Chicago Hotel Recommendations

Chicago Hotels

Chicago has a plethora of hotel options. Chicago consistently has more top rated hotels than any other city in North America. The problem is that they all usually cost over $300 a night and often cost much more. There are a lot of good options in $200-$300 range. There are a few nice places in the $125-$200 range. To spend less you will have to stay out away from the touristy areas. Rates do vary greatly with the seasons and from week to week. Rates can be lower in the winter after the New Year and before spring break. If you drive be careful of the parking rates which can be up to $40 a night.

The Best of the High End Hotels:

The Ritz-Carlton: A great location just off of Michigan Ave. It has all of the glitz you would expect from Ritz-Carlton. It has a very good restaurant. Top notch service with the ability to handle almost any request.

The Four Seasons: Everything that applies to the Ritz also applies to The Four Season. They are run by the same company so that is not surprising. I would recommend going with whichever one has the better deal. Try to get a room on a higher floor for a view of the lake.

The Peninsula: A new entry into the high end market. More urban and hip than the other top of the line Chicago hotels. It has a great location just off of Michigan Ave. Has a nice pool with a small sun terrace overlooking the city. The Shanghai Terrace is one of the most upscale Asian restaurants in Chicago. Pierre Gourmet offers simpler fare in relaxed setting which is popular among locals and one of our favorite places to get a simple lunch.

Trump International Hotel & Tower: I am not a fan of Donald Trump, and the hotel, it's restaurant and bar try too hard to be hip and more effort seems to placed on looks and appearances than substance. But it has a lot of pluses. It has a great location. On the Chicago River just a block off of Michigan Ave. It is right in the middle of everything but it is in a quiet locations. It has amazing views down the river, of the city and even the lake. The rooms are very large, well equipped and modern.

Affordable Luxury:

The Drake: Every city seems to have a stately, old hotel that is the city standard for luxury. The Drake is Chicago's version. Located at the end of Michigan Ave on the lakefront. It has a classic, old time luxury hotel lobby and the city's best afternoon tea.

The Hyatt: Located in a central spot, near Michigan Ave, Navy Pier and Millennium Park, on the Chicago River. Try to get a room facing the river for better views. The Hyatt is a very large hotel with a huge lobby, so it does lack intimacy and sophistication. It has a nice, open air, lobby bar with great views. Usually one of the best deals for someone looking to stay at a nice but not high end hotel.

Sofitel: Located 2 blocks off of Michigan Ave. in a somewhat quieter, more residential area. Surrounded by Gold Coast restaurants and stores. Sophisticated but not stuffy. It has a nice restaurant and the bar is a good place for a quiet drink.

Palmer House: Located downtown in the loop it is close to Millennium Park and the Art Institute. It is a short cab or bus ride from N. Michigan Ave. It is one of Chicago's oldest and most important hotels. A recent renovations has restored it's charm and sophistication.

The Ambassador: Located in Chicago's most exclusive neighborhood. In a quiet area, near bars and restaurants but a bit out of the way for walking to other attractions. It is where Hollywood elites stayed on their way across the country years ago. The restaurant was a hangout for numerous stars and is still a good place for a quite, romantic dinner. Was the home of Harry Caray for years.

The Intercontinental: Located on Michigan Ave. it is one of the cities architectural highlights. It has a good lobby bar, nice wine bar and a restaurant that is a good place to go for lunch. It has one of the best indoor pools in Chicago.

The Blackstone: An historic hotel located on S. Michigan Ave. Recently renovated it has resumed it's former glory. The restaurant Mercat a la Planxa located in the Blackstone is the cities best place for tapas. It is a bit south of most tourist destinations but is well located for Millennium Park, the Art Institute, the Field Museum and Shedd Aquarium. East rooms have great views but many of the rooms have limited views. My brother's standard double room on a recent stay was very large and well appointed.

Conrad: A nice hotel with very nice rooms. The hotel is trendier than the people who stay there. The location is ideal, on Michigan Ave. but with a back entrance that is in a quiet spot. The outdoor rooftop bar is a romantic spot to feel like you are young and hip even if you are not.

Less Expensive But Still Nice Options:

The Allerton: Well located right off the heart of Michigan Ave. It is historic and has a nice, recently renovated look. Watch parking because it can wipe out the money you saved by staying here.

Embassy Suites Lakefront: A newer hotel with large rooms that make it ideal for families. It is walking distance from Navy Pier and Michigan Ave. It is often busy and noisy so it is better for families than for a romantic giveaway.

Radisson Hotel: Near Michigan Ave. Recently renovated. It has an English Pub on the ground floor.

Hotel Indigo: Located in the residential neighborhood of the Gold Coast. It is convenient to restaurants and the trendy area of N. Rush Street but is a about a mile from the Mag. Mile. Looks more like an ocean front hotel than a city high rise. Was tastefully redone a few years ago.

Hotel Cass: Completely redone a couple of year ago. It is a nice looking hotel with okay rooms that is well located and sometimes comes with free breakfast. A very good option for people looking for a reasonable priced room in the Mag. Mile area.

The Cheapest Hotels That Are In a Good Area To Stay:

Holiday Inn -Merchandise Mart
Red Roof Inn
Club Quarters
Best Western River North. It is nothing fancy but it has free parking which can save drivers a lot of money and is in a good location.