Virgin Hotels Chicago

Chicago's Loop is the city's iconic downtown area, named after the train-line that loops around it. There's something for everyone here — it's the most obvious destination for couples and families wanting to do a bit of sightseeing in Chicago; the neighbourhood is rich in things to see and do. Culture-vultures will love the world-class exhibitions at the Art Institute of Chicago and the buzzing theatre district. Sports fans will enjoy Millennium Park. Romantics will enjoy strolling along the Riverwalk, and families can make a short cycling trip to the shores of Lake Michigan for a picnic. Our pick of the best hotels in Chicago's Loop range from smart self catering apartments to luxury upscale hotels, and all offer a superb base for exploring this exciting city.

For an apartment

Sonder Library Lofts

  • If you'd like some independence, check out Sonder Library Lofts — a collection of sleek, contemporary apartments in the heart of South Loop. Families and couples alike will love the sweeping city views from the roof patio, and the BBQ is a big plus.

For a luxury city stay

The Blackstone Chicago

  • The Blackstone Chicago is one of the best luxury hotels in the Chicago Loop, particularly if you want to wake up to stunning views of Lake Michigan. It's grand and opulent, set in a historic Beaux-Arts building; interiors are adorned with original artworks, chandeliers and high ceilings. Boutique glamour in the heart of Chicago Loop!
  • Virgin Hotel is primed for theatre lovers, as it's only steps away from the Chicago Theatre. It's glitzy and glamorous,with influences from the Jazz Age. The views from the rooftop will blow your socks off, and the rooms are pure luxury. Add to that the pampering spa and five restaurants and you've got a superb luxury stay!

For lake views

Athletic Association

  • The Chicago Athletic Association is a local institution and landmark right next to Millennium Park. Its spacious, contemporary-yet-classic rooms afford gorgeous views of it and Lake Michigan beyond. This former 19th century gentleman's club is perfect if you want a slice of old world glamour and the lake views (especially from Cindy's rooftop restaurant and bar) are stunning. Best of all, its central downtown location is well place for everything from Millennium Park and Lake Michigan to many of Downtown's best restaurants.

For a romantic city break

Silversmith Hotel

  • Silversmith Hotel is within walking distance from the Blue Line Station, so travelling around Chicago is made seamless from this modern, minimalist hotel. Set in a 19th-century building, complete with original marble floors, high ceilings and pillars, this glossy boutique hotel makes for a romantic stay in the heart of the city.
  • The Kimpton Gray Hotel is one for couples. If you're on a romantic break, you'll be wowed by its personalised spa, the live music on the rooftop, the Latin food at Boleo restaurant, and the free bikes, perfect for a short ride to the shores of Lake Michigan.
  • Allegro Royal Sonesta Chicago Loop was built in the Jazz Age, so it's all glitz and glamour here at this spacious Art Deco property. Couples will love the Gatsby-esque cocktail bar and luxury rooms. It's right next to the Blue Line, so it makes travel around town effortless.
  • Hotel Julian is a great option for couples on a city break. Rooms boast Art Deco and Mid-century touches, and some offer killer city views. Only 300 metres from Cloud Gate, and just 1km from Lake Michigan. Perfect for couples looking for an affordable stay.
  • Kimpton Hotel Monaco, set in a former hat factory, is a contemporary boutique hotel within walking distance of the Theatre District. With its modern art, cool colours, and snug window seats, it makes for a romantic and intimate city stay.

For something fun

TheWit

  • Staypineapple Chicago is a lively boutique hotel just across from Millennium Park, and near most of Chicago's biggest attractions. Its pinapple-themed rooms are quirky and fun, and the restaurant is something of a local institution.
  • TheWit Hotel is as buzzing as the area itself. Surrounded by theatres and cool bars, this cool hotel has a 27th-floor rooftop bar with stunning views and luxury rooms with city skyline vistas.

For families

LondonHouse

  • LondonHouse is a luxury hotel that's great for families, offering spacious rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows and views of the Chicago River, and a children's menu for afternoon tea. Best of all, it's on Michigan Avenue and well placed for all the city highlights.

STILL NOT SURE?

The 12 Best Hotels in the Chicago Loop

Virgin Hotels Chicago

Chicago (The Loop)

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.

  • Sights nearby - The Willis Tower or John Hanncock Centre - both offer great views of the city.
  • Lively - Bar and entertainment readily avaliable.
  • Restaurant
from AU$446 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Chicago Athletic Association

Chicago (The Loop)

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.

  • Sights nearby - Millennium Park is in close proximity to the hotel.
  • Views -
  • Restaurant -
  • Full of character
from AU$292 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
The Kimpton Gray Hotel

Chicago (The Loop)

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.

  • City Style - A suave sophisticated hotel with twin staircases and vintage elevators in the heart of Chicago
  • Views -
  • Restaurant -
  • Traditional
from AU$309 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Hotel Julian

Chicago (The Loop)

Affordable romance in the heart of the city. Well-designed contemporary rooms have Art Deco and Mid-century touches and killer views. Buzzing public areas combine exposed brickwork, mismatched furniture and playful lighting to create fun and welcoming spaces. Stay here after a night on the town.

  • Value chic - Considering the incredible location, views, amenities and city views, this is a great value choice in Chicago
  • Local exploring - Step out of your door and explore the city's cultural, historic, architectural and natural wonders
  • Great walks - It's only just over 1km to the shores of Lake Michigan, as well as adjacent to Millenium Park
  • Sights nearby - Chicago's famous Cloud Gate - also known as The Bean - is just 300m away
from AU$188 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
LondonHouse

Chicago (The Loop)

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.

  • 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 -
from AU$265 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Kimpton Hotel Monaco, Chicago

Chicago (The Loop)

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.

  • 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
from AU$288 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Silversmith Hotel

Chicago (The Loop)

Glossy modern minimalism meets historic glamour in this jewellery box of a 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.

  • Local exploring - Walk to everything that matters in downtown Chicago; parks, shops, buzzy restaurants and bars, historic sites and museums
  • City Style - Dripping in glamour, this is a wonderful vintage-feel oasis in Chicago's skyscraper laden Loop District
  • Sights nearby - Spot the architectural gems of Magnificent Mile, visit the Chicago Public Library or walk to a concert at Chicago Symphony Hall
  • Great walks - The city's famous Millenium Park is just around the corner. Go for strolls while admiring interesting sculpture
from AU$197 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
The Blackstone

Chicago (The Loop)

Historic grand-dame updated for the 21st-century. Built in the Beaux-Art era, this city-centre luxury hotel is the epitome of boutique glamour. Wood-panelling, chandeliers & double-height ceilings combine with buzzing restaurants, extensive art collection & quirky modern furniture to great effect.

  • City Style - A Chicago institution dripping in history which feels cool, chic and on the pulse
  • Great walks - Grant Park is literally on the doorstep. Explore Millenium Park, world-famous Cloud Atlas and Buckingham Fountain
  • Views - Many rooms have views of Lake Michigan and Grant Park
  • Restaurant -
from AU$288 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Staypineapple Chicago

Chicago (The Loop)

Fun and great-value luxury hotel for those who don't take themselves too seriously. Iron filigree staircases, endless ceilings and exquisite tiled floors combine with contemporary style in pineapple-themed rooms; expect pet-friendly touches & fluffy duvets. The superb restaurant is a city favourite.

  • Value chic - Entry-category rooms are incredible value; the great location, historic building, fun vibe & excellent dining come at a steal
  • Local exploring - Everything you want from central Chicago is here; Lake Michigan, Millenium Park, designer shops, restaurants and sites
  • Great walks - Stretch your legs; it's a very short walk to Millenium Park - home to famous Cloud Gate - and the shores of the lake
  • Views - For views of Millenium Park and Michigan Lake you'll need to book the Millenium Park View Suite
from AU$169 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
theWit Hotel

Chicago (The Loop)

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.

  • 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 -
from AU$303 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
The Allegro Royal Sonesta Chicago Loop

Chicago (The Loop)

Large in scale but boutique in style with fab facilities. Built-in 1924, Art Deco is the theme, especially in the buzzing Gatsby-esque cocktail bar & restaurant. The expansive luxurious lobby sets the tone while rooms feel like the inside of a jewellery box with lacquered wood and gold touches.

  • City Style - Stay here to dip into Chicago's rich and glamorous history with all the modern conveniences you could want
  • Local exploring - Chicago's main attractions are all nearby; explore parks, museums, shops, restaurants and the river front
  • Sights nearby - Admire the Picasso statue or some of the city's finest archiectural achievements: Chase Tower, Willis Tower & Union Station
  • Great walks - It's an easy walk to Millenium Park, or join the city's famous River Walk
from AU$342 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Sonder Library Lofts

Chicago (The Loop)

Contemporary and sleek self-contained apartments situated in the cultural neighbourhood of South Loop. Apartments have kitchenettes, comfortable seating areas and modern bathrooms. Enjoy the breathtaking views from the roof patio (complete with BBQ). A conveniently placed home-away-from-home.

  • Local exploring - Situated close to Lake Michigan, the Lofts put guests in a prime position to experience Chicago
  • City Style - Return back to the apartment's to enjoy skyscraper-views from the rooftop deck
  • No restaurant - Self-catering units
  • Sights nearby - Get the lift to the top of the 108-story Willis Tower for breathtaking views of the city
from AU$268 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Written by Edmund Wise

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