Chicago Hotels

hotel booking, The Ritz-Carlton Atlanta, last minute hotel deals

Chicago Hotels: Where to Stay, Best Areas

Chicago hotels range from affordable accommodations to five-star properties near the Magnificent Mile, Chicago Riverwalk, Millennium Park and Lake Michigan. Currently advertises hotels in Chicago from $64. Compare Chicago hotels downtown and hotels near Chicago by total price, location, guest rating and amenities to find the best stay for your trip.

Book Now

How Much Are Chicago Hotels Today?

Currently advertises hotels in Chicago from $64, with more than 5,000 properties represented in its Chicago inventory.

Prices can be considerably higher in the heart of downtown, particularly during conventions, festivals, sporting events and busy summer weekends.

Current inventory also shows examples such as:

Chicago hotel	Area	Current example*
Congress Plaza Hotel	Downtown Chicago	$95/night
Chicago Hotel Collection – Magnificent Mile	Downtown	$114/night
Chicago Hotel Collection Ambassador Gold Coast	Downtown	$122/night
Hilton Chicago/Magnificent Mile Suites	Downtown	$156/night
Embassy Suites Chicago Downtown River North	Downtown	$168/night
Hotel Riu Plaza Chicago	Downtown	$178/night
Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown	Downtown	$233/night
Omni Chicago Hotel	Downtown	$263/night
LondonHouse Chicago	Downtown	$265/night

These are examples for selected upcoming September dates rather than guaranteed rates for tonight. Current Downtown Chicago inventory lists Congress Plaza from $95 nightly ($113 total), Chicago Hotel Collection – Magnificent Mile from $114 ($135 total), Hotel Riu Plaza from $178 ($212 total), and other properties at higher price points.

Where Should You Stay in Chicago?

For most visitors, location should be one of the biggest factors when choosing among hotels in Chicago.

Five areas deserve particular attention:

Downtown Chicago / The Loop — Best for major attractions and first-time sightseeing.

Magnificent Mile — Best for shopping and upscale accommodations.

River North — Excellent for restaurants and nightlife.

West Loop — One of Chicago’s strongest dining neighborhoods.

Near O’Hare — Practical for airport stays, connections and some business trips.

Last Minute hotel Deals

Chicago Hotels Downtown

For a first visit, Chicago hotels downtown provide one of the easiest ways to experience the city.

Downtown puts travelers close to attractions such as:

Millennium Park
Cloud Gate — “The Bean”
Chicago Riverwalk
Art Institute of Chicago
Grant Park
Michigan Avenue
Lake Michigan
architecture cruises
theaters
restaurants

Currently lists more than 1,600 properties within its Downtown Chicago inventory.

The tradeoff is price. Downtown accommodations can cost considerably more than properties farther from the city center.

The Loop Hotels

The Loop is one of the best locations for travelers who want to maximize sightseeing time.

Staying here puts you near Millennium Park, Grant Park, the Art Institute, theaters and public transportation.

Why stay in the Loop?

Choose the Loop when you want:

major attractions within walking distance
convenient CTA train access
museums
architecture
theaters
Millennium Park
Grant Park
business-district access

The Loop can become quieter after business hours in some sections, so travelers prioritizing nightlife may prefer River North or West Loop.

Hotels Near Millennium Park

Millennium Park is one of Chicago’s signature attractions, making the surrounding area particularly convenient for first-time visitors.

Staying nearby puts you within easy reach of:

Cloud Gate

Crown Fountain

Millennium Park

Grant Park

Art Institute of Chicago

Chicago Cultural Center

Michigan Avenue

Travelers who want to spend most of their trip sightseeing on foot should strongly consider this part of downtown.

Hotels Near Grant Park

Grant Park stretches along Chicago’s downtown lakefront and provides convenient access to several major attractions.

Currently lists nearly 4,000 properties in its broader Grant Park hotel search and advertises accommodations near the park from approximately $196 for selected dates.

Hotels in this area are particularly useful for travelers attending major festivals and events in Grant Park.

However, prices can rise sharply during major event weekends.

Hotels Near Chicago Riverwalk

The Chicago Riverwalk is another strong location for visitors.

Staying near the river gives you convenient access to:

architecture cruises
riverfront restaurants
Michigan Avenue
downtown attractions
Millennium Park
shopping
nightlife

Features highly rated Downtown Chicago hotels near the Riverwalk, including Silversmith Hotel Chicago Downtown.

The citizenM Chicago Downtown, for example, is located steps from both Chicago Riverwalk and Michigan Avenue, while Grant Park and Millennium Park are within a short walk.

Magnificent Mile Hotels

Michigan Avenue’s Magnificent Mile is one of Chicago’s most recognizable hotel districts.

This area is especially attractive for travelers interested in:

shopping
restaurants
luxury hotels
Lake Michigan
360 CHICAGO
Water Tower Place
easy downtown access

Accommodation ranges from familiar hotel brands to some of Chicago’s most luxurious properties.

Current Downtown Chicago inventory includes Hilton Chicago/Magnificent Mile Suites from approximately $156 nightly for a selected September date.

River North Hotels

River North is one of the strongest choices for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with restaurants and nightlife.

The neighborhood offers:

restaurants
cocktail bars
galleries
nightlife
proximity to the river
easy access to Michigan Avenue

It’s particularly useful for couples, groups of friends and travelers who want things to do after the main tourist attractions close.

West Loop Hotels

Food-focused travelers should consider the West Loop.

The neighborhood has developed into one of Chicago’s premier restaurant districts, particularly around Randolph Street and Fulton Market.

Choose West Loop when your priorities include:

restaurants
bars
Fulton Market
nightlife
modern hotels
proximity to downtown without staying directly in the Loop

Business travelers also frequently choose the area because of its expanding commercial district.

Best Chicago Hotels for First-Time Visitors

The “best” hotel Chicago offers depends heavily on budget and travel style.

For a first visit, prioritize location.

Some highly rated properties in Expedia’s current Downtown Chicago inventory include:

The Langham, Chicago

The Langham is one of Downtown Chicago’s highly recommended five-star hotels, with an exceptional 9.8/10 guest rating.

It is particularly suited to travelers seeking luxury, river views and polished service.

Park Hyatt Chicago

Park Hyatt is another five-star option highlighted by Ibis Connect, with a current 9.6/10 guest rating.

Its location near North Michigan Avenue makes it especially useful for upscale shopping and downtown sightseeing.

LondonHouse Chicago

LondonHouse combines a central river location with one of the city’s recognizable rooftop settings.

Current inventory shows a 9.4/10 rating and a selected September example of approximately $265 nightly / $315 total.

Hotel Riu Plaza Chicago

Hotel Riu Plaza is close to Michigan Avenue and Chicago Riverwalk and includes amenities such as breakfast and free Wi-Fi.

Current inventory shows approximately $178 nightly / $212 total for a selected September date and a 9.4/10 guest rating.

Omni Chicago Hotel

Omni Chicago is another premium Magnificent Mile-area option.

Current Downtown inventory shows a 9.2/10 guest rating and a selected September example of approximately $263 nightly / $313 total.

Cheap Hotels in Chicago

Finding a cheap Chicago hotel is often a matter of changing when and where you stay.

Try these strategies:

Compare weekdays and weekends

Business-heavy areas can behave differently from leisure neighborhoods.

Search outside downtown

Hotels farther from the Loop may cost less.

Just make sure the savings aren’t eliminated by parking, rideshares or long transportation times.

Compare the total price

Don’t judge a hotel by its advertised base rate alone.

Calculate:

room rate + taxes + mandatory fees + parking + breakfast + transportation

Check several nearby neighborhoods

If River North is expensive, compare the Loop, South Loop, West Loop and neighborhoods farther from downtown.

Expedia currently advertises the broader Chicago hotel market from $64.

Hotels Near Chicago

Travelers searching hotels near Chicago don’t necessarily need to stay downtown.

Depending on your plans, consider:

O’Hare Airport

Best for early flights, overnight connections and some business travel.

Rosemont

Convenient for O’Hare, conventions and entertainment.

Oak Brook

Useful for suburban business trips and travelers driving into the region.

Schaumburg

A practical suburban option with shopping, restaurants and business hotels.

Evanston

Useful for Northwestern University and travelers who want a lakefront community north of Chicago.

Oak Park

A strong option for architecture-focused travelers and visitors who don’t need to sleep in the downtown core.

Always calculate transportation costs before choosing a cheaper suburban property.

Chicago Hotels Near O’Hare Airport

O’Hare International Airport is one of the country’s busiest airports, so airport hotels serve a substantial market.

An airport hotel makes particular sense when:

your flight leaves early
you arrive late
you have an overnight connection
weather could disrupt your itinerary
your business is near O’Hare
you’re attending an event in Rosemont

Before booking, check:

airport shuttle availability

shuttle operating hours

terminal pickup location

parking charges

breakfast hours

distance to CTA Blue Line

A property marketed as “near O’Hare” isn’t necessarily located inside the airport.

Luxury Chicago Hotels

Chicago has an impressive luxury-hotel market.

Currently highlights properties such as:

The Langham, Chicago
Park Hyatt Chicago
Waldorf Astoria Chicago
Four Seasons Hotel Chicago
Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago

These properties can appeal to travelers looking for premium rooms, spas, high-end restaurants, concierge service and central locations.

Luxury is most worthwhile when you’re going to use the amenities.

If you’ll spend 12 hours a day exploring the city, a well-located four-star property may offer better value.

Family-Friendly Chicago Hotels

Families should prioritize slightly different hotel features.

Look for:

connecting rooms
sofa beds
cribs
breakfast
indoor pool
refrigerator
walkability
easy public transportation
larger rooms

Currently identifies properties including Waldorf Astoria Chicago, Park Hyatt Chicago, Four Seasons Hotel Chicago and Fairmont Chicago at Millennium Park among highly rated family-oriented downtown options.

For families, staying close to the attractions you plan to visit can also reduce daily transportation time.

Chicago Hotels for Couples

Couples may want to focus on:

river views
rooftop bars
luxury rooms
spa facilities
restaurants
walkable nightlife
Lake Michigan views

River North, Gold Coast, Magnificent Mile and riverfront Downtown Chicago are particularly strong locations.

For a special occasion, compare the actual room category before paying extra for a “view” room.

“City view,” “river view” and “lake view” can mean very different things.

Hotels Near Chicago Attractions

Instead of searching only for hotels in Chicago, you can narrow your search around the attraction that matters most.

When Are Chicago Hotels Cheapest?

Chicago hotel rates fluctuate throughout the year.

Current Downtown Chicago price-trend data indicates that December and January tend to be among the less expensive months, while May can be substantially more expensive. Current trend data shows average base rates around $154 in December, $155 in January and as high as $340 in May for commonly viewed Downtown Chicago properties.

These are averages rather than guaranteed future prices.

Hotel demand can spike around:

major conventions
festivals
concerts
sporting events
holiday weekends
summer weekends
large conferences

If your dates are flexible, compare several weeks before choosing.

Is Downtown Chicago the Best Place to Stay?

For first-time visitors, usually yes.

Chicago hotels downtown provide convenient access to many of the city’s most famous attractions without requiring a car.

Downtown works especially well if you want to visit:

Millennium Park
Art Institute of Chicago
Chicago Riverwalk
Magnificent Mile
Grant Park
architecture cruises
Lake Michigan
downtown theaters

However, neighborhoods such as West Loop, Lincoln Park and Wicker Park can provide a more neighborhood-oriented Chicago experience.

How Many Days Should You Stay in Chicago?

For a first visit, three to four days works well for many travelers.

Day 1 — Downtown Chicago

Explore Millennium Park, the Art Institute, Grant Park and Michigan Avenue.

Day 2 — Chicago River

Take an architecture cruise, walk the Riverwalk and explore River North.

Day 3 — Neighborhoods

Visit areas such as Lincoln Park, Wicker Park or West Loop.

Day 4 — Museums, Sports or Lakefront

Choose the Museum Campus, Navy Pier, a baseball game or additional neighborhood exploration.

Your hotel location can make this itinerary considerably easier.

Chicago Hotel FAQs

What is the lowest hotel price in Chicago today?

Find Chicago hotels from $64. Actual rates depend on travel dates, hotel, room category, occupancy, taxes and availability.

Where should first-time visitors stay in Chicago?

Downtown Chicago, the Loop, River North and Magnificent Mile are strong choices because they provide convenient access to major attractions, restaurants and public transportation.

How much are Chicago hotels downtown?

Rates vary substantially. Current examples for selected September dates range from approximately $95 nightly at Congress Plaza Hotel to more than $260 nightly at premium downtown properties.

Are hotels in Chicago expensive?

Chicago has accommodations across many price points. Current starting price from $64, while centrally located and luxury downtown hotels can cost several hundred dollars per night.

What is the best hotel Chicago offers for luxury travelers?

There is no single best property for everyone, but The Langham, Park Hyatt, Waldorf Astoria and Four Seasons are among highly rated five-star Downtown Chicago options.

Are there hotels near Chicago that cost less than downtown?

Potentially. Airport and suburban areas can offer lower rates, but compare transportation, parking and commuting costs before choosing.

Should I stay near O’Hare or downtown Chicago?

Stay near O’Hare for an early flight, overnight connection or airport-area business. Stay downtown when sightseeing and experiencing central Chicago are the priorities.

What is the cheapest month for Downtown Chicago hotels?

Current trend data identifies December as the least expensive month in its Downtown Chicago comparison, closely followed by January. Prices vary by year and individual dates.