Top 10 Best Hotels in Chicago, Illinois

Chicago, home of structural wonders, award-winning dining scenes, novel museums, and charming lakefront scenery, has one of the best hotels in the US. Not only so, but the city also has outstanding celebrated hotels crammed with character as well as amenities. Now without further ado, here are the preferred picks for the best hotels in Chicago to stay.

1. The Langham, Chicago

The Langham Chicago is perpetually praised for its superior service and elegant appearance. This art-filled hotel remains in the landmark skyscraper, the 52-story IBM building, and utilizes the first 13 floors since it opened in 2013. It is secured above the banks of the Chicago River, a few steps from Michigan Avenue, extending one of the best riverfront views making this one of the best hotels in Chicago with a view.

The Langham reveres in its 300 plus refined and spacious accommodations. They come with large windows with heavenly city sceneries. Each guest room is outfitted with contemporary furniture in a neutral color palette, dark walnut, and lilac accents, soaking tubs, and rain showers.

Travelle is the hotel’s upscale in-house diner modestly settled on the second floor. They serve periodic American menus sourced from ranches and farms nationwide. They also have on the menu Spanish, Italian, Greek, and French.

The hotel has various conveniences like a health club, a 67-foot-long indoor pool with a hydrotherapy Jacuzzi, and Chuan Spa with services that include acupuncture, and facials. This hotel of five-star which has many of downtown Chicago's top restaurants within reach is priced at $563 and $669.

Pros

• Lodging in this hotel gives a holistic experience.
• The cozy beds and unwinding large bathrooms are regularly complimented.

Cons

• The spa and in-house diner do not come cheap.

2. The Peninsula Chicago

Often held as one of the best wellness hotels in Chicago and the US, Peninsula Chicago earns accolades for its dazzling blend of service and elegance. It merges Hong Kong's urbane aptitude with the raw city's Midwestern appeal. Its location adjoining Chicago's Magnificent Mile, The Peninsula Chicago sets guests close to food and shopping stops so walking distances from the hotel.

Accommodations at The Peninsula Chicago are large when compared to typical rooms downtown, with a creamy color palette and elegant features. But the real giveaway is the modern in-room techie touches. From a bedside remote command station that controls the lights and room temps, to the bathroom button to soften the lighting, and activate the do-not-disturb sign.

Shanghai Terrace is The Peninsula’s winning in-house diner that serves classical as well as contemporary Chinese dishes. There is Pierrot Gourmet that dishes French bistro cuisine in a diner that accommodates outdoor terrace dining also. The Lobby offers all meal times in the elegant lobby, where weekends are a feast for the chocolate buffet of your dreams.

In this hotel is a half Olympic-length indoor pool with plenty of space for swimming laps, a variety of Asian-inspired massages at the renowned Spa, and a fitness center on the 20th floor. For many travelers, this five-star hotel has the most courteous staff of all. The price range is between $650 and $769.

Pros

• Remarkable service, and attention to detail.
• Rooms measures 530 sq ft, one of the largest room sizes in town.
• One of the best hotels in Chicago with massive spa and fitness center.

Cons

• This luxury hotel is expensive.
• Because of its fame, the bar and restaurants come with a long waiting list.

3. Chicago Athletic Association Hotel

Originally an exclusive hub for the prime sportsmen, and business fellows, the Chicago Athletic Association hotel dates back to 1893. Converted to a retro-modern hotel "club" in 2015, the Venetian gothic exterior blends into the 2000s interiors, whole with formed pebble fireplaces, and terrazzo floors. The memorable lobby has the aesthetic of Harvard meets Hogwarts. This hotel rests in Chicago's heart, directly across from Millennium Park.

The comfortable rooms differ in sizes, where the largest faces Millennium Park. Guest rooms and suites, although small, are gaily devised to maximize space and preserve simplicity and style. With the authentic building structure, each room highlights huge windows and marble deep soaking tubs.

Cindy's Rooftop is an airy restaurant where large-format cocktails happen. The ground floor leads to Shake Shack, which is a joint for burgers and hot dogs. There is also the Cherry Circle Room, a fast-casual amazing diner, and the Game Room for an untroubled ambiance. Other features are foosball in its game room and the 24-hour fitness center. This 4.5-star boutique hotel’s price range is around $259 and $339.

Pros

• This hotel preserved its historic gothic character.
• Its location gives fabulous picturesque of the park and lake. 

Cons: 

• The historic building implies smaller-sized rooms.
• Popularity of the in-house diners’ leads to long queues.
• Bar and diners are big with locals, suggesting evening crowds.

4. Viceroy Chicago

Located in the exclusive Gold Coast block in a 120-year-old structure, Viceroy Chicago faultlessly creates an appeal to both old-school indulgence and the 21st-century explorer. From the delightfully revived 1990s appearance to the 30-foot lobby wall of quotes, the Viceroy marvels in representation. The location of this hotel places guests within proximity of top shopping destinations and great sight locations.

Quite a number of the 180 contemporary accommodations have bold accent walls and furnishings, offering remarkable sights of Lake Michigan. The rooms are outfitted with various modern conveniences including bathrooms with rain showers.

Downstairs is Somerset, a restaurant designed to resemble an alluring yacht club with gilded mirrors and countless art deco lighting. Its seasonal American menu changes regularly, but signature dishes like the smoked beet tartare are paramount. Devereaux, the rooftop lounge is a spot for craft cocktails while viewing the striking Chicago skyline.

Although this Viceroy property lacks amenities such as a spa, having access to the hotel's complimentary Tesla car service makes up for it. This 4.5-star hotel gives visitors a taste of private life which is accessible to lots of activities and prime beach access. It goes for the price range of around $325 to $433.

Pros

• Rooms with sweeping city views.
• Great location – centered on one of the city’s best neighborhoods.

Cons

• The rooms with lake sights may not be complete views.
• In-house spa not available.

5. Virgin Hotels Chicago

Virgin Hotels' Chicago plays with contrasts - bustling public view but serene in private. Built by the Virgin Airline owner, in 2015, the pioneering Virgin Hotels began in Chicago. A few walks from Michigan Avenue, this hotel, one of the best hotels in downtown Chicago, presents an exciting strategy to new indulgence and pleasure, targeting more youthful business models and tech-savvy explorers. An app couriers like Door Dash), and also for your TV control.

Each cherry-red color schemed room, or chamber, as it is called, in the 26-story hotel, separates the large dressing area from the sleeping area. The vibe is cool and lets off a contemporary feel as one of the best hotels in Chicago for couples.

Although dining and drinking options are endless, there are no genuine restaurants. There's the centerpiece Commons Club, a cocktail lounge, and Two Zero Three, a coffee bar by day and a wine bar at night. There is the rooftop bar, Cerise, which offers crafted cocktails and a speakeasy, overlooking amazing views of the city from its patio.

With the wish of more amenities, like a pool or spa, the hotel manages to have a 24hr fitness center. This 4.5-star hotel goes for the price range of around $259 to $333.

Pros

• Guest rooms amenities and separate dressing rooms.
• The panoramic views of the skyline rooftop from the lounge are beautiful.

Cons

• Close to the El tracks, hence the hotel can be noisy.
• No on-site pool or spa.

6. Waldorf Astoria Chicago

The Waldorf Astoria in Chicago's Gold Coast district on East Walton could not be more low-key and chicer, with its quintessential luxury. With a broad art collection around the hotel, one may portray the appearance of sashaying through an art exhibition.

The rooms with comfy king-sized beds are decorated in tony, Parisian-themed décor. Some present surprising comforts like in-room fireplaces, separate showers and tubs that favor vacationing couples more. Renowned chef Michael Mina has two on-site diners. The first, Petit Margeaux, is a sweet classic French patisserie that serves quick bites like gourmet sandwiches and fresh pastries. There is The Brasserie, a Parisian café with exquisite French farm-to-table crafted menu, emphasizing the tag as one of the best hotels in Chicago for couples.

There is a standard gym and lap pool, and a renowned Spa for its excellent treatments. This is a five-star perennial favorite hotel among luxury travelers that has a price range of around $555 to $753.

Pros

• Rooms give a romantic presence with fireplaces.

Cons

• An expensive price range.

7. Kimpton Gray Hotel

Formally known as the New York Life Insurance building, the hotel’s name was coined from the protected Georgia Gray marble found throughout much of the revived interiors. With its penchant for style, and one of the best hotels in downtown Chicago, the Kimpton Gray Hotel is ideal for business travelers.

Taking after its name, rooms come in a soothing gray color palette, with powder blue accents, and unconventional artwork. Consolidating historic pieces with crisp furnishings - smooth platform beds suggest mid-century cool, contrasted over the shaded log-built armoire with the decorative interior channels a more exuberant bunch.

The lobby bar Vol. 39 has the bookshelves, leathery look of a romantic law office with a makeover. There is Boleo when on the high, an Argentinian rooftop lounge with a huge retractable roof, which serves Latin American street food. It's a popular hot spot for both visitors and locals. This 4.5-star hotel offers all of the brand's signature amenities, like complimentary wine receptions, and the price range is around $239 to $339.

Pros: 

• Popular rooftop eatery and downtown location.
• Ideal location for business travelers.

Cons

• Located in the heart of the city gives allowance for noise.

8. The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Michigan Avenue Chicago

The Gwen Hotel from Marriott Bonvoy, is situated on the famous Magnificent Mile and in the Art Deco landmark building. The hotel is attached to The Shops at North Bridge in Chicago's River North area, just a short distance from the Chicago River.

Unlike Chicago’s other upscale accommodations, this hotel radiates an old-school vibe with graceful tones and chic decorations, crystal chandeliers, and luxurious furniture. The accommodations simply move with the hue of the lobby, plus ultra-luxe Frette linens.

The hotel offers two dining options: Upstairs at the Gwen, a rooftop bar and diner from one of Chicago's most celebrated chefs, lively at good weather seasons. There is also the sleek rooftop terrace that has fire pits. It offers craft cocktails and little plates and is brunch ready on the weekends. Kostali by Naha, the other in-house diner, serves Mediterranean menu and makes room for dinner menu. This is a 4.5-star hotel with a price range of $309 to $439.

Pros

• The rooftop terrace and the location are the highlights of this hotel.

Cons

• Located on busy Michigan Avenue calls for a not-so-quiet scene.

9. Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago

The Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago blends Chicago's panoramic views with its chic, metropolitan scheme. This modern hotel near Millennium Park and The Magnificent Mile is a hidden jewel. The lobby alone has a 50-feet fireplace and engaging art, and this hotel comes with an app.

The chic accommodations have modern minimalist motif with varying color schemes. Standard room decor is on a high-key of aqua shades, with some suites having white walls and hardwood floors. It is home to FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar, which serves Midwestern cuisine.

There are bountiful rooftop conveniencies, like the lap pool and hot tub. There are indoor and outdoor pools and a superb gym. There's an 8,000 sq foot fitness facility with a half basketball court and 25-yard lap pool, 1/5 mile running track, and a dedicated yoga space. This 4.5-star hotel goes for a price range of $205 to $416.

Pros

• Three on-site pools, a spa, and a grand garden.

Cons

• The too-high price point for the quality of the rooms.

10. The Drake

Since the 1920s, Drake's old-fashioned style makes it so charming. For almost a century, it has hosted several nobles including Queen Elizabeth II, Princess Diana, amongst others. The location is excellent - across the street from Oak Street Beach and surrounded by tons of shopping, and selections. There is the experience of Lake Michigan striking views and the cityscape straight from the lakefront.

Guest rooms at The Drake have preserved their historical charm while fusing modern luxury. All the accommodations are outfitted with Italian marble bathrooms, signature serenity beds, and Hilton linens.

There are two in-house diners - Coq d'Or, which serves spirits, lunch, and dinner daily. And at The Camellia Room, an American breakfast menu is available. Palm Court offers afternoon tea, and at Lavazza, visitors who care for coffee or quick bites are welcomed. This is a 4-star hotel for a price between $196 and $420.

Pros

• Historic hotel in a convenient location.

Cons

• Rooms may need renovation.

FAQ About Chicago Hotels

1. Which hotels are the best hotels for groups of friends?

The top pick is the Chicago Athletic Association hotel, Virgin Hotels.

2. Which hotels are the best couple hotels?

For the most popular in Chicago, we have The Peninsula Chicago, The Gwen, and Kimpton Gray.

3. Which hotels are the best for fitness?

The best hotels specially for hot fitness kit in Chicago include The Peninsula Chicago and The Langham, Chicago.

4. Which hotels are the best hotels for business travelers?

Here we have the Kimpton Gray and The Langham Chicago.

5. Which hotels are the best spa hotels in Chicago?

The best spa hotels in Chicago are Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago and The Langham, Chicago.

Conclusion

There are distinct accommodations for luxury seekers, families, business travelers, and tourists! Chicago’s top hotels go all the way to offer conveniences to their guests. These top 10 ‘best hotels in Chicago’ recommendations will allow your experience in this breezy city unforgettable and fun.