The 8 Best Hotels in Near North, Chicago

Chicago’s Near North is a Midwest mecca for partying; a stylish, walkable riverside district teeming with multi-level nightclubs like Joy District, and cool jazz bars like the Tortoise Supper Club. You’ll see the world’s largest art video installation projected onto the MART building at night, and along the riverwalk, buildings lit by blue lights, plus art galleries and bars set in old warehouses. It’s chic and gentrified and an amazing place for a party. No wonder that some of the best hotels in Near North have a hip, young vibe, from chic hostels to cool boutique hotels offering guitars to every guest. Here's our pick of the best...

For a party

• Viceroy Chicago isn’t just a stylish, designer hotel — it’s a popular local venue in its own right, so it’s a great place to stay in Near North Chicago if you like a party. The rooftop bar is usually crowded and the Somerset restaurant’s delicious Midwest dishes are a local favourite. Better still, there are many great bars and restaurants nearby, if you want some variety. Set in a magnificent 1920s glass tower, the hotel is a seamless blend of old and new, with sink-into beds and floor-to-ceiling windows in smart, contemporary rooms.
• You can’t pin down Freehand Chicago; it’s beyond category. This effortlessly cool hostel/hotel in downtown Chicago is a buzzing, happening place, particularly the busy bar which is something of a local institution. You’ll find primitive-chic designer pieces in the boutique rooms and public spaces, Nicaraguan coffee in the café and craft cocktails at the Broken Shaker bar. A great pick for young, sociable couples.
• Acme Hotel Company is for music-lovers. This hip boutique hotel, set in a renovated 1920s building, boasts high-tech audio systems in the sleek, monochrome rooms; some suites even come with an ESP guitar and you can borrow one from the reception if you want. It’s a sociable place, so it’s great for young people and partygoers. Head to the Berkshire Room bar for craft cocktails or book the Bunny Slope with your mates for a hot tub and beers. A very cool pick!

For relaxation

• Eurostars Magnificent Mile is perfectly located for exploring the Magnificent Mile, just a 5 minute walk away from the parade of luxury shops. The smart, dark-wood rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows, so expect gorgeous views of the city, and the cool restaurant, spa service and sink into the beds are perfect for easing your weary limbs after a long day out sightseeing.

For a romantic break

• The Gwen will dazzle you senseless and make you feel like a Jazz Age high-flyer. This award-winning luxury boutique hotel, set behind the 1920s façade of sculptor Gwen Lux, is the definition of art deco glitz. You can expect a wrap-around rooftop bar with panoramic views of the city and Lake Michigan, and gold-fittings and gleaming marble in the sexy, designer rooms. Ideal for a romantic city break.

For all-out luxury

• You can’t get much grander than The Peninsula. Stood on the Magnificent Mile, with all its high-end luxury stores, everything about this glorious hotel exudes elegance of the highest order. From the Bernardaud china and specially commissioned art to the lighting control and soaking tub in every room, it’s a fabulous, luxury stay. Guests will be wowed by the panoramic views of the city at night from the vantage point of the Olympic indoor swimming pool and can really indulge themselves in the full-service Asian spa and several award-winning restaurants on-site.

For a spa

• The Langham Chicago is really the crème de la crème, with its light-filled white Alaskan marble interiors, set in a luxury skyscraper overlooking the Chicago River and just two blocks away from Magnificent Mile. It’s one of the best places to stay in Chicago for a spa break. The Chuan Spa has won awards for its healing holistic treatments, all inspired by traditional Chinese medicine. The views are truly spellbinding and can be enjoyed from your stylish room, which come with floor-to-ceiling windows.

For sightseeing

• The Royal Sonesta River North is an excellent choice for sightseeing. This four-star boutique is a one minute walk from the Red Line metro, and less than one mile from major attractions like Navy Pier and Millennium Park. It’s the perfect smart city bolthole with an indoor pool and rooftop sundeck for post-exploring relaxation.

Still not sure where to book?

• You could browse our recommendations for all the best places to stay in Chicago
• Or try one of our Chicago collections articles: maybe the best Chicago hotels for families, the best Chicago hotels on the river or the best hotels with rooftop pools
• 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.

  • Viceroy Chicago Chicago (Near North Side) 180 rooms from £167

    
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    City Style  -  A historic 1920's facade married to a glorious waved glass tower, with interiors by TAL Studio- the result will not disappoint

    Sights nearby  -  Just down the road is the Oak Street Beach, a sandy shore of Lake Michigan where one can swim and lounge in the sun

    Views  -  Great views from hotel

    Designer  -  Uniquely designed interiors.

    

    Recommended by  -  Tablet

    A magnificent hybrid of old and new, a perfectly preserved 1920's facade attached to a glistening glass tower. Inside you will find the same paradoxes, the rooms are spectacular and so are the views from their floor to ceiling windows. The rooftop bar draws a crowd, as does The Somerset downstairs. See More

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  • Freehand, Chicago Chicago (Near North Side) 217 rooms from £66

    
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    Value chic  -  With doubles from as little as $85 per night (or only $25 per person if you're prepared to share a dorm) it's unbeatable value

    Restaurant  -  Cafe Integral offers up Nicaraguan coffee to complement its selection of light breakfast- and cafe-style fare.

    Great walks  -  Every Saturday morning, the hotel arranges for pay-what-you-like walking tours.

    Kayaking  -  Explore Chicago from an unusual angle on a kayaking water tour.

    

    Recommended by  -  Tablet

    Trendy hostel and hotel offering chic but affordable accommodations in exciting downtown Chicago. Popular and busy bar serves craft cocktails and light meals. Rooms are hip with a boutique appeal, high-quality furniture in dark woods, walls decorated with crafts and an effortlessly cool vibe. See More

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  • Acme Hotel Company Chicago (Near North Side) 130 rooms from £145

    
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    Restaurant  -  The Berkshire room serving Craft cocktails and up-scale snacks.

    Sights nearby  -  Willis Tower and John Hancock Observatory to name a few!

    Short break

    Quirky  -  An experience!

    

    Recommended by  -  Tablet

    Hip hotel with boutique-appeal and sophisticated rooms overlooking the skyscrapers of down-town Chicago. Rooms are sleek and monochrome with splashes of colour and kitted out in gadgetry galore. The Berkshire Room bar is a trendy spot for young Chicagoans to unwind with a craft cocktail. See More

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  • Eurostars Magnificent Mile Chicago (Near North Side) 216 rooms from £187

    
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    Local exploring  -  Located in the upmarket River North district, the hotel is within walking distance of shops, boutiques, museums, and restaurants

    Spa  -  An award winning spa offers a range of chromatherapy showers, massages and body treatments

    Restaurant  -  Portsmith restaurant is a laidback restaurant specialising in seafood and meat

    

    A contemporary hotel located in the heart of the city in the River North district. Sleek rooms boast floor-to-ceiling windows, polished wood floors, and minimalist furniture. The best have windows across two walls. Complete with a trendy restaurant and bar, plus a spa. A smart downtown stay. 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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  • 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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  • The Langham, Chicago Chicago (Near North Side) 268 rooms from £429

    
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    Sights nearby  -  Located right next to the ostentatious and famous Trump Tower and less than a mile from the Museum of Contemporary Art.

    Spa  -  The award winning Chuan Spa offers a range of holistic treatments to relax, renew and pamper

    Swimming Pool  -  67 foot heated indoor pool

    Views  -  Great views from hotel

    

    Overlooking the Chicago River and surrounded by downtown Chi-town skyscrapers, this hotel is a glamorous choice for the discerning traveller. Rooms feature a cream canvas, dark polished woods and royal purple throws. Gym, spa, pool. Exclusive private members' club with city views. Restaurant, bar. See More

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  • Royal Sonesta Chicago River North Chicago (Near North Side) 261 rooms from £187

    
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    Views  -  Rooms offer great city views from floor to ceiling windows

    Whirlpool Bathtub  -  Book one of the spa suites for a Fuji jet soaking tub

    Swimming Pool  -  Indoor heated pool open year round

    Restaurant  -  Recommended.

    

    This boutique hotel in the River North district offers an indoor pool, in-room spa treatments, restaurant and popular bar. Rooms are modern with designer bathroom features. Business and fitness centres on site. Proximity to Navy Pier, Michigan Lake and Chicago's landmarks and galleries. See More

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Written by Edmund Wise

posted Wednesday, 26th June 2024