune Tower
• Museum of Contemporary Art, one of the largest contemporary art museums in the United States
• The Chicago Water Tower, one of the few public buildings to survive the Great Chicago Fire of 1871
• Holy Name Cathedral
• The theaters such as Lookingglass Theatre Company and Broadway Playhouse
• Ohio Street Beach, a city beach with stunning views of the skyscrapers.

Here’s my selection of the best hotels in Magnificent Mile / Streeterville district

• Warwick Allerton Chicago: Located just 5 minutes walk from the Museum of Contemporary Art. Comfortable double room from 160$. Strong points: excellent location, good bus connections to downtown, helpful staff.
• Hilton Chicago Magnificent Mile Suites: Located right next to 360 Observation Deck. Modern double rooms (some with lake views) from 200$, breakfast at 20$. Strong points: lovely indoor pool with great panoramic view, quiet environment, friendly staff. The best place to stay in Chicago if you’re looking for a hotel with a pool!
• Homewood Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown: Only a 5-minute walk from the riverfront. Spacious suites with living area and well-equipped kitchen, from 240$, with breakfast included. Strong points: indoor pool, amazing views, central location.
• Riu Plaza Chicago: Located just a 10-minute walk from Navy Pier. Warm and bright double rooms with large windows, from 300$, breakfast included. Strong points: generous breakfast, excellent service, rooftop area.
• Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile: This luxury 5* hotel is located right next to 360 Chicago. Elegant rooms with a cozy atmosphere, from 415$, breakfast included. Strong points: exceptional bedding, welcome details on arrival, quiet ambiance. This is my top recommendation for a luxury stay in Chicago.
• Loews Chicago Hotel: This luxury hotel is located near the riverfront. You’ll stay in elegant and spacious rooms with stunning views. From 515$, breakfast at 23$. Strong points: the pool, top-notch service with attention to details, fantastic restaurant. Simply the best luxury hotel in Magnificent Mile.

River North district

River North district is located just north of Chicago River, right next to the Loop and west of Streeterville.

Once an industrial area, River North has evolved into a trendy and vibrant neighborhood that now hosts the largest concentration of art galleries in the US outside of Manhattan, as well as numerous restaurants, bars and nightclubs.

It’s particularly lively at night, especially around Hubbard Street, making it a perfect choice for night owls and those looking for festive vibes after a day of sightseeing.

This is the right neighborhood for you if:

• You want to enjoy Chicago nightlife while staying close to downtown
• If you’re a foodie wanting to experience some of Chicago’s best restaurants
• If you’re interested in contemporary art and art galleries
• If you’re looking for a central area that’s slightly less touristy than the Loop

Here are the best places to visit in River North district:

• The numerous art galleries that have made the district famous
• Merchandise Mart, an impressive Art Deco building housing design and furniture showrooms
• The riverwalk along the north bank of Chicago River, offering scenic views of skyscrapers
• House of Blues, a legendary concert venue
• The Redhead Piano Bar, ideal for sipping cocktails while listening to piano music
• Bally’s Casino Chicago, where you can try your luck at the tables

Best hotels in River North

• Embassy Suites Chicago – Downtown River North: Located 10 minutes from the riverwalk. Suites with sitting area and desk starting at 230$, breakfast included. Strong points: indoor pool, metro nearby, excellent breakfast, laundry facilities, complimentary cocktails.
• Hampton Inn & Suites Chicago-Downtown: Located close to the river. Modern and cozy double rooms from 260$, breakfast included. Strong points: laundry facilities, spacious rooms, indoor pool.
• Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago: This 5-star hotel is right on the riverfront and offers spacious, well-appointed rooms with stunning views of the river and skyline. From 570$, breakfast 28$. Strong points: spa, heated pool, fantastic location, top-notch service. It’s my recommendation for a luxury stay in Chicago!
• The Langham Chicago: This luxury hotel is also ideally located by the river. You will stay in beautifully decorated rooms with lovely views, from 700$. Strong points: award-winning wellness area, club lounge, excellent service. A wonderful hotel for a romantic stay in Chicago!

Where to stay in Chicago on a budget

If you’re traveling on a tighter budget, here is my selection of the best places to stay in Chicago on a budget:

• Chicago Getaway Hostel: Youth hostel located in Lincoln Park. Dormitory bed from 50$, breakfast included. Strong points: 10 min to the metro, free access to washing machines and dryers, substantial breakfast.
• HI Chicago Hostel: Hostel situated in downtown Chicago. Dormitory bed from 69$, breakfast included. Strong points: very friendly staff, pleasant common areas, cleanliness. An excellent budget choice for your stay in Chicago.

Where to stay in Chicago with family

• River Hotel: Located downtown, right beside the river. Suite for four with kitchenette from 240$. Strong points: central location, great beds, free coffee area. I recommend this place for a family stay in Chicago.
• Club Quarters Hotel Wacker at Michigan: Located in the Loop district. One-bedroom suite with sofa bed and kitchenette from 240$. Strong points: clean, comfortable, quiet.
• Embassy Suites Chicago – Downtown River North: Located 10 minutes from the riverwalk. Suite for four with sitting area and desk from 250$, breakfast included. Strong points: indoor pool, metro nearby, excellent breakfast, laundry facilities.

What is the best hotel in Chicago?

If you are looking for the best hotel in Chicago, I recommend you the Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago or the magnificent The Langham Chicago.

And if you’re looking for something a little more affordable but still luxurious, you should book a night or more at the Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile.

Where to stay in Chicago: The best hotels

To give you a better overview of the best hotels in Chicago, whether in the city center or elsewhere, I’ve prepared a table summarizing all the ones I talk about in this article.

You can sort them by price or by district!

Hotel	District	Price (from)
Club Quarters Hotel Central Loop	The Loop	160$
Congress Plaza Hotel Chicago	The Loop	185$
Bluegreen Vacations Hotel Blake	The Loop	230$
citizenM Chicago Downtown	The Loop	275$
JW Marriott Chicago	The Loop	400$
Warwick Allerton Chicago	Magnificent Mile / Streeterville	160$
Hilton Chicago Magnificent Mile Suites	Magnificent Mile / Streeterville	200$
Homewood Suites by Hilton	Magnificent Mile / Streeterville	240$
Riu Plaza Chicago	Magnificent Mile / Streeterville	300$
Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile	Magnificent Mile / Streeterville	415$
Loews Chicago Hotel	Magnificent Mile / Streeterville	515$
Embassy Suites Chicago	River North	230$
Hampton Inn & Suites Chicago	River North	260$
Trump International Hotel & Tower	River North	570$
The Langham Chicago	River North	700$
Chicago Getaway Hostel	Cheap Hotel	50$
HI Chicago Hostel	Cheap Hotel	69$
River Hotel	Hotel for families	240$
Club Quarters Hotel Wacker at Michigan	Hotel for families	240$
Embassy Suites Chicago	Hotel for families	250$

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