The 7 Best Hotels in Chicago's Magnificent Mile

Magnificent Mile has a lot to boast about. As the premier commercial district, it is an upscale area and packed full of high-end restaurants, shops, and bars. Major attractions include the historic Chicago Water Tower, the Chicago History Museum, and the Ferris Wheel at Navy Pier. The district also lies adjacent to downtown, so this is a good destination to choose if you want to predominantly explore the city by foot. As a prosperous area, it comes as no surprise that it is also home to some of the best luxury hotels in the city, however, there is a good range of options for those who don't want to break the bank. Our hotel experts have scanned the area to bring you a collection of the best hotels in Chicago's Magnificent Mile. Complete with all-out luxury options, chic boutiques, and hotels set in some of the city's most iconic skyscrapers — there is plenty to choose from here. So why not browse through our list to start planning your next city break?

For luxury

• The Peninsula Chicago stands out for its perfectly central location and its dignified grandeur. Expect luxury touches such as specially commissioned artworks and glorious soaking tubs with epic city views. With three award-winning restaurants and a spa that offers treatments inspired by Ayurvedic and Asian philosophies — you'll want for nothing here.
• Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile is a sleek luxury option set in a striking futuristic city tower. Expect contemporary design throughout with swathes of glass offering fabulous views across the city. The French restaurant is a popular spot. Well suited to either business or pleasure.

For a boutique

• The Gwen has seen an epic transformation from historic building to luxury boutique hotel. 1920s sculptor Gwen Lux is behind the façade; Art Deco glamour reigns supreme in the rooms, restaurants and a wrap-around rooftop bar. A sexy and stylish stay.
• 21c Museum Hotel is one of a handful of American properties situated within a museum (the collection is dedicated to 21st-century art). Modern rooms and suites manage to feel boutique in style despite the key count, with wood panelling, exposed copper piping and great views. A good choice for culture vultures.

For a lively stay

• Virgin Hotel is perfect for the modern traveller. Rooms with all the mod-cons are contemporary and luxurious. With five restaurants on-site and nightly entertainment at the bars, this is a fun stay. The rooftop bar is particularly memorable for the views. Ideal for the young and trendy.

For families

• Four Seasons Chicago is a luxury offering with excellent amenities and classic design. Adults will enjoy the full-service spa, hot tub, and bar while kids will be kept entertained at the kids club or playing in the indoor pool. With family suites and a concierge very willing to plan a day out for all ages, this is a great choice for a family city break.

For the city views

• Luxurious Ritz Carlton Chicago occupies floors between the 12th & 30th storeys of a Lake Michigan waterfront tower. Serene rooms feel like you're floating in the sky with phenomenal views and cloud-like beds. For those who appreciate birds-eye views from bed, fine dining, an A-list art collection and spoiling spa — this is for you.

Still not sure where to book?

• Browse our list of the best places to stay in Chicago.
• Refine your search and look at the best hotels in West Loop, Chicago or the best hotels with rooftop pools in Chicago or the best five-star hotels in Chicago.
• Check out all our recommendations in Illinois.
• Alternatively, you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.

  • The Peninsula Chicago Chicago (Near North Side) 339 rooms from £390

    
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    Spa  -  The Peninsula Spa is inspired by Ayurvedic and Asian philosophies, wih massages and therapy treatments to soothe any ailment.

    Sights nearby  -  The Museum of Contemporary Art, Driehaus Museum and beloved Chicago Water Tower are all a 5 minute stroll from the Peninsula.

    Lively area  -  Located in the Near North area of Downtown Chicago, along the electric Magnificent Mile.

    Restaurant  -  The Lobby is an elegant location serving contemporary American cuisine.

    

    Recommended by  -  Tablet

    The Peninsula exudes dignified grandeur. Rooms feature touches of high-class elegance such as Bernaudaud china, soaking tubs in bathrooms and specially commissioned art. Impeccable views of glittering downtown Chicago from most rooms and suites. Pool, gym, spa, three award-winning restaurants. See More

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  • Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile Chicago (Near North Side) 415 rooms from £149

    
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    Value chic  -  Considering the incredible central location, city views, spacious rooms and luxury facilities, this is a steal

    Local exploring  -  Magnificent Mile has it all; shops, sites, parks, lake access, beautiful buildings and interesting museums

    Sights nearby  -  The Mile is famous for its architectural gems; the historic Chicago Water Tower and terracotta Wrigley Building skyscraper

    Great walks  -  It's just over a mile walk to the shores of Lake Michigan. Head that way for wonderful lake views and bracing fresh air

    

    Sleek luxury located in a striking futuristic city tower. Light-filled rooms feel like homely enclaves while public spaces evoke Chicago's iconic skyscrapers; the lobby resembles a space shuttle. Decor blends blonde wood with contemporary prints. Dine at the French restaurant - very chic. See More

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  • Virgin Hotels Chicago Chicago (The Loop) 250 rooms from £226

    
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    Sights nearby  -  The Willis Tower or John Hanncock Centre - both offer great views of the city.

    Lively  -  Bar and entertainment readily avaliable.

    Restaurant  -  Recommended.

    

    Perfect for the modern traveller or business getaway in Downtown Chicago. Two-chamber rooms with all the mod-cons are contemporary and luxurious. With five restaurants on site there is much choice, as well as the spa and fitness centre. Location is perfect for theatre, shopping and food lovers. See More

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  • Four Seasons Chicago Chicago (Near North Side) 346 rooms from £449

    
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    Sights nearby  -  In downtown Chicago there is a multitude of architectural splendour, museums and art galleries in the near vicinity.

    Restaurant  -  With views over the lake, you can enjoy a meal of gourmet farm-to-table regional fare in an elegant location.

    Views  -  Panoramic views over Chicago and Lake Michigan.

    Spa  -  Body treatments, facial, massages and sauna.

    

    All rooms and suites are stylishly furnished with French furniture, floral motifs, art adorning the walls, and shades of plum, champagne, rose and dove grey. Beautiful views over Chicago or Lake Michigan. Spectacular indoor pool under a domed skylight. Gym, full-service spa, hot tub, restaurant. See More

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  • The Gwen Chicago (Near North Side) 311 rooms from £119

    
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    City Style  -  Will suit those after a brilliant location, understated luxury, beautiful interiors and excellent dining experiences

    Sights nearby  -  Chicago is an architectural heaven. In the area look out for the Wrigley Building, neo-Gothic Tribune Tower & Time Life Building

    Great walks  -  The property is just 2 blocks from the Chicago River; easily get onto the city's scenic River Walk

    Views  -  All the suites come with spectacular city views

    

    Divine transformation from a historic building to a luxury boutique hotel. 1920s sculptor Gwen Lux is behind the façade; Art Deco glamour reigns supreme in the rooms, restaurants & a wrap-around rooftop bar. Expect jewel tones, gold fittings, glossy marble & epic city views. A sexy & stylish stay. See More

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  • Ritz Carlton Chicago Chicago (Near North Side) 434 rooms from £320

    
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    Designer Shopping  -  The hotel is attached to Water Tower Place, home of Macy's, so it's not far to the shops. Michigan Avenue is just a block away

    City Style  -  If you appreicate birds-eye views from bed, fine dining, an A-list art collection and spoiling spa, this is the place for you

    Families  -  Kids are very welcome; on arrival they pick a toy of their choice, plus special kid's healthy menu & candy cart room service

    Spa  -  Overseen by the experts at Kalma Spas, treatments, including facials and massages, are designed to heal, relax and renew

    

    Luxury urban resort spread between the 12th & 30th floors of a Lake Michigan tower. Serene rooms feel like you're floating in the sky with phenomenal views and cloud-like beds. Enjoy the Italian steakhouse, spa, indoor pool, and a very cool rooftop bar. Classic contemporary city luxury, a safe bet. See More

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  • 21c Museum Hotel Chicago Chicago (Near North Side) 297 rooms from £161

    
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    Museums  -  As the hotel is a museum - open 365 days a year - you don't have to travel far to tour an impressive contemporary art collection

    Business meetings  -  The property boasts 10,000 square feet of art-filled exhibition and event spaces for board meetings, conferences & even weddings

    Local exploring  -  The city's architectural, shopping and culinary gems are on your doorstep and are best explored on foot

    Sights nearby  -  Chicago's famous Water Tower, neo-gothic Tribune Tower and Wrigley Building are just around the corner

    

    Not only does this hotel have an excellent central location, but it's one of a handful of American properties situated within a museum; the collection is dedicated to 21st century art. Modern rooms and suites manage to feel boutique in style despite the key count with wood panelling and great views. See More

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Written by Katie Harris

posted Tuesday, 21st June 2022