Waiting to book your most preferred hotel in Chicago? Don’t worry, we’ve made your trip planning easier! The Windy City welcomes you to explore Chicago’s most popular attractions, its delicious food scene, and much more!
Whether you’re into shopping, outdoor activities, art, deep-dish pizza or just seeking a city-life experience—Chicago is your place! From its unique architecture, museums, cultural centers, unique hotels, and other popular tourist attractions to its delicious food, music, skydeck views, and artistic wonders, Chicago’s got it all.
And what’s even more exciting?
Chicago is home to some of the most popular hotels in Illinois offering plenty of budget-friendly sights to see, which is why we feature 5 best hotels to stay in Chicago, where luxury comes cheap and memories are unforgettable.
NetBlime’s selections are curated by our editorial team. We only suggest products or services we truly love. When you buy through our affiliate links, we may earn a small commission, at no cost to you. Learn more.
Best Hotels to Stay in Chicago
- Iconic luxury hotel with glamping facilities: The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Michigan Avenue Chicago
- Best hotel in Chicago with Lakeview: Sable at Navy Pier Chicago, Curio Collection by Hilton
- Best luxury with award-winning spa: The Langham, Chicago
- Most popular European-themed boutique hotel: Waldorf Astoria Chicago
- Most unique boutique hotel in Chicago: Chicago Athletic Association – The Unbound Collection by Hyatt
1. The Gwen
The Gwen, a luxury collection hotel, ranks #1 on our list of best hotels in Chicago. This hotel is definitely one of the best places to rest your head in comfort and luxury. With its prime location, spacious living areas within the suites and rooms, private brew space within suites, and chic decor, you can experience a luxury trip with stunning city views at the Gwen.
It not only has a rooftop bar but also a rooftop terrace, a business center, an outdoor fireplace, and a 24-hour fitness center. There is more! It is just a few steps away from the Magnificent Mile, and other popular attractions in Chicago like the Navy Pier, Millennium Park, Chicago Riverwalk, Chicago Theater District, and the Art Institute of Chicago.
What truly sets the Gwen apart is its exclusive ‘Glamping’ experience on the 16th floor. This urban retreat takes luxury to new heights, offering an expansive Lotus Belle glamping tent and multi-bedroom suite for up to six guests, all while providing exceptional VIP guest services.
Highlights:
- Expansive Lotus Belle tent and Gwen Luxe Suite
- Glamping
- Rooftop bar and terrace
- Outdoor fireplaces
- Pet-friendly
- 24-hour fitness center
- Located near popular Chicago attractions
- Stunning city views
- 24-hour front desk for any help
See address, pricing, and reviews here
2. Sable at Navy Pier Chicago
Sable is the best hotel in Chicago for those seeking a lakeside view with luxury amenities. It is located on Chicago’s Navy Pier on Lake Michigan and is just 2 miles away from the Art Institute of Chicago.
This is indeed an Instagrammable hotel in Chicago that offers rooms directly facing the Michigan Lake. Besides the unbeatable views, their Cozy beds, sitting areas, suites with separate living areas, and private bar, are hands down the best things to experience at the Navy Pier.
Don’t miss out on the city’s popular attractions like the Cloud Gate, Magnificent Mile, and the Wrigley Building, all within a 10-minute reach.
While Lirica, their on-site restaurant, serves a Latin-inspired cuisine with a modern open kitchen, and outdoor seating that showcases a beautiful view of Lake Michigan; Offshore– the world’s largest rooftop bar which has multiple fire pits and an entertainment area is also a must visit.
Highlights:
- Lakeside and skyline view
- Pet-friendly policy
- Value for money
- Prime location (walking distance from popular attractions in Chicago)
- 24-hour front desk help
- Fitness center
- Meeting rooms, event spaces, and wedding venue
- Luxury suites
- On-site restaurant and in-room dining
See address, pricing, and reviews here
3. The Langham
The Langham, located along the Chicago River in Downtown Chicago, offers picture-perfect cityscape, lake, and river views. Here, children receive a welcome gift at check-in and have access to kid-friendly amenities, so that you can enjoy your private time seamlessly. Everything is just a few minutes away from this beautiful property, making it very convenient for their guests to explore the Windy City.
The Langham is popular for its luxurious rooms and suites, offering lake, river, and skyline views. Its City Champs program offers activities like pizza making, movie nights, and scavenger hunts. While kids play, parents can relax at their award-winning “Chuan Spa” or enjoy a date night at Travelle restaurant.
Now let’s talk about their bathrooms, or you may even call it your own private mini spa. The bathroom has a huge floor-to-ceiling window, offering beautiful views of the city while you take a dip in the tub.
Highlights:
- Award-winning Spa
- Iconic spots within walking distance
- Free fitness center
- Lake and city view
- Business spaces
- Kid-friendly and Pet-friendly
- Huge Swimming pool
- Luxurious services and amenities
See address, pricing, and reviews here
4. Waldorf Astoria Chicago
Waldorf Astoria Chicago is a European-style luxury boutique hotel located on Chicago’s Gold Coast. Alongside its European elegance and vintage style, its proximity to Oak Street Beach, Michigan Avenue, and the Magnificent Mile is like a cherry on top.
Their rooms and suites feature private spacious balconies and fireplaces to warm yourself up, and as you enter the hotel, you’ll notice a chandelier inspired by Coco Chanel and the Christian Dior-inspired kick pleated drapes.
Don’t forget to enjoy your meal at Waldorf’s on-site French-inspired restaurant, the Brass Tack, which is an American brasserie offering cocktails and yummy American delights.
Highlights:
- European-style boutique hotel
- Luxury amenities
- Indoor pool
- Best boutiques and luxury shops nearby
- Couple-friendly and Pet-friendly
- Meeting rooms and Business spaces
- On-site French-inspired Restaurant
- In-room dining
- Personalized spa services
- Group-friendly
- Wedding events
See address, pricing, and reviews here
5. Chicago Athletic Association
Chicago Athletic Association, with its vintage sports-themed decor, is one of the best unique hotels in Chicago. Their rooms and suites feature a fusion of modern and old-Chicago-style looks, leather chairs, sports equipment, boxing-style bathrobes, marble bathrooms, and a minibar. You can go biking, or indulge in their game room and bar, where you can enjoy games like billiards, shuffleboard, and poker.
The hotel’s rooftop bar and restaurant called the “Cindy’s”, serves local cuisines, wines, and cocktails with Millennium Park and Michigan Lake views from atop.
Want more?
“Holy Cow Suites”, their collection of extremely luxurious and spacious suites, offering separate living areas, fireplaces, multiple bedrooms with stunning views, oversized bathrooms, as well as exclusive services and amenities.
Highlights:
- Unique boutique hotel
- Vintage sports-themed decor
- Rooftop bar and restaurant
- Game room
- Sports equipment
- Bicycling
- Poker and billiards
- Kid-friendly
- In-room dining
- Event, wedding, and holiday spaces
- Exclusive suites