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Chicago
The 15 Best Hotels with Rooftop Bars in Chicago

The 15 Best Hotels with Rooftop Bars in Chicago

Chicago is renowned for its buzzing nightlife and its iconic city skyline. Therefore, roof terrace bars are exclusive and sought after venues. With this in mind, our hotel experts have scoured the city to bring you a collection of the best hotels with rooftop bars in Chicago. Our list includes some of the city's most glamorous and luxurious venues but also a range of lesser-known, yet equally chic, boutique options for something a little more underground. So why not browse through our collection to start planning your next city break?

For luxury

LondonHouse is a luxury hotel, in downtown Chicago, on Michigan Avenue; one of the city's original high-rises, which dates back to the 1920s. Pick this property for the indulgent rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows and marble bathrooms. With a chic rooftop bar and superb seafood and steak restaurant — this is a spoiling choice.
Viceroy Chicago is a magnificent hybrid of old and new, a perfectly preserved 1920's facade attached to a glistening glass tower in downtown Chicago. Inside you will find the same paradoxes; the rooms are spectacular and so are the views from their floor to ceiling windows. The sexy rooftop bar (with a pool) is perfect for romantic evenings as is The Somerset restaurant downstairs. Luxury defined.
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, a cool rooftop bar, an A-list art collection and a spoiling spa — this is for you.
The Peninsula Chicago stands out for its dignified grandeur. Expect luxury touches such as specially commissioned artworks and glorious soaking tubs with epic city views. With three award-winning restaurants, a roof terrace bar, and a spa that offers treatments inspired by Ayurvedic and Asian philosophies — you'll want for nothing here.
Chicago Athletic Association was a Gentleman's club in the early 1800s which has now opened its Venetian Gothic doors to all and boasts large, retro rooms with Millennium Park views. Cherry Circle Room catches the essence of its former dining glory while the rooftop bar completes the picture.
Virgin Hotel is perfect for the modern traveller or those on a business trip. Two-chamber rooms with all the mod-cons are contemporary and luxurious. With five restaurants on-site there is plenty to choose from while for post-dinner, the roof terrace bar is a happening spot.
Kimpton Gray Hotel is an iconic and elegant building in the Loop's financial corridor. Named for its grey marble exterior, the rooms mirror this toned down grandeur, with the odd splash of colour and quirky design. With a range of bars and restaurants (including a hip roof terrace option), they have all the bases covered.

For a boutique

The Robey is a chic modern boutique hotel 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.
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 Gwen has undergone a divine transformation from a historic building to a luxury boutique hotel. Art Deco glamour reigns supreme in the rooms, restaurants and the chic wrap-around rooftop bar. Expect jewel tones, gold fittings, glossy marble and epic city views. A sexy and stylish stay.
Ace Hotel Chicago was once a cheese factory but is now a hip boutique hotel. Highlights include city views, trendy co-working space and the buzzing outdoor rooftop bar. Rooms in this concrete and glass industrial conversion come with grey palettes, tiled bathrooms, local artwork and Bauhaus style furniture. Where the cool kids stay.

For families

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 great value

Hotel Lincoln is well situated opposite Lincoln Park. Rooms are mostly lake-facing with local artworks and luxe facilities. A fun-loving hotel with a farm-to-fork restaurant and a rooftop bar with stunning views. A great value spot to explore from.

For the design

TheWit Hotel is a playful and buzzy 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 and enjoy the 27th-floor rooftop bar.

For foodies

At Nobu Hotel Chicago, sexy city style meets world-class cuisine on Chicago's 'restaurant row'. Rooms are a masterclass in luxurious restraint; think 'wow' floor-to-ceiling views, Japanese tubs and Asian-inspired minimalist furniture. Enjoy Nobu culinary favourites, a slick indoor pool and a skyline facing rooftop terrace. Perfect for a food-centric stay.

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 Chicago hotels for families.
Check out all our recommendations in Illinois.
Alternatively, you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.
- The Robey Chicago (Wicker Park) 89 rooms from AU$198
  
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  City Style  -  Chic accommodation in a historic building evoking memories of bygone years
  Local exploring  -  Make the most out of The Robey's location to truly get to know Chicago
  Sights nearby  -  Head over to Wrigley Field and enjoy a Cubs game or give the Lioncoln Park Zoo a visit
  Views  -  For great views book either a Corner Suite or Panorama Suite
  Recommended by  -  Tablet
  
  Situated in Chicago's Wicker Park, The Robey is set in the art-deco former Northwest Tower building and provides boutique, upmarket accommodation. Expect fresh and contemporary design. Café Robey serves up French-American fusion cuisine and cocktails are served on the rooftop lounge. Superb! See More
  
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- Ivy Hotel Chicago (Near North Side) 63 rooms from AU$292
  
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  Value chic  -  This is a great part of town; a stay in the property's sexy rooms with top-knotch facilites are great value
  Sights nearby  -  Admire some of the city's best architecture nearby: Chicago Tribune Tower, Time Life Building and Water Tower Chicago
  Great walks  -  It's a short walk to Lake Michigan or Grant Park, to stretch your legs with great views
  Restaurant  -  Recommended.
  
  Contemporary boutique in central Chicago. There's a gym, yoga classes, restaurant and great rooftop bar that's popular with locals in summer months. Rooms & suites are a playful take on classic luxury, with distinct jewel-tone furniture, modern artwork and deep soaking tubs. See More
  
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- Hotel Lincoln Chicago (Lincoln Park) 184 rooms from AU$220
  
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  Views  -  Many of the rooms boast great views of Lake Michigan and the city skyline
  Great walks  -  Go for a stroll through Lincoln Park which the hotel overlooks.
  Sights nearby  -  Wrigley Field is nearby.
  Short break
  
  On the north side of Chicago opposite Lincoln Park rests the newly renovated Hotel Lincoln. Rooms are mostly lake facing with local art works and all facilities. This fun-loving hotel houses the farm-to-fork Perennial Virant restaurant and a rooftop bar for stunning views. Great spot to explore. See More
  
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- The Gwen Chicago (Near North Side) 311 rooms from AU$224
  
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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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- Loews Chicago Chicago (Near North Side) 400 rooms from AU$221
  
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  Families  -  As well as helpful equipment, the hotel also provides iPads loaded with age-appropriate games, consoles, toys & activity books
  Value chic  -  Entry-level rates are incredibly reasonable given the central downtown location and five-star facilities
  Sights nearby  -  The city's Wrigley Building, Arts Club of Chicago, Chicago Tribune Tower and Time Life Building are within 500 metres
  Views  -  Floor to ceiling windows allow superb city skyline views; for something special book a lake view suite
  
  Cool, contemporary city style near Chicago's river and lake front. Spacious and grown-up rooms blend a luxury palette of charcoal and silver hues, with enormous windows. Take in lake views from the rooftop bar after a great steak at the restaurant. There's a large pool and welcoming lobby lounge. See More
  
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- 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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- 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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- The Kimpton Gray Hotel Chicago (The Loop) 293 rooms from AU$295
  
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  City Style  -  A suave sophisticated hotel with twin staircases and vintage elevators in the heart of Chicago
  Views  -  Great views from hotel
  Restaurant  -  Recommended.
  Traditional
  Recommended by  -  Tablet
  
  An iconic and elegant building in the Loop's financial corridor. Named for its grey marble exterior, the rooms mirror this toned down grandeur, with the odd splash of colour and quirky design. With a range of bars and restaurants, and excellent 24 hour gym they have all the bases covered. See More
  
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- Nobu Hotel Chicago Chicago (West Loop) 115 rooms from AU$308
  
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  Foodies  -  Nobu's black cod & iconic Bento Boxes are famous the world over. Enjoy Japanese culinary delights without the need to head home
  Romantic Break  -  Spend afternoons by the indoor pool before a special evening of dinner and cocktails with incredible Chicago skyline views
  Great walks  -  Walk off delicious meals with a wander down West Randolph Street, the city's foodie hotspot
  Local markets  -  Walk to nearby Chicago French Market, the city’s only year-round indoor marketplace
  
  Sexy city style meets world-class cuisine on Chicago's 'restaurant row'. Rooms are a masterclass in luxurious restraint; think 'wow' floor-to-ceiling views, Japanese tubs and Asian-inspired minimalist furniture. Enjoy Nobu culinary favourites, slick indoor pool and skyline-facing rooftop terrace. See More
  
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- The Peninsula Chicago Chicago (Near North Side) 339 rooms from AU$733
  
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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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- Chicago Athletic Association Chicago (The Loop) 241 rooms from AU$279
  
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  Sights nearby  -  Millennium Park is in close proximity to the hotel.
  Views  -  Great views from hotel
  Restaurant  -  Recommended.
  Full of character
  
  Gentleman's club in the early 1800s now opens its Venetian Gothic doors to business travellers, leisure seekers and city slickers. Large, retro rooms boasting Millennium Park views. Cherry Circle Room catches the essence of its former dining purpose. Remember the bar up on Cindy's Roof Top Terrace. See More
  
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- Viceroy Chicago Chicago (Near North Side) 180 rooms from AU$314
  
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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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- Ritz Carlton Chicago Chicago (Near North Side) 434 rooms from AU$601
  
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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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