Chicago is certainly a city on the move. In the space of a generation, it has transformed its fortunes and now stands as a focal point for leisure and culture. Now, the vibrant city boasts one of the finest selections of accommodations in the US. Whether a sumptuous bed, a spectacular view or service beyond compare – choose from our stunning selection of the best hotels in Chicago.
Four Seasons Chicago
Located steps from chic North Michigan Avenue shops and minutes from Chicago’s business and financial centers, the Four Seasons Hotel is the perfect destination for elite business and leisure travelers alike.
The luxury five-star hotel offers a fresh and contemporary ambiance with astounding views of Lake Michigan and the city’s magnificent skyline. Guests will also enjoy the hotel’s Health and Fitness Club with its 50-foot indoor pool surrounded by Roman-inspired columns and positioned under a domed glass ceiling. With a Mobile Mixologist shaking up martinis or the Ice Cream Cart delivering sweet treats to your room, Four Seasons has every aspect of your stay covered.
Guests can dine at the Allium restaurant following a long day exploring Chicago’s distinct neighborhoods, where a mixture of classic dishes and refined concoctions are created with locally-sourced ingredients. The pan-roasted Alaskan halibut comes highly recommended.
Top suite: Presidential Suite
With the tallest hotel views in the city, the Four Seasons Presidential Suite matches the breath-taking views of its exterior with the grandeur of its interior. With rich hues of green and chocolate brown, the sprawling 46th-floor corner suite includes three bedrooms and four full bathrooms.
Silk wall coverings, custom hand-knotted carpeting and modern art provide the perfect blend of classic and contemporary, while amenities like the personally stocked wet bar and daily laundry service ensure the room’s luxury is extended to every part of your stay.
In addition, the fitness room features a treadmill, elliptical trainer, weight bench, free weights and Pilates mats, as well as a state-of-the-art television. To top it off, a personal concierge is on hand to cater for all your technological needs upon your arrival.
The Drake
Since the 1920s, no other Chicago hotel has inspired more legendary acclaim than The Drake. For almost a century, it has hosted esteemed guests and distinguished events, galas and weddings. Their guestbook boasts entries from a number of notable figures including Queen Elizabeth II, Princess Diana, Walt Disney and Charles Lindbergh.
As the eras passed, this Italian Renaissance-style hotel solidified its reputation as a Chicago original; the first hotel in the city to provide air conditioning and color televisions in all guest rooms, it has constantly been at the forefront of luxury.
Refusing to compromise on their high standards, The Drake became the only hotel in Chicago to retain elevator operators and to spurn ice machines until the quality became comparable to handmade cubes. With such a relentless dedication to maintaining luxury at any cost, The Drake provides its guests with a level of prestige and refinement which is often hard to find.
Top suite: Princess Diana Suite
With its velvet upholstery, rich drapery and framed photos of its namesake, the Princess Diana Suite is the pinnacle of opulence. Graced by dignitaries from around the world including the Prime Minister of Australia, Queen Elizabeth II, the Queen of Thailand, former First Lady Nancy Reagan and the late Princess Diana, a stay here cements your place among the elite. The suite’s 14 windows offer stunning views out across Lake Michigan and of Chicago’s iconic cityscape.
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Chicago Athletic Association Hotel
The Drawing Room /©ClaytonHauck
Situated in a restored 1893 Venetian Gothic landmark on bustling Michigan Avenue, the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel is a tribute to the city’s rich cultural history. The ideally-located building was a glamorous private men’s club for over a century and many of its interiors retain the same character of that bygone era. Think dark woodwork, vintage leather furniture, stained-glass windows and oversized stone fireplaces.
The walls are certainly some of the most storied in the city and many a celebrity – notorious or otherwise – could be spotted in here at some point or another. There are seven eat and drink establishments on the site, including late-night options. Cindy’s is a trendy hangout situated within a vaulted steel rooftop atrium and serves refined American fare.
Head to the Milk Room’s hidden eight-seat microbar for a taste of the Prohibition high-life. This is where members used to come to drink during those dry years. Today, guests can enjoy cocktails made with the rarest vintage spirits and choose from a selection of fine whiskeys.
Top suite: Founders Suite
This 867-square-foot suite offers a unique experience in each of its rooms. From the working fireplace in the sitting room to the freestanding wrought-iron bathtub overlooking Michigan Avenue, this suite will keep you cozy and entertained throughout your stay.
The intricate woodwork and original stained-glass windows give the suite the feel of true craftsmanship and its French doors offering beautiful views out across Michigan Avenue and towards Lake Michigan.
Park Hyatt
Situated within the city’s prestigious Magnificent Mile in the famed Gold Coast area, the Park Hyatt embodies the distinctive European cachet of its location.
With a 24-hour concierge and the hotel’s exclusive E-Concierge service, a stay at the Park Hyatt will guarantee you make the most of the glamorous boutiques, fine restaurants, and sophisticated entertainment Chicago has to offer.
Featuring museum-quality works of art, award-winning dining and a dedicated personal service team, the Park Hyatt is an ideal choice for the discerning Elite Traveler.
Top suite: Watertower Suite
The Watertower Suite offers guests the ambiance of a well-appointed residence with all the amenities of a world-class hotel; including butler service, 24-hour concierge, and clothes pressing and shoe shining service. The magnificent views of Lake Michigan, the suite’s marble foyer, expansive living space, and separate office and kitchen areas provide the elite traveler with the ultimate in lavish surroundings to make the most of their stay in the Windy City.
Waldorf Astoria, Chicago
The Waldorf Astoria, Chicago stays true to the brand’s reputation with a hotel bursting with quintessential luxury. A shimmering chandelier, marbled walls and steel decoration welcomes guests into the opulent lobby. With a vast collection of art throughout the hotel, it sometimes feels as if you are walking through a contemporary art exhibition. Renowned chef Michael Mina has two restaurants within the hotel. The first, Margeaux Brasserie, is one of the finest hotel restaurants in the city. Here, Mina serves up local ingredients using classic French techniques.
Meanwhile, Petit Margeaux is a classic French patisserie serving gourmet sandwiches and fresh pastries. There is a well-equipped gym and lap pool, and therefore plenty of opportunities to burn off Petit Margeaux’s irresistible croissants. The Waldorf Astoria Spa is also renowned for its superior treatments and comprehensive packages.
Top suite: Presidential Suite
Located on the 26th floor, this 3,600-square-foot suite offers panoramic views of the Chicago cityscape and beyond. It’s lofty location and floor-to-ceiling windows allow for torrents of natural light to flood in throughout the day while Juliette terraces act as a perfect place to gaze at the twinkling city after sunset.
Each of the two king bedrooms has their own private terrace and are lavishly appointed. There is also a fully-equipped kitchen and dining facilities for up to six guests. A private media room with state-of-the-art viewing technology will make for the perfect movie or games night. The suite also has three private entrances, offering the utmost discretion for guests needing higher levels of privacy.
waldorfastoriachicagohotel.com
The Langham, Chicago
Housed with a skyscraper designed by renowned architect Mies van der Rohe, The Langham has put tremendous emphasis on doing the great man justice. The interior boasts an extensive collection of fine art while the public spaces have been designed to complement the steel-and-glass building.
The renowned Chef Jeff Vucko produces stylish dishes to match at the destination restaurant Travelle. Chef Vucko’s menu is dominated by seasonal American classics with a creative twist. He utilizes his close connection with some of the finest farms, ranches and orchards in the US to source only the freshest of ingredients. True to its British roots, The Langham also serves a delectable afternoon tea in the Pavilion.
Club-level guests benefit from a team of butlers who will do everything from press clothing to drawing a bath. The award-winning Chuan Spa and the 67-foot tranquil swimming pool offer guests the chance to relax.
Top suite: Infinity Suite
Described as an opulent retreat in the heart of Chicago, the Infinity Suite is designed to offer a tranquil place to relax following a long day. The suite boasts two well-appointed bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms and floor-to-ceiling windows with spectacular views. The dining facilities allow for up to ten guests while a fireplace and a custom-painted grand piano make for an elegant evening of entertainment.
The Peninsula Chicago
A worthy member of the Hong Kong and Shanghai Hotels group, The Peninsula Chicago’s rich heritage is known for its Far East graciousness combined with generous Midwest hospitality.
Situated in the heart of Chicago’s Magnificent Mile, the hotel’s 339 spacious guestrooms and suites are furnished in a magnificent classical style while also boasting state-of-the-art technology. Expect a king-sized bed, huge televisions and window-side dining tables in each room. Synonymous with luxurious comfort and impeccable service, The Peninsula has long been the hotel of choice for Hollywood A-listers and VIPs alike.
Visit The Peninsula Spa to relax and unwind before heading to Pierrot Gourmet to feast on European favorites in a farmhouse-inspired ambiance. Finish the night at the trendy Z Bar, one of the city’s most exclusive rooftop lounges offering iconic views and hand-crafted cocktails.
Top suite: The Peninsula Suite
Overlooking Michigan and Chicago Avenues on the hotel’s 18th floor, the Peninsula Suite exudes a truly timeless elegance. From the baby grand piano to a wraparound terrace with its own Jacuzzi, every amenity is at your disposal. With the capacity to be seamlessly converted into a one-to three-bedroom suite, or with an entire wing easily blocked off for guests requiring extra privacy, The Peninsula can cater for every need.
Viceroy Chicago
The Viceory in Chicago / @ChristianHoran
Located on Chicago’s Gold Coast in a 120-year-old building, Viceroy Chicago perfectly blends old and new to create a hotel that appeals to both old-school luxury and the 21st-century traveler. With a preserved brick and terracotta façade, the building itself is an icon of Chicago architecture. Inside, the use of striking gold and black accents works perfectly with the city backdrop, which glares in through the floor-to-ceiling windows.
Eating at Lee Wolen’s – a Michelin-starred chef – Somerset is a must for anyone staying at the hotel. The restaurant has been designed to look like a glamorous yacht club with gilded mirrors and plentiful art deco lighting. His seasonal American menu changes regularly, but signature dishes include the smoked beet tartare and squid ink chitarra.
Head to the 18th floor to experience Devereaux, a rooftop lounge delectable cocktails in front of stunning skyline views across Chicago. A seasonal pool also makes this a popular day-time hangout in the summer. A menu created by Chef Wolen also serves delicious light bites for those seeking a smaller evening meal.
Top suite: Penthouse Suite
Located on the 16th floor, the Penthouse Suite features sweeping views across the Gold Coast and Lake Michigan from floor-to-ceiling windows. The 1,675-square-foot suite has two bedrooms, a six-person dining area, a butler space for service and a 75-inch Samsung Smart TV as well as its own dedicated media room.
An outdoor terrace allows guests to take in the spectacular views and fresh Lake Michigan air and acts as the perfect spot for evening entertainment.
viceroyhotelsandresorts.com/chicago
The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago
Set atop Water Tower Place, high above prestigious North Michigan Avenue, The Ritz-Carlton Chicago offers a setting of unmistakable grandeur.
Featuring beautifully style guestrooms with exquisite décor and breath-taking views, as well as a newly renovated grand lobby complete with a truly iconic fountain; The Ritz-Carlton Chicago is unmistakably a world-class hotel. The hotel’s in-house Torali restaurant offers a contemporary brasserie-style cuisine such as fresh pasta and dry-aged steaks in a modern and refined space.
You can also head to the rooftop bar to bask in the sunshine while sipping on sundowners and snack on Italian-inspired bites. The hotel’s exclusive added extras include a full-service spa and fitness club as well as complimentary access to the hotel’s exclusive Club Lounge.
Top suite: Presidential Suite
The two-story Presidential Suite boasts a spiral staircase, beautiful modern interiors, and floor-to-ceiling window views of Lake Michigan, from the corner of the 25th and 26th floors. The spacious two-bedroom suite also includes a kitchen; living, dining and study rooms; and three full marble bathrooms, plus two guest powder rooms. The extravagant media room houses a baby grand piano and a state-of-the-art surround-sound stereo system. Guests of this illustrious suite can enjoy amenities as impressive as their accommodation: a 24-hour personal assistant and transportation to and from the local airport.
Thompson Chicago
A sophisticated yet cozy hang out in Chicago’s historic Gold Coast district, Thompson Chicago is the favored destination for those looking to explore luxury boutiques and eat in the city’s finest restaurants. The lobby and lounge strike the perfect balance between relaxed and luxurious.
British design icon Tara Bernerd sought to create a space that resembles a loft-like quality using dark woods and mid-century lines. The style runs throughout the hotel’s 247 rooms and the renowned restaurant Nico Osteria. This local favorite serves breakfast lunch and dinner, daily.
Chef Joe Lambert and his team can be seen making fresh pasta and incredible seafood from the open kitchen. The menu changes almost every day as Lambert constantly seeks to use only the freshest and best produce.
Top suite: Penthouse Suite
This trendy loft space is split over two floors with one dedicated to the main living area. The floor-to-ceiling windows give guests a bird’s eye view of Chicago and Lake Michigan. As well as plenty of space for in-room dining, there is also a personal billiards table for unwinding at the end of the day. The suite’s one bedroom is located on the upper floor, boasting a king-sized bed and custom-made Sferra linens.
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