26 Favorite Chicago Hotels

Whether you want to splurge or you're traveling on a budget, we've got the perfect hotel for your Chicago stay.
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Fairmont Chicago Millennium Park

Photo Courtesy of Fairmont Chicago Millennium Park.

A $50 million renovation and exceptional service make the Fairmont one of the city's classiest stays, and allergen-free PURE guest rooms offer a bonus to suffering travelers who just want to breathe easy. Step off the elevator, and you'll immediately notice that the air smells naturally fresh-as if you'd just walked outside after a rain in the North Woods, not into a 687-room mid-priced hotel in Chicago's busy Loop. (312) 565-8000; fairmont.com/chicago 

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Hotel 71

Photo Courtesy of Hotel 71.

Worth a stay just for its superb location, Hotel 71 also has a friendly staff, good amenities and generously sized rooms. On the Chicago River, just a long block from Michigan Avenue, the hotel sports an outdoor cafe for breakfast through nightcaps. Try to get a river room - the view, including some of Chicago's most iconic buildings, is worth every dollar. (312) 346-7100; hotel71.com 

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The Peninsula Chicago

Photo Courtesy of The Peninsula Chicago.

Impeccable amenities give one of the city's luxe properties its sterling reputation, and its on-site dining offers a slice of excellence to those who can't spring for a stay. Spacious guest rooms include marble baths, TVs in the bathroom mirrors, and three-tiered mood lighting. The Peninsula has two other big pluses: Its location across from Water Tower Place and its dining options -the elegant Lobby restaurant with a European-inspired menu and Shanghai Terrace, a Chinese restaurant with a 1930s supper club vibe and excellent cocktails. (866) 382-8388; peninsula.com

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Acme Hotel Company

Fun and edgy, the Acme Hotel has turned a former Comfort Suites in River North into a vibrant, affordable place to stay, with a great perk: hot coffee delivered in a thermos to your room. The Acme shakes off staid, restful color palettes and employee uniforms and embraces the energy that this neighborhood has to offer. (312) 894-0800; acmehotelcompany.com

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Radisson Blu Aqua

A striking, rippled exterior gives this 81-story skyscraper the look of a tall, narrow waterfall. Inside, chic styling and amenities make a stay feel more like high-rise condo life. The 334 guest rooms have rain showers, flat-screens and window walls framing views of Millennium Park, the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. (312) 565-5258; radissonblu.com/aquahotel-chicago

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Trump International Hotel and Tower Chicago

Photo Courtesy of Trump International Hotel and Tower Chicago

For people looking to splurge on a special occasion, this is your spot. Even the 600-square-foot entry-level price point rooms come standard with soaking tubs, a kitchen and 10-foot window wall. In-mirror TV portals stand above the bath's limestone counters. (312) 588-8000; trumpchicagohotel.com

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The Talbott Hotel

Gracious hospitality and luxurious details define a stay at this Gold Coast property less than one block east of State Street. A polished-mahogany lobby with coffered ceilings, antique clocks and Oriental rugs sets the classy tone for this 16-story boutique hotel. Enjoy both spacious rooms and impeccable service. (800) 825-2688; talbotthotel.com

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Park Hyatt Chicago

Photo Courtesy of Park Hyatt Chicago

A luxury hotel on the Magnificent Mile, Park Hyatt Chicago features elegant public spaces (such as the library, pictured) and rooms with plush amenities including marble baths with oversized tubs. Many rooms have beautiful views of the city and Lake Michigan. The hotel is home to award-winning restaurant NoMI Kitchen. (312) 335-1234; parkchicago.hyatt.com

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Hard Rock Hotel Chicago

Photo Courtesy of Hard Rock Hotel Chicago

Music fans love this salute to rock in the 1929 Carbide and Carbon Building on Michigan Avenue (artwork of The Who and other bands hangs throughout the building's 40 stories). (866) 966-5166; hardrockhotelchicago.com

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Allerton Hotel

Photo Courtesy of The Allerton Hotel Chicago

Though it has a 1920s redbrick Renaissance exterior, the Allerton's interior is contemporary, thanks to a recent renovation. Rooms at this mid-priced Magnificent Mile spot are comfortable--not plush, but with a functional, calming aesthetic. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, iPod docking stations, pillow-top beds and 400-thread-count linens. (877) 701-8111; theallertonhotel.com

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Hotel Felix

Photo Courtesy of Hotel Felix

This River North-area hotel combines a 1927 Beaux Arts brick building with functional, contemporary furnishings. An earthy design palette and friendly staff give this mid-priced 225-room lodging a comfortable vibe. Motion and heat sensors in the guest rooms control lighting and temperature to reduce energy use when the room is unoccupied. (312) 447-3440; hotelfelixchicago.com

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Hotel Lincoln

Photo Courtesy of Hotel Lincoln

Whimsical and quirky, the 184-room Hotel Lincoln reflects the fun, residential side of Chicago, complete with park views, lake access and downtown accessibility. Located across from Lincoln Park and Lake Michigan, the mid-priced hotel features bright, cozy rooms; playfully decorated public spaces; and an effervescent staff in 50s-style rockabilly dress. (312) 254-4700; www.jdvhotels.com/hotels/chicago/lincoln/

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Waldorf Astoria Chicago

Photo Courtesy of Stay Photographs: Elysian

632. That's the square footage of a standard king room at this luxury French-inspired boutique hotel known for lavish art, in-room fireplaces and marble baths. (312) 646-1300 Waldorf Astoria Chicago

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Hotel Monaco

Found in the Loop along the bank of the Chicago River, this colorful (and pet-friendly) boutique hotel occupies a former hat factory. (866) 610-0081; monaco-chicago.com

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The Wit

Photo Courtesy of The Wit

This hotel stands in the heart of the Loop's theater district. Your check-in includes a warm chocolate chip cookie, and throughout the hallways, you'll hear the quiet chirping of birds and crickets on your way to your plush guest room.  (312) 467-0200; thewithotel.com

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Hotel Palomar

Photo Courtesy of Hotel Palomar

They had us with the Rat Pack-esque doormen, free daily wine reception and the nods to Chicago history, including cool photos of the 1893 Columbian Exposition. (877) 731-0505; hotelpalomar-chicago.com

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Inn of Chicago

Photo: innofchicago.com

You can walk just about anywhere from this hip boutique hotel in Streeterville. The historic 1920s facade complements sleek furnishings. Soak in the view from the 22nd-floor skydeck.  (312) 787-3100; innofchicago.com

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JW Marriott Chicago

Photo Courtesy of JW Marriott Chicago

A $396 million project has transformed a historic Burnham building into a luxe hotel. The property includes 610 guest rooms and a 20,000-square-foot spa.  (312) 660-8200; jwmarriottchicago.com

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The Blackstone Hotel

Spend a bit more to get a room or suite with a view of Lake Michigan at this centrally located South Michigan Avenue hotel that has hosted 12 presidents.  (312) 447-0955; theblackstonehotel.com

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Ritz-Carlton

Photo Courtesy of Ritz-Carlton

A $25 million renovation gives this luxury Mag Mile site a fresh look. A battalion of attentive staff stands ready to serve, and guests shop at the Water Tower Place below. (312) 266-1000; fourseasons.com/chicagorc

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Embassy Suites Chicago-Downtown/Lakefront

Photo: chicagolakefront.embassysuites.com

A 10-minute walk from Navy Pier, this mid-priced River North hotel completed an $11 million upgrade to its suites and fitness center. Rates include breakfast. (312) 836-5900; chicagolakefront.embassysuites.com

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River Hotel

Photo Courtesy of River Hotel

This colorful, contemporary mid-priced  boutique hotel at Wacker and Michigan is within sight of the city's new lighted river walk. (312) 777-0888; chicagoriverhotel.com

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Hotel Allegro

Photo Courtesy of James Spada and Hotel Allegro

A renovated landmark in the Loop's theater district blends vibrant colors with original Art Deco design. (866) 672-6143; allegrochicago.com

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Sax Chicago

Photo Courtesy of Sax Chicago

This high-energy, upscale hotel with a nightclub just off the lobby stands alongside the House of Blues in Marina City.  (312) 245-0333; thompsonhotels.com

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Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza

Photo Courtesy of Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza

This affordable chain hotel in River North recently completed a $20 million ecofriendly renovation. Every room has a view, as the hotel occupies the 14th through the 23rd floors (the 15th-floor CityScape bar is pictured at left). A skywalk connects to the Merchandise Mart. There's also an indoor swimming pool. (312) 836-5000; martplaza.com

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Best Western River North

This budget chain option is the only downtown hotel with free parking. A renovation is giving all of the rooms new styling, bedding, furniture and flat-screen TVs. (800) 727-0800; rivernorthhotel.com

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