Where To Stay In Chicago: Best Areas & Hotels

If you are visiting Chicago for the first time, we bet that lodging is on your mind. Where to stay in Chicago for convenience or budget? Don’t forget to read until the end of this article for more information.

Best areaChicago Loop
Best luxury hotelHyatt Place Chicago/Downtown
Best mid-range hotelHotel Blake
Best budget hotelClub Quarters Hotel Wacker
Best hotel for familyViceroy Chicago
Best hotel with viewsLondonHouse Chicago
Best hotels in Chicago
Where to stay in Chicago? Guide to the best areas and hotels in Chicago.

Best areas to stay in Chicago

The Loop (Downtown Chicago)

The Loop is the best area to stay in Chicago, and we constantly suggest it. Why? The Willis Tower is there.

The river offers simple access to fantastic boat trips, and lovely inner-city like Millennium Park and Grant Park are super close. It’s also convenient for practically every CTA El line.

Here in the Loop, you’ll experience the best of everything Chicago offers, whether you’re drawn to State Street shopping (aka “that great street”), the world-class dining options, the Theatre District, architecture, or US’s second-largest art museum AIC.

Also, getting here couldn’t be simpler thanks to the city’s top-notch public transportation system.

The Bean in Chicago at night.

Best hotels in Chicago Loop

By reserving one of the top hotels in Chicago’s downtown, you can enjoy the city’s finest.

We have all the options you may need, whether you want somewhere bright and straightforward, chic and opulent, or just stunning.

West Loop

Whatever name you give the neighborhood, West Loop has become a very sought-after destination to live and work.

In the past ten years, thousands of high-end homes have been built in the West Loop, many close to big giants like Google, Twitter, and LinkedIn as well as Restaurant Row.

The neighborhood’s shopping, cultural, and dining hotspot is the Fulton Market District.

The area is home to several restaurants, bars, coffee shops, galleries, and hotels. Greektown is located in the West Loop, where you may visit the National Hellenic Museum to learn about the history of Greek immigrants and sample authentic Mediterranean cuisine.

Best hotels in West Loop

South Loop

There’re numerous energetic neighborhoods in Chicago, and South Loop is one of those, making it a popular choice for families and young individuals.

Situated along the Chicago River, Chicago’s South Loop is near Lake Michigan and Northerly Island. It offers beautiful grasslands, strolling routes, and a breathtaking view of Chicago’s cityscape.

South Loop has undergone an astonishing revival during the past ten years. Buildings, eateries, parks, and transportation options have substantial renovations and construction, making this area the perfect choice for anyone seeking both the bustle of the city and the serenity of the seaside.

Best hotels in South Loop

Lincoln Park

With its well-kept gardens, secret lily pond, historical indoor botanical garden, and plenty of lakefront open space with panoramic city views, this charming neighborhood is a nature lover’s paradise.

The neighborhood’s named park is what truly distinguishes Lincoln Park.

You may spend a whole day (or weekend, or week) visiting the area, which features lushly landscaped grounds, the Lakefront Trail, Lincoln Park Zoo, Lincoln Park Conservatory, North Avenue Beach, Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, and Theater on the Lake.

As alluring are the restaurants and shops in Lincoln Park, from the buzzing energy of Goose Island Brew House and Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! to the infamously romantic Geja’s Cafe and Michelin-starred Boka.

Book a table at the renowned Alinea for an experience of a lifetime. Thanks to its cutting-edge tasting menus and engaging presentation, it’s frequently rated as one of the top restaurants in the world.

Best hotels in Lincoln Park

River North

The neighborhood of downtown Loop is located just across the Chicago River from River North, hence the name.

It’s bounded to the west by the Chicago River’s north branch, to the east by the Streeterville neighborhood, and to the north by the Old Town neighborhood.

On the east side of River North, the city’s Magnificent Mile shopping area has a variety of budget-friendly and superior alternatives. You can find one of the country’s highest concentrations of art galleries here.

Also, take advantage of the nice weather in the summer by strolling down the Chicago Riverwalk or renting a kayak if feeling particularly daring. TheMART, a renowned icon in the area, is located along the acclaimed Chicago Riverwalk.

Best hotels in River North

Magnificent Mile

The Magnificent Mile is an excellent display of fashion, cuisine, entertainment, and enjoyment.

There’s much more to discover on Chicago’s most upmarket route than the Mag Mile shopping, arguably its most remarkable feature. 

You can find several Michigan Avenue stores, restaurants, and stunning skyline vistas within its 13-block radius.

Try strolling the bustling streets of the Mag Mile while taking in the historic structures, public artwork, and live music that give Chicago its distinct personality.

Make sure you don’t miss the storied shops on Michigan Avenue, whether you’re in town to indulge yourself or finish your holiday shopping all at once.

More than 450 high-end stores are located here, including the flagship locations of well-known department stores and prominent international designers.

You may discover stores selling everything from luxury goods to gourmet sweets on Michigan Avenue! 

Best hotels in Magnificent Mile

Streeterville

Beautiful Streeterville has nothing not to love about it.

This vibrant neighborhood is home to the intriguing Museum of Contemporary Art, the iconic Navy Pier, and a long waterfront that provides quick access to all that Lake Michigan has to offer.

The Chicago Children’s Museum, outdoor movie screenings, the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, and much more can be found at Navy Pier, a family-friendly amusement park in Streeterville.

Attractions include the 200-foot Centennial Wheel, gift shops, restaurants, docks lined with cruise boats (book a lunch or dinner cruise if you can), panoramic lakefront views, and summer fireworks displays.

Best hotels in Streeterville

Lakeview

The relaxed vibe, easy accessibility by foot, and picturesque beachfront of Lakeview make it a locals’ favorite hangout.

It’s also an important entertainment center thanks to bustling Wrigleyville and the Belmont Theater District. 

East Lakeview, Central Lakeview, Northalsted, and Wrigleyville are just a few diverse neighborhoods that make up Lakeview, anchored by a stunning stretch of lakefront to the east.

Each location has something unique to offer, but Lakeview’s relaxed, welcoming atmosphere ties them all together.

For local boutiques, record stores, and vintage treasure hunting, visit the bustling shopping areas along Broadway in East Lakeview, Belmont near Boystown, and the Southport Corridor.

Or enjoy a night out with the locals at one of the almost limitless numbers of popular pubs and eateries, from Michelin-starred establishments to adored neighborhood taverns.

Best hotels in Lake View

Wicker Park

The bustling neighborhoods of Wicker Park and Bucktown bring people looking for unusual items to buy, foodies seeking out the hottest dishes, and bar-goers seeking a late-night high.

Start your day at the bustling intersection of North, Milwaukee, and Damen Avenues, known as Six Corners.

This is the always-busy center of the community, where you can discover award-winning restaurants, vintage shops, record stores, noodle bars, bookstores, art galleries, and more.

And the energetic atmosphere continues well into the night. Some of the city’s most popular indie music venues, late-night clubs, pubs, speakeasies, and local dive bars are located in these bordering districts.

The 606, a converted rail line that provides an elevated view, is an excellent way to observe the neighborhood.

Best hotels in Wicker Park

Gold Coast

The Gold Coast, one of the wealthiest areas in the United States, is tucked away near the Lake Michigan shoreline and epitomizes luxury and romance.

Historic hotels, renowned restaurants, designer boutiques, and mansions adorn the streets. A vibrant bar-hopping atmosphere spills out onto Rush Street in the evenings and lasts well into the night.

Best hotels on Gold Coast

FAQs about where to stay in Chicago

How much do hotels in Chicago cost?

It depends on which kind of hotel you can afford. A casual hotel room costs 30 per night, while a luxury one can cost you hundreds of dollars per night.

Where to stay in Chicago with the best views?

You can find hotels in Chicago with the best views close to the lakefront and river views. There’re many excellent hotels in Chicago ranging from luxury resorts to beautiful boutique hotels with slightly more affordable rates: The Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile and LondonHouse Chicago.

Where to stay in Chicago on a budget?

Finding a hotel room in a major city like Chicago for less than $150 per night used to be difficult, but you can do it now with online platforms.
Traveling alone just got simpler thanks to Chicago’s boutique hotels, such as Club Quarters Hotel Wacker and Hotel Versey Days Inn, providing communal and private lodgings in prime locations with event planners.

Where to stay in Chicago with family?

Finding the ideal neighborhood for families with children needs a remarkable balancing act of elements, including accessibility, distinctive local culture, delicious food options, and much to do just outside your door.
Here are some of our favorites to guide your search: Viceroy Chicago, Hyatt Place Chicago/Downtown, and Loews Chicago Hotel.

I hope you’ll get the best out of the upcoming trip to Chicago! Cheers!

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