26 Favorite Chicago Hotels

By The editors of MidwestLiving.com
June 01, 2012
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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Chicago Athletic Association Hotel

A boutique rehab at this historical men's sports club added seven bas and restaurants along with 241 cushy guest rooms above Michigan Avenue. chicagoathletichotel.com

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Fairmont Chicago Millennium Park

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.  fairmont.com/chicago 

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The Peninsula Chicago

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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The Langham

Fine art graces the walls of the Mies van der Rohe skyscraper in River North, and the 316 guest rooms (complete with marble baths and rain showers) are some of the most spacious in the city. langhamhotels.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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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. 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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Hotel EMC2

Courtesy of EMC2

Tuxedoed robots Leo and Cleo might bring shampoo or towels to your room at this Streeterville hotel, where science and art accents elevate the guest experience. The Albert restaurant focuses on eclectic and seasonal fare. hotelemc2.com

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LondonHouse Chicago

Courtesy of LondonHouse Chicago

The 452-room luxury hotel occupies a 1923 former office building in a prime location on NOrth Michigan Avenue. A tri-level rooftop bar overlooks the Chicago River. londonhousechicago.com

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The Virgin Hotel

Courtesy of The Virgin Hotel

Ergonomic headboards support you while sitting in bed, sliding partitions create private areas in the room, and a smartphone app lets you adjust the heat and order room service. virginhotels.com/chicago

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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

Courtesy of Waldorf Astoria

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.  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 Hoxton

Courtesy of The Hoxton

Just a few of the reasons to stay at this West Loop hotel: a rooftop pool; the Peruvian restaurant Cabra, run by rock star chef Stephanie Izard; a speakeasy; and urban, mid-mod rooms. thehoxton.com

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The Publishing House Bed and Breakfast

Bob Stefko

Eleven stylish rooms are named after Chicago-based novels and authors. Curl up with a book in the inn’s scattered mini libraries, nooks and reading corners. publishinghousebnb.com

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Hotel Zachary

Courtesy of David Burk

A clubby game-day atmosphere injects this subtly Cubs-theme hotel, which sits directly across Clark Street from the renovated Wrigley Field. hotelzachary.com

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JW Marriott Chicago

Courtesy of JW Marriott

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.  jwmarriottchicago.com

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The Blackstone Hotel

Courtesy of The Blackstone, Autograph Collection

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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The 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.  fourseasons.com/chicagorc

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Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago-Downtown Magnificent Mile

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. embassysuites3.hilton.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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Kimpton 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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Freehand Hostel

Courtesy of Freehand Chicago/Adrian Gau

Aimed at social travelers, room options include a shared quad with bunk beds, the lobby sports a craft cocktail bar, and staff will arrange activities. freehandhotels.com/chicago

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Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza

Courtesy of Holiday Inn Mart Plaza

This affordable chain hotel in River North completed a $20 million ecofriendly renovation. Every room has a view, as the hotel occupies the 14th through the 23rd floors. A skywalk connects to the Merchandise Mart. There's also an indoor swimming pool. martplaza.com

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Ace Hotel Chicago

Courtesy of ACE Hotel.

Some rooms come with turntables or guitars in this industrial-chic West Loop hotel created in a building that once houses an Italian-American cheese-making company. acehotel.com/chicago

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By The editors of MidwestLiving.com