Chicago is perhaps best known for its architecture, pizza, and sports teams, but there is also something to be said about its riverside activities, as far as tourism is concerned. A river cruise gives visitors a taste of what they can expect to see by the water, which can include foodie destinations, historical architecture, dance clubs, art galleries, museums, and boutiques, depending on which neighborhood you are in. Of course, you can just elect to take a stroll along the Riverwalk and enjoy the sights of the boats or people as they go about their daily business in the area. Given the number of activities by the water, it’s no wonder that accommodations by the river are in hot demand among visitors. Check out this list for the best hotels by the river in Chicago, Illinois.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) recent guest reviews, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and location by the river. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 08, 2024.
1. Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago (from USD 356)
You can’t talk about riverside accommodations without discussing Trump Hotel, which gives guests not just views of the Chicago River, but also of Lake Michigan and the city skyline. It doesn’t skimp on services as well, as it offers spa services and a heated indoor swimming pool. It also comes with its own restaurant and bar, as well as a fitness center.
Each spacious room is loaded with luxurious furnishings, including a large-screen TV and a deep soaking bath. Rates are inclusive of breakfast, which includes vegetarian and vegan options.
Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago
Address: 401 N Wabash Ave
769 meters (0.5 ft) from Millennium Park
Earn OneKeyCash for every dollar spent on eligible hotels, vacation rentals, flights, car rentals, and more when you book across our family of brands.
2. The Westin Chicago River North (from USD 449)
If you’re in the Windy City to check out its theater scene or are in town for work, the Westin Chicago River North is a good place to set up base, being located right at the theater and business districts of downtown Chicago. Location is not the only thing that this establishment has to offer: rooms also come with a large-screen TV, a seating area, and a marble bathroom. If you’re a fan of Japanese food, you’ll love the fact that there’s a sushi bar right at the lobby of the hotel.
The Westin Chicago River North
Address: 320 North Dearborn Street
895 meters (0.6 ft) from Millennium Park
3. Royal Sonesta Chicago Riverfront (from USD 199)
This hotel is also a great option if you want to stay close to the downtown area of Chicago and its boutiques, restaurants, and entertainment, as it’s located within walking distance from the Magnificent Mile. You can enjoy views of the city or the river, depending on which side your room is facing. This hotel has its own restaurant and a fitness center, the latter being open 24/7. Spa services are also offered here.
Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown
Address: 71 East Wacker Drive
610 meters (0.4 ft) from Millennium Park
4. Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel (from USD 479)
Contrary to its name, the Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel is actually a modern hotel, complete with contemporary decor. Depending on which room you get, you can enjoy views of the Chicago River or the skyline. For panoramic views of the city, head to the rooftop bar. The hotel also comes with its own pool, fitness center, coffee bar and library, and spa. Artsy folks will love the fact that there’s a studio right in the lobby of the hotel.
Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel
Address: 1 West Wacker Drive
656 meters (0.5 ft) from Millennium Park
5. theWit Chicago, A DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel (from USD 186)
Reasonable pricing with $50 weekday and $75 weekend minimum for rooftop bar/lounge
Clean, modern rooms with gym facilities, rooftop bar, and complimentary water at the front desk
Fantastic location in The Loop, walking distance to Chicago Theatre, Millennium Park, and Riverwalk
Good dining options, but rooftop bar/lounge had a $50 weekday and $75 weekend minimum
This curiously named hotel is in a prime location, situated within walking distance from many of the city’s attractions and just a few steps away from public transportation. The contemporary hotel features modern furnishings and services, including a state-of-the-art gym, a spa, and a rooftop bar, where you can try Chicago’s famous pizza. The hotel also has a restaurant that offers American food.
theWit Chicago, a Hilton Hotel
Address: 201 N State Street
579 meters (0.4 ft) from Millennium Park
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. Sheraton Grand Chicago (from USD 209)
This hotel is located just a stone’s throw away from Michigan Avenue and the different attractions of Chicago, but you’ll be hard-pressed to leave it – and not just because of the fantastic views of the city skyline and the river. The hotel features five restaurants and bars, including a steakhouse that serves fresh steak and seafood every evening. The breakfast buffet includes American, continental, and vegetarian offerings.
The rooms themselves are spacious and come furnished with large-screen TVs and beds that will tempt you into sleeping in instead of heading out to see the sights.
Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk
Address: 301 East North Water Street
803 meters (0.5 ft) from Millennium Park
7. Hotel Chicago Downtown, Autograph Collection (from USD 600)
Reasonable pricing with added value perks like free museum tickets and bar credits.
Convenient location with easy access to attractions, restaurants, and the riverwalk.
Centrally located near popular venues, museums, and transportation options.
Great dining experiences nearby, with a variety of food options within walking distance.
You truly will get great views of the Chicago River from your room if you stay in this hotel, as each one features floor-to-ceiling windows, along with large-screen TVs and comfortable beds with high-quality Egyptian linens. The establishment also comes with its own restobars, which offer unique crafted drinks. Key tourist attractions, such as the Sears Tower, are within walking distance from here, as is the shops and restaurants of the Magnificent Mile.
Hotel Chicago Downtown, Autograph Collection
Address: 333 North Dearborn Street (Driveway Entrance at 350 N. State Street)
858 meters (0.6 ft) from Millennium Park
8. River Hotel (from USD 190)
As the name of the hotel indicates, the biggest selling point of this hotel is that its rooms feature fantastic views of the Chicago River. This, however, is not the only reason why you should book this hotel. This establishment is a firm believer in customer service, offering complimentary snacks and coffee 24/7 on its second floor, as well as complimentary wine and cheese in the evenings, from Monday to Thursday.
Forgot to bring your yoga gear? You can actually order a kit and have it brought directly to your room. The hotel also comes with its own gym.
River Hotel
Address: 75A East Wacker Drive
622 meters (0.4 ft) from Millennium Park
9. Hyatt Regency Chicago (from USD 354)
As the largest hotel in Chicago, you’ll be forgiven if you find yourself wondering if you are staying at a hotel or a mall, given the number of dining options you can find here, which include a seafood and steak restaurant, a cafe, a restaurant that specializes in sandwiches and salads, and a bar that offers signature cocktails. The establishment also comes with its own spa and fitness center. A bonus: the dock is just a 5-minute walk away from this hotel, so you can easily join an architecture tour.
Hyatt Regency Chicago
Address: 151 East Wacker
589 meters (0.4 ft) from Millennium Park
10. Swissotel Chicago (from USD 375)
Expensive with additional fees, high parking costs, and an urban experience fee
Great gym, convenient store, and the option to opt out of daily room cleaning
Perfect for downtown activities, close to attractions, and beautiful river and lake views
Good breakfast, high prices at the hotel restaurant, and better dining options nearby
This hotel is great for those who are determined to get the most out of their trip to Chicago: it doesn’t just provide great views of the river and the city, it is also just a stone’s throw away from Lake Michigan, along with the different entertainment and activities on the Magnificent Mile. It has an in-house restaurant, which serves American and Italian cuisine, and a lounge area, which offers cocktails and small plates. It also has its own fitness center.
Swissotel Chicago
Address: 323 East Wacker Drive
584 meters (0.4 ft) from Millennium Park
Riverside accommodations in the Windy City
Staying at one of these hotels will not only give you great views of the river, it will also allow you to have quick and easy access to many of Chicago’s sights and attractions. By using this list as a guide, you will be able to find which of these accommodations will be the best place for you during your stay in the Windy City.
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
-
10 Best Hotels With Rooftop Pools in Chicago, ILChia Han Keong -
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Create an account to