Chicago is the largest city in Illinois and the third-largest in the United States, set on the southwest shore of Lake Michigan. It is known for its pioneering skyscraper architecture, deep-dish pizza, world-class museums, live blues and jazz, and a 26-mile lakefront of parks and beaches. Visitors can move between a dense downtown, the Chicago River and more than 70 distinct neighborhoods on the CTA 'L' train.
Accommodation overview
Chicago's hotels cluster around the Loop, River North, Streeterville and the Magnificent Mile, all within walking distance of the L, Millennium Park and the Chicago Riverwalk. Rates run from hostel dorm beds near $35 to five-star rooms above $450, and prices rise sharply from June through September and during McCormick Place conventions. Lincoln Park, Lakeview and Wicker Park offer quieter neighborhood stays at lower rates with Red, Brown and Blue Line access, while O'Hare and Midway suit early flights only. Visitors should compare total prices, since combined hotel taxes of about 17.4% and daily amenity fees are added to the quoted rate.
- Budget
- $35-130/night (hostel dorm to chain budget hotel; downtown averages run higher)
- Mid-range
- $160-400/night (upscale chains and boutique hotels in the Loop, River North and Streeterville)
- Luxury
- $450-1100+/night (Magnificent Mile and Gold Coast five-star hotels such as the Peninsula and Four Seasons)
- Where to stay
- The Loop or River North for L access to most sights; Streeterville and the Magnificent Mile for shopping and the lakefront; Lincoln Park or Lakeview for a neighborhood feel; O'Hare or Midway only for early flights
Hotels by budget
Find accommodation that fits your travel budget.
Budget-friendly
Hampton Inn Chicago Downtown/Magnificent Mile
Reliable mid-priced option near Michigan Avenue with complimentary breakfast.
Check rates on Booking.comBest Western Plus River North Hotel
Budget-friendly hotel near Michigan Avenue with an indoor pool.
Check rates on Booking.comRed Roof Inn Chicago Downtown
One of the city's lowest-priced downtown hotels, close to Michigan Avenue.
Check rates on Booking.comHI Chicago, The Loop Hostel
Hostelling International hostel in the Loop with dorms, private rooms and a communal kitchen.
Check rates on Booking.comFreehand Chicago
Design hostel and hotel with dorms and private rooms plus an in-house cocktail bar.
Check rates on Booking.comHotel Essex Chicago
Affordable South Loop hotel across from Grant Park, near the Museum Campus.
Check rates on Booking.comBest Western Plus Hawthorne Terrace
Lakeview hotel near Wrigley Field with a courtyard garden.
Check rates on Booking.comCity Suites Hotel
Small Lakeview hotel near the Belmont Red Line and Wrigley Field.
Check rates on Booking.comWicker Park Inn
Small bed and breakfast on a quiet Wicker Park street near the Blue Line.
Check rates on Booking.comChicago Getaway Hostel
Independent hostel in Lincoln Park with dorms and private rooms near the Brown Line.
Check rates on Booking.comHampton Inn Chicago Midway Airport
Airport hotel with a free shuttle to Midway and free breakfast.
Check rates on Booking.comMid-range
Hilton Chicago
Landmark 1927 hotel across from Grant Park, a short walk from the Museum Campus and Millennium Park.
Check rates on Booking.comChicago Athletic Association Hotel
Restored 1893 Venetian Gothic athletic club on Michigan Avenue across from Millennium Park.
Check rates on Booking.comThe Whitehall Hotel
Intimate, traditional boutique hotel one block from Michigan Avenue shopping.
Check rates on Booking.comThe Talbott Hotel
Independent Gold Coast hotel with European-style rooms and a neighborhood feel.
Check rates on Booking.comThe Raphael Chicago, Autograph Collection
Smaller Autograph Collection hotel near Water Tower Place and Lake Michigan.
Check rates on Booking.comSheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk
Large riverfront hotel next to the Chicago Riverwalk and Navy Pier.
Check rates on Booking.comThe Westin Michigan Avenue Chicago
Michigan Avenue hotel near Oak Street shopping and the John Hancock Center.
Check rates on Booking.comThe Westin Chicago River North
Riverside hotel near the Marina City towers, theaters and River North dining.
Check rates on Booking.comHyatt Regency Chicago
One of the city's largest hotels, on the river near Millennium Park and the Magnificent Mile.
Check rates on Booking.comKimpton Gray Hotel
Boutique hotel in a 1920s Loop building near the Chicago Theatre District.
Check rates on Booking.comHotel Zachary
Boutique hotel at Clark and Addison with a rooftop bar overlooking Wrigley Field.
Check rates on Booking.comHotel Lincoln
Independent hotel facing Lincoln Park with a rooftop bar overlooking the city skyline.
Check rates on Booking.comChicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile
High-rise hotel on Michigan Avenue with an indoor pool and a large fitness center.
Check rates on Booking.comHotel Monaco Chicago
Boutique riverfront hotel with colorful design and views of the Chicago River.
Check rates on Booking.comKimpton Hotel Palomar Chicago
Boutique hotel in a historic River North building near Marina City.
Check rates on Booking.comHard Rock Hotel Chicago
Hotel in the Art Deco 1929 Carbide & Carbon Building with rock-and-roll memorabilia, on Michigan Avenue.
Check rates on Booking.comVirgin Hotels Chicago
Hotel in the Art Deco 1928 Old Dearborn Bank Building with large rooms and a rooftop bar.
Check rates on Booking.comLondonHouse Chicago, Curio Collection by Hilton
Historic riverfront hotel with a rooftop lounge and Chicago River views.
Check rates on Booking.comHyatt Centric Chicago Magnificent Mile
Modern hotel just off Michigan Avenue with shopping at the doorstep.
Check rates on Booking.comHyatt Place Chicago/River North
Value-oriented River North hotel with complimentary breakfast and a short walk to the L and the river.
Check rates on Booking.comHyatt Regency McCormick Place
Convention hotel connected to McCormick Place via a covered walkway.
Check rates on Booking.comHilton Garden Inn Chicago Downtown/Magnificent Mile
Practical mid-range base steps from Michigan Avenue and River North dining.
Check rates on Booking.comResidence Inn Chicago Downtown/Magnificent Mile
All-suite hotel with kitchens, suited to longer stays and families near Oak Street Beach.
Check rates on Booking.comCourtyard Chicago Downtown/River North
Mid-range downtown hotel in the River North Gallery District.
Check rates on Booking.comEmbassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown
All-suite hotel with free cooked-to-order breakfast and an evening reception.
Check rates on Booking.comHoliday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza River North
River North hotel connected to the Merchandise Mart.
Check rates on Booking.comThe Wit Hotel
State Street hotel with a rooftop bar, near the Chicago Theatre.
Check rates on Booking.comDana Hotel and Spa
Contemporary River North hotel with a rooftop lounge and an on-site spa.
Check rates on Booking.comGodfrey Hotel Chicago
River North boutique hotel with a rooftop bar.
Check rates on Booking.comHotel EMC2, Autograph Collection
Science- and art-themed boutique hotel in Streeterville.
Check rates on Booking.comThe Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown
Riverfront hotel near Millennium Park and the Chicago Riverwalk.
Check rates on Booking.comHotel Indigo Chicago Downtown Gold Coast
Neighborhood-themed hotel on a quiet Gold Coast street near Rush Street.
Check rates on Booking.comHotel Chicago Downtown, Autograph Collection
Riverside hotel with Marina City views in River North.
Check rates on Booking.comRadisson Blu Aqua Chicago
Distinctive rippled glass tower with a rooftop terrace and pool near Millennium Park.
Check rates on Booking.comW Chicago City Center
Design-forward hotel in a historic Financial District building.
Check rates on Booking.comW Chicago Lakeshore
Lakefront hotel steps from Lake Michigan and Navy Pier.
Check rates on Booking.comMarriott Marquis Chicago
Convention hotel adjoining McCormick Place with a large indoor pool.
Check rates on Booking.comHomewood Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown
All-suite hotel with kitchens and free breakfast close to the Magnificent Mile.
Check rates on Booking.comSpringHill Suites Chicago Downtown/River North
Suite-style hotel in River North with free breakfast and easy access to the L.
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All-suite hotel with free breakfast near Navy Pier and the lakefront.
Check rates on Booking.comSable at Navy Pier, Curio Collection by Hilton
Hotel at Navy Pier with lake and skyline views.
Check rates on Booking.comThe Hoxton Chicago
Fulton Market boutique hotel with a rooftop bar in the West Loop restaurant district.
Check rates on Booking.comHilton Chicago O'Hare Airport
Hotel inside O'Hare International Airport, connected to the terminals by walkway.
Check rates on Booking.comHyatt Regency O'Hare
Large hotel in Rosemont near the Blue Line and the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center.
Check rates on Booking.comRenaissance Chicago O'Hare Suites Hotel
All-suite hotel near O'Hare with a free airport shuttle.
Check rates on Booking.comChicago Marriott O'Hare
Full-service airport hotel with an indoor pool and shuttle service to O'Hare.
Check rates on Booking.comHilton Garden Inn Chicago Midway Airport
Hotel close to Midway Airport and the Orange Line, with a free airport shuttle.
Check rates on Booking.comCourtyard Chicago Midway Airport
Mid-range Midway-area hotel with an airport shuttle.
Check rates on Booking.comLuxury
The Palmer House, a Hilton Hotel
Historic 1871 hotel with a gilded Beaux-Arts lobby steps from Millennium Park and the Art Institute of Chicago.
Check rates on Booking.comThe Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel
Art Deco 1927 McGraw-Hill building hotel one block from the Magnificent Mile.
Check rates on Booking.comThe Peninsula Chicago
Five-star hotel just off Michigan Avenue with an indoor pool, spa and the Shanghai Terrace restaurant.
Check rates on Booking.comPark Hyatt Chicago
Michigan Avenue luxury hotel facing the historic Water Tower, with large, art-filled rooms.
Check rates on Booking.comFour Seasons Hotel Chicago
Luxury hotel above the Magnificent Mile with an indoor pool and spa.
Check rates on Booking.comThe Langham, Chicago
Mies van der Rohe-designed tower on the Chicago River with a large spa and indoor pool.
Check rates on Booking.comThe Drake Hotel
Grand 1920 landmark at the foot of Michigan Avenue near Oak Street Beach, known for afternoon tea.
Check rates on Booking.comThe Ritz-Carlton, Chicago
Luxury hotel above Water Tower Place with an indoor pool and city views from upper floors.
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Spacious luxury rooms and a spa in the Gold Coast, a few blocks from Oak Street's boutiques.
Check rates on Booking.comViceroy Chicago
Design-led Gold Coast hotel with a rooftop terrace and sleek, modern rooms.
Check rates on Booking.comOmni Chicago Hotel
All-suite hotel on Michigan Avenue with a fitness center and city-view rooms.
Check rates on Booking.comInterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile
Historic 1929 hotel by the Chicago River with a famous Spanish-style indoor pool.
Check rates on Booking.comSwissotel Chicago
Triangular glass tower with corner rooms and lake and river views.
Check rates on Booking.comFairmont Chicago Millennium Park
Luxury hotel beside Millennium Park with a spa and a rooftop herb garden.
Check rates on Booking.comJW Marriott Chicago
Former Continental Bank building in the Financial District with a full-service spa.
Check rates on Booking.comThompson Chicago
Boutique luxury hotel in the heart of the Gold Coast.
Check rates on Booking.comSofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile
French-style luxury hotel in a modern prism-shaped tower near Oak Street.
Check rates on Booking.comLoews Chicago Hotel
Hotel by the lakefront and Navy Pier with a rooftop pool and Chicago River views.
Check rates on Booking.comBest neighborhoods to stay
Choose your base based on your interests and travel style.
City Center
The heart of Chicago with easy access to main attractions, restaurants, and transportation.
Best for: First-time visitors, short stays
Old Town
Traditional architecture and local character. Walking distance to historical sites and authentic dining.
Best for: Culture enthusiasts, photographers
Our top picks
Handpicked recommendations for every type of traveler.
The Palmer House, a Hilton Hotel
Historic 1871 hotel with a gilded Beaux-Arts lobby steps from Millennium Park and the Art Institute of Chicago.
Check rates on Booking.comHilton Chicago
Landmark 1927 hotel across from Grant Park, a short walk from the Museum Campus and Millennium Park.
Check rates on Booking.comChicago Athletic Association Hotel
Restored 1893 Venetian Gothic athletic club on Michigan Avenue across from Millennium Park.
Check rates on Booking.comThe Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel
Art Deco 1927 McGraw-Hill building hotel one block from the Magnificent Mile.
Check rates on Booking.comThe Peninsula Chicago
Five-star hotel just off Michigan Avenue with an indoor pool, spa and the Shanghai Terrace restaurant.
Check rates on Booking.comPark Hyatt Chicago
Michigan Avenue luxury hotel facing the historic Water Tower, with large, art-filled rooms.
Check rates on Booking.comBooking tips
Get the best deals and avoid common mistakes.
Rates are highest June through September and during large McCormick Place conventions, when downtown rooms can double; book 2-3 months ahead for summer
January and February offer the lowest rates, often under $150 for good downtown hotels
Chicago adds roughly 17.4% in combined hotel taxes on top of the quoted rate in the downtown area, and many downtown hotels also charge a daily amenity fee, so compare the total price
Overnight hotel parking downtown typically costs $50-85 per night; the CTA Blue Line from O'Hare and Orange Line from Midway reach the Loop, so a car is usually unnecessary
Hotels in Lakeview, Wicker Park and Lincoln Park often cost less and sit near L stations; check the Red, Brown and Blue Line maps before booking
Check hotel websites and member rates for direct-booking discounts, and check for construction or labor-dispute notices before arrival
Alternative accommodations
Beyond traditional hotels, consider these options.
Guesthouses
Family-run guesthouses offer authentic local experiences and often include home-cooked meals. Great for cultural immersion.
Serviced apartments
Ideal for longer stays or families. Kitchen facilities help save money and provide flexibility.
Hostels
Budget-friendly option for solo travelers. Dorms and private rooms available with social common areas.