Where to Stay: The Top Hotels in Chicago

top hotels in chicago

Chicago’s got it all – theater, nightlife, impressive architecture, art, great food, serious sports love and world-class experiences – the list goes on. It’s no wonder that it is one of the most-visited cities in America. If the Windy City is on your list of places to go, we’ve provided a selection of some of the top hotels in Chicago and organized them by general price range to help you plan your stay.

Top Hotels in Chicago: Budget

ACME Hotel Company Chicago  

The funky ACME Hotel is full of modern and inventive touches to enhance your stay. Stylish rooms with wooden floors and up-to-date accommodations like free Wi-Fi, Apple and PC-compatible hookups and internet-ready smart TVs are designed with comfort and convenience in mind. And being just a short walk from the luxury shops of the Magnificent Mile and nightlife of State Street, fun is never too far. If relaxation is what you’re after, the on-site fitness center with hot tub and sauna, bakery and cocktail lounge are all great places to unwind. Even better, the hotel’s “Morning Joe” delivery service brings hot coffee to your room at whatever time you designate for your daily wake up.

Restaurant Recipe Guide

Featuring more than 40 recipes and tips from top chefs and kitchens in the Northeast. Download the Restaurant Recipe Guide and get cooking!

Download Now!

Best Western Plus Hawthorne Terrace

In an unassuming ivy-covered redbrick building in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood, this boutique hotel offers more than meets the eye and great value for the price. Cozy, contemporary rooms, free Wi-Fi and on-site parking come included with your stay along with an on-site fitness center with hot tub and sauna. It’s just a short drive from top Chicago attractions including the theater district, the Lincoln Park Zoo and Shedd Aquarium. And baseball fans with love that Wrigley Field is just around the corner. Pet-friendly.

Doubletree Chicago Magnificent Mile

Just steps from the Magnificent Mile and Navy Pier, this Doubletree location is centrally located to the city’s top attractions, providing an upscale experience at a good price. Rooms feature modern and chic accommodations with panoramic views of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan that can be enjoyed from built-in window seats. Amenities include seasonal outdoor rooftop pool, fitness center and several dining options including breakfast at Markethouse restaurant and fresh meals and cocktails at the Lobby Lounge.

Fairfield Inn & Suites Chicago Downtown

Recently renovated, Fairfield Inn & Suites now boasts comfortable, contemporary style, although its central location and affordable nightly rates have always made it one of the most wallet-friendly, top hotels in Chicago. All rooms include conveniences like mini-fridges, microwaves, spacious work areas and flat screens along with free daily continental breakfast, Wi-Fi and fitness center.

Top hotels in Chicago: Mid-range

The Palmer House Hilton

Known for its incredible architecture and the classic French Baroque design in its stunning landmark lobby, the historic Palmer House has operated continuously since 1873. Guests can appreciate the old-world elegance of the hotel, while also enjoying rooms fitted with the latest and most comfortable accommodations. Located in Chicago’s theater district, it is just two blocks from Millennium Park and a five-minute walk to the Magnificent Mile. Other on-site conveniences include a cocktail lounge, restaurant and a three-level spa and fitness center with indoor pool. Pets are welcome.

The Talbott Hotel

In the heart of the affluent and historic Chicago Gold Coast, you’ll know you’ve arrived when you spot the hotel with a Lady Bug Cow climbing over the entrance. Built in 1927 and recently renovated, the Talbott combines old-world European sophistication with modern amenities including free internet, larger-than-average rooms with fully stocked honor bars, an on-site restaurant and complimentary access to a nearby fitness club with a pool and yoga studio. Guests are surrounded by the various perks of the Magnificent Mile and are just blocks away from the 360 Chicago observatory atop the John Hancock Building. Pets are welcome.

Thompson Chicago

In the Gold Coast neighborhood and centrally located near the city’s hottest attractions, the Thompson Chicago brings funky furnishings and designer décor to all of its spaces. Rooms include floor to ceiling windows with downtown skyline or Great Lake views, lavish bathrooms with rainfall showerheads and other luxurious and contemporary features. The hotel’s signature restaurant, Nico Osteria, is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and has an accompanying cocktail lounge. Pets are allowed at the hotel.

Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel

Located in the heart of the Windy City along the Chicago River, all 334 rooms at the Radisson Blu Aqua have curved balconies and sweeping views of either the city, the nearby Millennium Park or the Chicago Lakefront. Guests can enjoy free internet, flat screens and high-end bath products in the aquamarine-accented rooms as well as a game room, concierge floor and “lifestyle garden,” complete with running trail, lap pool, wading pools, hot tub, sun deck, fire pit, cabanas and dedicated yoga area. Spa services and on-site dining at Italian restaurant Filini are also available. Pets are welcome.

Top hotels in Chicago: Luxury

The Peninsula Chicago

Recently redesigned guest rooms and suites feature luxe style, great views and the latest in-room technologies. As a guest of the Peninsula, you are treated to exclusive activities and services such as the Peninsula Academy, which offers programs to experience the culture of the Chicago, and the newly introduced “Keys to the City,” which grants guests VIP access to some of the most in-demand places. The hotel also features an indoor swimming pool that overlooks the city, an outdoor sun terrace, a gym and award-winning restaurant, including the Lobby which serves contemporary American cuisine and afternoon tea with champagne and chocolate. Pet-friendly (20 lb. weight limit).

top hotels in chicago
Trump International. (Photo: AAA Hotels)

Trump International Hotel & Tower

Rising 92 stories above the Chicago River, the Trump’s stainless steel and glass tower is the tallest reinforced concrete building in the world. Each of the 339 non-smoking rooms offers floor-to-ceiling windows with stunning views, a fully equipped kitchen and limestone-finished bathroom with rainfall shower heads, soaking tubs and in-mirror TVs. Dine at one of the three on-site restaurants, among which are The Terrace rooftop restaurant and AAA Five Diamond Rated Sixteen, or take a load off at the 23,000 square-foot spa. Conveniently located within walking distance of the best of downtown Chicago, you can get where you need to go quickly and easily. Pets are welcome for a fee.

The Langham Chicago

This riverfront skyscraper hotel offers floor-to-ceiling windows in every room which overlook the cityscape, Chicago River and Lake Michigan. Among its many inviting and lavish spaces and accommodations, The Langham has a spa and fitness center, indoor swimming pool and Travelle, a contemporary American restaurant. For a mid-day break, guests are treated to traditional afternoon tea service every day in the Pavilion lounge beside views of the city. Perhaps most appealing, the hotel is just minutes from Navy Pier, the Loop, Grant Park, Magnificent Mile and Millennium Park. Pets are welcome.

Waldorf Astoria Chicago

Housed in a 1920s building in Chicago’s Gold Coast neighborhood, the 19-story Waldorf Astoria fits right in. Its 188 non-smoking rooms feature a contemporary white-on-white color scheme and each are equipped with a flat screen TV, microwave, refrigerator, fireplace and free Wi-Fi. Guests are often impressed with the opulent marble bathrooms, which have soaking tubs and vanities with inset LCD TVs. Spa and health club with heated, indoor pool, on-site restaurant and cocktail lounge and concierge service during are also available. Pets that are under 30 lbs. stay free.

Have you been to any of the top hotels in Chicago? Tell us about your experience below!

Plan and book your next vacation with AAA.

SUBSCRIBE TO YOUR AAA NEWSLETTER

Sign up and receive updates for all of the latest articles on automotive, travel, money, lifestyle and so much more!

Leave A Comment

Comments are subject to moderation and may or may not be published at the editor’s discretion. Only comments that are relevant to the article and add value to the Your AAA community will be considered. Comments may be edited for clarity and length.

YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS WILL NOT BE PUBLISHED. REQUIRED FIELDS ARE MARKED *