Best hotels in Chicago

The Langham Hotel, Chicago

Occupying the first 12 floors of a sleek, 52-story skyscraper right on the Chicago River, The Langham, Chicago blends historic architectural muscle with luxury. The building itself is a Midcentury Modern masterpiece completed in 1971. It holds a legendary status as the very last office building designed by the pioneering architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe before he passed away.

“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.

Waldorf Astoria, Chicago

In the upscale Gold Coast neighborhood, the Waldorf Astoria Chicago is the epitome of classic European luxury mixed with Midwestern scale. Designed by renowned architect Lucien Lagrange and completed in 2009, this 60-story skyscraper originally opened as the independent Elysian Hotel before joining the Waldorf family in 2012. Lagrange drew heavy inspiration from 1920s Paris, giving the building a striking, steel-grey mansard roof and a limestone facade that effortlessly stands out against the city's modern glass towers.

“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 Thompson Hotel, Chicago

Located in Chicago’s historic Gold Coast neighborhood, the Thompson Chicago offers a stylish, mid-century modern escape from the bustling city. Originally built in 1987 as the Sutton Place Hotel, the 22-story building underwent a massive, award-winning redesign before reopening in 2013 under the Thompson brand, blending sleek industrial edges with warm, residential comfort.

“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.”

ACME Hotel Company, Chicago

Tucked into Chicago’s buzzing River North neighborhood, the ACME Hotel Company is a delightfully quirky boutique stay operating out of a beautifully restored 1920s building. It completely flips the script on the traditional, stuffy hotel experience by blending industrial pop-art with a playful rock-and-roll edge.

“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.”

The Godfrey Hotel, Chicago

Located in the trendy River North neighborhood, The Godfrey Hotel Chicago stands out with a striking, gravity-defying Cubist exterior. Designed by local architecture firm Valerio Dewalt Train, the building utilizes a unique staggered steel truss system. Construction actually halted during the 2008 recession, leaving the raw skeleton wrapped in tarps for years—earning it the nickname "The Mummy"—before it was rescued and opened in 2014.

“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.”

Athletic Association Hotel, Chicago

The Chicago Athletic Association hotel is a gorgeous, historic spot right on Michigan Avenue. Designed by architect Henry Ives Cobb and completed in 1893 for the World's Fair, it spent over a century operating as an elite, men-only private club before being transformed into a boutique hotel.

“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.”

Virgin Hotel, Chicago

Stepping into the Virgin Hotels Chicago feels like a masterclass in architectural time travel. Opened in 2015 as the flagship property for Richard Branson’s hotel brand, it breathes new life into the historic 1928 Old Dearborn Bank Building. This 27-story Art Deco skyscraper was originally designed by legendary movie palace architects C.W. and George L. Rapp, who dressed the exterior in whimsical terra-cotta figures of medieval and mythological creatures.

“Billionaire Richard Branson transformed the 27-story, art-deco Dearborn Bank Building into the first outpost of his cheeky new hotel chain.”

Hampton Inn & Suites Downtown, Chicago

The Hampton Inn & Suites Chicago Downtown, in the lively River North neighborhood, puts you right in the middle of the city's action. Originally designed by the architecture firm NORR in 1997, the 12-story building was built using a distinct, turn-of-the-century Prairie Style design, paying structural homage to Chicago's deeply rooted architectural history.

“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.”

Staypineapple at The Alise Hotel, Chicago

Set inside the historic Reliance Building in the heart of the Loop, Staypineapple Chicago (formerly known as The Alise) is a paradise for architecture lovers. Completed in 1895, this 14-story marvel was designed by the legendary architectural team of Burnham & Root, with Charles B. Atwood stepping in to finish the upper levels after John Root's sudden death. It is widely celebrated as one of the world's first true skyscrapers, utilizing an innovative steel skeleton that paved the way for modern glass-and-steel high-rises.

“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.”

The Emily Hotel, Chicago

In the historic Fulton Market District, The Emily Hotel is a boutique gem heavily inspired by mid-century modernism and the minimalist aesthetic of legendary architect Mies van der Rohe. Designed by GREC Architects with interiors by Commune Design, the structure subtly weaves a piece of an old historic facade into its modern industrial frame, paying homage to the neighborhood’s gritty, meatpacking past.

“Formerly the Ace Hotel, this property continues to beckon cool kids and travelers in the know with its artist-driven, chic design and variety of sleek spaces to hang and socialize. A sprawling lobby-level restaurant welcomes guests for cocktails and dinner, and folks can explore other floors of the hotel for Latin American-inspired drams, art displays, and a cinema club.”