Chicago’s iconic lakeside cityscape is one of America’s must-see destinations. The so-called Windy City is home to many iconic sights. Some of the things Chicago is famous for include the Willis Tower - once the tallest building in the world - Navy Pier and the ever-popular Millennium Park, which is home to just some of the city’s famed public art. Throw in the city’s culture, rich sporting heritage, and fascinating history - whatever your reason for traveling is, you’ll be assured of a memorable visit. When visiting this city, you’ll probably want to stay in some of the best luxury boutique hotels in Chicago. From ones boasting Art Deco trappings to buildings that have taken inspiration from Chicago’s famed World’s Fair, check out our list of the best boutique hotels in Chicago, Illinois, USA.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 07, 2024.
1. The Guesthouse Hotel (from USD 290)
Reasonable pricing for spacious, well-equipped apartments
Fully equipped kitchen, white fluffy towels, rooftop terraces, secure parking
Convenient access to downtown via bus or 'El' train, close to cafes and restaurants
Restaurant next door, easy access to grocery delivery, kitchen with full amenities
This fancy hotel in Chicago features classic and elegant interiors. You can choose from one-bedroom, two-bedroom, or three-bedroom suites, all of which offer a private kitchen so you can have home-cooked meals even on vacation. If you’re bringing a child with you, the children’s highchair one each suite will also come in very handy. Keep up with your workout routine at the hotel fitness center or have a relaxing time in their spa and wellness center.
The hotel is also dog-friendly, without any additional charge. The hotel also offers amenities and things to do with kids such as picking one of the games from games library to have a fun night indoors!
The Guesthouse Hotel
Address: 4872 North Clark
10.53 km (6.6 mi) from Millennium Park
2. River Hotel (from USD 190)
This 4-star hotel in downtown Chicago has elegant interiors with marble walls with gold accents and plenty of beautiful columns. They offer standard rooms as well as suites with a kitchenette. Located along the Chicago River, make sure to ask for a room with a river view! With your comfort in mind, the hotel will gladly deliver a “sleep better kit” consisting of an eye mask and ear plugs.
Keep up with your workout routine in the hotel fitness center or have some gym and yoga equipment delivered to your room if you prefer to work out in private.
River Hotel
Address: 75A East Wacker Drive
622 meters (0.4 ft) from Millennium Park
3. The James Chicago (from USD 134)
From its impressive marble bathrooms to communal spaces that mix colourful geometric patterns with classic mid 20th century and modern furnishings, this stylish and highly-rated four-star hotel is another option worth considering. It is within easy reach of the shops of the city’s famous Magnificent Mile - and its position right within the downtown area won plenty of praise from previous guests, who also rated the friendly staff and the trendy styling. The hotel itself is also equipped with a number of facilities, include a 24-hour fitness centre, large screen TVs in every room and impressive marble bathrooms. The on-site kitchen and bar also mean that those who don’t wish to venture far for food and drink will be well catered for.
21c Museum Hotel Chicago
Address: 55 East Ontario Street
1.21 km (0.8 mi) from Millennium Park
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4. Hotel EMC2, Autograph Collection (from USD 408)
Reasonable pricing for a downtown hotel with modern amenities.
Robotic room service, Amazon Echo in rooms, and unique science-themed decor.
Perfect downtown location, walking distance to shops, restaurants, and attractions.
Delicious breakfast options, excellent restaurant, and helpful staff suggestions.
Hotel EMC2, Autograph Collection is one of the best places to stay in Chicago for its excellent facilities and luxurious ambience. It has an on-site restaurant where you can get a delicious meal and a large meeting space that is ideal for business. In addition, stay fit and in shape with the hotel’s fitness centre, which you can access for free.
To ensure a comfortable and stress-free environment, this 4-star hotel equips each room with conveniences such as a flat-screen television with premium cable channels, a coffee maker, a safety deposit box, and a desk so guests can have a place to work during their stay.
Hotel EMC2, Autograph Collection
Address: 228 East Ontario Street
1.23 km (0.8 mi) from Millennium Park
5. Chicago Athletic Association (from USD 261)
Chicago is famous as a sporting city, home as it is to the Cubs’ renowned Wrigley Field. And, given its name, sporting roots run deep through this superbly-rated, four-star hotel. Indeed, the decor in some of the rooms is in part inspired by its sports-driven past, featuring classic furnishings that mix style with locker room iconography that is reflected in the metal frame headboards and recliners. The Chicago Athletic Association offers more than any small boutique hotel in Chicago since it is well-placed for most of the city’s landmarks - from the Cloud Gate and Millennium Park to Willis Tower. Mod-cons include free wi-fi access - which is sure to appeal to business travellers - parking, and a well-reviewed gym and fitness centre. One of the few hotels with rooftop bars in Chicago, guests seem to love the elevated view of Millennium Park that can be enjoyed from the hotel.
Chicago Athletic Association, part of Hyatt
Address: 12 South Michigan Avenue
223 meters (0.2 ft) from Millennium Park
6. Virgin Hotels Chicago (from USD 305)
Fans of stunning cityscape views will likely fall in love with this hotel, which boasts a terrace that makes the most of the Chicago skyline. Indeed, with a glowing reputation and a four-star rating, there’s every possibility that you’ll also love your stay in this central hotel. Its modern stylings and colourful decor include some jaw-dropping common areas and bars in which to unwind. Speaking of which, previous guests loved the terrace/rooftop bar, while its position close to Michigan Avenue’s Magnificent Mile also earned it plaudits. The hotel is also home to no fewer than five on-site eateries as well as a nightclub - which is sure to win fans among nighthawks. As well as some panoramic views, the hotel is also home to a spa which will appeal to those travellers looking to ease away the stresses of daily life. Other amenities include free wi-fi, large TVs and a popular gym.
Virgin Hotels Chicago
Address: 203 N Wabash Ave
487 meters (0.4 ft) from Millennium Park
7. The Talbott Hotel (from USD 178)
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Enjoy a touch of class at one of the most famous luxury boutique hotels in Chicago. This four-star boutique hotel is nearby Chicago’s Magnificent Mile. The hotel’s impressive edifice exudes stately class - a motif which continues inside, with the bedrooms featuring classic design touches that make the very most out of the monochrome palette and occasional splashes of understated colour. The wider hotel’s luxurious vibe is continued in the common areas, with their rich and earthy hues providing a calming setting in which to unwind after a busy day taking in the city’s spectacular sites. Speaking of which, this boutique hotel’s position on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile places it a stone’s throw from all manner of dining and shopping experiences. Amenities include an on-site restaurant, in-room dining service and gym. The free wi-fi, on-site business centre and meeting space mean it will also appeal to business travellers.
The Talbott Hotel
Address: 20 E Delaware Place
1.9 km (1.2 mi) from Millennium Park
8. Hotel Lincoln (from USD 152)
Acceptable pricing for convenient location and amenities. Some guests found it to be expensive.
Fun rooftop bar, coffee shop, and fitness room. Malin + Goetz bathroom products. Some rooms lack mini-fridges.
Conveniently located across from Lincoln Park and close to Lake Michigan. Near restaurants, Old Town, and public transportation.
Fantastic rooftop restaurant and bar with great views. On-site cafe overpriced and understaffed. Good dining options nearby.
Those who prefer their hotels to have a vibrant personality will likely enjoy staying at this boutique hotel in downtown Chicago. Hotel Lincoln is counted among the top hotels in downtown Chicago with views. It is owned by the Joie de Vivre brand, and this ‘joy of life’ is evident in the attractive and funky decor, which makes the very most of its color palette to provide an arresting setting that is a feast for the eyes. The hotel also provides a platform for the local art scene, with guest bedrooms decorated with original works. And speaking of memorable sights, the hotel’s setting includes a rooftop bar which provides eye-catching views of the city and will make for a great spot to enjoy a drink or two during a romantic getaway. Those traveling for work, rather than pleasure, are also catered for in the form of the on-site business centre, dry-cleaning service, and free wi-fi. It is well placed for local attractions, with Lincoln Park Zoo and the Lakefront Trail both just 10 minutes away on foot.
Hotel Lincoln
Address: 1816 North Clark Street
3.77 km (2.4 mi) from Millennium Park
9. Dana Hotel and Spa (from USD 160)
Sophistication and elegance exude from every pore in this impressive four-star hotel, which enjoys fabulous word-of-mouth from its guests, who loved the modern trappings of the interior. Speaking of which, bedroom decor features a mix of earthen shades, with flashes of wood and marble for a calming and timeless quality that appealed to visitors. The modern trappings and stylish mood lighting of the hotel lounge also proved popular, as too did the on-site gourmet food - for a little romantic feast. Amenities also include a full spa in which to ease away the stresses of day-to-day life and free wi-fi. The hotel’s Apogee Lounge and rooftop bar both offer city views. And, when you head onto the streets for a little exploring, you’ll find the likes of the Magnificent Mile just five minutes away on foot.
Eurostars Magnificent Mile
Address: 660 North State Street
1.38 km (0.9 mi) from Millennium Park
10. Palomar Chicago, a Kimpton Hotel (from USD 229)
Taking design inspiration from Chicago’s iconic World’s Fair, this colourful hotel features a mix of bedroom styles in which to unwind, with a mix of patterned styles and artwork that should provide for a pleasant and memorable stay. One of the best boutique hotels in Chicago, this superbly-rated, luxury four-star hotel drew particular praise for its unique stylings and a comfortable vibe as well as for its impressive interior, which includes a marble entrance, and a lobby that features a mix of vibrant reds and golds. What’s more, its position in downtown Chicago places it within easy reach of local cultural attractions, nightspots and shops. Amenities include an in-house swimming pool, an award-winning restaurant and free wi-fi.
The Royal Sonesta Chicago River North
Address: 505 North State Street
1.06 km (0.7 mi) from Millennium Park
11. Aloft Chicago Downtown River North (from USD 205)
Reasonable pricing for a prime downtown Chicago location.
Spacious rooms with modern design, gaming area, pool table, and high-quality bedding. Convenient access to popular attractions, dining, and shopping options.
Centrally situated in River North, close to Millennium Park, Art Institute of Chicago, and Navy Pier. Walking distance to various dining and shopping options.
Great dining experiences at the on-site Beatrix restaurant. Convenient access to a variety of high-quality restaurants nearby.
When in Chicago, book a stay at this stylish and contemporary hotel close to the famous Magnificent Mile. Aloft Chicago Downtown River North features spacious rooms with colorful interiors that will ensure that you have a comfortable and cheerful stay. The hotel is pet-friendly too, so feel free to bring your canine friend. A fitness center, a lounge, and a restaurant and bar are also available at this hotel. Chicago Riverwalk is just 0.5 km (0.31 mi) from this beautiful property.
Aloft Chicago Downtown River North
Address: 515 North Clark Street
1.21 km (0.8 mi) from Millennium Park
12. Hotel Felix Chicago (from USD 996)
Styled in a contemporary manner without compromising on the classic architecture of the building, Hotel Felix Chicago is the ideal accommodation for the modern traveler. This boutique hotel offers guests chic rooms that are equipped with all the conveniences necessary for a comfortable stay. A fitness center, a business center, a lobby lounge, a French bistro and a coffee shop are also available to guests. Several amazing restaurants and bars of the River North area are at a walking distance from the hotel.
Hotel Felix Chicago
Address: 111 West Huron Street
1.55 km (1.0 mi) from Millennium Park
13. Thompson Chicago (from USD 429)
Modern elegance is the perfect way to describe the amazing boutique hotel, Thompson Chicago. It offers guests an urban Chicago feel with the sleek interiors of its rooms and a plethora of modern conveniences. Some rooms provide city views while others offer breathtaking Lake Michigan vistas. A restaurant, a gym and a lounge are also available in the hotel. Many popular restaurants, bars, cafes and attractions are closeby too.
Thompson Chicago
Address: 21 E. Bellevue Place, Chicago
2.13 km (1.4 mi) from Millennium Park
14. The Godfrey Hotel Chicago (from USD 187)
Stay in style at The Godfrey Hotel Chicago, a trendy boutique hotel. Though the exterior of the property is quite modern in comparison to the other classic buildings in the neighborhood, it offers a very comfortable and memorable stay to guests. The hotel features spacious rooms that are well-appointed and luxurious. A restaurant and a stunning rooftop cocktail bar are other impressive offerings of this hotel. Public transport stops, restaurants, bars and popular city attractions are at a walking distance from the hotel.
The Godfrey Hotel Chicago
Address: 127 West Huron at LaSalle
1.55 km (1.0 mi) from Millennium Park
15. Ivy Boutique Hotel (from USD 212)
Ivy Boutique Hotel is conveniently located and perfect for couples and families alike. With rooms that can accommodate a party of five, this classy, modern boutique hotel features chic furniture and contemporary interiors. Situated at the center of downtown Chicago, Ivy Boutique Hotel offers proximity to a variety of shopping and dining establishments. Just five minutes from Magnificent Mile, guests can easily explore downtown, and return to a comfortable and well-equipped room to rest. More so, it offers free access to CorePower Yoga (a yoga studio) and Planet Fitness, making it an ideal boutique hotel for the health-conscious traveler. Even better, they also provide parking so guests don’t have to worry about parking in Chicago’s busy downtown area.
Ivy Boutique Hotel
Address: 233 East Ontario
1.21 km (0.8 mi) from Millennium Park
16. The Robey (from USD 220)
Reasonable rates for chic, stylish rooms in a prime city location.
Rooftop bar, cafe, and pool with stunning views. Complimentary beers and discounts for hotel guests.
Conveniently located in the vibrant Wicker Park neighborhood, near public transportation and local attractions.
Excellent dining options including a great brunch, rooftop bar, and complimentary afternoon treats.
Located in Chicago’s historic Wicker Park neighborhood, The Robey is an exquisite hotel in one of Chicago’s oldest districts. Its stunning lobby, with classy sofas and phenomenal architectural workmanship, offers a sense of timelessness. High-quality beds, with tastefully simple furniture, are found in every room – designed to be spacious and full of natural lighting. A TV and free WiFi are available in the room. The in-house Café Robey offers scrumptious French-American cuisine. Several lounges, a pool and a gym are available in the hotel. Chicago’s commercial heart, The Magnificent Mile, as well as Lincoln Park Zoo and Wrigley Field, are all 4.8 km (2.9 mi) away.
The Robey, Chicago, a Member of Design Hotels
Address: 2018 W North Avenue
5.55 km (3.5 mi) from Millennium Park
17. Freehand Chicago (from USD 24)
Freehand Chicago is a boutique hotel situated at the heart of River North, one of the trendiest districts in Chicago. Conveniently located, this boutique hotel is only two minutes away from Magnificent Mile, and within 0.5 km (0.31 mi) of major destinations like Arts Club of Chicago, House of Blues Chicago, and Water Tower Chicago. Stylish and modern, the rooms are well-equipped and have free WiFi too. Guests can even request a room that’s suitable for those with limited mobility. With their penthouse suite ideal for six guests, this boutique hotel is perfect for couples, groups of friends, and even families with children.
Freehand Chicago
Address: 19 East Ohio Street
1.16 km (0.8 mi) from Millennium Park
18. Ambassador Chicago (from USD 199)
Ambassador Chicago is one of the best hotels in Chicago and will likely win over adventurous guests. Explore the city and discover some of the best memorable things to do in Chicago’s Magnificent Mile; this highly-rated four star hotel is just four blocks away from the noted shopping and entertainment district. The hotel itself features light and airy bedrooms that include a splash of colour and eye-catching artwork on the walls, while the restaurant’s earthy tones and charming ambient lighting will make for a great spot to enjoy a romantic meal with your significant other. The hotel’s common areas also feature classic design, while its roaring fireplaces will appeal to those who wish to cosy up in good company for a chat. Amenities include free wi-fi. And, if you’re a film buff, then check out the Screening Room, which boasts a 110 inch movie screen and a mix of large sofas and intimate seating.
Ambassador Chicago, part of JdV by Hyatt
Address: 1301 North State Parkway
2.64 km (1.7 mi) from Millennium Park
19. The Tremont Chicago Hotel at Magnificent Mile (from USD 107)
An arresting mix of old and new, classic and contemporary, awaits those guests who opt for a stay in this boutique hotel in Chicago, Illinois. Enjoying an impressive exterior facade, that reeks of class, the hotel features calming neutral decor in the bedrooms and beds which drew particular praise for their very comfortable mattresses - for a peaceful night’s sleep. The common areas include a sports bar with warm hues and art deco trappings. And, on the food front, the hotel is connected to the original Mike Ditka’s Restaurant next door, serving a range of top cuts. This boutique hotel in Chicago’s Magnificent Mile is well-placed with the heart of the city just steps away. Amenities include free wi-fi, meeting facilities and a business centre which will appeal to work-related travellers.
Selina Chicago
Address: 100 East Chestnut Street
1.79 km (1.2 mi) from Millennium Park
20. Raffaello Hotel (from USD 119)
Those craving a touch of elegance from their hotel stay may wish to opt for this highly-rated, four-star option, which is right next to the John Hancock Center and other shopping spots like Water Tower Place. The hotel boasts European-style bedrooms - a motif which extends to the fine Italian cuisine on offer in the in-house restaurant. The common areas are home to a host of arresting styles, from the dark and cosy earthen hues of the indoor bar to the light and lofty art deco spaces of the lobby. A particular highlight is the rooftop bar, which drew special praise from impressed former guests. Amenities include free wi-fi and business centre - should your trip be for work - a concierge service and on-site gym.
Gale Chicago
Address: 201 E Delaware Place
1.85 km (1.2 mi) from Millennium Park
The windy city awaits
Chicago’s impressive cityscape, rich culture and location on the shores of beautiful Lake Michigan mean this bustling metropolis boasts a thriving boutique hotels scene. You’ll be spoilt for choice when searching for a memorable location in which to stay during your visit - where will inspiration take you?
Frequently asked questions about boutique hotels in Chicago, Illinois, USA
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