Metropolitan Chicago is the third largest metropolitan area in the US. A truly world class city. For many people, this is why they come — to enjoy the performing arts, world-renowned museums, grand architecture, eclectic cocktail bars, and incredible array of restaurants. But very often, you haven't really truly seen Chicago until you've explored its shores — where windswept beaches meet Lake Michigan's choppy waves. So when it comes to choosing where to stay in Chicago, our hotel experts' advice is to pick a property right in the centre so you have easy access to all nooks and crannies of the city. Luckily, there are plenty of centrally located hotels to choose from whether you are in search of grand five-star luxury or a chic boutique stay. So why not browse through our collection of the best hotels in downtown Chicago to start planning your visit?
Chicago (Near North Side)
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.
Chicago (Near North Side)
Wes Anderson-style exterior combines with funky interiors; all mismatched colours, multi-layered textures & ethnic prints. Well-designed rooms are basic but very comfortable and either private or shared; the latter dorm-style with cosy multi-level bunk-beds. Idulge in late-night revelry at the bar.
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.
Chicago (Lincoln Park)
A charming hotel in the Lincoln Park district, close to Fullerton Beach. Stylish, comfy suites in a soft colour palette with a mix of old and new furnishings; each has its own kitchen and some have a private patio. There are plenty of restaurants on the doorstep. A cool place to experience Chicago.
Chicago (Near North Side)
Buzzing and fun boutique-style hotel. The reception doubles as a bar; expect cocktails on arrival. Decor is contemporary industrial-cool, with splashes of hot pink. Rooms aren't huge but have everything you need. The 24-hour taco restaurant is useful after nightly DJ sets. Perfect for party animals.
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.
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.
Chicago (Near North Side)
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.
Chicago (Near North Side)
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.
Chicago (Near North Side)
A glamorous great Gatsby style hotel, in a beautifully refurbished 1920's building in downtown Chicago. The comfortable and spacious rooms have been carefully crafted by local designers. The popular on site restaurant draws crowds, as do the cocktails at the vintage bar. An elegant spot.
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.
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.
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.
Chicago (Near North Side)
Sleek luxury located in a striking futuristic city tower. Light-filled rooms feel like homely enclaves while public spaces evoke Chicago's iconic skyscrapers; the lobby resembles a space shuttle. Decor blends blonde wood with contemporary prints. Dine at the French restaurant - very chic.
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.
Chicago (Near North Side)
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.
Chicago (Near North Side)
Not only does this hotel have an excellent central location, but it's one of a handful of American properties situated within a museum; the collection is dedicated to 21st century art. Modern rooms and suites manage to feel boutique in style despite the key count with wood panelling and great views.
Chicago (The Loop)
Beautiful hotel set in iconic Art Deco building in downtown Chicago. Elegant rooms feature neutral tones and plush soft furnishings, some with fireplaces, parquet flooring and views across the city, river and harbour. French brasserie and intimate bar for dining and drinks. A decadent city stay.
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.
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.
Chicago (Near North Side)
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.
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.
Chicago (The Loop)
A stylish hotel in downtown Chicago's Loop area. Bold rooms have high-end finishes, rich tones and opulent bathrooms featuring Art Deco touches. There's an elegant lobby, top-notch restaurant with steak tasting menu and an intimate bar. Quiet yet close to the action for a sophisticated city stay.
Chicago (Near North Side)
Work hard and party harder. Bold business hotel overlooking Lake Michigan. Rooms resemble cruise liner cabins with impressive views and a stylish mishmash of colours & textures. An indoor pool, spa, yoga classes, buzzing restaurant and a helpful concierge helps make the most of downtime.
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.
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.
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.
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.