Chicago has an abundance of activities, including top-notch museums, dining options, and entertainment venues. This is one of the main reasons our users consistently choose Chicago as the Best Big City in America. And with a fast-paced itinerary, good rest is essential—and even more so in stunning settings. Take a look at Chicago’s hotel scene, which is a thriving and expanding market that includes both quaint neighborhood inns and downtown locations. Similar to close friends, every one of them has a unique personality and is prepared to greet guests from near and far for their interpretation of an unforgettable stay, whether that be through innovative wellness, lively dining, smart design, or award-winning hospitality. These are the greatest places to stay in Chicago right now, ranging from charming B&Bs in Logan Square to five-star hotels on the Mag Mile.
Hilton’s Curio Collection’s Sable at Navy Pier Chicago
Located at the end of the 3,300-foot-long pier, overlooking the city skyline, the Sable, named for a ship that was stationed at Navy Pier during World War II, boasts the most desirable tourist spot. The glass facade of the building cleverly references nautical style while bringing the outside within. Drawing inspiration from Lake Michigan, the 223 rooms of the hotel channel the Great Lake with a color palette of whitecap and marine blue, complemented by light driftwood and sand-toned furniture and fixtures.
Pendry Chicago
Pendry Chicago instantly revitalized the office-centric stretch of Michigan Avenue south of the Chicago River, revitalizing a 1929 architectural icon that was allegedly designed in the shape of a champagne bottle in the heady pre-crash era. It also lived up to its gilded interiors with social aspects that channel a sense of celebration, from the bustling ground-floor brasserie to the botanical-driven, absinthe-inspired rooftop bar peering with skyline icons.
Graduate Evanston
What do Eddie Vedder, Meghan Markle, and Zooey Deschanel have in common? In addition to their notoriety, all of them are caricatured with 16 other prominent alums in the Graduate gallery, having attended Northwestern University in Evanston. Though purple and white are the school’s colors, the 119-room newcomer pays homage to the Wildcats with flashes of purple throughout the 1928 Colonial Revival apartment-hotel The Homestead. The decor is professorial-friendly, with tweedy couches, groups of flea market art, Persian-inspired rugs, and chess tables.
The Nobu Chicago Hotel
Beyond its tinted glass front, Nobu Chicago serves as a calm haven from the bustle of the city, from the Oshibori ritual of providing guests with a warm, scented hand towel upon arrival to the interior tranquility pool. It’s not like the iconic restaurant is completely closing; it still attracts affluent diners and the city’s sushi experts. Nobu, which is part of a chain of hotels owned by chef Nobu Matsuhisa and his partners, including actor Robert De Niro, is especially popular with foodies, as the Fulton Market neighborhood is full of highly regarded eateries including Au Cheval, Momotaro, Girl & the Goat, and Monteverde.
Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile
The 415-room Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile, which is ideally situated in the center of the energetic Gold Coast Historic District of Chicago, is inspired by the French art de vivre and provides guests with an elegant and unforgettable stay. There are 63 suites on the site, along with three chic restaurants, a large meeting and event area, and a 24-hour fitness facility.
The Robey
Nestled between the trendy districts of Bucktown and Wicker Park, in Chicago’s creative district, The Robey occupies Northwest Tower and coexists with independent boutiques, pop-up eateries, and artisanal coffee shops. The corner suites, which have low-key, uncomplicated furnishings designed by Belgians Nicolas Schuybroek and Marc Merckx, are the nicest of the 89 rooms because of their wraparound windows that let in natural light.
The Peninsula Chicago
The city’s best-kept secret may be found in this high-rise hotel, which has a vast 80-foot pool 19 stories above with floor-to-ceiling windows and an unbeatable view. One could easily lose oneself in complete happiness there for the entire day—schedule a full day to alternate between spa treatments and pool dives.
Viceroy Chicago
The Viceroy, a modern-chic building with a classic Chicago façade and mid-century interiors, is located in the Gold Coast Historical District. The abstract headboard wall, the carpet that resembles a sand-hued topographic map, and the 30-foot wall in the lobby that features lines from Marcel Proust are just a few of the textures and patterns that catch the eye.
Kimpton Gray Hotel
The Kimpton Gray Hotel in the Loop is a wonderful deal for style and location and is a member of the lively and trendy Kimpton family. Although the sleek platform beds and pendant lights evoke a mid-century modern aesthetic, the dark wooden armoire with its flowery interior speaks to a more adventurous side. If you can, upgrade to a spa room, where the shower area has abstract-patterned tiles and is glassed in and equipped with a standalone tub.
Chicago’s Hoxton Neighborhood
For the London-based hotel group, The Hoxton, Chicago, represents lucky number seven when it opened in March 2019. The lobby of the building is comfortable and airy, reminiscent of a living room, despite its rough, brick warehouse-style appearance. You are welcomed with communal tables, plenty of seats, and potted plants beneath a tall, two-story ceiling as soon as you walk in. Three sizes of rooms are available: Snug, Cosy, and Roomy.