The best hotels in Chicago

One of the most striking features of the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel are the wave-like balconies that ebb and flow around the blue-glass facade of the building—one of the most stunning contemporary additions to a city known for its architecture. With the Chicago River to the north, Lake Michigan to the east and three pools on premise, you’re surrounded by water every which way.

Opened in 2011, the Radisson Blu Aqua comprises the first 18 floors of the 81-story Aqua Tower in Lakeshore East, a microneighborhood of highrises just north of Millennium Park and east of the Loop, the city’s business district. Don’t expect under-the-sea decor, though. Inside, the nods to the water theme are limited to aqua glass in the bathrooms and blue lights in the hotel bar. Instead, the lobby is all concrete floors and exposed brick columns and shimmery modern chandeliers, accented with printing-press block-letter signage (a nod to Chicago’s Printer’s Row neighborhood). 

The hotel’s 334 rooms are decked out with chrome-legged furniture and blonde wood floors and cabinetry, including floating wardrobes with interior lighting that make unpacking less of a drag. 

The hotel’s restaurant, FireLake, serves breakfast, lunch and dinner in a sultry, sunken dining room just a few steps down from the lobby. The weekends bring special dining experiences such as Boozy Brunch with $25 bottomless mimosas and Afternoon Tea ($59 per person, reservations recommended). 

The third-floor sun deck is lined with rows of lounge chairs as well as six mesh-sided cabanas for shade seekers surrounding a large rectangular pool, plus a shallower wading pool for little ones. During the day, you can see glimpses of Lake Michigan between the surrounding highrises and views of grassy Lakeshore East Park below. Inside, there’s a two-lane lap pool and a hot tub. Down on the second floor, the sprawling gym puts the typical one-room hotel fitness center to shame, with a cardio area, weight room, half basketball court, locker rooms, sauna and steam room. 

Time Out tip: The Michigan Avenue docks for river cruises are just a short walk north (the Chicago Architecture Foundation’s tour is a favorite of locals and visitors alike).

Address: 225 N. Columbus Drive, Chicago, IL 60601
Price: Starting from $159 during low season (November-February) and $249 during high season (May-October)
Closest transport: State/Lake L station, 10-minute walk

It’s not every day you get to sleep inside a designated Historic Chicago Landmark, and Virgin Hotels Chicago is the first to highlight its magnificent history and surroundings. Not much has changed to the hotel’s exterior since Virgin Hotels moved in: the decorations on the stocky Art Deco building date from when this was the Dearborn Bank Building.

But, despite its commitment to keeping the original features, all the rooms are modern and amenity-filled room. A French-window style room divider splits rooms between daytime usage (with the bathroom, dresser, and wardrobe) and nighttime, with the bed, TV set, and a desk facing a large window. The adjustable desk with a view on Chicago’s overground train line is a comfortable spot to get some work done, and double-glazed windows also effectively keep the street noises out.

The downstairs diner, Miss Ricky’s, is where the hotel delights its guests with hearty breakfasts, and Italian-inspired small plates and cocktails throughout lunch and dinner. Check out the event calendar on the front window for regular features including $5 Rosé Mondays and DJ Sets on the Cerise Rooftop (Mondays and Wednesdays).

The Cerise rooftop bar is a standout feature of the hotel. Sitting on the breezy 26th floor sitting, the classy bar gives you skyline views of some of Chicago’s iconic buildings, with a glimpse of the ‘corn-cob’ Marina City skyscrapers, and a full-frontal of the historic Jewelers’ Building. The latter’s ancient clock will tell you the hour as you dance the night away at one of Cerise’s weekly DJ sets, or live music events.

Just one floor below is a fully-equipped gym open 24/7, which has a large outdoor space where you can roll out your yoga mat or grab your weights as you watch the city underneath. This is a great option if you are after first-class facilities and comfortable, stylish rooms in the heart of Windy City. 

Time Out tip: The hotel is also just a 10-minute walk from arguably the best hamburger place in Windy City: the original Billy Goat Tavern. 

Address: Virgin Hotels Chicago, 203 N Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60601
Price: Chamber Rooms from $316 per night, Suite Rooms for $530 per night (peak season)
Closest transport: State / Lake station, one-minute walk 

As the longest continuously operating hotel in North America, Palmer House is something of an institution in Chicago. First opened in 1871, this lavish Grande Dame has a string of bold claims to its name—it’s here the chocolate brownie was invented in 1893—and today it’s an extravagant, 25-storey behemoth of a hotel with more than 1,600 rooms.

At its heart is the gilded lobby, ambiently lit by 24-karat gold candelabras designed by Tiffany. You’ll also find a clutch of restaurants, bars and cafes—alongside an excellent spa, fitness centre and newly renovated pool, all smack-dab in the middle of Chicago’s buzzing downtown ‘Loop’ area. 

Everyone from Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama to Charles Dickens, Oscar Wilde and King Charles have stayed at Palmer House, while the likes of Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland and Louis Armstrong have performed in its gold-leafed Empire Room. Today its palatial lobby is the crowning centrepiece, with regular live performers and a bar drawing both guests and non-guests beneath a frescoed ceiling. 

There are 1,641 rooms across the hotel, from Standard Rooms with one or two double beds to Deluxe and Premium Rooms that add a bit of extra space. It’s also home to several larger Suites, which come with a wet bar and living and dining area. 

Lockwood Express, the hotel’s café, sells brownie using the OG recipe – they’re moist and buttery, topped with walnuts and a sweet apricot glaze. The Lockwood Restaurant, meanwhile serves classic American breakfasts and classic lunches and dinners. The Lockwood Bar serves a long list of craft cocktails in the lobby.

The spa and health club are hotel highlights with swanky Precor treadmills, cross trainers, step machines, strength training equipment, free weights and more, plus a yoga room and a Peloton bike room. There’s also a heated indoor pool and the spa offers massages, hydrotherapy treatments, body wraps, foot therapies and facials. 

Time Out tip: Ask the spa’s retreat consultant can help you arrange a full-on, personalised wellness retreat package.

Address: 17 East Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois, 60603
Price: Standard Rooms start from $190 per night
Closest transport: Monroe station, 4-minute walk

The Langham is a London-born luxury brand with only a handful of U.S. locations, and The Langham Chicago is the world's only hotel in a Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe–designed building, which promises to wrap you in quiet luxury and deliver the rest and thoughtfulness you absolutely deserve.

The best rooms look out over the Chicago River and riverwalk, with panoramic views of Lake Michigan, nearby restaurants, hotels and bridges. Their layout is thoughtful with floor-to-ceiling windows, hardwood floors, punctuated by built-in rugs and have a sleek, high-end feel. Other highlights include a tub, rain shower and double vanities. The Langham nails the nuance of a better home-away-from-home. You can also order his-and-hers pillows from a customizable menu, and take advantage of the Diptyque products.

The Langham Chicago truly elevates the standard hotel experience with a host of wellness experiences. Find your Zen at the five-star Chuan Spa, which has a menu of customized massages, facials, foot therapies, manicures and more. Don’t skip the quiet room, stocked with teas and light snacks There’s also a large indoor pool and a full schedule of fitness classes to help balance out all that Chicago deep dish.

For a sit-down meal, Travelle offers seasonal American dishes with stunning views of the river. On weekends, afternoon tea is served in the cozy Pavilion.

If you’re craving a luxe-yet-lowkey weekend in Chicago, The Langham delivers. You’re steps from Millennium Park, the Art Institute, and some of the best food in town. After a full day of sightseeing (or hot dog sampling), there’s no better retreat than your plush, quiet suite—with skyline views, soft sheets and Diptyque everything.

Time Out tip: Add on access to The Langham Club, which has everything: a quiet place to cool off, Champagne on demand and plenty of grab-and-go snacks.

Address: 330 North Wabash Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611
Price: From $500 per night, depending on dates and accommodations
Closest transport: Millennium Station, six-minute walk

Viceroy Chicago immediately stands out with its golden facade glinting against the Chicago sun. Its Art Deco lobby is equally dramatic. Housed in what was once the historic 1920s-era Cedar Hotel (the original brickwork still graces its base), the property blends old-school Chicago character with modern elegance. It’s a visual treat, every hallway, fixture and velvet accent feels curated, and the city views are jaw-dropping.

In the rooms, floor-to-ceiling windows reveal sweeping views of downtown and glimpses of Lake Michigan. The color palette is rich and moody, with emerald and navy touches, brass accents and plush materials. The bathrooms are spa-grade, with walk-in rainfall showers and CORPUS toiletries. There are also suites with deep soaking tubs, separate living spaces and corner views for those looking to go big.

The hotel’s crown jewel is Somerset, the ground-floor restaurant with Mediterranean fare, retro glam interiors and an open-air patio in the summer. Upstairs, there’s Pandan, a cocktail lounge and pool bar with stunning skyline views. Come for the cocktails, stay for the sunset.

From check-in to check-out, the service is five-star without being stiff. The front desk staff will greet you like an old friend and give you a map of their favorite neighborhood spots. There’s a rooftop pool— a rare treat in Chicago, especially during the warmer months, and a fitness center with Peloton bikes and more sweeping city views.

Viceroy Chicago hits the rare sweet spot: It feels indulgent but not out of reach, stylish without trying too hard, and historic without being stuffy. It’s perfect for design lovers, couples on a romantic escape or solo travelers looking for a luxurious home base with personality.

Time Out tip: Book a city-view room for the full experience. If you can swing a mid-week stay, you’ll get better rates and less rooftop pool competition.

Address: 1118 N State St, Chicago, IL 60610
Price: Starting from $375 per room, per night
Closest transport: Clark/Division Red Line, five-minute walk

This boutique hotel is located in the heart of the city, just five minutes' walk from the luxury shops of the Magnificent Mile, right in the epicenter of River North. The rooms are modern and sleek with floor-to-ceiling windows, in-room tech, and a fridge stocked with wines available for purchase (bonus: most are very reasonably priced). In-room spa treatments and 24-hour room service are also available. They each have an industrial-chic style and original artistic touches, from the cement ceiling to the reclaimed wooden floors.

While you stay here, you’ll want to check out the luxe spa with a huge number of treatments available, blending traditional techniques with new wellness trends. Book an energizing ginseng facial, an aromatherapy massage, or a citrus detox wrap, or take some downtime in the Himalayan salt sauna, which helps the body expel toxins, or indulge in one of the color-changing chromotherapy showers. There’s also a fitness centre on site, along with concierge services.

Fuel up at the River North Bistro, a sleek eatery serving classic US dishes made from fresh, local, seasonal ingredients with a spacious bar area, intimate dining room, and an outdoor dining patio, perfect for the warmer months.

If you can even fathom leaving such a nice place, you'll find you're really close to great shops and museums, including the Museum of Contemporary Art.

Time Out tip: Look out for special offers with curated extras, perfect for romantic getaways or occasions.

Address: 660 N State St, Chicago, IL 60611
Price: Rooms from approximately $319 per night
Closest transport: Grand station, four-minute walk 

To say the restored 1890s Chicago Athletic Association is beautiful is putting it mildly. Stay in one of the 241 luxury boutique rooms – throwbacks to the club rooms of athletic associations long gone. There’s Cindy’s rooftop restaurant and more great food and drinks at Cherry Circle Room and even top burger chain Shake Shack – basically, there’s no shortage of options. 

Mood? Putting the Chic in Chicago. 
Location perks? Unparalleled view of Millennium Park and Lake Michigan. 
Budget range? Caters to various budgets.
Time Out tip: Hunt out the Game Room, where you can play bocce, shuffleboard and billiards while sipping a cocktail. 

This gorgeous hotel, first opened in 1910, has had an intriguing run so far. Many US presidents have stayed here (including Teddy Roosevelt), it was a favorite hangout of Al Capone and his cronies, and Maharishi Yogi, the Beatles' personal guru, once owned the building. So Zen vibes are guaranteed. Now it's simply one of the most beautiful hotels in the Loop and a favorite for bands playing at the nearby Lollapalooza music festival in August.

There's a 24-hour gym here, if that's your vibe. 

Mood? Grand European-style elegance. 
Location perks? It’s a short walk to the Art Institute of Chicago, Magnificent Mile's shops and much more.
Budget range? Caters to most budgets.
Time Out tip: Don't miss the attached Spanish small-plates restaurant, Mercat a la Planxa.

The Gwen Hotel opened in September 2015 in one of the rare landmark buildings of Art Deco-infused architecture along the Magnificent Mile. The rooms are handsomely appointed, and the hotel itself is leaning into the artistic connection of its new name, complete with an "Artist-in-Residence Program". What's also nice is that there are two on-site restaurants and a rooftop terrace, and the theatre district is a small walk away. Go have fun. 

Mood? Art Deco glamour. 
Location perks? The hotel is connected to the Shops at North Bridge and offers easy access to popular attractions in the Loop.  
Budget range? Mid-range.
Time Out tip: Visit Upstairs at The Gwen, where you can sip cocktails, wine and beer on the rooftop terrace. Go Monday to Thursday between 4pm and 5:30pm for special prices. 

Little expense has been spared at this 198-room Magnificent Mile property, housed in the lower third of a slender, 67-story residential tower. The walls and halls are home to an estimated $23 million worth of artwork (no touching!); a scent expert created signature smells to waft through the modern lobby and NoMI – so if you return, you'll know nowhere smells quite like it, and it's got a much-lauded restaurant. Not bad at all, this spot. 

Mood? Laid-back retreat. 
Location perks? One street from the Water Tower, and Lake Michigan is a ten-minute walk. 
Budget range? Mid- to high-range.
Time Out tip: Splash about in the hotel pool, which, on the hotel’s seventh floor, with views of downtown Chicago.

A seamless integration of boutique and luxury, 21C Museum Hotel is just off Michigan Avenue in Chicago's River North. The space features artwork and fittings by local and internationally acclaimed artists, a 24-hour fitness center, a full-service spa, on-site steakhouse, Primehouse and craft cocktail lounge. A whole lot of things, then. Enjoy the city at all hours with access to its 24-hour reception. A hotel that truly has it all. 

Mood? Modern simplicity. 
Location perks? A small walk from one of the best retail spots in Chicago, along with the Museum of Contemporary Art and Millenium Park.
Budget range? Caters to most budgets.
Time Out tip: Sip an after-dinner wine while walking through one of the hotel’s art galleries, curated by experts and filled with work from across the globe. 

From its striking cubist facade down to the stylish and modern interiors, the Godfrey Hotel Chicago lives up to its four-star status from the get-go. Situated in the heart of River North and within walking distance of the Magnificent Mile, the hotel is an ideal starting point for a day out on the town. Amenities include a spa and 24-hour fitness center, complimentary Wi-Fi and dining options. Loads going on, then. 

Mood? Bombastic modern luxury. 
Location perks? Three blocks away from the middle of the 'magnificent mile'. 
Budget range? Options for many budgets.
Time Out tip: Don’t miss the indoor-outdoor urban roofscape with a full-service bar.

In a landscape filled with mega-hotels and Airbnb rentals, there’s something extra special about a good old bed and breakfast – just don’t expect to find floral wallpaper and canopy beds at the Publishing House in the West Loop. The quaint but impressive space houses 11 unique rooms (from cozy to XL) that are outfitted with cowhide rugs, clawfoot tubs and funky vintage furniture. Each room is wildly different, giving guests an excuse to venture back again and again. There's also a bar, so it can be a B,B&B if preferred. There's also plenty on the doorstep, plus good metro access. 

Mood? Eclectic and cosy. 
Location perks? Near Union Park, and the heart of West Loop. 
Budget range? Options for many budgets.
Time Out tip: Don’t pass up the breakfast. Cooked by owners Shawn Uldridge and Kimberly Lowery, it features just-baked pastries, fresh juice and cereal as well as a few daily specials from the kitchen. 

Clean mid-century design and effortless luxury in the heart of Chicago, the Thompson Hotel Chicago is a boutique centerpiece in the Gold Coast. The hotel features an on-site fitness center and you'll find daily grab and go food options in the lobby for when you're on the move, whether you're headed to Millennium Park, Oak Street, or the Chicago Lakefront. 

Mood? Slick city vibes. 
Location perks? Close by Millennium Park, Oak Street and the Chicago Lakefront. 
Budget range? Caters to various budgets.
Time Out tip: They’re pet friendly, which is nice and handy as the hotel is really close to some good walks. 

This hotel across the street from Wrigley Field is a prime example of the Ricketts family’s efforts to change the face of Wrigleyville since taking over ownership of the Chicago Cubs in 2009. Named after Wrigley Field’s original architect, Zachary Taylor Davis, the seven-story, 173-room Hotel Zachary sits on the northwest corner of Clark and Addison, facing Gallagher Way and the ballpark’s iconic marquee. The decor offers plenty of touches to warm Cubs fans’ hearts, but without veering into theme-park vibes; the baseball memorabilia is countered with sophisticated mid-century stylings. The nearby food and drink offerings include the new second outpost of Big Star, barbecue from Smoke Daddy and craft cocktails at the in-house Mordecai. 

Mood? A baseball enthusiast’s dream. 
Location perks? The Addison Red Line train station is a single block away, and it'll take you to everything you want to see in Chicago, in a flash.
Budget range? Mid-range.
Time Out tip: Check out the hotel’s afternoon tea every Sunday with live entertainment and a selection of teas, bubbles and small plates. 

In Chicago’s Lakeshore East neighborhood, this luxury hotel is located in the modern Aqua building. You'll have free Wi-Fi in every contemporary room. The health club features an indoor pool, basketball court and well-equipped fitness center. FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar serves farm-to-table dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner in an upscale atmosphere. Millenium Park is also a small walk away, so nice morning strolls are more than a possibility here – pop back to the hotel for breakfast. Dreamy. 

Mood? Simple and stylish. 
Location perks? Views of Lake Michigan and the surrounding parks. 
Budget range? Affordable.
Time Out tip: Have a dip in the seasonal outdoor pool with a sundeck and fire pits provided. 

Part of the Marriott chain’s attempt to appeal to the millennials who flock to playful, Instagram-friendly lodgings, Chicago’s first Moxy—Marriott’s European-bred “experiential” brand—opened in River North in May 2018. The 156-room property replaces the traditional check-in desk with a bar, where you’re greeted with a welcome cocktail. In place of a lobby, the Moxy has a Living Room, stocked with vinyl records, video games and device-charging nooks, plus the occasional visiting DJ. The smallish rooms keep the amenities on the basic side but with whimsically industrial finishes—the aim is for the invisible half-step between hostel and grownup hotel. No kidding: The Moxy’s general manager—sorry, its “captain”—told the Tribune on opening day that the bar’s happy hour will be known as 'Adulting Is Hard'. You're also super close to most of the attractions and event-spaces you're in Chicago for. Whether it's the theatre district, nightlife, or Water Tower, it's all within walking distance. 

Mood? Downtown cool. 
Location perks? Located around a 10 minute walk from Water Tower Chicago, close to North River's dining and nightlife scene. 
Budget range? Not bad for a stylish stay. 
Time Out tip: Get competitive in the lobby with shuffleboard and foosball. 

The public spaces are decked out with Italian marble, glittering crystal, and exquisite woodwork; rooms and suites come with classy furnishings, high-end toiletries, and twice-daily maid service. Have dinner and drinks at Adorn, a contemporary American restaurant in the hotel, and you won't be disappointed. There's also a huge pool and fitness center, plus a kids' clubroom with weekly movie nights and a babysitting service. 

Mood? Loud luxury.
Location perks? Every room offers panoramic views of the famous city skyline or Lake Michigan. 
Budget range? Extravagant. 
Time Out tip: They offer a late-night spa experience which includes pastries and private access to the indoor pool and whirlpool.