The best hotels in Chicago
Chicago has 8,000+ places to stay and a genuinely confusing spread of neighborhoods, prices, and hype. We reviewed the standouts. these 10 made the cut.
Our Top Picks in Chicago
Click any hotel to check availability and book at the best price.
Chicago Gateway Hostel
Wicker Park, Chicago
Free cancellation & Pay later
Freehand Chicago
River North, Chicago
Free cancellation & Pay later
Hotel Felix Chicago
Streeterville, Chicago
Free cancellation & Pay later
Hampton Inn Chicago McCormick Place
South Loop, Chicago
Free cancellation & Pay later
Kimpton Gray Hotel
The Loop, Chicago
Free cancellation & Pay later
Hyatt Place Chicago Wicker Park
Wicker Park, Chicago
Free cancellation & Pay later
Loews Chicago O'Hare Hotel
O'Hare Area, Rosemont
Free cancellation & Pay later
Marriott Chicago Magnificent Mile
Gold Coast, Chicago
Free cancellation & Pay later
Waldorf Astoria Chicago
Gold Coast, Chicago
Free cancellation & Pay later
The Langham Chicago
River North, Chicago
Free cancellation & Pay later
All Hotels Compared
Side-by-side comparison to help you pick the right hotel. Prices reflect shoulder season averages.
| # | Hotel | City & Area | Price/Night | Score | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chicago Gateway Hostel | Wicker Park, Chicago | $49–79/night | 7.6/10 | Budget Pick |
| 2 | Freehand Chicago | River North, Chicago | $89–149/night | 8.1/10 | Best Value |
| 3 | Hotel Felix Chicago | Streeterville, Chicago | $109–179/night | 8.3/10 | Hidden Gem |
| 4 | Hampton Inn Chicago McCormick Place | South Loop, Chicago | $119–199/night | 8/10 | Business Pick |
| 5 | Kimpton Gray Hotel | The Loop, Chicago | $149–249/night | 8.7/10 | Most Popular |
| 6 | Hyatt Place Chicago Wicker Park | Wicker Park, Chicago | $129–209/night | 7.9/10 | Family Friendly |
| 7 | Loews Chicago O'Hare Hotel | O'Hare Area, Rosemont | $139–219/night | 8.2/10 | Business Pick |
| 8 | Marriott Chicago Magnificent Mile | Gold Coast, Chicago | $169–249/night | 8.5/10 | Best Location |
| 9 | Waldorf Astoria Chicago | Gold Coast, Chicago | $295–599/night | 9.2/10 | Luxury Pick |
| 10 | The Langham Chicago | River North, Chicago | $350–750/night | 9.4/10 | Top Rated |
Why These Hotels Made Our List
Every hotel earned its spot. Here's exactly why we picked each one.
Chicago Gateway Hostel
This hostel on North Milwaukee Avenue puts you right in the middle of Wicker Park's bar and coffee shop scene. Private rooms are small but clean, with decent soundproofing for a building this age. The common area is lively and a good spot to meet other travelers. Staff knows the neighborhood well and gives solid recommendations. Not fancy, but the price point is hard to beat in Chicago.
Check Availability
Freehand Chicago
The Freehand sits on Ontario Street in River North, walking distance from the Magnificent Mile and the Chicago River. It operates as both a hostel and boutique hotel, so you can book a private room without paying full hotel rates. The Broken Shaker bar downstairs is genuinely one of the better cocktail bars in the city. Rooms are compact but well-designed with quality linens. A smart pick if you want a social atmosphere without sharing a dorm.
Check Availability
Hotel Felix Chicago
Hotel Felix is a smaller boutique property on West Huron Street, just off Michigan Avenue. It flies under the radar compared to the big-name hotels nearby, which keeps prices reasonable. Rooms are on the smaller side but decorated thoughtfully, and the beds are genuinely comfortable. The HVAC system is quiet, which is not always a given in older Chicago buildings. Good option if you want to be close to Navy Pier and the Loop without paying flagship prices.
Check Availability
Hampton Inn Chicago McCormick Place
This Hampton Inn is directly connected to McCormick Place convention center, making it the most convenient option for conference attendees on the south side. The rooms are standard Hampton quality, clean and functional with reliable Wi-Fi. The breakfast buffet is included and actually fills you up before a long convention day. Cermak Road is right outside if you need to get to the Red Line. Leisure travelers may find the location a bit isolated from downtown attractions.
Check Availability
Kimpton Gray Hotel
The Kimpton Gray occupies a beautifully restored 1910 building on West Monroe Street in the heart of the Loop. The lobby and bar area feel genuinely elegant without being pretentious. Rooms are large by Chicago standards, with high ceilings and good natural light. The Vol. 39 bar on the top floor has solid city views and strong cocktails. Kimpton's pet-friendly policy and daily wine hour make it a crowd favorite for repeat visitors.
Check Availability
Hyatt Place Chicago Wicker Park
This Hyatt Place on North Milwaukee Avenue is one of the few full-service hotels in the Wicker Park and Bucktown area. Rooms are spacious enough for families, and the suite layout with a separate living area is practical for longer stays. The Blue Line stop at Damen is two blocks away, giving you direct access to O'Hare and the Loop. The neighborhood has excellent restaurants within easy walking distance. Service is consistent and the parking garage is a genuine convenience in this part of the city.
Check Availability
Loews Chicago O'Hare Hotel
Located in Rosemont just outside Chicago proper, the Loews is connected to O'Hare International Airport by a free shuttle that runs every 15 minutes. The rooms are large, modern, and noticeably quiet given the airport proximity. The restaurant on site is better than you would expect from an airport hotel, with a solid selection of American mains. This is an ideal choice for early morning flights or late arrivals when driving downtown makes no sense. The Donald E. Stephens Convention Center is across the street for business events.
Check Availability
Marriott Chicago Magnificent Mile
This Marriott sits on North Michigan Avenue right at the edge of the Gold Coast, putting you in the middle of the city's best shopping and dining. The upper-floor rooms have clear views of Lake Michigan, and the lake is actually a short walk east on Oak Street. Rooms are reliably comfortable and well-maintained across all standard Marriott categories. The lobby gets busy during peak season but the check-in process is efficient. A dependable choice if Michigan Avenue is where you want to spend your time.
Check Availability
Waldorf Astoria Chicago
The Waldorf Astoria on East Walton Street is one of the most polished luxury hotels in the city. Rooms are exceptionally large, with Italian marble bathrooms and linens that are noticeably better than standard luxury-tier competitors. The spa is a destination on its own, and the fitness center is among the best-equipped of any hotel in Chicago. Service is attentive without hovering, which is the correct balance at this price. A short walk puts you at the top of the Magnificent Mile or Oak Street Beach.
Check Availability
The Langham Chicago
The Langham occupies a Mies van der Rohe-designed building at 330 North Wabash Avenue, right on the Chicago River. The views from the upper floors, especially the corner suites looking toward Lake Michigan and the Loop skyline, are genuinely spectacular. Rooms are among the largest in the city, with deep soaking tubs and impeccable finishes throughout. The Chuan Spa is exceptional and the Travelle restaurant is worth dining at even if you are not staying here. This is the benchmark luxury hotel in Chicago for guests who have stayed at the best in other cities.
Check AvailabilityWhere to Stay in Chicago
The neighborhood you pick matters more than the hotel.
First time in Chicago: where to actually stay
The Loop is the default answer and it works. You're walking distance from Millennium Park, the Art Institute on South Michigan Avenue, and the Riverwalk. Most hotel rates here sit between $149-249/night, which is fair for the location.
River North is the better pick if you want nightlife within stumbling distance. Fulton River District and the stretch around West Grand Avenue have the restaurants worth talking about. The Freehand on North Ohio Street is the sweet spot between price and access, and the rooftop bar is genuinely one of the better spots in the area.
Chicago on a budget: real options under $100
Chicago Gateway Hostel in Wicker Park is the real deal for budget travelers. Rooms start at $49/night, the neighborhood has excellent food on North Milwaukee Avenue, and you're two stops from downtown on the Blue Line. We've seen people waste twice the money on worse rooms in the Loop.
Freehand Chicago stretches the budget a bit at $89-149/night but earns it. Private rooms, a proper bar, and a River North address that would cost you $200+ at most competitors. If you're traveling solo or as a couple and don't need a suite, this is the smartest spend in the city.
Chicago for business travelers: skip the mistakes
If your meetings are at McCormick Place on South Lake Shore Drive, book the Hampton Inn next door. Full stop. The alternative is a $25 Uber each way from downtown, twice a day, for multiple days. That math gets ugly fast.
For Loop and River North meetings, the Kimpton Gray on West Kinzie Street is the go-to. It's 4 minutes walk from the financial district and has a bar that's actually good for client dinners. The Loews near O'Hare works if you're doing airport runs, but don't pretend Rosemont is Chicago. it isn't.
Chicago luxury: what $300+ actually gets you
The Waldorf Astoria on East Walton Street in the Gold Coast is the city's best luxury hotel, no debate. Rooms start at $295/night on the low end and go up from there. You're 3 minutes walk from Oak Street Beach and surrounded by the best restaurants on Rush and Division Streets.
The Langham in River North is the other serious contender. Sitting inside the old IBM Building on Wabash Avenue, it has arguably the best spa in the city and views of the river from most rooms. At $350-750/night, it's not cheap. But it delivers in a way that the inflated Michigan Avenue chains simply don't.
Chicago with kids: neighborhoods and logistics
Wicker Park sounds cool but it's not a family neighborhood for hotel stays. The better call is the South Loop, where you're 15 minutes walk from the Museum Campus on East Roosevelt Road, which covers the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, and Adler Planetarium in one trip.
Hyatt Place in Wicker Park is the listed family pick and it works logistically. Large rooms, reliable service, and the Blue Line puts you downtown in 20 minutes. Lincoln Park Zoo is free and 25 minutes north on the Red Line, which kids genuinely love even if adults pretend otherwise.
Chicago by season: when to go and what to expect
Summer in Chicago is the real deal. June through August brings outdoor concerts, Lollapalooza in Grant Park, and the full lakefront experience along Lake Shore Drive. Hotel prices peak in July and August at $149-350+/night for mid-range. Book early or pay the penalty.
Spring and fall are the insider picks. May and September sit around 12-18°C, the crowds drop off, and rates dip 25-35% below summer highs. October in particular is special: the trees along the North Shore, restaurant reservation availability, and the Marathon weekend buzz make it worth planning around.
Chicago's best neighborhoods
The Loop and River North are where most first-timers land, and honestly, that's not wrong. But if you want character over convenience, Wicker Park on the Northwest Side punches above its weight.
The Loop & South Loop 2 vetted hotels Chicago's core: business, culture, and the best skyline views.
Chicago's core: business, culture, and the best skyline views.
The Loop is Chicago's downtown grid, bounded by the elevated train tracks between Lake, Wabash, Van Buren, and Wells Streets. You're 8 minutes walk from Millennium Park and the Art Institute on South Michigan Avenue. Everything is here: the Riverwalk, Willis Tower, the main transit hub at Clark and Lake.
The South Loop bleeds down from Congress Parkway toward Cermak Road. It's calmer than the Loop proper, with McCormick Place on the lakefront serving as the anchor for conventions. Hampton Inn sits right there, and it's a genuinely smart pick if that's your reason for being in the city.
Prices in the Loop tend to run $149-249/night for reliable mid-range. Avoid the dated properties on South Wabash that haven't been renovated since 2010 and still charge $180/night on nostalgia alone.
River North & Streeterville 2 vetted hotels The city's most walkable zone for food, nightlife, and access.
The city's most walkable zone for food, nightlife, and access.
River North sits just north of the Chicago River, roughly between State Street and the Kennedy Expressway. It's the restaurant and gallery district, with dozens of spots on West Hubbard and West Grand Avenue. The Freehand on North Ohio Street and the Langham on North Wabash Avenue are both here, at very different price points.
Streeterville is the quieter eastern slice, running along the lakefront toward Navy Pier on East Grand Avenue. Hotel Felix on East Ontario Street is a solid choice here, away from the tourist scrum on Michigan Avenue but still 10 minutes walk from it. It's the kind of neighborhood that doesn't announce itself.
This area is where you pay for convenience and actually get it. Rates run $89-750/night depending on how far up the luxury ladder you want to go.
Gold Coast & Magnificent Mile 1 vetted hotel Old money, great restaurants, and the lakefront right there.
Old money, great restaurants, and the lakefront right there.
The Gold Coast runs along North Lake Shore Drive from Oak Street to Armitage Avenue. It's residential, tree-lined, and expensive in the best possible way. Rush Street and Division Street have the restaurants worth booking weeks in advance. Oak Street Beach is a 4-minute walk from the Waldorf Astoria on East Walton Place.
The Magnificent Mile on North Michigan Avenue is the tourist spine. It works for access but you'll pay a premium for a street that's mostly Zara, Nordstrom, and tour bus stops. The Marriott on North Michigan Avenue is positioned here and delivers well, but know what you're buying into.
This is the city's most expensive hotel zone, with rates running $169-599/night. The Waldorf justifies every dollar. Some of the older Michigan Avenue properties absolutely do not.
Wicker Park & Bucktown 2 vetted hotels Where locals actually live, eat, and drink.
Where locals actually live, eat, and drink.
Wicker Park sits along North Milwaukee Avenue and North Damen Avenue, about 3 miles northwest of the Loop. It's the neighborhood for independent restaurants, vintage shops, and live music at places like Empty Bottle on North Western Avenue. Not the classic Chicago postcard, but arguably the better version.
Chicago Gateway Hostel is here for budget travelers, and it's legitimately good. Hyatt Place Wicker Park is on North Milwaukee and serves families and mid-range travelers who want space over location. Both are 20 minutes on the Blue Line from downtown, which is not a big ask.
Hotel prices here run $49-209/night, roughly 25-30% cheaper than comparable rooms in the Loop. That spread matters if you're staying 3+ nights.
O'Hare Area (Rosemont) 1 vetted hotel Airport convenience, zero Chicago atmosphere. Use it for what it is.
Airport convenience, zero Chicago atmosphere. Use it for what it is.
Rosemont is technically not Chicago. It's a separate suburb along Mannheim Road, right next to O'Hare International Airport. The Loews O'Hare is out here, and it's a good hotel in the context of what it's trying to do. Convention center connections, airport access, and solid business facilities.
The Blue Line connects Rosemont to downtown in 45 minutes for $5. So it's not isolated. But you're not near any Chicago neighborhood worth exploring on foot, and restaurant options thin out quickly past the Rosemont Entertainment District on River Road.
Book here if you have an early international flight or back-to-back O'Hare meetings. Otherwise, the extra 45 minutes to a Loop hotel is worth every minute.
Best Areas by Vibe
Tell us how you travel and we'll point you to the right part of Chicago.
Romantic
The Gold Coast on East Walton Place delivers. Think candlelit dinners on Rush Street, a short walk to Oak Street Beach at sunset, and the Waldorf Astoria raising the bar on every front. Two people, one weekend, done right.
Culture
Base yourself in the Loop, specifically near South Michigan Avenue, and you've got the Art Institute, Chicago Cultural Center, and Symphony Center all within a 12-minute walk. This stretch is the real reason people call Chicago a world-class city.
Family
Wicker Park and Hyatt Place give you the space, but the Museum Campus on East Roosevelt Road is where the actual family itinerary happens. Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, and Adler Planetarium in one walkable stretch. kids won't complain.
Budget
Wicker Park is your neighborhood. Chicago Gateway Hostel keeps beds at $49/night and North Milwaukee Avenue feeds you well for under $15 a meal. It's not a compromise. it's a better version of the trip.
Foodie
River North and the West Loop on North Fulton Market Street are where Chicago's serious dining happens right now. Stay at the Freehand or the Langham and you're a short cab ride from the tasting menus and chef-driven spots that get the reservations backlog.
Business
The Loop puts you inside Chicago's financial and corporate core, with Clark and Lake as the main transit hub. Kimpton Gray on West Kinzie Street gives you the address, the bar for client drinks, and walking distance to most downtown office towers.
Location Quality
Is the neighborhood walkable? Are restaurants, shops, and attractions within 10 minutes on foot? How does it feel after dark? We evaluate safety, public transport access, and whether the area has genuine local character or just tourist traps. A hotel in the wrong neighborhood ruins a trip. That's why location carries the most weight.
Value for Money
We compare what you pay against what you get. A €150 hotel with a great location, clean rooms, and helpful staff can outscore a €500 hotel with fancy amenities in a bad area. We factor in seasonal pricing, cancellation policies, and hidden costs like tourist tax and breakfast surcharges. The goal is finding the best ratio, not the lowest price.
Guest Experience
We analyze thousands of verified guest reviews across multiple platforms, looking for patterns rather than individual complaints. Consistent praise for cleanliness, staff, and room quality counts. We also assess the intangibles: does the hotel have character? Would you recommend it to a friend? A soul-less chain hotel with perfect facilities still loses to a well-run boutique with personality.
When to Visit Chicago
When to visit Chicago and what to pay.
Winter (December-February)
Chicago winters are not a joke. Wind chill off Lake Michigan on Lake Shore Drive drops real-feel temperatures well below -15°C in January. Rates are the cheapest of the year, often 40% below summer prices, and the city's restaurant scene and museums are fully open. Go in if you know what you're signing up for.
Spring (March-May)
May is the sweet spot. Temperatures climb into the mid-teens, Millennium Park comes alive, and hotel rates are 20-30% below summer peaks. The Chicago Blues Festival in early June sits right on the edge of this window and is worth catching if you can time it right.
Summer (June-August)
This is peak Chicago. Lollapalooza fills Grant Park in early August and drives hotel rates to their annual high. The lakefront path from Navy Pier to Oak Street Beach is packed on weekends. Book 3+ months ahead for anything decent near the Loop or River North.
Fall (September-November)
September and October are the best months to visit. Crowds ease off, temperatures are genuinely pleasant, and you can walk the Riverwalk without fighting for space. The Chicago Marathon in mid-October spikes South Loop and Loop hotel prices for one weekend, so either book early or skip that weekend entirely.
Booking Tips for Chicago
Insider tips for booking hotels in Chicago.
Avoid Michigan Avenue hotels unless location is everything
Hotels on North Michigan Avenue between the Chicago River and Oak Street charge $200-350/night for mid-range rooms just because of the address. The Gold Coast, 5 minutes north, and River North, 3 minutes west, offer the same access at 20-30% less. We've seen this mistake hundreds of times.
Book Lollapalooza dates 3+ months out
Lollapalooza runs in Grant Park in early August, usually the first full weekend. Every hotel within a mile raises rates $100-150/night above baseline. The Loop, River North, and South Loop sell out by May. If you're not going to the festival, skip that weekend entirely. the city is jammed.
Use the CTA L train, not taxis
A 3-day CTA pass costs $15 and covers the entire L network, including the Blue Line to O'Hare and the Red Line from Howard Street to the Museum Campus area. A taxi from River North to Wicker Park runs $12-18 each way. Do that twice a day for three days and you've spent $70+ on something a $5 train ride covers.
South Loop is only good for McCormick Place visits
Hampton Inn at McCormick Place earns its rating if you're attending conventions at the convention center, which is literally across East Cermak Road. But if your reason for visiting isn't McCormick Place, the South Loop offers limited restaurant options and a 20-minute walk or $15 taxi to the real action in the Loop.
Request a high floor for skyline views. it actually matters
In River North and the Loop, rooms below floor 8 often face other buildings or parking structures. This is especially true on West Ohio Street and North Wabash Avenue. When booking, email the hotel directly and request a high floor facing east or south. Many properties will accommodate it at no charge, and the view difference is significant.
October Marathon weekend: book early or go elsewhere
The Bank of America Chicago Marathon runs mid-October and draws 45,000 runners. The course goes through the Loop, Lincoln Park, Chinatown, and back. Hotels on South Michigan Avenue and in the Loop sell out months ahead and charge peak-summer rates. If you're not running, it's worth shifting your visit by one week in either direction.
Hotels in Chicago — FAQ
Everything you need to know before booking hotels in Chicago.
What's the best neighborhood to stay in Chicago?
The Loop and River North put you within 10 minutes walk of Millennium Park, the Riverwalk, and most major restaurants. Gold Coast is quieter and more residential, which some people prefer. Wicker Park on Milwaukee Avenue is great if you want local bars and fewer tourists, but budget an extra 20 minutes to reach downtown.
How much does a hotel in Chicago cost per night?
Budget options in Wicker Park start around $49-79/night at hostels. Mid-range hotels across River North and the South Loop run $89-209/night. Luxury properties on the Gold Coast and in River North go from $295-750/night, and rates spike hard during Lollapalooza in August and the Chicago Marathon in October.
Is it worth staying near O'Hare Airport?
Only if you have an early flight or a late arrival and genuinely need a buffer night. Rosemont is fine for that. But the Blue Line from O'Hare to downtown takes about 45 minutes and costs $5, so most people are better off staying in the Loop or River North and skipping the commute entirely.
When is the cheapest time to visit Chicago?
January and February are the cheapest months, with hotel rates dropping to $49-120/night across most properties. It's cold, often brutally so, with temperatures hitting -10°C or lower along the lakefront. But the city is fully functional, restaurants are quieter, and you'll pay about 40% less than you would in July.
Is Chicago safe for tourists?
The tourist areas, specifically the Loop, River North, Gold Coast, and Lincoln Park, are safe and well-lit with constant foot traffic. Stick to those neighborhoods and you'll be fine. Avoid walking south of Cermak Road (22nd Street) at night unless you know exactly where you're going.
What's the best way to get around Chicago?
The CTA 'L' train covers most of what you need. A single ride is $2.50, and a 3-day pass runs $15. The Red Line connects Howard Street on the North Side all the way to 95th Street on the South Side, passing through the Loop. Taxis and rideshares from the Loop to Wicker Park cost about $12-18.
Which Chicago hotels are best for business travelers?
Hampton Inn at McCormick Place is the obvious pick if your meetings are at the convention center, with the venue literally across the street. For Loop and River North meetings, the Kimpton Gray on West Kinzie Street puts you 5 minutes from most major office buildings and has genuinely good meeting facilities.
Are there good budget hotels in Chicago?
Yes. Chicago Gateway Hostel in Wicker Park starts at $49/night and is legitimately well-run, not just cheap. Freehand Chicago in River North offers private rooms from $89/night with a rooftop bar that costs nothing extra to use. Both are real options, not last resorts.
What areas should I avoid when booking a hotel in Chicago?
Avoid anything listed as 'Near Midway Airport' unless that's your specific reason for being there. The area around West Madison Street west of the United Center gets sketchy after dark. And don't be fooled by hotels labeled 'downtown' that are actually in the West Loop industrial stretch near Ogden Avenue.
How far in advance should I book a Chicago hotel?
For Lollapalooza weekend in early August, book at least 3 months out. Rooms within a mile of Grant Park sell out by May and prices double. The Chicago Marathon in mid-October has the same effect on South Loop and Loop hotels. For off-peak travel, 3-4 weeks out is usually fine.
Is the Magnificent Mile a good place to stay?
It's convenient, but you pay a 20-30% premium just for the address. North Michigan Avenue is packed with chain stores and tour groups, which gets old fast. The Gold Coast, just 5 minutes north of the Mile, gives you the same access with far less foot traffic and better restaurants on Rush Street.
Do Chicago hotels include breakfast?
Most mid-range and luxury hotels in Chicago don't include breakfast by default. Hampton Inn properties typically include it, which matters when you're near McCormick Place with limited cheap options nearby. Budget an extra $15-25/person if you're staying at a boutique or luxury spot and want to eat on-site.