The best hotels in Chicago

This swanky icon spells luxury all the way, from its distinguished art collection to the award-winning spa and fitness center. High-tech bedside control panels in rooms, afternoon tea in the lobby and grand fireplaces in the bar are just some of the hotel’s perks. Should you find the time to leave this lovely spot (we're not judging you if you don't) you'll find you're a small walk away from the Museum of Contemporary Art, and Water Tower Place. All of the good stuff. 

With views of the Chicago River and Lake Michigan, a top-notch restaurant, a massive ballroom and 316 spacious rooms and suites, it's not surprising that the Langham is often recognized as one of the best hotels in the country. The posh River North accommodations opened in the summer of 2013, and it is the world's only hotel in a Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe–designed building. So you're gonna be staring around at everything. Embrace it, literally everyone will anyway. You're also just two blocks away from shopping, dining, and entertainment galore over at Michigan Avenue's Magnificent Mile. A real glamourous pick. 

To say the restored 1890s Chicago Athletic Association is beautiful is to put it mildly. Stay in one of the 241 luxury boutique rooms—throwbacks to the club rooms of athletic associations long gone. From the unparalleled view of Millennium Park and Lake Michigan at Cindy’s rooftop restaurant to more great food and drinks at Cherry Circle Room and even Shake Shack, there’s no shortage of options. You know you want a burger, you know you do. And their shakes... irresistible! You’ll also love the Game Room, where you can play bocce, shuffleboard and billiards while sipping a cocktail. Putting the Chic in Chicago. 

Nestled in the West Loop’s booming Fulton Market District—across from the Google building and steps from the Green Line—Chicago’s first Ace Hotel provides a unique, food-filled launching pad for locals and tourists alike. The rooms here are decked out in minimalist-modern decor and retro accents like turntables and small, curated record collections for your private listening pleasure. If you're a trendsetter looking to try the latest and greatest Chicago has to offer, Ace is the best bet. You're also nice and close to Oak Street Bech and West Loop. There's a 24-hour front desk too, so don't worry about venturing out late into the night. 

A seamless integration of boutique and luxury, 21C Museum Hotel is just off Michigan Avenue in Chicago's River North. The space features artwork and fittings by local and internationally acclaimed artists, a 24-hour fitness center (some consider that chilling), a full-service spa, on-site steakhouse, Primehouse and craft cocktail lounge. A whole lot of things, then. You're also a small walk from one of the best retail spots in Chicago, along with the Museum of Contemporary Art and Millenium Park – enjoy the city at all hours, recpetion is 24-hour. A hotel that has it all. 

In a landscape filled with mega-hotels and Airbnb rentals galore, there’s something extra special about a good old bed and breakfast—just don’t expect to find floral wallpaper and canopy beds at the Publishing House in the West Loop. The quaint but impressive space houses 11 unique rooms (from cozy to XL) that are outfitted in cowhide rugs, clawfoot tubs and funky vintage furniture. Each room is wildly different, giving guests an excuse to venture back again and again. As much as you won’t want to leave your bed in the morning, one whiff of breakfast—cooked by owners Shawn Uldridge and Kimberly Lowery—will surely draw you out of your slumber. Just-baked pastries, fresh juice and cereal await on the buffet, but the couple offers a few daily specials from the kitchen as well. It's the best way to recharge before heading back to the real world. There's also a bar, so it can be a B,B&B if preferred. You'll find you're pretty near Union Park, and the heart of West Loop. So there's plenty on the doorstep, plus good metro access. 

This boutique hotel puts you in the epicenter of River North, steps away from the Magnificent Mile and a stone's throw from the Loop. The rooms here are modern and sleek with floor-to-ceiling windows, in-room tech and a fridge stocked with wines available for purchase (bonus: most are very reasonably priced). Before your stay, though, you’ll want to check out the luxe spa offerings. Book an energizing ginseng facial, an aromatherapy massage or a citrus detox wrap. While you're at it, make a reservation at Portsmith, the new first-floor restaurant that specializes in pristine seafood and indulgent ingredients (uni-drenched cacio e pepe, anyone?). If you can even fathom leaving such a nice place, you'll find you're really close to great shops and museums, so it'll be worth your time. Plus, if you're tired, there's that spa.

From its striking cubist facade down to the stylish and modern interiors, the Godfrey Hotel Chicago lives up to its four-star status from the get-go. Situated in the heart of River North and within walking distance of the Magnificent Mile, the hotel is an ideal starting point for a day out on the town. Amenities include a spa and 24-hour fitness center, complimentary Wi-Fi and an indoor-outdoor urban roofscape with a full-service bar and dining options. Loads going on, then. However, if you decide to strut just three little blocks, you're right in the middle of the 'magnificent mile' which is, as the name suggests, 1.6km of magnificence. 

As you might have imagined, Virgin Hotels Chicago is pretty swanky. Opened in 2015, this hotel in the heart of the Loop is all done up in red and white, with ultra-modern decor throughout. You may never want to leave your sleek, spacious room—it has free Wi-Fi, heavenly soft robes, pour-over coffee, a rainforest shower head, and an app that controls the room’s temperature—but you should. There’s so much to explore throughout the hotel itself. Hit the “social hour” at the Commons Club any night from 5 to 6pm, for all the free, fanciful cocktails you can drink, or kick back at Two Zero Three Coffee and Wine Bar, the cozy coffee shop that looks out onto Wabash Avenue. Of course, there’s also Miss Ricky’s diner-style restaurant for brunch or lunch, and the super hip rooftop bar and nightclub, Cerise, for an evening of dancing. You're also just a small walk from Millenium Park, and less than ten minutes to Navy Pier by car. Fresh air and greenery, check. That'll clear the head after a night at the premium wine bar. Hopefully. 

Completed just in time for the start of the 2018 baseball season, this new entry across the street from Wrigley Field is a prime example of the Ricketts family’s efforts to change the face of Wrigleyville since taking over ownership of the Chicago Cubs in 2009. Named for Wrigley Field’s original architect, Zachary Taylor Davis, the seven-story, 173-room Hotel Zachary sits on the northwest corner of Clark and Addison, facing Gallagher Way and the ballpark’s iconic marquee. The decor offers plenty of touches to warm Cubs fans’ hearts, but without veering into theme-park vibes; the baseball memorabilia is countered with sophisticated mid-century stylings. The food and drink offerings include the new second outpost of Big Star, barbecue from Smoke Daddy and craft cocktails at Mordecai; a rooftop bar is planned for 2019. Step out of the hotel and you'll find The Addison Red Line train station is a single block away, and it'll take you to everything you want to see in Chicago, in a flash. 

The Gwen Hotel opened in September 2015 in one of the rare landmark buildings of Art Deco–infused architecture along the Magnificent Mile. The hotel is connected to the Shops at North Bridge and offers easy access to popular attractions in the Loop. The rooms are handsomely appointed, and the hotel itself is leaning into the artistic connection of its new name, complete with an "Artist-in-Residence Program." Very nice. What's also nice is that there's two on-site restautants, a roofrop terrace, and the Theatre district is a small walk away. Go have fun. 

Stay in the heart of Gold Coast when you check into this architectural stunner. Each room looks like it was plucked straight out of a design magazine, with smart touches including gold headboards, funky light fixtures and massive swaths of white marble. But the top-notch dining options are what set this hotel apart. Adjacent to the lobby is Somerset, an all-American eatery with country club vibes and a fantastic fried chicken sandwich. When night falls, head upstairs to swanky Devereaux for a nightcap by the pool. When you want to leave the hotel, you'll find getting to the city's highlights is a breeze. You're ten minutes from Oak Street Beach, and under two miles from Navy Pier and Millennium Park. 

Situated in the main artery of Wicker Park, the Robey opened in 2016 with just 69 rooms. The 12-story building is a beacon for tourists and locals alike with its comfy ground-floor restaurant and sophisticated rooftop bar. There are plenty of other spaces to enjoy, and as a guest, you'll have access to it all. The Robey is an awesome alternative for visitors who have already seen the Mag Mile and want to experience one of Chicago's most beloved neighborhoods. Outside the lovely hotel, you'll find you're super close to everything good in Chicago. However, we wouldn't blame you for just spending your days bumbling around this wonderful space. 

Towering 92 stories over the Chicago River and the Magnificent Mile, the Trump International Hotel and Tower boasts several high-flying stats: It's the third-tallest building in Chicago, one of 10 hotels in the world with a five-star Forbes Ratings for both its hotel and restaurant and houses the second-highest residences in the world, topping Chicago's own John Hancock Tower. Contained within this boutique luxury hotel are Sixteen Restaurant, serving a modern American menu, sushi restaurant Rebar and a seasonal rooftop terrace bar. There's also a spa, health club and large indoor pool within, neatly topping off the offerings at this River North hotel. So basically, this tower can well be your holiday on its own. Especially given the outdoor terrace has views of Lake Michigan and many other landmarks. Do it all from there. Or, pop out and find you're a two minute walk from the shopping quarter. 

Clean mid-century design and effortless luxury in the heart of Chicago, the Thompson Hotel Chicago is a boutique centerpiece in the Gold Coast. The hotel's amazing restaurant, Nico Osteria, offers authentic and light italian seafood while in-house bar and gathering space Salone Nico serves crafted cocktails and a fine Italian and Meditteranean wine list. The hotel features an on-site fitness center, too. They're pet friendly, which is nice and handy as you're really close to some good walks. Whether it's Millennium Park, Oak Street, or the Chicago Lakefront. 

The public spaces are decked out with Italian marble, glittering crystal and exquisite woodwork; rooms and suites come with classy furnishings, high-end toiletries and twice-daily maid service. Have dinner and drinks at Allium, a contemporary American restaurant in the hotel, and you won't be disappointed. There's also a huge pool and a fitness center. There's a kids' clubroom too, so if you want to give the little ones a bunch of quaters while you have a beer, that absolutely can be done. 

This gorgeous hotel, first opened in 1910, has had an intriguing run so far. Many U.S. presidents have stayed there (including Teddy Roosevelt), it was a favorite hangout of Al Capone and his cronies, and Maharishi Yogi, the Beatles' personal guru, once owned the building. So Zen vibes guaranteed. Now it's simply one of the most beautiful hotels in the Loop and a favorite for bands playing at the nearby Lollapalooza music festival in August. Don't miss the attached Spanish small-plates restaurant, Mercat a la Planxa. There's a 24-hour gym here, if that's your vibe. There's also a small walk to the Art Institute of Chicago, Magnificent Mile's shops and much more. So as nice as the hotel is, you can be sure time outside won't be anything less than great. 

Little expense has been spared at this 198-room Magnificent Mile property, housed in the lower third of a slender, 67-story residential tower. The walls and halls are home to an estimated $23 million worth of artwork (no touching!); a scent expert created signature smells to waft through the modern lobby and NoMI – so if you return, you'll know nowhere smells quite like it, and it's home to a much-lauded restaurant. You're also one street from the Water Tower, and Lake Michigan is a ten minute walk. Not bad at all, this spot. 

In Chicago’s Lakeshore East neighborhood, this luxury hotel is located in the modern Aqua building. You'll have free Wi-Fi, and you can even see Lake Michigan and the surrounding parks in every contemporary room. A seasonal outdoor pool with a sundeck and fire pits is provided, and the health club features an indoor pool, basketball court and well-equipped fitness center. Filini serves Italian cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner in an upscale atmosphere. Millenium Park is also a small walk away, so nice morning strolls are more than a possibility here – pop back to the hotel for breakfast. Dreamy. 

Part of the Marriott chain’s attempt to appeal to the millennials who flock to playful, Instagram-friendly lodgings like Acme, Ace and Freehand, Chicago’s first Moxy—Marriott’s European-bred “experiential” brand—opened in River North in May 2018. The 156-room property replaces the traditional check-in desk with a bar, where you’re greeted with a welcome cocktail. In place of a lobby, the Moxy has a Living Room, stocked with vinyl records, video games and device-charging nooks, plus the occasional visiting DJ. The smallish rooms keep the amenities on the basic side but with whimsically industrial finishes—the aim is for the invisible half-step between hostel and grownup hotel. No kidding: The Moxy’s general manager—sorry, its “captain”—told the Tribune on opening day that the bar’s happy hour will be known as Adulting Is Hard. You're also super close to most of the attractions and event-spaces you're in Chicago for. Whether it's the theatre district, nightlife, or Water Tower, it's all walking distance.