The Windy City is right up there as one of the USA's best cities for a cultural break. From the wide choice of museums and galleries (many of which have free entry) to the thriving restaurant scene and, of course, the sports. While hotels in the USA's main cities are not generally known to be cheap, Chicago in fact has a good selection of excellent value stays. Our hotel experts have scoured the city to bring you a concise collection of the best value hotels in Chicago. Whether you are planning a break with the kids or as a group of friends to catch a game — there is plenty to choose from. So why not browse through our collection to start planning your next holiday?
For families
- Freehand is a great value hotel with a boutique feel in downtown Chicago. Rooms are boho chic and come in various sizes including quads and a penthouse, which sleeps up to six, meaning there are flexible options for families. For those of age, there is a popular cocktail bar. With doubles starting at $85 (quads are just $25 per bed) — this is an ideal choice for those travelling with kids.
- Expect cool, contemporary city-style near Chicago's river and lakefront at the Loews Chicago. Rooms are sleek and modern with floor-to-ceiling windows to take in the city views. The rooftop bar and steak house are a real lure, while kids are well taken care of with iPads loaded with age-appropriate games, consoles, toys and activity books. Seriously good value for what is a luxury stay.
For groups
- Found Hotel Chicago River North has a cool Wes Anderson-style exterior combined with funky interiors including mismatched colours, multi-layered textures and ethnic prints. Rooms are simple but comfortable and range from doubles to dorms. With a fun, relaxed party-like atmosphere, this is a great choice for groups of friends.
For a boutique
- Ivy Hotel is a chic modern boutique well located in central Chicago. Rooms and suites are a playful take on classic luxury, with distinct jewel-tone furniture, modern artwork and deep soaking tubs. Pick this property for the fabulous amenities including a gym, daily yoga classes, a restaurant, and a lively rooftop bar.
- The Robey is a stylish boutique set in a striking art-deco building, dating back to 1929, in Wicker Park. Pick this property for the chic whitewashed rooms (many of which have epic city views) and the French-American restaurant. However, the real pull is the rooftop pool and bar.
- Expect glossy modern minimalism meets historic glamour in the stylish Silversmith Hotel. The 19th-century building has benefited from a star-chitect redesign and reflects the area's heritage. Expect pearl and gemstone hues, high ceilings, marble floors and period-style pillars. Great value boutique chic.
For a historic stay
- Set in a grand building dating back to 1895, the Staypineapple Chicago offers a fun and youthful stay in a prime downtown location. Iron filigree staircases and exquisite tiled floors remain but the rooms are whitewashed and modern. Complete with a locally popular restaurant and with rooms starting at below $100 — this is a very appealing choice.
For foodies
- Longman & Eagle is a superb farm-to-table restaurant with rooms. The buzzing dining room channels a traditional Chicago inn with plenty of local charm while the menu is meat-heavy complemented by seasonal cocktails, biodynamic wines and craft beers. Will appeal to those keen to avoid cookie-cutter city hotels.
For a lively stay
- Moxy Chicago Downtown is a buzzing and fun boutique-style hotel. When the reception doubles as a bar you can be sure of a good time! Decor is contemporary industrial-cool, with splashes of hot pink. Rooms aren't huge but have everything you need. The 24-hour taco restaurant is useful after nightly DJ sets. Perfect for party animals.
For a downtown location
- Hotel Julian offers an affordable and stylish stay with a downtown postcode. Well-designed rooms have Art Deco and Mid-century touches and killer views. Buzzing public areas combine exposed brickwork, mismatched furniture and playful lighting. A convenient and chic city crashpad.
Still not sure where to book?
