The Best Hotels in Chicago with a View

Chicago has one of the USA's most iconic cityscapes. Several prominent buildings built by renowned architects stand tall and make a striking backdrop to Lake Michigan. Conversely, the best hotels in Chicago with a view are the ones that stand near the lake waterfront and offer city and lake views. However, if you can't get lake views, then the river views are also pretty spectacular. The city has a wide range of really excellent hotels to choose from including everything from grand luxury stays to charming boutiques with a slightly more attractive price tag. Our hotel experts have compiled a collection of their favourites chosen on their design, amenities, service, and (of course) their views. So why not browse through our collection to start planning your next trip?

For a rooftop 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 (obviously) the rooftop pool and bar.

For lake views

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.
Loews Chicago is a cool contemporary option near Chicago's lakefront. Sleek rooms offer fabulous city views from the enormous windows. Complete with a large indoor pool, rooftop bar, and acclaimed restaurant — this property has it all.
Once the tallest building in the city, The Blackstone is a historic grand dame updated to the 21st Century. Expect wood-panelling, chandeliers and double-height ceilings combining with buzzing restaurants, an extensive art collection and quirky modern furniture. Many of the rooms also boast wonderful lake views. Having hosted many Presidents and celebrities, you can be sure of a very trendy crowd.
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.
W Chicago Lakeshore is a bold business hotel overlooking Lake Michigan. Rooms resemble cruise liner cabins with impressive views and a stylish mishmash of colours and textures. An indoor pool, spa, yoga classes, buzzing restaurant and a helpful concierge help make the most of downtime.

For a boutique

The Gwen has undergone a divine transformation from historic building to 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.
Sophy Hyde Park is a contemporary yet cosy boutique property located in Chicago's culturally rich Hyde Park district. Whether you want to feel the city's pulse, see the sites or dine like a local, this impressive hotel is a winner. Decor is eclectic, fun and warm with fantastic artwork and rooms have phenomenal city views.

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 luxury

Chicago Athletic Association was a Gentleman's club in the early 1800s which has now opened its Venetian Gothic doors to all. Boasting 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 on this old-school-cool stay.
Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile offers sleek luxury within a striking futuristic city tower. Light-filled rooms feel like homely enclaves while public spaces evoke Chicago's iconic skyscrapers. Decor blends blonde wood with contemporary prints while city views come as no surprise from the building's high vantage.
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.
Royal Sonesta Chicago River North is a 4* hotel that mixes elegant traditional design with contemporary flair. Rooms have great city views from floor-to-ceiling windows. Expect all the usual luxury amenities including an indoor pool, spa, restaurant, and a rooftop bar.
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 a spoiling spa — this is for you.

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 city break.

For a bathroom with a view

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.
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 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.

For families

Four Seasons Chicago is a luxury offering with excellent amenities and classic design plus wonderful lake views. 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 suited for all ages, this is a great choice for a family city break.

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 or the best hotels with rooftop pools in Chicago or the best five-star hotels in Chicago or cool hotels in Chicago.
Alternatively, you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.

The 20 Best Hotels in Chicago with a View

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 $280 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

The 20 Best Hotels in Chicago with a View

For a rooftop pool

For lake views

For a boutique

For the design

For luxury

For foodies

For a bathroom with a view

For families

Still not sure where to book?

The 20 Best Hotels in Chicago with a View

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