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We list the best hotels, hostels, B&Bs and guesthouses in Chicago as recommended by travel experts from CNN, Lonely Planet, Frommer’s, Fodor’s, New York Times and more. All hotel recommendations have been referenced with customer reviews and we only listed places that have at least a 4 out of 5-star customer review rating.
“Open since 2013, a Mies van der Rohe-designed skyscraper is now home to the city’s hottest stay. The Langham Chicago stands out for its winning mix of impeccable service, sleek style, and outstanding location.”
Featured as Fodor’s Choice in Chicago.
“The affordable, well-situated Acme Hotel Company has a cheekily hip, rock ‘n’ roll aesthetic that’s targeted at the Internet generation. It fulfills a need in the neighborhood, which has plenty of chain hotels and expensive lodgings lacking personality.”
“Across from Lincoln Park, this historic hotel’s cool, kitschy vibe still feels authentic, thanks to details like the original Hotel Lincoln sign in the lobby. Guest rooms combine vintage and modern elements, including original art.”
Featured as Fodor’s Choice in Chicago.
“Built in 2008 as the Elysian, the Waldorf Astoria brand took over the space in 2012, and has done a superb job of maintaining its elegant, over-the-top image.”
Featured as Frommer’s Exceptional Choice in Chicago.
“The 247-room Thompson Chicago has a Gold Coast address with the casual opulence and views — of both city and lake — to match. A stylish, splurge-worthy hotel with an excellent location, thoughtful perks and destination-style dining without having to leave your room.”
“The Godfrey boasts a Cubist-inspired facade and a marble-clad elliptical lobby. The modern design aesthetic extends to the 221 rooms and suites, many of which have skyline views. A youthful atmosphere pervades the stylish hotel, as evidenced by the high-energy music playing in the lobby day and night.”
“Gorgeously restored and imbued with a modern spirit of play, the Chicago Athletic Association captures many of the city’s most compelling attractions — architecture, history and food — under one handsome roof.”
“Billionaire Richard Branson transformed the 27-story, art-deco Dearborn Bank Building into the first outpost of his cheeky new hotel chain.”
“Humming, industrial-vibe magnet for Google employees who work across the street, and urban nomads checking in to check out the banging West Loop—and the city’s cultural attractions beyond. Well worth it for the insider access to a great restaurant, skyline-framing rooftop bar, and exposure to local art.”
Featured in CN Traveler’s 2018 Hot List.
“Holiday Jones has a tongue-in-cheek, itchy-feet personality. Old steamer trunks comprise the front desk. Wild, cartoony posters line the stairwell. Rooms are compact but tidy.”
“This unique property makes you feel like a road-tripper of yore. The dark-wood-paneled rooms strike the right balance of retro vibe and modern amenities. The central location puts you near the river, Magnificent Mile shops and Millennium Park.”
“Housed in the landmark 1890s Reliance Building, the Alise’s slick, historic design woos architecture buffs. Deco-style lights, iron filigree stair railings and mosaic-tile floors prevail in the public areas.”
Fodors, New York Times, Frommers, Telegraph
New York Times, Lonely Planet, Telegraph
Fodors, Frommers, Telegraph
Frommers, Fodors, Telegraph
New York Times, Telegraph
New York Times, Telegraph
New York Times, Telegraph
Lonely Planet, Telegraph
CN Traveler, Telegraph
Lonely Planet
Lonely Planet
Lonely Planet
Chicago is a city in the Midwestern U.S. state of Illinois and is the third largest city in the U.S. by population.
Some of the best neighborhoods in Chicago are:
Bridgeport
Bridgeport is a working-class neighborhood that is transforming with the establishment of bakeries, bars, and restaurants. The area is acclaimed for its bars and breweries that serve best drinks in the city. Schaller’s Pump, the oldest bar in the city, is located in the neighborhood.
Chinatown
The Chinatown neighborhood in Chicago is not as big as the Chinatowns located in San Francisco or New York but is large enough for you to remain entertained all through your stay. The neighborhood has Chinatown Square that houses the biggest Chinese shopping mall in the Midwestern region, Chinatown Gate, or Wentworth Avenue for delicious dim sum treats.
Hyde Park
Hyde Park is a neighborhood that is located in the southern side of the city and is a cultural throve and is the home to the Museum of Science and Industry, the University of Chicago campus, the home of former President Barack Obama, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Robie House, among several other places.
Uptown
Uptown is a neighborhood in the city that is a lively blend of old and Chicago. The neighborhood offers some of the best Vietnamese food that can be found in the city. The neighborhood is the home to Aragon Ballroom, Riviera, Art Deco architecture, and restored movie palaces.
Wicker Park
Wicker Park is a neighborhood that is replete with vegetarian restaurants, vintage boutiques, artisanal donut shops, tree-lined streets, and other beautiful features.
Also check out our guide about the best areas to stay in Chicago.
Hotels in Chicago aren't cheap. For a 3-star hotel you have to pay around $170 per night and for a 4-star Chicago hotel you would be looking at $225 per night. If you're after a luxury 5-star hotel then you can expect to pay around $400 per night.
If money isn't a problem and you're looking for a luxury hotel in Chicago, then go for Langham Hotel. The hotel offers excellent service, it's in a top location, it has been rated very highly by previous guests and renowned travel critics have recommended it.
Also check out our list of the best luxury hotels in Chicago, it's a manually curated list of the most exclusive 5-star hotels in the city.
You like some luxury but don't like the famous chain hotels. If you're looking for the best boutique hotel in Chicago, you should check out Viceroy Chicago. It's a very cool hotel that has been highly recommended by travelers and experts.
Also check out our list of the best boutique hotels in Chicago, it's a manually curated list of the most unique and romantic hotels in the city.
If you're looking for a cheap hotel in Chicago, then try Acme Hotel Company. It's an excellent budget hotel offering great value for money. It's in a good location, it's been recommended by travel experts and the hotel has excellent customer reviews.
If you're looking for a great hostel in Chicago, then you should check out Hostel Holiday Jones. The hostel has magnificent reviews by backpackers, it has been recommended by well-known travel experts and it's in a good location. Also check out our list of best hostels in Chicago.
Looking for a drink with a view in Chicago? Try The Godfrey Hotel, Hotel Lincoln or the Virgin Hotel. All those hotels have excellent customer reviews for the rooftop bars.
The Langham Hotel is probably your best bet if you're looking to start the day with a great breakfast. Customers have rated the breakfast buffet there as excellent.
If you're looking for a great Chicago hotel for couples then try The Thompson Hotel or The Langham Hotel. Both hotels have excellent customer review ratings by couples.
Chicago River Architecture Cruise: Skip-the-Ticket-Office. Cruise along the Chicago River on a 75-minute tour, and discover hidden architectural gems among the city’s renowned landmarks. Led by a docent providing live narration, the tour passes more than 40 structures, and sails under historic bridges. Price: $36.
Gangsters and Ghosts Tour in Chicago. With a historian as your guide, you’ll step back to the roaring 20’s, when the Chicago Loop was a hub for bootleggers, speakeasies, and gangsters like the infamous Al Capone. Price: $27.
Bikes, Bites, and Brews: Chicago's Signature Dishes Bike Tour. Chicago dogs, deep-dish pizza, cupcakes and craft beer are all sampled on this half-day bike tour through the Windy City. Cover about 13 miles (21 km), following an informative guide at a moderate pace. Price $80.
More things to do in Chicago
Officially known as the City of Chicago, this city is the third most populous city in the United States. Chicago has been widely described as the birthplace of the skyscraper and described as perhaps the most influential architectural city of the 20th century.
Chicago is a trendsetter; it saw the creation of the first standardized futures contracts at the Chicago Board of Trade which today now accounts for 20% of all volume in commodities and financial futures.
The city is an international hub for industry, commerce, finance, telecommunications and transportation. As a major transport hub, O’Hare International Airport is one of the busiest in the world while the city has the highest number of US highways and railroad freights.
Chicago has been described as a model for economic diversification making the city attractive to several investments. Chicago is also a top destination for tourism; it is the second most visited city in the United States with tens of millions of visitors entering the city annually.
The city is also home to several landmarks that include the Millennium Park, the Art Institute of Chicago, the Navy Pier, Lincoln Park Zoo, the Willis (Sears) Tower and Museum Campus.
If you like our list of best hotels in Chicago, then you should also check out our selection of recommended hotels in Cincinnati or the best hotels in Detroit.
Check out our other articles about Chicago:
Best hostels in Chicago
Best boutique hotels in Chicago
Where to stay in Chicago
Best luxury hotels in Chicago