The 5 Best Hotels on the River in Chicago

Chicago's city skyline and unique architecture featuring historic buildings peppered with steely skyscrapers are its crowning glory. To best enjoy these views from your hotel we recommend booking a property overlooking the river. Our hotel experts have scoured the area to bring you a collection of the best hotels in Chicago on the river. Ranging from chic design-led properties to fabulous five-star luxury stays. Whether you want a quiet spot to simply unwind or you would rather a lively stay complete with a happening rooftop restaurant, there is something for everyone here. 

For luxury

• LondonHouse is a luxury hotel in downtown Chicago, well placed on Michigan Avenue. Pick this property for its indulgent rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows facing the Chicago River and marble bathrooms. With a chic rooftop bar and superb seafood and steak restaurant — this is a spoiling choice.
• The Langham, Chicago is another well-positioned option overlooking the river in downtown. Elegant rooms are classic in their design with views from picture frame windows stealing the show. Amenities include an exclusive members club, gym, restaurant, bar and indoor pool.

For contemporary style

• Buzzy TheWit Hotel is a playful spot with modern design. Expect spacious rooms and luxury creature comforts including high ceilings and large windows with skyline views. The 27th-floor rooftop bar is a reason to stay in itself and offers epic river and city views.

For a business hotel

• Kimpton Hotel Monaco is a boutique business hotel with lots of soul. Located in a former hat factory, there are fun historical touches throughout. Bedrooms are classic contemporary luxury; highlights include snug window seats, modern art and a cool but cosy grey and blue palette. Great value and the service is excellent.

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.

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.
• Check out all our recommendations in Illinois.
• Alternatively, you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.

  • LondonHouse Chicago (The Loop) 452 rooms from AU$252

    
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    City Style  -  With a cool rooftop bar and its location right on Michigan Avenue, the hotel is the perfect Chicago city break spot

    Families  -  There is a children’s menu for afternoon tea and the hotel is near many kid-friendly tourist attractions

    Great walks  -  Walk to Millenium Park and explore the sights

    Restaurant  -  Recommended.

    

    A luxury hotel, in downtown Chicago, on Michigan Avenue. Rooms are modern and spacious with marble showers and floor-to-ceiling windows facing the Chicago River. Enjoy a handcrafted cocktail on the sophisticated rooftop bar and delicious seafood and steaks at the restaurant. A spoiling central stay. See More

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  • theWit Hotel Chicago (The Loop) 310 rooms from AU$289

    
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    City Style  -  A reminder of how fun city hotels can be. Stay here for a real feel of Chicago's bright lights

    Great walks  -  It's a very short walk to Grant Park. Visit Millenium Park with its famous Cloud Gate sculpture

    Spa  -  Spa@TheWit offers a range of treatments and massages

    Views  -  Great views from hotel

    

    Bright lights in the big city. Playful and buzzing hotel with spacious rooms and luxury creature comforts. Expect high ceilings, large windows with skyline views and bold flashes of colour all around. Dine at the excellent on-site restaurant. The 27th-floor rooftop bar is a reason to stay in itself. See More

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  • The Langham, Chicago Chicago (Near North Side) 268 rooms from AU$806

    
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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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  • Virgin Hotels Chicago Chicago (The Loop) 250 rooms from AU$425

    
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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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  • Kimpton Hotel Monaco, Chicago Chicago (The Loop) 192 rooms from AU$274

    
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    Business meetings  -  Good-value and great location for doing business while in the city; there are also several meeting rooms with great facilities

    Local exploring  -  The central location means everything is within walking distance; the arts, theatre, architecture, shops and restaurants

    Great walks  -  Make sure to stretch your legs on Chicago's renowned River Walk, a 1.5-mile path from Lake Michigan to Lake Street

    Sights nearby  -  As well as shops, Chicago's famous Cultural Centre, Art Institute and the Willis Tower area nearby

    

    Boutique business hotel with lots of soul. Located in a former hat factory, there are fun historical touches throughout. Bedrooms are classic contemporary luxury; highlights include snug window seats, modern art and a cool but cosy grey and blue palette. Great value and the service is excellent. See More

    Check Availability

 

Written by Katie Harris

posted Monday, 8th February 2021