Illinois is a Midwestern US state best known for its largest city, Chicago — a global hub of architecture, culture, food, and commerce. From the iconic skyline and world-class museums to Lincoln's historic home in Springfield and the rugged beauty of Shawnee National Forest, Illinois offers an incredibly diverse travel experience.
Accommodation overview
Hotels by budget
Find accommodation that fits your travel budget.
Budget-friendly (under $50/night)
HI Chicago Hostel
The largest hostel in Chicago, a Hostelling International property in a historic building in the South Loop. Offers dorms and private rooms, a commercial kitchen, free walking tours, and an ideal location near Grant Park.
Check rates on Booking.comChicago Getaway Hostel
A friendly boutique hostel in Lincoln Park offering dormitory and private rooms in a quiet residential neighborhood, close to Lincoln Park Zoo, bars, restaurants, and public transit.
Check rates on Booking.comFreehand Chicago
A stylish social hotel and hostel hybrid in River North combining hostel dormitories with private hotel rooms. Features the popular Broken Shaker cocktail bar, a lively restaurant, and a rooftop pool.
Check rates on Booking.comHoliday Inn Express Chicago Downtown
A no-frills Holiday Inn Express in River North with free hot breakfast each morning, clean modern rooms, and a central location for exploring Chicago's galleries, restaurants, and nightlife.
Check rates on Booking.comBest Western Clock Tower Resort
A resort-style Best Western near Anderson Japanese Gardens and Rockford's main attractions, featuring an indoor waterpark, multiple dining options, and spacious family rooms. Great value for families visiting Rockford.
Check rates on Booking.comComfort Inn & Suites Springfield
A budget-friendly Comfort Inn in Springfield offering free hot breakfast, an indoor pool, and easy freeway access to Lincoln presidential sites, the state capitol, and other Springfield attractions.
Check rates on Booking.comMotel 6 Chicago - Elk Grove
A reliable Motel 6 near O'Hare International Airport offering basic clean accommodations with free morning coffee, free parking, and an airport shuttle. Ideal for early morning flights or overnight layovers.
Check rates on Booking.comSuper 8 by Wyndham Champaign
A no-frills Super 8 in Champaign near the University of Illinois campus, offering basic clean accommodations, free continental breakfast, and free parking. Ideal for university visits, sporting events, and budget travelers.
Check rates on Booking.comMid-range ($50-150/night)
Hyatt Regency Chicago
The largest hotel in Chicago with over 2,000 rooms, ideally situated on the Chicago River next to Millennium Park. Features Stetson's Modern Steak + Fish restaurant, an expansive lobby, and river views from many rooms.
Check rates on Booking.comHampton Inn Chicago Downtown/N Loop/Michigan Ave
A reliable mid-range hotel in River North offering free hot breakfast, clean and modern rooms, and an unbeatable location steps from Millennium Park, Navy Pier, and Chicago's top restaurants and bars.
Check rates on Booking.comHotel Zachary Chicago
A boutique hotel directly across from Wrigley Field, named after Cubs founder Charles W. Murphy, featuring Cubs-themed décor, rooftop access with views of the ballpark, and multiple restaurants and bars.
Check rates on Booking.comSheraton Grand Chicago
A spacious hotel on the Chicago River near Navy Pier and Magnificent Mile, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows with lake and river views, an indoor pool, and the Crossing restaurant.
Check rates on Booking.comMarriott Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile
A full-service Marriott on the Magnificent Mile offering contemporary rooms, the Crosswinds Bar & Grill, and an ideal location for shopping, dining, and accessing Chicago's top attractions.
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A modern, comfortable hotel in Springfield near the Lincoln Home and Illinois State Fairgrounds. Features an indoor pool, complimentary breakfast options, and easy access to Lincoln's presidential sites.
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A boutique hotel in the heart of Galena's historic district, offering comfortable rooms with a 19th-century charm, complimentary breakfast, and walking distance to antique shops, restaurants, and the Grant Home.
Check rates on Booking.comEmbassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile
All-suite hotel near Magnificent Mile and Navy Pier featuring spacious two-room suites, complimentary evening reception with drinks and snacks, and free cooked-to-order breakfast each morning.
Check rates on Booking.comLuxury ($150+/night)
The Langham Chicago
An ultra-luxury Forbes Five-Star hotel occupying the iconic former IBM Building designed by Mies van der Rohe, featuring panoramic Chicago River and skyline views, the acclaimed Travelle restaurant, and the award-winning Chuan Spa.
Check rates on Booking.comFour Seasons Chicago
Situated above the 900 North Michigan Shops on the Magnificent Mile, the Four Seasons Chicago offers sumptuous rooms with lake or city views, the acclaimed The Spa at Four Seasons, and Allium restaurant.
Check rates on Booking.comWaldorf Astoria Chicago
A refined luxury hotel on the Gold Coast steps from Oak Street Beach and Magnificent Mile. Features the SALONE Ristorante, an exquisite spa, and meticulously appointed rooms with opulent French-inspired décor.
Check rates on Booking.comInterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile
A landmark 1929 hotel in a magnificent Medinah Athletic Club building on the Magnificent Mile, featuring one of Chicago's most beautiful historic indoor swimming pools and elegant rooms with skyline views.
Check rates on Booking.comLoews Chicago Hotel
A modern luxury tower in Streeterville with stunning views of Lake Michigan and the Navy Pier, featuring NK Chicago restaurant with lakefront terrace dining and well-appointed rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows.
Check rates on Booking.comKimpton Gray Hotel
A stylish boutique hotel in a beautifully restored 1910 Beaux-Arts building in the Loop, featuring Vol. 39 rooftop bar, BOLEO Argentine-inspired restaurant, and design-forward rooms with a curated art collection.
Check rates on Booking.comViceroy Chicago
A sophisticated boutique hotel in the Gold Coast with the acclaimed Somerset restaurant, a charming outdoor terrace, and beautiful art-deco-inspired interiors. Steps from Oak Street Beach and Rush Street nightlife.
Check rates on Booking.comHotel EMC2, Autograph Collection
A science and art-themed boutique hotel in Streeterville with the acclaimed Albert restaurant, a rooftop bar, and unique rooms decorated with equations, inventions, and local artistic inspiration.
Check rates on Booking.comBest neighborhoods to stay
Choose your base based on your interests and travel style.
City Center
The heart of Illinois 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 Langham Chicago
An ultra-luxury Forbes Five-Star hotel occupying the iconic former IBM Building designed by Mies van der Rohe, featuring panoramic Chicago River and skyline views, the acclaimed Travelle restaurant, and the award-winning Chuan Spa.
Check rates on Booking.comFour Seasons Chicago
Situated above the 900 North Michigan Shops on the Magnificent Mile, the Four Seasons Chicago offers sumptuous rooms with lake or city views, the acclaimed The Spa at Four Seasons, and Allium restaurant.
Check rates on Booking.comWaldorf Astoria Chicago
A refined luxury hotel on the Gold Coast steps from Oak Street Beach and Magnificent Mile. Features the SALONE Ristorante, an exquisite spa, and meticulously appointed rooms with opulent French-inspired décor.
Check rates on Booking.comInterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile
A landmark 1929 hotel in a magnificent Medinah Athletic Club building on the Magnificent Mile, featuring one of Chicago's most beautiful historic indoor swimming pools and elegant rooms with skyline views.
Check rates on Booking.comLoews Chicago Hotel
A modern luxury tower in Streeterville with stunning views of Lake Michigan and the Navy Pier, featuring NK Chicago restaurant with lakefront terrace dining and well-appointed rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows.
Check rates on Booking.comKimpton Gray Hotel
A stylish boutique hotel in a beautifully restored 1910 Beaux-Arts building in the Loop, featuring Vol. 39 rooftop bar, BOLEO Argentine-inspired restaurant, and design-forward rooms with a curated art collection.
Check rates on Booking.comBooking tips
Get the best deals and avoid common mistakes.
Book 2-4 weeks in advance for better rates and availability, especially during peak tourist season.
Check multiple booking platforms — direct hotel bookings sometimes offer better rates or perks.
Read recent reviews carefully — conditions can change. Pay attention to comments about cleanliness and Wi-Fi.
Confirm your booking directly with the hotel before arrival, especially for smaller properties.
Ask about airport transfers — many hotels offer pickup services that can save hassle on 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.