10 Best Cheap Hotels Near Downtown Chicago, Illinois - Updated 2024

Bama
Bama  
Updated
| 6 min read

Also referred to as The Loop, Chicago’s downtown area is the vibrant heart of the city and boasts many attractions, including Millennium Park and Chicago Riverwalk. The area is the ideal base for hopping on river cruises and other touristy activities. For a unique view of some of the majestic buildings here, you can also try kayaking down the Chicago River. Guided tours are offered so you don’t miss out on anything interesting. You can also visit Chicago Cultural Center - there is always something happening here! In summer, locals love to gather at Millennium Park, especially during starlit evenings. You can even catch a free open-air concert or movie screening here.

Are you excited by all these offerings and want to plan a budget trip right away? Then, take a look at this list of the best cheap hotels near downtown Chicago, Illinois.

We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) 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 13, 2024.

1. Freehand Chicago (from USD 24)

Freehand Chicago is located in a historic building in the River North area. You will be in the thick of things here - the locality is chock-full of galleries, shops and restaurants for you to explore. In addition, Millennium Park is only a five-minute drive away.

The hotel offers private and shared accommodations, so you can get a suitable deal here depending on your budget. Begin the day with a cup of flavourful Nicaraguan coffee at Cafe Integral before heading out to admire the sights. In the evening, you can get together with friends at Broken Shaker and sample their delectable cocktails.

Stayed at this property?

Freehand Chicago

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: 19 East Ohio Street
6.66 km (4.2 mi) from Wrigley Field

Parking Restaurant Pets allowed Room service Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre Non-smoking rooms

2. Found Hotel Chicago River North

Found Hotel Chicago River North is a 3-star facility located near Water Tower Place. The elegant cast-iron exterior is a distinctive feature of this building that’s sure to attract tourists. It offers shared experiences to make your trip more memorable, along with easy access to the city’s popular attractions such as Chicago Riverwalk.

Shared dormitories and accommodations with bunk beds are some of the affordable yet cosy accommodation options available here. This is a great choice if you are looking for a budget-friendly stay close to downtown Chicago. You can relish delectable meals in the onsite café or restaurant or try the eateries just a short walk away. Laundry services are offered here, too, so you can look immaculate when you go out for sightseeing.

Stayed at this property?

Found Hotel Chicago River North

Address: 613 North Wells Street
6.44 km (4.0 mi) from Wrigley Field

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the property was ok due to it being cold like outside in the room
it's basically a dorm room with a nice shower--the best part of the room
Location:
the location is very good
check in was easy and quick the location is really close to downtown and everything tourist
Read more reviews
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3. Millennium Knickerbocker Chicago (from USD 99)

Millennium Knickerbocker Chicago is a 4-star hotel with an interesting history. Dating back to the 1920s, this hotel was once a casino, then a speakeasy and now a luxury hotel near Millennium Mile. When you stay here, you can sign up for a Chicago Gangster Tour to know more about the prohibition history of the city.

You can find affordable rooms in this hotel that do not compromise on modern comforts such as flat-screen TVs, quality linens, bathrobes and more. Even spa toiletries are provided to ensure a lavish experience. On special nights, it will be a treat to listen to live jazz music at the bar while sipping on delicious cocktails.

Stayed at this property?

Millennium Knickerbocker Chicago

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: 163 East Walton Place
6.07 km (3.8 mi) from Wrigley Field

Parking Restaurant Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Non-smoking rooms Laundry Dry cleaning

Earn OneKeyCash for every dollar spent on eligible hotels, vacation rentals, flights, car rentals, and more when you book across our family of brands.

4. Hotel Versey Days Inn by Wyndham Chicago (from USD 103)

Hotel Versey Days Inn by Wyndham Chicago is located in the famous Lincoln Park neighbourhood of Chicago. This hotel has an illustrious past and many musicians and performers have chosen it through the years, including Nirvana and Red Hot Chili Peppers. It is a boutique hotel and you will love the eclectic design and quirky accents all around.

A wide variety of accommodations are available here, from double rooms to king suites, and you can choose one according to your budget. If you are travelling for work, you can keep your computer safe in the digital laptop safe provided in each room. Luxury linens and Nespresso machines are other features meant to keep you comfortable. You can also select accessible rooms or rooms with a refrigerator and microwave if you need them.

Stayed at this property?

Hotel Versey Days Inn by Wyndham Chicago

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible Visual Aid: Braille

Address: 644 West Diversey Parkway
1.92 km (1.2 mi) from Wrigley Field

Parking Pets allowed Room service 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Non-smoking rooms Dry cleaning Facilities for disabled guests Family rooms

5. Selina Chicago (from USD 107)

If you are combining work and pleasure on your Chicago trip, Selina Chicago is a good choice for your stay. It is located in the Gold Coast neighbourhood and will not put a big dent in your wallet either, with budget-friendly accommodation options such as the four-bed dorm. The coworking space here is equipped with phone booths and meeting rooms, so you can work efficiently. A library and cinema room offer spaces for entertainment, so you can mingle with fellow guests and let your hair down. A gym is also there for you to squeeze in a quick workout session.

If you want to explore the neighbourhood, you can sign up for tours at the front desk.

Stayed at this property?

Selina Chicago

Wifi Available

Address: 100 East Chestnut Street
6.09 km (3.8 mi) from Wrigley Field

Parking Restaurant Pets allowed 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre Non-smoking rooms Business centre Family rooms

Earn OneKeyCash for every dollar spent on eligible hotels, vacation rentals, flights, car rentals, and more when you book across our family of brands.

6. Rodeway Inn Lyons - La Grange (from USD 80)

Rodeway Inn Lyons - La Grange is a great pocket-friendly place to stay if you have plans to visit Brookfield Zoo or catch a game at Wrigley Field or Soldier Field. You can energise yourself with the free continental breakfast before heading out in the morning. Easily keep in touch with friends and family using the complimentary Wi-Fi provided here. Other complimentary perks include parking and local calls.

When it is time to relax, you can head to the indoor swimming pool. This hotel has a pet-friendly policy as well!

Stayed at this property?

Rodeway Inn Lyons - La Grange

Wifi Available

Address: 8640 W Ogden Ave
21.04 km (13.1 mi) from Wrigley Field

Parking 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Non-smoking rooms Free parking Internet services Hot tub/jacuzzi WiFi Available Indoor pool

7. Comfort Inn Convention Center-Chicago O’hare Airport (from USD 81)

For easy access to and from the airport, you can stay at Comfort Inn Convention Center-Chicago O’hare Airport. It is located just a few minutes’ drive away and a free airport shuttle is also offered to guests. It is also a good choice if you are looking for affordable accommodations in the city. You can save up on your food budget as a complimentary breakfast is offered here daily!

Feel free to plan interesting activities when you stay here. A trip to Rivers Casino and Rosemont Theatre will take you just a few minutes. Those who love to work out when on vacation can make full use of the fitness centre here. You don’t even need to carry a ton of clothes as laundry services are offered at this hotel.

Stayed at this property?

Comfort Inn Convention Center-Chicago O’hare Airport

Wifi Available

Address: 2175 East Touhy Avenue
19.07 km (11.9 mi) from Wrigley Field

Parking Restaurant Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre Non-smoking rooms Airport shuttle Internet services

8. Comfort Suites Chicago O'Hare Airport (from USD 92)

To stay in comfort without breaking the bank on your Chicago vacation, you can consider Comfort Suites Chicago O'Hare Airport. Each room is fitted with a microwave and a refrigerator, so you can make quick snacks and store them conveniently. Some rooms even have a spa bath, ideal for unwinding after a busy day.

A free airport shuttle service is available throughout the day so you can enjoy hassle-free transfers to and from the airport. If you love to shop, you can plan a trip to Fashion Outlets of Chicago, which is located nearby.

Stayed at this property?

Comfort Suites Chicago O'Hare Airport

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: 4200 North River Road
16.95 km (10.6 mi) from Wrigley Field

Parking Restaurant Pets allowed Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre Golf course (within 3 km)

9. Four Points by Sheraton Chicago Westchester/Oak Brook (from USD 104)

To stay in a central location accessible to many attractions in the city at an affordable price, you can consider Four Points by Sheraton Chicago Westchester/Oak Brook. This is a pet-friendly hotel, so you can bring your furry friends with you for an added cost.

Hot breakfast is served daily, and you can even request a to-go service if you don’t have the time to sit and eat. If you have some free time, you can mingle with fellow travellers over a cup of coffee or tea offered for free to guests at the lobby. A fitness centre is also on site for those who would like to stay active.

Stayed at this property?

Four Points by Sheraton Chicago Westchester\/Oak Brook

Wheelchair accessible

Address: 2222 Enterprise Drive
23.79 km (14.8 mi) from Wrigley Field

Parking Restaurant Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre Non-smoking rooms Business centre

Earn OneKeyCash for every dollar spent on eligible hotels, vacation rentals, flights, car rentals, and more when you book across our family of brands.

10. Best Western Plus Chicago Hillside (from USD 87)

When you stay at Best Western Plus Chicago Hillside, you can easily drive to downtown Chicago. It is also at an easy distance from attractions such as Adler Planetarium and Shedd Aquarium. You can stay in comfort in the spacious rooms that are fitted with a microwave and refrigerator. All of this comes at an affordable price, as well!

The onsite Charlie’s Restaurant offers delicious fare all through the day, so you can indulge whenever you feel like it. In addition, you can unwind by munching on snacks and sipping on cocktails at Charlie’s Lounge.

Stayed at this property?

Best Western Plus Chicago Hillside

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: 4400 Frontage Road
21.47 km (13.4 mi) from Wrigley Field

Parking Restaurant Pets allowed Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre Non-smoking rooms

Earn OneKeyCash for every dollar spent on eligible hotels, vacation rentals, flights, car rentals, and more when you book across our family of brands.

Explore the different faces of the vibrant downtown of Chicago

The downtown area of Chicago offers many interesting activities. You can visit historic buildings, attend open-air concerts, shop till you drop or sample delicious food and drinks. No matter what it is that catches your fancy, you can do it here. Moreover, the hotels listed above give you a choice of affordable accommodations in this lovely city, so you can save more money for sightseeing and restaurant hopping!

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Bama was born and raised in Chennai, a beautiful coastal city in south India. She moved to the US for her graduate education, and that's when the travel bug bit her. She lived in the US for almost...Read more

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