Top 10 Historic Hotels In Chicago, Illinois - Updated 2024

Alyssandra Raiza
Alyssandra Raiza 
Updated
| 5 min read

Chicago is a city that hardly needs any introduction. It is the third largest city in the United States, and it has a rich history to go with it. The city is known as the “Windy City”, and the home of the skyscraper - some the more popular ones being the Willis Tower, the 875, and the marble Aon Tower. Parks and sports venues are also aplenty here, such as Lincoln Park, Grant Park, Soldier Field, and Wrigley Field. Getting around the city is quite easy as there are many taxis, buses, and trains that ply the roads. There are plenty of hotels in the city as well, and we have selected 10 of the most significant and historic hotels in Chicago to enrich your experience in this great American city. Scroll down to find out more.

We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) properties with historic significance, 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 08, 2024.

1. Renaissance Blackstone Chicago Hotel (from USD 249)

Leisure or business travelers will have a great stay in this great downtown hotel which has a rich history dating back to 1910 and has hosted presidents, celebrities, wealthy families, and even some infamous personalities. The rooms can accommodate two to four, and they have marble baths to add to the luxurious experience. There are lots of events and business venues, including the iconic Crystal Ballroom. Pay a visit to the nearby Grant Park and Lake Michigan, or get to a bus stop near the hotel to venture farther off.

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The Blackstone, Autograph Collection

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: 636 South Michigan Avenue
1.03 km (0.7 mi) from Millennium Park

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

2. Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel (from USD 99)

The Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel has a very interesting history involving some famous names like the Rolling Stones and former US president John F. Kennedy. A four-star hotel on this list, the hotel has rooms for two to four people. Each room is draped in luxurious fabric and is fit for stars. There are large dining halls, and well-equipped meeting rooms available for business travelers, as well. The Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel is well-located in the city center, right beside the Drake, and it is just a block away from the 875 and a short stroll from the large Lake Michigan.

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Millennium Knickerbocker Chicago

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: 163 East Walton Place
1.93 km (1.2 mi) from Millennium Park

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

3. The Palmer House Hilton (from USD 211)

Built in 1925, this building is the third iteration of the Palmer House, and it has been operational since then. Today, this hotel offers top-notch rooms that are good for two to four people, each with supremely comfortable beds. The dining experience provided by the hotel is also excellent - breakfast and dinner are available on demand, and you can enjoy it in the comfort of your own room. Don’t forget to feast on the world-famous brownies this hotel offers, which have been on the menu for over a century. The Palmer House Hilton is located very close to the Millennium Park, the Art Institute, and 1st/State train station.

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The Palmer House Hilton

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: 17 East Monroe Street
424 meters (0.3 ft) from Millennium Park

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

4. Hilton Chicago (from USD 245)

Enjoy a great and unobstructed view of nearby Lake Michigan, or the Chicago skyline, right from your own room in Hilton Chicago. Rooms here can accommodate between two to four people, and they are all finished with high-quality textiles. You get plenty of high-quality services, from concierge to the optional pet care. There are also plenty of opportunities for leisure at the hotel, including an indoor pool, a fitness room, running and jogging tracks, and even a beauty salon. The hotel is located near the Buckingham Fountain, and the Harrison Subway Station is also nearby if you want to move around Chicago.

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Hilton Chicago

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: 720 South Michigan Avenue
1.13 km (0.8 mi) from Millennium Park

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

5. The Drake (from USD 229)

This Hilton hotel dates all the way back to the 1920s, where it was a favorite among the wealthy people of the time. Today, the Drake provides four-star accommodation at a very accessible price. The hotel’s rooms can accommodate between two to four people, making this a good fit for couples and families alike. You can also enjoy tea at the Palm Court, or dinner at the Camellia Room. This hotel is situated just a corner away from the iconic 875, more commonly known as the Hancock Center. The Drake is as modern and top-notch as any hotel in the city, while still keeping its heritage alive.

Stayed at this property?

The Drake Hotel

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: 140 East Walton Place
1.96 km (1.3 mi) from Millennium Park

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

6. Virgin Hotels Chicago (from USD 359)

The first Virgin Hotel resides in an old office building, with an exterior that is reminiscent of the late 1920s. The rooms, however, are undeniably 21st century. There are some touches of the past, like motorcycle-trimmed chairs and engraved elevator doors. The place has plenty of amenities for guests to enjoy, including a gym, a spa, and a bar that regularly hosts exciting events and shows. You can even have your pets cared for by the staff here. The hotel is located a short walk away from popular landmarks like the river walk, the Millennium Park, and the Willis Tower, the tallest building in the city.

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Virgin Hotels Chicago

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: 203 N Wabash Ave
487 meters (0.4 ft) from Millennium Park

Parking Restaurant Pets allowed Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre

7. LondonHouse Chicago (from USD 309)

Once a famous building in the 20s, the LondonHouse hotel remains one of the most recognizable landmarks in the middle of the city. All of its rooms are finished in premium textiles and have large windows that offer great views of the city. During your stay, you can visit the hotel’s spa and wellness center, which is sure to leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. You can also enjoy a fantastic dinner at the popular Chicago Rooftop Bar on the 21st floor, which also boasts a great view of the city skyline. The hotel itself is also located near many of Chicago’s popular attractions - it is situated right along the Chicago River, and is a short walk away from the shores of Lake Michigan.

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LondonHouse Chicago, Curio Collection by Hilton

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: 85 East Wacker Drive
644 meters (0.5 ft) from Millennium Park

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

8. Majestic Hotel (from USD 119)

Looking for an escape from the urban jungle? (Escaping the urban jungle by going into a place within it?) This suburban hotel is a great spot for you. Rooms here can accommodate two people and are all finished in fine linens and quality furniture. They also provide a good number of amenities such as ironing boards, cable TV, fridges, and even a mini bar to go along with the bed - you’re sure to feel right at home here! The hotel offers promos from time to time, so keep watch for those. The location is also great as the hotel is situated just 10 minutes away from the Wrigley Field, 30 minutes away from the Lincoln Park and Zoo, and a bus ride away from the city center.

Stayed at this property?

Majestic Hotel

Wifi Available

Address: 528 West Brompton
7.44 km (4.7 mi) from Millennium Park

Parking Meeting/banquet facilities 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Non-smoking rooms Family rooms Internet services Lift Safety deposit box

9. The Alise Chicago (from USD 89)

The Alise Chicago is another among Chicago’s most popular hotels. This four-star accommodation sports a subtle exterior that is a great throwback to the old condominiums in the city. Up to two people can be accommodated in the hotel’s premium rooms. There are plenty of comforts for guests to enjoy during their stay, from the standard Wi-Fi access to top-notch room service. Guests will also have access to a fitness center, as well as a restaurant and bar. Pet dogs are also welcome here. Conveniently, the hotel is just a block away from the Millennium Park, and the Cultural Center. You can also rent one of the hotel’s bicycles if you want to enjoy your own adventure.

Stayed at this property?

Staypineapple, An Iconic Hotel, The Loop

Address: 1 West Washington
485 meters (0.4 ft) from Millennium Park

10. Welcome Inn Manor (from USD 168)

This Queen Anne styled mansion was built in 1893, and the exterior and interior are reminiscent of the time. Don’t be fooled, though - the house is more than ready for the modern-day traveler like you. Rooms here are good for two people, all with a complimentary breakfast. You can also take advantage of the transport service after breakfast, shuttling you to any location in the city. The manor is around 200 m (0.13 mi) away from the train station to the downtown area, and also just one block away from the nearest bus stop. Watch for offers and discounts that the Manor gives on some occasions.

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Chicago, the home of the skyscraper

Chicago today is known for all the buildings that dot its skyline, new and old. There are so many places to visit here, events to attend, and even history to learn. With so many references to this city in pop culture, there’s hardly any reason to forget your trip to this iconic city.

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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Aly is an ever-curious wanderer who enjoys constantly learning and exploring the world. With more than five years of experience as a travel writer based in Manila, she enjoys writing about her...Read more

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