16 Best Hotels in Chicago, Illinois

A wonder of modern architecture, this French-owned gem is a prism-shaped structure that juts over the street and widens as it rises; design sensibility also shines in the guest rooms, thanks to honey maple-wood furnishings, Barcelona chairs, and marble bathrooms. The sophisticated CDA restaurant—which has seasonal outdoor seating—is notable for its efficient executive lunch service, while denlike Le Bar has comfortable seating and a fireplace.

Chic yet comfy, the guest rooms in this hot boutique hotel have an earthy palette and clean-lined wood fururnishings; it's ideal crash pad for the young trendy travelers that are seen buzzing around the lobby and also the innovative rooftop lounge, Apogee. In terms of sweeping views, it's tough to beat those from this hangout that attracts locals and visitor alike. Note that Dana makes creative use of recycled materials; the spa's flooring (made of crushed beer bottles) looks like high-end marble.

Every room here features a separate bedroom and living area, as well as a view of either Lake Michigan or the Chicago skyline. The sleek glass atrium bustles in the morning with the complimentary breakfast buffet and in the evening during the manager's reception, when free drinks and snacks are served. A bonus for families is the fact that it's within walking distance of Navy Pier, Lake Michigan beaches, and North Michigan Avenue; having a 21-screen movie theater and bowling alley in the same complex is another plus.

On a quiet block between bustling Michigan Avenue and the Lake Michigan shoreline, this 45-story pink-granite building has suites with stunning views of Millennium Park. The standard rooms, with their neutral colors and contemporary decor, are spacious at 425 square feet, and the bathrooms include both a tub and a shower. The on-site Leaf Spa has eight treatment rooms for those seeking a relaxing respite from sightseeing. This spot is ideal for visitors wanting to take in Millennium Park's popular summer concerts.

This 1927 building got a fresh new life as a combination upmarket hostel/traditional hotel that attracts the young and free spirited with a hot nightlife scene and city-apartment-style rooms. The vibe is boho chic; the bar is the end-all-be-all in tiki creativity. 

Tech-minded travelers who like to mix business with pleasure will feel right at home at this hotel, which has what worker bees need (generously sized in-room desks with multiple outlets) and what party animals want (a sizzling rooftop bar, I|O Godfrey). Rooms have glittering city views and start at 350 square feet. An on-site spa with two treatment rooms offers 30-minute massages that are perfect for the corporate crowd.

The suites here seem custom designed for families, with sleeper sofas, separate bedrooms and fully equipped kitchens that feature full-size refrigerators and granite countertops. Free food isn't lacking; there's a complimentary hot breakfast seven days a week as well as an evening reception with drinks and a light meal on Wednesdays (there's also a fitness center to work off those calories). Within walking distance of the Magnificent Mile shopping area, the hotel is just a short cab ride away from most other attractions.

In the middle of one of Chicago's most vibrant neighborhoods and close to Rush Street nightlife, this trendy hot spot delivers solid rooms and excellent cuisine. In the bright and inviting "living room" lobby, you'll be offered a complimentary glass of wine daily at 5 pm. Texture is everything here; the speckled woodwork adds a unique touch to the spacious and modern rooms. The bathrooms feel vaguely Zen, with spartan countertops and marble Jacuzzi tubs in the suites.

The only all-suites hotel on Michigan Avenue has a lot going for it: every room is a good size, and French doors separate the living room from the bedroom, making them feel more like apartments. It's a smart choice for extended stays or family trips—most rooms have pull-out couches, and all have multiple TVs plus MP3 plug-ins; at check-in young travelers also receive a backpack with goodies and games to keep. If you want to dine on-site, the 676 Restaurant & Bar has Midwestern-style American cuisine and views overlooking Michigan Avenue.

Opened in early 2021, the Sable is the first hotel located right on Navy Pier in the latter's 100-plus year history. The location makes it a perfect spot to not only watch all the action on the pier but also the skyline and the fireworks that light up the summer sky. While the 50-acre Navy Pier boasts plenty of dining and drinking options, the Sable’s rooftop bar, Offshore (which covers 20,000 square feet), and Lírica Restaurant are big draws.

The Swissôtel's triangular Harry Weese design allows for panoramic vistas of the city, lake, or river—and the comfortable, contemporary rooms feel like condos. A 42nd-floor fitness center and pool are both a big draw, thanks to the bird's-eye views. Guests also enjoy the convenience of having a Palm steak house on the premises. Meeting rooms and an on-site UPS outlet ease the business traveler's burdens.

The world's first Virgin Hotel offers loads of tech-age amenities: a custom app called "Lucy" lets guests check in or out remotely, order room service, control the thermostat, and more, plus there is free Wi-Fi at unlimited bandwidth, and outlets are everywhere. Decorated in red and white, the rooms (called "chambers" here) feel airy and bright; each has a dressing area and a sleeping space separated by a sliding door. Pet-friendly digs have cute porcelain dogs stationed outside.

With a clublike lobby and spacious high-tech rooms done up in graphite and cream, this financial district hotel attracts both business travelers and tourists. The sleek, modern rooms are notable for incredibly comfortable beds with upholstered leather headboards, glass-top desks, and stylish bathrooms that feature more-than-the-usual toiletries. The location is also good, as it's within walking distance of theaters, Millennium Park, and the Art Institute.

Location-wise, this hotel scores big because major malls and flagship shops are steps from the front door; though once inside, the lobby seems a bit like an airport terminal—long, narrow, and full of folks tapping away on laptops. The rooms are very comfortable and furnished with specially designed Simmons Heavenly beds, which guests have raved about and even purchased. There's no restaurant on-site, but there is a Starbucks. You can book appointments for the hotel's spa through  windycitymassage.com.

Built in the late 1920s and originally filled with luxury apartments, this Gold Coast boutique hotel has hosted the likes of Katharine Hepburn and Mick Jagger. It offers spacious, updated rooms in a stellar location close to Magnificent Mile shopping, Rush Street nightlife, and the Oak Street beach; high-quality linens and lots of dark wood reinforce the elite feel. Two restaurants are on-site: Fornetto Mei serves Italian dishes that include standout pizza, while Mei's Corner is a casual, street-level Asian restaurant with authentic food and decent prices for the area.