One of the most iconic cities in the United States, Chicago, is famed for landmarks like Navy Pier, mirrored sculpture Cloud Gate in front of Millennium Park, Willis Tower, and Lincoln Park. There are also plenty of theme parks and amusement parks in Chicago, but what sets the city apart from any other are its architecture, spectacular culinary scene, and vibrant nightlife. From Magnificent Mile’s high-end boutiques to the eclectic dining and eye-catching architecture in Chicago Loop, the city boasts a rich history and diverse culture. Many of Chicago’s tales from The Great Fire, the Prohibition, and the years after, are best kept in its hotels. Read on our list of famous hotels in Chicago, Illinois.
1. The Palmer House Hilton (from USD 197)
An iconic hotel in Chicago, this 4-star Palmer House Hilton boasts charm, elegance, and a notable story. Its history starts with the one that gave its name, Potter Palmer, an American businessman who is credited with much development in the city.
Although the hotel was caught in the Great Chicago Fire only days from its grand opening, it was rebuilt. It has since then been home to big names like the beloved Oscar Wilde and Charles Dickens and some of the US’s former presidents. Today, its rooms keep the elegance and historic feel but have been upgraded with modern amenities.
The Palmer House Hilton
Address: 17 East Monroe Street
Parking Restaurant Pets allowed Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-hour front desk Fitness centre Non-smoking rooms
2. Congress Plaza Hotel Chicago (from USD 161)
Congress Plaza Hotel’s massive building right in the heart of the city cannot go unnoticed. Located near the Millennium Park, the legendary offers lovely views of Lake Michigan. Ever since 1893, its rooms have been called home by top celebrities and US presidents. The hotel rooms boast classic furnishings and elegant high ceilings, spacious bathrooms, and modern amenities, including flat-screen television, ironing facilities, and free Wi-Fi.
Congress Plaza Hotel Chicago
Address: 520 South Michigan Avenue
Parking Restaurant Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-hour front desk Fitness centre Golf course (within 3 km)
3. Staypineapple, An Iconic Hotel, The Loop (from USD 138)
Located on Chicago’s famed Michigan Avenue, inside a National Historic Landmark building designed by architect Daniel Burnham, Staypineapple boasts elegant mahogany furnishings, mosaic floors, and luxurious marble ceilings. Modern amenities like a Keurig coffee maker, flat-screen television, and luxury bedding balance the classic, historical touches and add to the rooms’ comfort. Beyond its architecture, the hotel is renowned for its hospitality and stellar service.
Staypineapple, An Iconic Hotel, The Loop
Parking Restaurant Pets allowed Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-hour front desk Fitness centre Non-smoking rooms
4. Chicago Athletic Association – in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt (from USD 338)
Four-star luxury, modern amenities, and vintage details blend perfectly in each of the rooms in this historic hotel in Chicago. The hotel is housed in one of downtown Chicago’s landmark buildings and features a rooftop bar, a social games room, and excellent dining. Staying here reminds guests of the city’s once high-spirited atmosphere, with toasting glasses and poker chips. A life once reserved for the society’s elite is now open to anyone looking to reminisce historical times.
Chicago Athletic Association, part of Hyatt
Address: 12 South Michigan Avenue
Parking Restaurant Pets allowed Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-hour front desk Fitness centre
5. The Drake, a Hilton Hotel (from USD 184)
The ritzy Drake Hotel boasts commodious rooms where mod cons and deluxe furnishings and design details create unforgettable experiences for the hotel’s guests. Hosted in a building dating back to the 1920s, the historic hotel is renowned for its opulence and luxury, turning into a top choice for high society. Princess Diana and Queen Elizabeth II once visited its tea lounge.
The Drake Hotel
Address: 140 East Walton Place
Parking Restaurant Pets allowed Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-hour front desk Fitness centre Non-smoking rooms
6. Virgin Hotels Chicago (from USD 634)
Not many people know that modern, colorful, and luxurious rooms at Virgin Hotels Chicago are actually former offices. The hotel operates in a building that once hosted the Old Dearborn Bank Building. Each room has been designed with comfort in mind, offering guests a large dressing room in addition to the bedroom, a deluxe walk-in shower, and beautiful city views. The hotel also features a spa, a rooftop gym, and several bars.
Virgin Hotels Chicago
Parking Restaurant Pets allowed Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-hour front desk Fitness centre
7. The Allegro Royal Sonesta Hotel Chicago (from USD 155)
This upscale four-star boutique hotel looks as imposing and luxurious as its name sounds, reminding visitors of Chicago’s golden era. Located in Chicago’s Loop, it boasts over 480 rooms and suites that combine mid-century glamour with elegant furnishings, and modern amenities, creating a comfortable, sophisticated experience for guests. The hotel is particularly famous for its impressive art collection, displaying local artists’ work, its on-site restaurant serving authentic Italian cuisine, and Bar Allegro, where cocktails are handcrafted in a retro setting.
The Allegro Royal Sonesta Hotel Chicago Loop
Parking Restaurant Pets allowed Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-hour front desk Fitness centre Non-smoking rooms
8. Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel (from USD 599)
With a riverfront location offering gorgeous water vistas, the four-star Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel is one of the city’s staples. The hotel is one of the top choices in Chicago due to its eye-catching architecture, stylish furnishings, modern facilities, and Raised, the rooftop bar. From there, guests can take in the city skyline, sip cocktails, and savor an a la carte American menu. It’s the details like its art display or the unique design elements and imposing entrance that will elevate your stay and take it from great to spectacular.
Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel
Parking Restaurant Pets allowed Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-hour front desk Fitness centre
9. The Whitehall Hotel (from USD 101)
Another historic hotel that transports its guests to Chicago’s glamorous era, The Whitehall Hotel, is an opulent high-rise property, dating back to the late 1920s. Its spectacular location, close to the Magnificent Mile, draws elite guests. The hotel’s restaurant soon became the go-to place for having a drink soon after the Prohibition was rescinded. Today, every room comes equipped with Egyptian cotton linens, an en-suite bathroom with marble floors, and a well-lit make-up mirror.
The Whitehall Hotel
Address: 105 East Delaware Place
Parking Restaurant Pets allowed Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-hour front desk Non-smoking rooms Business centre
10. The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago (from USD 639)
Part of Chicago’s most iconic hotels, with great history and spectacular location, The Ritz-Carlton Chicago is located on the Magnificent Mile, in one of the city’s top neighborhoods. The Navy Pier, Oak Street Beach, Millennium Park, and Wrigley Field are some of the attractions nearby. The shared indoor spaces are all about glamour and luxury, featuring unique furniture pieces that blend perfectly together. Besides its location, the hotel is famous for its social dining scene, art collection display, luxury spa, and exclusive Club Lounge.
The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago
Address: 160 East Pearson Street
Parking Restaurant Pets allowed Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-hour front desk Fitness centre
Experiencing a piece of Chicago's legacy firsthand
Some of Chicago’s history is told through its majestic hotels. Historical buildings, places where pages of celebrities’ lives were written – they stood the test of time and continue to preserve the city’s charming history. From Drake Hotel once visited by Queen Elizabeth II herself to The Palmer House Hilton, where Oscar Wilde spent some of his nights, these are all top choices in Chicago, renowned throughout the country.
If you’re looking for more than a place to stay while in the Windy City, here are the top famous luxury hotels in Chicago, Illinois.
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