13 Best Chicago Hotels, According to Travel Experts

As the oldest hotel in Chicago and one of the oldest continuously operating hotels in the U.S., Palmer House is a great option for a memorable stay. Plus, according to the hotel, this is where the brownie was invented, so you might as well thank them for their service. Our testers found this hotel to be beautiful and staffed with friendly, helpful personnel. They particularly enjoyed the variety of great amenities, such as live entertainment and curated cocktails at the bar.

With 1,641 guest rooms, you won't be getting a small, homey atmosphere when you stay at this place, but you will surely appreciate the variety of dining and drink options that come with hosting in such a large space. Featuring an 8,000-square foot spa, a magic parlor where you can experience live magic shows, a health club with personalized workout regiments and more, there's a reason why this hotel has been around for so long and is still at the top of its game.

Head to the south side to secure your stay in this eclectic boutique hotel. If you're looking for something a little farther away from all the hustle and bustle of the Chicago tourist attractions, this hotel sits snugly in Hyde Park, within a mile of the Museum of Science and Industry, University of Chicago and Court Theater. Just a bit further away you'll find the DuSable Museum of African American History and Midway Plaisance Park. If you're interested in exploring Navy Pier, "The Bean," Magnificent Mile or iconic spots, there are both a Metra train and a bus stop just a few blocks away.

Online reviewers found the staff to be helpful and kind, the rooms to be spacious, quiet and comfortable and the location to be great for University of Chicago students as well as travelers looking for an easy ride uptown. One reviewer even noted, "The customer service was the best we've experienced in 40 years of traveling."

With 159 modern, minimalist rooms and design elements inspired by both art and nature, the Emily Hotel is a gorgeous boutique building in the Fulton Market District, an area known for its great restaurants and friendly atmosphere. From the coffee bar serving locally roasted java to the rooftop cocktail bar, the atmosphere in this property is calming and uplifting. With pet-friendly rooms, 24-hour exercise amenities and valet parking, guests can enjoy the best Chicago has to offer. Plus, it's just steps from the Fulton Market and "L" train so you can grab some tasty eats before hopping over to your favorite museums, shops or tourist attractions.

"I was immediately drawn to the warmth and overall minimalist vibe of this property," one tester said. They even loved this hotel so much that they're planning to stay during their wedding (which is being hosted in a nearby venue) because there's a nice mix of larger suites and typically sized guest rooms.

Pet lovers from all across the world will appreciate all that the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel has done to make staying with your pooch as comfortable as possible. Guests are allowed to have up to two pets per room of any size and weight. Plus, you won't have to pay the pesky pet fee that many other hotels require. According to online reviewers, pets are welcomed to the hotel with treats upon check-in, and the staff are very helpful in making you and your canine friends feel at home. The website also notes that while pets aren't allowed in the restaurants or bars on the premises, they can enjoy some quality time in the lobby areas as long as they're on a leash.

Aside from hosting your furry friends, the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel is home to vintage-inspired 20th-century decor, seven restaurants and bars (including an authentic speakeasy, billiards room and fan-favorite Shake Shack), 24-hour fitness facilities and a rooftop terrace overlooking Millennium Park. One of our testers particularly recommends the brunch spot on the roof for the tasty food and spectacular views.

Who said luxury isn't kid-friendly? Families will adore the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago which features just as many amazing amenities for kids as it does for their parents. It starts at check-in when little ones can select a toy from the hotel's toy treasure chest. They'll also receive an activity book upon arrival that teaches them about Chicago's most famous city landmarks. Feel like ice cream? The property has an on-call ice cream service that will wheel a cart right into your room. Plus, it's one of the few hotels in Chicago with a pool (and it has toys and floaties to boot).

Of course, parents are pampered too. There's a social lounge and in-house spa for a signature Magnificent Mile Massage. Did we mention that babysitting is available? Online reviewers found the lobby to be beautiful and inviting, the service to be impeccable, food and drink options to be tasty and the location to be incomparable — just steps from Michigan Avenue on the Magnificent Mile.

If you want to eat, sleep and hang out in the same spots as all your favorite celebrities, you may want to check in to The Peninsula Chicago. Home to five-star accommodations, jaw-dropping amenities, exceptional staff and gorgeous views, you'll get a taste of what it's like to truly live in the lap of luxury. The hotel boasts a glamorous rooftop lounge with an outdoor terrace, restaurants with cuisine options ranging from Chinese to contemporary American, a chic wine bar, a sun terrace, a two-floor spa, and an indoor pool with 20-foot windows overlooking the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan.

Established almost a century ago in Hong Kong, Peninsula Hotels' Chicago outpost brings you "far-eastern graciousness" with "midwestern hospitality," according to their brand. Located on the northern end of the Magnificent Mile, those who choose to stay here will be surrounded by some of the most opulent storefronts, delicious restaurants, gorgeous city attractions and best shopping in the country. Online reviewers have found the price to be worth the experience, the location to be great for both business travel and leisure and the service overall to be "a treat in every aspect."

A 10-minute walk from the Art Institute of Chicago and less than a mile from Millennium Park, the JW Marriott is in the middle of the action. Plus, it's steps away from the "L" subway station, making it easy to get around to just about anywhere in the city. Two of our testers noted that this hotel is a standout for this reason.

Besides making it easy to hit all your favorite tourist attractions, engage in the exciting nightlife and walk along the Chicago river, the hotel's spa and executive lounge supply all the TLC you deserve. Our experts also particularly like the architecture of the historic building.

Get a little taste of royalty when you visit The Drake Hotel, the same hotel Princess Diana stayed in when she visited Chicago. If you're looking for special treatment, you can spend your nights in the luxury Princess Diana Suite that features unobstructed views of the coast of Lake Michigan through its many giant windows. But you can't go wrong with any of the 535 guest rooms — they're all beautiful and comfortable. Between the exciting piano bar, afternoon tea service hosted in the Palm Court and 24-hour fitness center, you may want to dedicate a day of your trip to just exploring the hotel's amenities. Plus, you may be able to bring your pooch with you — the hotel is pet friendly for animals up to 75 pounds.

Our testers found the staff to be incredibly friendly and accommodating, the rooms to be well-designed and the location to be exceptional. One tester said, "While we didn't have a wedding there, there was one going on and the rooms were impeccably decorated and gorgeous."

There's a reason you can find Soho House in big cities across the world from Nashville to Berlin, and of course in Chicago. Located in the West Loop in the Fulton Market District, this unique hotel is stationed in a former belting factory and has everything from a rooftop pool with breathtaking views of the Chicago skyline to a cozy tea service catered by a pastry chef at the lobby bar.

"The warm chocolate cookies that are left each night are nothing short of amazing!" said one tester, who consistently stays at this hotel when he's in town. The ambiance is hard to beat: It draws local artists and musicians as both performers and guests. One thing to keep in mind is that all Soho House guests need to have a membership of sorts, either the classic original membership, Cities Without Houses membership or Soho Friends membership. For those who are interested in a stay but don't already have a membership, you can simply book your rooms under the non-membership selection and a Soho Friends membership will be automatically added to your booking. Once you complete the application, you'll be good to go. If you're put on the waitlist, your reservation will be canceled and both your membership fee and deposit will be refunded. So if you're interested in staying here, plan ahead.

Hugging the northern tip of the Magnificent Mile, the Sofitel Hotel is a wonderful oasis in the bustling city. This luxury French hotel brand spans five continents and brings delicious French cuisine and decor to the Windy City. Guests can choose to stay in one of the many luxury rooms or suites, and even opt to vacation on Sofitel's 20th floor which is home to PURE Wellness Rooms. Each one is equipped with a purification system, feather-free bedding (including pillows) and more, making it a smart choice for guests with allergies or asthma.

Spacious rooms, beautiful views, friendly staff and a great location are just some of the reasons online reviewers find this hotel to be a wonderful home base. "Just steps from Michigan Avenue, this is a great, safe location with terrific friendly service," says one guest. Spend a day inside getting pampered with an in-room spa treatment or explore some of the greatest museums, shopping and restaurants in the country just steps from the front door of the gorgeous lobby.

Get some of the most wonderful views of the Chicago skyline from the rooftop at The Gwen Hotel. The best part? The rooftop is open all year, unlike some other hotels in the area. Once it starts to get chilly in Chicago, the Gwen Hotel adapts its rooftop experience to include fire pits, and the outdoor terrace stays bustling throughout the winter season. So, grab a fancy cocktail and soak in the breathtaking views from their art-deco-inspired rooftop.

"The Gwen hotel delivers a luxurious experience in downtown Chicago, and it certainly looks the part," says one GH tester. Plus, you can secure a truly once-in-a-lifetime trip when you book a glamping experience. You can spend the night under the skyscrapers on an exclusive 16th-floor terrace in an eclectic luxury tent. If you decide halfway through that you're more of an inside person, you can switch to the adjoining two-bedroom suite.

Scope out Chicago's brilliant Theater District when you stay at the Hampton Inn Majestic Chicago. Not only is it a budget-friendly option, but it's right near many of Chicago's wonderful theaters so the whole family doesn't have to travel too far to see a Broadway show. If you're bringing along a couple of kiddos, rest easy knowing that kids stay free while at this property, and the whole family can enjoy a free hot breakfast every morning.

Spend the rest of the trip exploring the nearby Millennium Park (only a five-minute walk away) where the family can play in the Crown Fountain and see Cloud Gate (the giant bean). Older kids and parents will enjoy the optional connecting rooms, which lets teens have a little bit more freedom while still staying close to their parents. Plus, this property comes with free breakfast and WiFi and has pet-friendly rooms so you don't have to leave Fido at home. Online reviewers appreciate the wonderful location, attentive staff and comfortable atmosphere. Plus, the Hampton Inn brand won a Good Housekeeping 2023 Family Travel award.

A luxury hotel from the Hilton brand rolls out the red carpet for its tiniest guests. In addition to the gear you'd expect (like a nice crib), the Waldorf Astoria Chicago also loans families a white-noise machine, diaper pail, strollers and other equipment. The service is stunning — a concierge will reach out before your visit and ask you what you need. Then it'll be waiting for you in the room. Be sure to request one of the mini plush white bath robes so you and your little one can match.

We suggest booking the Gold Coast Terrace Suite because you can keep the crib in the living area and retreat to your closed-off bedroom when the baby sleeps. (How amazing will it be not to have to whisper and sit in the dark in a hotel room?) "The extra space in this suite is also well-suited for teens, who would also like some privacy," said Karen Cicero, a family travel editor at the GH Institute. "The couch pulls out to a comfy sofa bed. My teen approved."

If you're going to be in town for a while, this reasonably priced hotel in the vibrant Andersonville neighborhood will grow to feel like home.

Originally designed as luxury apartments, The Guesthouse Hotel features one- to three-bedroom suites that include a well-equipped kitchen, comfy living area, historic touches and kid amenities galore. The owners have a closet of every piece of baby and kid gear and toys you can think of; it's a response to their frustration as young parents having to schlep so much stuff as they traveled with their little ones. Even the library in the lobby is stocked with Melissa & Doug puzzles, the Harry Potter book series and dozens of storytime favorites — all available to borrow. "You genuinely have all the comforts of home and then some," said Cicero, who visited with her family last summer. If there's one drawback, it's that it can be a haul to major attractions. But for visitors who want more of a local experience and space to spread out, you can't beat The Guesthouse Hotel.