The Hotel Guru
Chicago
The 17 Best Boutique Hotels in Chicago

The 17 Best Boutique Hotels in Chicago

Chicago has a world-class selection of hotels. Its unique architecture — a muddle of sleek skyscrapers and grand historic buildings — provides the perfect base for some truly unique city stays. When it comes to choosing a hotel, our Hotel Gurus always favour a boutique property to get a real flavour of the destination. With this in mind, we have compiled a collection of the best boutique hotels in Chicago chosen on their design, location, service, and amenities. Here you will find something to suit almost all tastes and budgets whether you are looking for a hip destination, cool sophisticaction or traditional charm. So why not browse through our collection to start planning your next break?

For foodies

Longman & Eagle is a superb farm-to-table restaurant with rooms. The buzzing dining room channels a traditional Chicago inn with plenty of local charm while the menu is meat-heavy complemented by seasonal cocktails, biodynamic wines and craft beers. Will appeal to those keen to avoid cookie-cutter city hotels.

For a hip 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. 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 a B&B

The Sono is a boutique B&B in the Old Town. Immaculate light-filled rooms are serene yet homely with soft monochrome colour schemes, fluffy carpets and walk-in showers. A dreamy country kitchen with relaxed benches, a roof-top with city views and fire-side sitting rooms seal the deal.
Villa d'Citta is an Italian-themed B&B in a leafy residential neighbourhood. Built in the 1880s, expect high ceilings, wooden pillars and Georgian windows. Spacious suites channel a Mediterranean feel with marble baths, Roman busts and antique beds. Relax by the fire or soak in the outdoor hot tub. Made for couples.
Bishops Hall is a grand Georgian-Revival B&B with glamorous period drama. Romantic rooms bring the past to life; expect four-poster beds, oriental rugs, gilded portraits and Chinese porcelain. Fire-side tea-time and musical evenings are the cherry on the cake.
Harvey House Bed and Breakfast is a small yet sophisticated B&B located in leafy Oak Park. Rooms and suites have been lovingly designed and decorated; expect antique beds, exotic patterned rugs, burning fires and atmospheric slanting ceilings. A cosy hideaway.

For long stays

Wicker Park Inn offers historic charm combined with boutique style in a residential neighbourhood. The mix of guest rooms and fully functioning apartments can also be booked out exclusively. Decor combines antique fireplaces, exposed brick walls, jewel tones and wallpaper accents. The friendly atmosphere works well for long stays.
The Guesthouse Hotel comprises a range of fully-equipped one, two and three-bedroom self-catered apartments in the Anderson District. Each of the fresh, lofty and spacious units provides everything expected from a lovely home; dishwashers, driers, gym, balconies and even a roof terrace. A chic option for long stays.

For a historic stay

The Publishing House is a stylish boutique B&B set in a 110-year-old brick building with a literature theme. Complete with a heaving library and author-themed rooms, this is geek-chic territory. Breakfasts are home-cooked and there is a pantry available for guests all day.

For families

The WheelHouse Hotel is a cosy boutique hotel set in the lively neighbourhood of Wrigleyville. Themed around the Cubs and baseball with vintage artworks, a fun bar and a delicious pizza restaurant — this is a fun choice for a family stay. Pack and plays are provided on request and a suite with bunk beds suits those travelling with young children.
Freehand is a great value hotel with a boutique feel in downtown Chicago. Rooms are boho chic and come in various sizes including quads and a penthouse, which sleeps up to six, meaning there are flexible options for families. For those of age, there is a popular cocktail bar. With doubles starting at $85 (quads are just $25 per bed) — this is an affordable and hip choice for those travelling with kids.

For a pool

The Robey is a modern boutique hotel set in a striking art-deco building 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 lure is the rooftop pool and bar.

For a spa

Claridge House offers boutique luxury for those on a budget. Muted rooms are designed to feel like home with cosy throws, Netflix, spa showers and eclectic artwork. A spa and beautiful French bistro-style bar make this ideal for a romantic and affordable getaway.

For contemporary style

Ruby Room offers contemporary, bold and boutique rooms in Wicker Park. The unique decor mixes patterned curtains and brightly coloured walls with fun vintage-style furniture. Perfect for those who want to experience Chicago daily life but from a luxurious base.

For proximity to Wrigley Field

Hotel Zachary is a lively boutique hotel opposite Wrigley Field baseball stadium. An industrial conversion masterclass, interiors are cool, contemporary and yet cosy. Dining spaces are the real draw and popular with locals.

For Magnificent Mile

Lively Thompson Chicago is a converted mansion with a fabulous city centre position offering superb Magnificent Mile and lakeside views. Stylish, contemporary, and with an acclaimed Italian restaurant and trendy bar — this well-priced downtown stay is an alluring choice.

Still not sure where to book?

Browse our list of the best places to stay in Chicago.
Check out all our recommendations in Illinois.
Refine your search and look at the best hotels in West Loop, Chicago, the best hotels in Downtown Chicago, the best hotels with rooftop pools in Chicago, the best five-star hotels in Chicago, cool hotels in Chicago or the top Chicago Hotels with parking.
Alternatively, you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.
- Longman & Eagle Chicago (Logan Square) 6 rooms from €108
  
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  Local exploring  -  Stay here to feel like a true Chicago resident. Meet the locals and explore nearby culinary haunts, bustling bars & trendy shops
  Close to nightlife  -  Locals come here for the cocktails. Expect a fun atmosphere; will suit those looking more for a party than a good night's sleep
  Foodies  -  Expect a meat-heavy menu complimented by seasonal cocktails, biodynamic wines craft beers at the rustic tavern restaurant
  Sights nearby  -  It's 25 minutes on the subway into central Chicago to visit the city's parks, designer shops and museums
  Recommended by  -  Fodors
  
  Excellent farm-to-table restaurant with rooms. The buzzing dining room channels a traditional Chicago inn with plenty of local charm. Each authentic room is different but features wooden floors, exposed brick walls and fun artwork. Will appeal to those keen to avoid cookie-cutter city hotels. See More
  
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- Ruby Room Chicago (Wicker Park) 9 rooms from €126
  
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  Local exploring  -  Wicker Park is one of Chicago's coolest districts; explore the live music scene, off-beat boutiques & trendy restaurants
  Sights nearby  -  It's easy to head into central Chicago on public transport to visit the main sites: Millenium Park, Cloud Gate and Willis Tower
  Great walks  -  Take a walk or spend the day with a book relaxing in the famous Wicker Park
  Full of character
  
  Contemporary, bold and boutique rooms in Wicker Park. The unqiue decor mixes patterned curtains & brightly coloured walls with fun vintage-style furniture. Perfect for those who want to experience Chicago daily life but from a luxurious base. There is a shared kitchen but it's more fun to eat out. See More
  
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- The Sono Chicago (Old Town) 8 rooms from €143
  
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  Romantic Break  -  Adult-only, this property excels in grown-up peace and quiet. Check-in to spend uniterrupted quality time together
  Local exploring  -  Explore Chicago's charming Old Town neighbourhood with its shops, parks and restaurants
  Views  -  There are great city views from the rooftop deck
  Adult Only
  
  Boutique B&B in the Old Town. Immaculate light-filled rooms are serene yet homely with soft monochrome colour schemes, fluffy carpets and walk-in showers. A dreamy country-kitchen with relaxed benches, roof-top with city views and fire-side sitting rooms seal the deal. Cosy contemporary love nest. See More
  
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- Villa d'Citta Chicago (Lincoln Park) 6 rooms from €144
  
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  Romantic Break  -  Enjoy laid-back luxury, a strong sense of privacy and the feel of staying at a home-away-from-home
  Sights nearby  -  It's just over 20 minutes by public transport into downtown Chicago to explore the Magnificent Mile
  Romantic  -  Good for couples.
  Full of character
  
  Italian-themed B&B in a leafy residential neighbourhood. Built in the 1880s, expect high ceilings, wooden pillars and Georgian windows. Spacious suites channel a Mediterranean feel with marble baths, Roman busts and antique beds. Relax by the fire or soak in the outdoor hot tub. Made for couples. See More
  
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- Wicker Park Inn Chicago (Wicker Park) 9 rooms from €161
  
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  Weddings  -  The property works as a great venue for intimate weddings or elopements. Make sure to ask for the flower arch!
  Local exploring  -  The Wicker Park area is known for up-and-coming restaurants and independent boutiques
  Sights nearby  -  Nearby public transport will take you easily into downtown Chicago to explore Magnificent Mile, Millenium Park or Wrigley Fields
  Great walks  -  There are lots of local parks, including Wicker Park of course, to stretch your legs
  
  Historic charm meets boutique style in a residential neighbourhood. The mix of guest rooms and fully-functioning apartments can also be booked out exclusively. Decor combines antique fireplaces, exposed brick walls, jewel tones & wallpaper accents. The friendly atmosphere works well for long stays. See More
  
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- Harvey House Bed and Breakfast Chicago (Oak Park) 5 rooms from €184
  
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  Local exploring  -  Exploring nearby Chicago is easy as a nearby train leaves for the centre every 8 minutes. Oak Park has restaurants & galleries
  City Style  -  A cosy home-away-from-home from which to explore Chicago if you fancy escaping the hustle and bustle
  Sights nearby  -  The Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio is worth exploring, as well as Chicago's Architecture Center
  Restrictions on children  -  Children over 12 years of age are welcome
  
  A small yet sophisticated and stylish B&B located in Oak Park, a leafy village within the Chicago municipality. 5 rooms and suites have been lovingly designed and decorated; expect antique beds, exotic patterned rugs, burning fires and atmospheric slanting ceilings. Many dining options are nearby. See More
  
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- The Publishing House Chicago (West Loop) 13 rooms from €202
  
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  Local markets  -  Check out Randolph Street Market, the West Loop’s monthly vintage bonanza. Its food-focused rival is Chicago French Market
  Hideaway  -  With plenty of books to choose from in the hotel library, curl up in one of the reading nooks
  Restaurant  -  Complimentary breakfast
  Views  -  Stunning city views
  Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith
  
  A boutique B&B offering hip design in the trendy West Loop. Featuring a heaving library and author-themed rooms with books to match. A home-cooked breakfast feast is provided for each guest and there's a round-the-clock pantry. A charming and central base to explore the city from. See More
  
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- The Guesthouse Hotel Chicago (Andersonville) 25 rooms from €168
  
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  Families  -  You won't need to bring much; helpful equipment like high chairs, pushchairs, cots, bath accessories, games & toys are provided
  Sights nearby  -  It's easy to head into central Chicago on public transport for the day; visit Millenium Park, Magnificent Mile and Museum Campus
  Spa  -  The hotel partners with the day spa next door to provide in-room treatments
  Full of character
  
  Fantastically fully-equipped one, two & three-bedroom self-catered apartments in Chicago's Anderson district. Each of the fresh, lofty and spacious units provides everything expected from a lovely home; dishwashers, driers, gym, balconies & even a roof terrace. A comfortable option for long stays. See More
  
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- Thompson Chicago Chicago (Near North Side) 247 rooms from €252
  
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  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.
  Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith, Tablet
  
  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. See More
  
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- The Robey Chicago (Wicker Park) 89 rooms from €121
  
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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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- Freehand, Chicago Chicago (Near North Side) 217 rooms from €76
  
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  Value chic  -  With doubles from as little as $85 per night (or only $25 per person if you're prepared to share a dorm) it's unbeatable value
  Restaurant  -  Cafe Integral offers up Nicaraguan coffee to complement its selection of light breakfast- and cafe-style fare.
  Great walks  -  Every Saturday morning, the hotel arranges for pay-what-you-like walking tours.
  Kayaking  -  Explore Chicago from an unusual angle on a kayaking water tour.
  Recommended by  -  Tablet
  
  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. See More
  
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- Hotel Zachary Chicago (Lakeview) 173 rooms from €178
  
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  Lively  -  On game days the hotel's public spaces are busy; expect plenty of people and plenty of noise... and a lot of fun
  Short break  -  The only place to stay if you're flying into Chicago for a big game
  Sights nearby  -  The nieghbourhood's big attraction is Wrigley Field, the baseball stadium home to the Chicago Cubs. Make sure to catch a game
  Views  -  Great views from hotel
  
  Lively boutique hotel opposite Wrigley Field baseball stadium. An industrial conversion masterclass, interiors are cool, contemporary and yet cosy; expect a sophisticated grey palette with fun baseball-themed touches & large-scale artworks. Dining spaces are the real draw and popular with locals. See More
  
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- Claridge House Chicago (Near North Side) 165 rooms from €124
  
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  Local exploring  -  While Gold Coast is known as a residential area, it's surprisingly close to many of the city's top sites
  Spa  -  Spa at the Gold Coast offers a range of treatments and massages using quality products designed to rejuvenate all skin types
  Great walks  -  Start your day with a stroll to the lakefront or a jog in Lincoln Park
  Designer  -  Uniquely designed interiors.
  
  Boutique luxury for those on a budget. Inviting public areas are a stylish mishmash of textures, textiles and tones with mid-century funiture. Muted rooms are designed to feel like home with cosy throws, Netflix, spa showers and eclectic artwork. There's a spa & beautiful French bistro-style bar. See More
  
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