Best Hotels in Chicago: Where to Stay
Chicago’s hotel market is concentrated in three main areas: the Loop (Downtown, the financial district, and Millennium Park), the Magnificent Mile and River North (the tourist and shopping corridor along Michigan Avenue), and the Gold Coast/Old Town area to the north. Each offers a different experience and price range; the Loop tends to offer the best value for the access it provides. This guide covers the best options across all budgets, with prices as of 2026.
Luxury Hotels (from approximately $380/night)
The Langham Chicago 330 North Wabash Avenue, the Loop/River North From approximately $550/night as of 2026. Occupies the lower floors of the Mies van der Rohe-designed IBM Building (now 330 North Wabash), one of the most important pieces of modernist architecture in the city. The building dates to 1971 and the Langham’s renovation preserved the original structural elements. The Chuan Body + Soul spa on the third floor is among the best hotel spas in Chicago; the 20-metre indoor pool is a genuine facility, not a token gesture. Travelle restaurant operates from breakfast through late dinner. River views from upper rooms are excellent.
The Waldorf Astoria Chicago 11 East Walton Street, Gold Coast From approximately $480/night as of 2026. The most traditional luxury hotel in Chicago, located in the Gold Coast residential neighbourhood rather than the Magnificent Mile commercial strip. The 215 rooms and suites skew large; the spa and indoor pool are full facilities. Walking distance to the Chicago History Museum and the lakefront in Lincoln Park. Slightly removed from the Loop compared to other luxury options, which is a benefit for guests who want quiet.
The Four Seasons Chicago 120 East Delaware Place, Gold Coast/Magnificent Mile From approximately $600/night as of 2026. Located above the 900 North Michigan Avenue shopping centre (accessible via the same tower), which means extreme convenience for Magnificent Mile access. The spa, indoor pool, and fitness facility are among the most complete in Chicago. The views from upper-floor rooms over Lake Michigan and the Streeterville neighbourhood are the best available from any Chicago hotel.
Soho House Chicago 113–125 North Green Street, Fulton Market From approximately $400/night as of 2026 (open to non-members for hotel stays). The Chicago outpost of the private members’ club, set in an 1880s brick building in Fulton Market. The rooftop pool is open seasonally. The rooms are well-designed without being corporate; the common areas are active most evenings. Location in Fulton Market is the best base for the city’s most dynamic restaurant neighbourhood.
Mid-Range Hotels (approximately $160–$340/night)
The Hoxton, Chicago 200 North Green Street, Fulton Market From approximately $220/night as of 2026. The most practical mid-range option for visitors focused on dining and the West Loop. The Hoxton’s design is reliable (comfortable rooms, well-lit, good storage); the lobby and ground-floor Hubbard Inn bar are active from morning. Location puts you within walking distance of Girl & the Goat, Au Cheval, The Publican, and approximately two dozen other restaurants of note.
The Kimpton Gray Hotel 122 West Monroe Street, the Loop From approximately $200/night as of 2026. A 1910 Beaux-Arts building, formerly the Chicago Stock Exchange Annex, converted to a boutique hotel in 2016. The Boleo bar on the roof is one of the better rooftop drinking spots in the Loop. The Loop location means the Art Institute is eight minutes on foot, Millennium Park is six minutes, and the Museum Campus is accessible by the Lake Shore Drive bus. Among the better value luxury-feeling options in the city.
The Godfrey Hotel Chicago 127 West Huron Street, River North From approximately $185/night as of 2026. The iO Rooftop terrace is the Godfrey’s key selling point — a glass-enclosed, fire-heated outdoor space that operates year-round and doubles as a live-music venue in summer. River North location gives access to the Michigan Avenue corridor without the noise and tourist density of Magnificent Mile hotels.
Ace Hotel Chicago 311 North Morgan Street, West Loop From approximately $195/night as of 2026. The Ace format (music-forward, independent retail in the lobby, design-conscious rooms) works well in West Loop. The Ace Theatre hosts live music and events. Walking distance to Fulton Market and the restaurant corridor.
Hotel Zachary 3630 North Clark Street, Wrigleyville From approximately $175/night as of 2026. The hotel is across the street from the Wrigley Field marquee and the only upscale option in the Wrigleyville neighbourhood. Rooms have baseball-themed design elements; the Morgan Street Food Hall in the building covers dining. Best for Cubs fans or visitors with North Side–focused itineraries.
The Chicago Athletic Association Hotel 12 East Madison Street, the Loop From approximately $210/night as of 2026. A 1893 Venetian Gothic building converted to a hotel in 2015. The Milk Room cocktail bar (8 seats, reservation required) is one of the most notable small bar experiences in the city. The Cherry Circle Room restaurant serves from 6am. Location is directly across from Millennium Park.
Budget Options (approximately $80–$160/night)
HI Chicago 24 East Congress Parkway, the Loop Dorm beds from approximately $40/night; private rooms from approximately $110/night as of 2026. One of the best-located hostels in the US, in an 1886 landmark building two blocks from the Art Institute and one block from Grant Park. The common areas, kitchen, and lounge are well-maintained. Free programming includes city tours and social events.
Moxy Chicago Downtown 530 North LaSalle Drive, River North From approximately $130/night as of 2026. The Marriott budget design brand. Rooms are small but well-conceived; the bar and food area in the lobby operates around the clock. River North location is useful without the premium of the Michigan Avenue addresses.
Congress Plaza Hotel 520 South Michigan Avenue, the Loop From approximately $100/night as of 2026. One of the most storied addresses in Chicago (the hotel has been operating since 1893); the building faces Grant Park and Grant Park faces the lake. The rooms are basic and variable in quality — book a recently renovated room. The location directly across from Millennium Park is exceptional for the price.
Which Neighbourhood to Choose
| Priority | Best Base |
|---|---|
| Walkability to landmarks | The Loop, Magnificent Mile |
| Best restaurants | Fulton Market / West Loop |
| Lakefront and Lincoln Park | Gold Coast, Old Town |
| Budget with good access | The Loop (HI Chicago, Congress Plaza) |
| Cubs games | Wrigleyville |
| Quieter neighbourhood feel | Lincoln Park, Lakeview |
Practical Notes
- Chicago Hotel Tax: The total hotel accommodation tax in Chicago is approximately 17.4%, one of the highest in the United States. Factor this into budget comparisons with other US cities.
- Parking: Downtown hotel parking typically costs $45–$70/night. The Loop and Magnificent Mile are served by public transit and are walkable; a car is not necessary and actively inconvenient if you are staying here.
- Lake Michigan microclimate: Hotels on the east side of Michigan Avenue are exposed to lake wind in winter; rooms facing west are noticeably warmer on cold days.
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