The Peninsula Chicago

A trip to Chicago is generally filled with jam-packed days hopping in and out of art museums, discovering the thriving food scene, or even letting loose at one of the famed city festivals. Therefore, choosing a comfortable city base is a real necessity. The city has a wide range of luxury options mostly with excellent amenities from spas or rooftop pools to acclaimed in-house restaurants. So where to start when choosing a luxury stay? Our hotel experts have scanned the length and breadth of the city to bring you a collection of the best luxury hotels in Chicago. Whether you want a room with city views, a convenient downtown location, or a luxury spot suitable to bring the kids to — there is something for all occasions here. So why not browse through our collection to start planning your next city break?

For the city views

Ritz Carlton Chicago

  • 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.

For a boutique

Hotel EMC2

  • Hotel EMC2 is a funky boutique-style hotel located in Chicago's lakeside neighbourhood. Pick this property for the bold design which includes rooms with Dali-esque murals, glass showers with copper tubing, dark wood floors and bright art. Complete with a lively restaurant and bar — this is a stylish yet fun stay.

For a downtown location

  • The Langham, Chicago is a very well positioned option located on 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, award-winning spa and indoor pool. A 'has-it-all' option, ideal for city exploring.
  • 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.
  • 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 rooftop bar draws a crowd, as does The Somerset restaurant downstairs. Luxury defined.
  • Lively Thompson Chicago is a converted mansion with a fabulous city centre position right beside Magnificent Mile. Stylish, contemporary, and with an acclaimed Italian restaurant and trendy bar — this well-priced downtown stay is an alluring choice.

For families

Four Seasons Chicago

  • 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 foodies

Nobu Hotel Chicago

  • 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 skyline-facing rooftop terrace. Perfect for a food-centric city break.

For contemporary design

Eurostars Magnificent Mile

  • Eurostars Magnificent Mile is a smart modern hotel in downtown. Rooms have a grown-up feel with dark wooden floors juxtaposed against swathes of glass opening onto the city skyline. With all the expected luxury trimmings such as a good spa and restaurant, and boasting a fabulous roof terrace bar. Ideal for business or leisure.

Still not sure where to book?

The 9 Best Luxury Hotels in Chicago

Thompson Chicago

Chicago (Near North Side)

Among the Chicago Mansions, this lively and trendy hotel offers prime location for Magnificent Mile and lakeside views. Contemporary rooms with noteworthy comfortable beds and waterfall showers, offering room service as well as Nico Osteria restaurant for fine Italian cuisine and wines.

  • Lively - Salone Nico is a favourite of Chicago bussiness types on an evening.
  • Sights nearby - Buckingham Fountain is a must see, as well as 'The Bean'.
  • Great walks - Grant Park and Lincoln Park are both worth a visit.
  • Views - Either of Lake Michigan or the Chicago skyline.
from AU$431 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
The Peninsula Chicago

Chicago (Near North Side)

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.

  • 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.
from AU$769 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Four Seasons Chicago

Chicago (Near North Side)

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.

  • 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.
from AU$885 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
The Langham, Chicago

Chicago (Near North Side)

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.

  • 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
from AU$846 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Viceroy Chicago

Chicago (Near North Side)

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.

  • 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
  • Designer
from AU$329 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Hotel EMC2

Chicago (Near North Side)

Funky boutique-style hotel located in Chicago's lakeside neighbourhood. Rooms are contemporary luxury with a twist; think Dali-esque murals, glass showers with copper tubing, dark wood floors & colourful art. The double-height restaurant and bar are buzzing. Fun and comfort in equal measure.

  • City Style - 'Where science and art meet' is the hotel's theme; it has resulted in a quirky yet chic, incredibly original Chicago property
  • Sights nearby - Architectural lovers will appreciate their surroundings; visit Time Life Building, Chicago Tribune Tower and Water Tower Chicago
  • Great walks - It's just over 1km to the city's most famous park - Millenium Park - known for its Cloud Gate sculpture
  • Views -
from AU$366 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Ritz Carlton Chicago

Chicago (Near North Side)

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.

  • 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
from AU$631 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Nobu Hotel Chicago

Chicago (West Loop)

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.

  • 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
from AU$323 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Eurostars Magnificent Mile

Chicago (Near North Side)

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.

  • 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
from AU$369 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

Written by Katie Harris

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

No spam. Only sweet updates about the latest hotel openings and the best places to stay.