Chicago hotels

For being in the heart of one of the city’s most bustling neighborhoods – the trendy Fulton Market near West Loop – Nobu offers a kind of repose that nearly makes you forget you’re in a major city. Inspired by streamlined Japanese aesthetics and culinary precision at its in-house sushi restaurants, this is one of the most unique hotels in Chicago. The oasis-like feel is carried into every room, and its reservation-required rooftop showcasing stunning skyline views.
I highly recommend a dip in the indoor tranquility pool, or enjoy a steam as part of other wellness amenities. With its proximity to West Loop and River North, you’re a short walk from incredible clubs, bars, and restaurants.
I recommend dancing at Nights & Weekends or Tribe, taking in a concert at Bottom Lounge or City Winery, or playing vintage arcade games at Emporium Fulton Market.

Nestled in Downtown Hyde Park, the Sophy Hotel, one of the luxury hotels in Chicago, offers modern sophistication with a nod to the creative pulse inspiring the next generation of the neighborhood.
With common spaces, standard rooms, and deluxe suites that almost double as art galleries, a stay at the Sophy is a feast for the senses. Speaking of feasting, the hotel houses Mesler Kitchen – a restaurant and lounge turning out redefined, elevated takes on classic American dishes from brunch to late-night bites. Visiting during fall? Get cozy around the firepit on outdoor terrace, The Sanctuary, where cocktails and mocktails are plenty.
Once rested and fed, you’re just blocks from favored nightlife haunts like The Promontory, as well as the landmark Frederick C. Robie House designed by legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright, Museum of Science & Industry, the SMART Museum of Art, and loads of shopping.

A trip to Chicago could be spent exploring Chinatown alone, and the Jaslin Hotel is perfectly located for your venture. Situated just off Archer Avenue, the hotel is close enough to the action but far enough to get a proper rest after inevitably shutting down the nearby karaoke bars – or, my personal favorite, standout craft cocktail lounge Nine Bar – close at 2 a.m.
Offering standard amenities including complimentary Wi-Fi, a work desk, and an iron and ironing board, the hotel encourages guests to become part of the neighborhood. Need a bit of guidance? The 24-hour reception staff is there, providing restaurant recommendations and regularly updating a running calendar of local events to partake in, something that makes Jaslin one of my top-rated hotels in Chicago.

Finding its home in what Chicagoans think of when they hear “Flat Iron Building,” formerly known as the Northwest Tower, The Robey has become more than a hotel – it’s a beloved, local hangout spot for its art deco vibes, stellar brunch, and bars Clever Coyote and The Up Room.
With an exclusive 89 rooms, the boutique accommodations are split between 69 tower rooms–inclusive of its top-floor Panorama Suite which boasts a 180-degree view of the city skyline – and 20 Annex Lofts that offer guests more distinctive, warehouse-style sleeping quarters.
All guests are invited to enjoy complimentary bikes and several discounts from local businesses to aid them in their self-guided tours around Wicker Park, Bucktown, and beyond. Still a little jet-lagged? Book an in-room massage for when you return.

Just off Michigan Avenue, the unassuming CitizenM is an art-pop lover’s dream stay. Fully Instagrammable, from its entry level to second-floor lobby check-in and communal areas, guests are greeted by eclectic, tongue-in-cheek, existentialist works that would’ve inspired even the likes of Andy Warhol.
The hotel aims to alleviate some of the overthinking travelers experience when visiting new cities – presenting one, identical style across its 280 rooms – perfect for two adults instead of numerous ones of varying appeal and higher price points. Outfitted with an extra-large bed to share, adjustable, colored mood lights, and blackout blinds, the hotel offers unexpected ways to customize your stay to your liking.
Start your day off with a buffet breakfast before crossing the Michigan Avenue bridge to retail heaven or take to the renovated Riverwalk for a different perspective.

The Chicago Athletic Association is one of those hotels you don’t ever have to leave if you don’t want to. That said, it is directly across the street from Millennium Park and down the block from the renowned Art Institute, so you probably should.
In case rain or some other unexpected, inclement weather does derail your downtown wanderlust, the renovated, landmark space has everything including incredible bars with such as Cindy’s Rooftop and Cherry Circle Room (just two of five onsite), game rooms, trivia nights, and Chicago’s first Topgolf Swing Suite. The hotel also regularly hosts curated dance parties, pop-ups, and makers markets in partnership with some of the city’s most exciting creatives and tastemakers, making it one of the best hotels to stay in Chicago.
Choose from a standard room, suite, or “Holy Cow” suite (Harry Caray impression optional) and you will love your stay.

The Kimpton Gray has my favorite deep, soaking tubs in Chicago. If that’s not enough to convince you, it also happens to be one of the few hotels that aims to provide luxe pampering for every member of the family – pets included.
And if you do happen to be travelling with a four-legged companion (dog, cat, or any non-human bestie as long as they fit in the elevator), the hotel offers pet-friendly accommodations at no additional charge, with no deposit required.
Taking care of all its guests’ minds, bodies, and souls, you are invited to enjoy a nightly social hour, reserve time in a sensory meditation pod to align your mental and physical health in the wellness lounge, access a state-of-the-art fitness center, and borrow bikes to traverse downtown. The hotel partnered as well with LIVEBETTER CO to produce exclusive guided instructions for yoga, workouts, and mobility exercises.

The Gwen offers a VIP glamping experience in the heart of the Magnificent Mile. As in you and your travel buddy sleeping in the chicest tent, under the stars, Downtown Chicago. You will not get that anywhere else, trust me.
If that’s not enough, the hotel also regularly hosts a Tipsy Tea Party (with non-alcoholic options, as well) – establishing itself as the perfect place to book if you and your crew love any excuse to be a little bit extra.
Invoking the jewel-toned glamour of the 1930s, Gwen exudes a refined opulence. With the area’s surrounding designer retailers, you’ll be able to find a new outfit to match. Each room option takes things up a notch, with furnishings befitting of a big city femme fatale. Even further, three of the six suites at The Gwen come complete with private terraces, ideal for entertaining during a bachelorette or special occasion weekend.

One of, if not the ultimate luxury hotel in Chicago, The Peninsula sits close to the North end of Michigan Avenue – steps away from famed, shopping destinations like Water Tower Place, Gucci, and Ralph Lauren; or the celebrated Museum of Contemporary Art (with arguably the best gift shop in the city).
Keeping with longstanding traditions and a prestige concierge service rooted in Eastern hospitality culture, the Hong Kong-based hotel group’s Chicago property has carried a five-star rating every year since opening in 2001. Guests know they’re experiencing the unparalleled during a Peninsula visit, from fine dining to exclusive access to tickets for Broadway in Chicago performances.
Now, kids – or “junior guests” – can relish the same perks with Camp Peninsula. With this package, children (ages 12 and under) revel in exclusive experiences crafted just for them, including special amenities, programs, and cultural activities to ensure they, too, encounter the city’s best.

Retro-chic in the best way, Viceroy stands striking against the backdrop of downtown – during the day and at night – as viewed through floor-to-ceiling windows.
Situated on State Street, the hotel is encompassed by local shops and restaurants like the truly stunning Restoration Hardware and its 3 Arts Club Cafe, and is a short jaunt from the nightclubs like Primary that line Division Street in neighboring Old Town. While you’re out though, you may be thinking about your hotel’s rooftop lounge Devereaux. With imaginative cocktails, non-alcoholic mocktails, and bites, Devereaux makes the case for staying in and soaking in the unobstructed views from your own, private, rooftop table.
The Viceroy Hotel is also close to one of Chicago’s most underrated museums – the International Museum of Surgical Science. Be sure to check their calendar during your visit, sometimes the museum hosts avant-garde concert.