Bursting with attractions, activities, and delicious food, Chicago is one of the top choices for vacation. That's why any fan of this amazing city needs a solid list of hotels to keep coming back to, time and time again.
Many of these hotels in Chicago boast fantastic amenities, meaning you won't have to venture far to discover some of the city's top restaurants and bars. So, without further delay, here are some top places to stay in Chicago.
1. Pendry Chicago
You can count on excellent service when you book a stay at the Pendry Hotel. Here, the concierges stay connected with guests through text messages, helping them with restaurant choices or suggesting running routes.
The rooms at this inn are stunningly decorated, but for the most stunning views, book one of the suites on the 35th or 36th floors. Plus, guests can dine on French cuisine at the ground-floor restaurant, Venteux, or sip drinks at the rooftop bar, Château Carbide.
2. Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile
Upon entering The Sofitel, you'll be greeted by its breathtaking lobby, featuring striking black granite floors illuminated with lights, high ceilings, and towering windows. The service throughout the hotel is exceptional, whether it's the helpful concierge at the front desk or the attentive waitstaff in the restaurant and bar.
The rooms at this cool hotel Chicago are cozy and inviting, with plenty of natural light streaming in through large picture windows and accents of red against the warm beechwood walls.
3. Graduate Evanston
Experience comfort at its best by booking a room at the Graduate Evanston. The hotel pays homage to Evanston's Northwestern University with a retro-collegiate atmosphere that's fun and relaxed.
Stepping into the lobby feels like a visit to your grandmother's house—impeccably maintained, spotlessly clean, and adorned with charming decor. You'll find nods to university pride throughout the guest rooms, with purple accents, plaid wallpaper and curtains, and vintage-style furniture like settees and armchairs.
4. The Peninsula Chicago
After a full day of exploring Chicago, unwind with a comfortable night's sleep at The Peninsula Hotel. You might not be aware, but this tall hotel hides a remarkable secret: an expansive 80-foot pool tucked away on the 19th floor.
With floor-to-ceiling windows offering captivating views, it's a spot you won't want to leave. Spend the entire day indulging in spa treatments and leisurely swims—it's the perfect retreat for relaxation.
5. 21c Museum Hotel Chicago
Reserve a room at the coolest Chicago hotels, offering everything you need under one roof: sleek rooms, an outpost of the popular Lure Fishbar, and a contemporary art gallery.
The rooms feature a chic gray-toned color scheme, with beds so comfortable they feel like sleeping on clouds. Even the most modest room, which faces an interior light, includes a cozy sitting area with a couch and table. You won't miss out on much by booking the cheapest room option.
6. The Robey
Housed in the art-deco former Northwest Tower building, you'll feel like you're sleeping in a piece of history at the Robey Hotel. Offering boutique and upscale accommodation, the hotel features 89 rooms, with the corner suites being the highlight.
These suites boast wraparound windows that flood the low-key, unpretentious interiors with natural light. For winding down, head to The Lounge on the second floor, where live music sets the mood.
7. Viceroy Chicago
Located in the Gold Coast Historical District, Viceroy has a modern yet retro style on the outside and mid-century furniture inside. When you walk in, you'll see a grand lobby with marble floors.
The hotel has 180 guest rooms, including a fancy penthouse suite with amazing views of Lake Michigan. Up on the roof, there's a cool rooftop lounge, Devereaux, where you can enjoy cocktails with a great skyline view. They also have a pool up there, but it's only open during certain times of the year.
8. The Hoxton, Chicago
Despite its tough-looking exterior, resembling a brick warehouse, the inside at The Hoxton Hotel is cozy and inviting, with a lobby that feels like a spacious living room. As soon as you walk in, you'll notice plants, big tables for everyone to share, and lots of seating under a high, two-story ceiling.
The rooms come in three sizes: Snug, Cosy, and Roomy. Each room is decorated with designs from local artists, including erratic bedspreads.
9. The Langham, Chicago
Checking into the Langham Chicago, which has been on the building’s first 13 floors since 2013, is like stepping into the history of the American city. It's an excellent place to stay during your visit to Chicago.
The bedding at this cool hotels in Chicago IL is cozy, with plenty of soft sleeping pillows and warm plum throw pillows adding to the comfort. In the rooms, you'll find a great selection of books on architecture and design, perfect for browsing while relaxing in the armchairs and enjoying the views.
10. Kimpton Gray Hotel
When booking a room, many people look for great views and comfort. If that's what you're after, consider staying at the Kimpton Gray Hotel, which offers stylish rooms with city views and amenities. If you can, upgrade to a Spa room for added luxury; these rooms feature glassed-in shower rooms with freestanding tubs.
Bored in your room? Head to the lobby bar, Vol. 39. It has the cozy yet sophisticated ambiance of a law office transformed into a romantic setting, with low seating, bookshelves, and flickering candles.
11. SOPHY - Hyde Park
Awesome hotels in Chicago, Sophy's is a top choice for prospective students and their families visiting the UC campus. Offering spacious suites filled with natural light, the hotel provides generous bathrooms and separate living areas with sleeper sofas for added comfort.
Even the entry-level rooms feature love seats and ottomans, inviting guests to unwind. Plus, guests can enjoy spinning records by local jazz artists on the in-room turntable for a touch of local flair.
12. The Blackstone, Autograph Collection
Architecture enthusiasts and those who appreciate the historical charm of the 1910-vintage lobby will thoroughly enjoy their stay at The Blackstone. The lobby is an inviting spot for cocktails, served from a wheeled cart.
The rooms at this interesting hotel in Chicago impress with their crisp color schemes and touches of glamour, including mid-century modern armchairs, velvet couches, and silver cocktail trays. While room sizes differ, the best views are to the east, offering scenic vistas of Lake Michigan.
13. The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago
Offering plenty of amenities and dining options, The Ritz-Carlton is one of the coolest hotels in Chicago that is adorned with contemporary art and design.
The lobby is lively, featuring a glass-roofed café area that serves as a coffee shop during the day and transforms into a special drinks spot at night, offering views of the city lights. Additionally, there's an Italian restaurant with a stylish bar, and during the summer, a rooftop lounge provides a scenic view of 875 N. Michigan Avenue
14. Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago
Just a quick stroll from the Magnificent Mile, Millennium Park, and other famous spots, the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel is in a great location, right where the Chicago River meets Lake Michigan.
Patrons can use a top-notch health club at this trendiest hotels in Chicago, which has indoor and outdoor pools, along with a fantastic gym. Plus, on the roof, there's even more to enjoy like another pool, a hot tub, cabanas, fire pits, and a running track.
15. Hotel Zachary Chicago, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
Just across the street from Wrigley Field, Hotel Zachary adds to the excitement with its baseball-themed décor while keeping the fun alive with a lively lobby and balcony bar.
Inside the hotel, there are plenty of bars and restaurants run by popular local operators, making it a bustling spot even when there are no games. The lobby bar, which can get pretty busy on game days, offers great views of the stadium from its balcony seating.
16. Ace Hotel Chicago
When planning a family-friendly vacation in Chicago, it's crucial to pick a place that's cozy and suitable for everyone. That's why The Ace Hotel is a great choice. Their medium rooms have a cool industrial loft vibe, with a grid system on one wall and a Martin Guitar hanging up.
Even though the bed might resemble a queen-size cot with its metal frame and no box spring, it's surprisingly comfortable. Plus, the beds are topped with stylish striped woolen blankets.
17. Four Seasons Hotel Chicago
Enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Michigan from the suites at the Four Seasons Hotel. With rooms designed like upscale apartments, you'll feel like a high-class local. The concierge service is top-notch and may even help you snag hard-to-get Bears game tickets.
Rooms on the 30th to 46th floors boast amazing city views, and suites have separate living and sleeping areas. Even the coziest rooms feel like home, with comfy armchairs, matching ottomans, and round dining tables.
18. Hotel Lincoln - JDV by Hyatt
Nestled next to Lincoln Park and the Lincoln Park Zoo, this quirky neighborhood hotel boasts a laid-back atmosphere that perfectly matches its surroundings. It's one of the cool hotels in Chicago Illinois with a vintage vibe.
The rooms are cozy and inviting, with the best ones offering scenic views of the park and Lake Michigan. Down on the ground floor, you'll find The Kennison, a restaurant specializing in American farm-to-table cuisine, complete with a vibrant bar scene.
