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.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) property's fame and popularity, 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 March 04, 2024.
1. The Palmer House Hilton (from USD 147)
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.
Tip from Content Creator
This iconic hotel is less than a five-minute walk from The Art Institute of Chicago, which impressed me with the diversity of its collections (from African sculptures to Renaissance masterpieces and a temporary Dalí's exhibit, just to mention a few). The building is vast, so I wasn't able to see everything even after two hours of wandering the galleries. Seeing Seurat's "A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte” was the highlight of my day. The 25 USD entrance fee was totally worth it.
Palmer House a Hilton Hotel
Address: 17 E Monroe St
421 meters (0.3 ft) from Millennium Park
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2. Congress Plaza Hotel Chicago (from USD 139)
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
822 meters (0.6 ft) from Millennium Park
3. Staypineapple, An Iconic Hotel, The Loop (from USD 104)
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
Address: 1 West Washington
485 meters (0.4 ft) from Millennium Park
4. Chicago Athletic Association – in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt (from USD 220)
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
223 meters (0.2 ft) from Millennium Park
5. The Drake, a Hilton Hotel (from USD 109)
Fair pricing in a historic property with some discrepancies in breakfast charges.
Spacious rooms, bar, and convenient location near the beach and Michigan Avenue.
Ideal location on Chicago's Magnificent Mile with easy access to shopping and attractions.
Limited dining options with closures post-pandemic, but a nice bar atmosphere and pleasant dining experiences.
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
1.96 km (1.3 mi) from Millennium Park
6. Virgin Hotels Chicago (from USD 170)
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
Address: 203 N Wabash Ave
487 meters (0.4 ft) from Millennium Park
7. The Allegro Royal Sonesta Hotel Chicago (from USD 139)
Reasonable pricing for a central location in the Loop
Beautiful lobby, friendly staff, luggage storage, free weekend drinks, close to attractions
Central location in the Loop, easy walk to restaurants and bars, close to the river walk and 'L' train
Delicious breakfast but pricey, limited dining options, no room service
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
Address: 171 West Randolph
940 meters (0.6 ft) from Millennium Park
8. Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel (from USD 215)
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
Address: 1 West Wacker Drive
656 meters (0.5 ft) from Millennium Park
9. The Whitehall Hotel (from USD 92)
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, BW Premier Collection
Address: 105 E DELAWARE PLACE, Magnificent Mile, Chicago (IL), United States, 60611-1403
1.85 km (1.2 mi) from Millennium Park
10. The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago (from USD 465)
High-end pricing, worth the cost for exceptional comfort and service.
Spotless environment, dual lifts for convenience, but minor issues with robes and towels.
Prime location near the Magnificent Mile, Millennium Park, and the Loop, with easy access to Navy Pier and great coffee shops.
Great dining experiences, but no breakfast and some issues with room service responsiveness.
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
1.7 km (1.1 mi) from Millennium Park
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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