If you’re planning a trip to the Windy City and wondering which Chicago hotels to choose, you have an important decision ahead of you. Chicago is a huge metropolis made up of dozens of very different neighborhoods, and choosing the right location will have a major impact on your entire trip. Downtown, the tallest skyscrapers will tower right above you, while a little farther northeast you’ll discover quieter, leafy streets lined with cozy cafés and historic brick houses.
When looking for accommodation, though, you need to factor in a fairly recent change that can make a serious dent in your budget. Since spring 2026, Chicago has had the highest hotel tax in the United States. Combined with other fees, that means the initial nightly rate you see on a booking site is nowhere near the final price. It’s essential to spend a little more time choosing your hotel so you know exactly what you’re paying for and where you can make smart savings.
In this guide, we’ll look at 18 highly rated hotels that travelers from around the world recommend most often. We’ll explore the most appealing neighborhoods, compare prices, and flag places you’re better off steering clear of when booking. Whether you’re after a luxurious room overlooking Lake Michigan or a cozy guesthouse in a residential neighborhood, you’ll find something that suits you.
The full destination guide: USA Travel Guide — guide and what to see
TL;DR
- Best hotel overall: The clear winner based on reviews is The Publishing House Bed and Breakfast in West Loop. It offers an incredible atmosphere, indulgent breakfasts, and a personal touch you won’t find at big hotel chains.
- Best choice for first-time visitors: If you want all the sights within easy reach, choose the historic InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile, with its iconic pool on the 14th floor.
- Best for families with children: Hilton Chicago/Magnificent Mile Suites offers spacious accommodation with separate rooms and easy access to the lake.
- Best value for money: For travelers on a tight budget, HI Chicago Hostel is a standout choice right in the heart of the Loop, offering a clean bed for a fraction of the price of a regular hotel.
- Best boutique experience: The stylish The Robey in Wicker Park occupies a beautiful Art Deco building and has a rooftop bar overlooking the entire Chicago skyline.
- A serious warning about potential pitfalls: Be particularly wary of The Chicago Hotel Collection chain and Travelodge Downtown. Their extremely low prices look tempting, but reviews report terrible cleanliness and hidden fees.
💡 Use this map to compare what’s currently available — you’ll also see how much cheaper accommodation can be just a few stops from downtown.
Which Chicago Neighborhood Should You Choose?
Chicago isn’t one big downtown area; it’s more like an enormous patchwork of very different little worlds. The neighborhood you choose will ultimately determine whether you fall asleep to the blare of ambulance sirens or the peace and quiet of a residential street. The Loop and South Loop form the main tourist hub, putting everything within easy reach. Here you’ll find the famous Millennium Park with its mirrored Bean sculpture, the impressive Art Institute, the much-loved Riverwalk, and the thrilling Skydeck observation deck. This area has the best public transport connections, as most of the elevated train lines meet here. The huge business hotels are often significantly cheaper on weekends, but bear in mind that some parts of the Loop empty out completely after dark and can feel rather lifeless.
If you want a livelier atmosphere right outside your hotel door, head to River North. This neighborhood offers an endless choice of excellent restaurants, bars for a night out, and independent art galleries. It has the greatest concentration of mid-range and upscale hotels, making it the best all-round choice for a first visit: easy access to the sights paired with plenty of evening entertainment. Next door, the Magnificent Mile and Streeterville are a shopping paradise filled with luxury boutiques. This is where you’ll find some of the most beautiful hotels, with wonderful views of Lake Michigan and the 360 CHICAGO observation deck. Naturally, you’ll also pay the highest premium for such an exclusive location.
West Loop and Fulton Market have a completely different feel. Many respected food critics consider this the best dining neighborhood in the entire United States. Once a purely industrial area full of warehouses and meatpacking facilities, it has gradually become an incredibly trendy district packed with luxury boutiques and excellent restaurants, showcasing the city’s modern side. By contrast, Lincoln Park, Wicker Park, and Bucktown are leafy residential neighborhoods where you can experience authentic Chicago at slightly lower prices, with downtown just 15 to 25 minutes away on the elevated train. Also worth mentioning is the southern neighborhood of Hyde Park, home to a prestigious university and, since June 2026, the famous Obama Presidential Center. Accommodation options here are extremely limited, though, so most tourists visit on a day trip instead.
When to Visit and When to Book
Hotel prices in Chicago can feel like a wild roller-coaster ride, with everything depending on the season and major events taking place at the time. The most expensive months are generally May through September, when the weather is at its most pleasant and the city hosts a huge number of outdoor festivals. Accommodation prices also soar whenever major international conferences take place at the vast McCormick Place convention center. On those dates, even ordinary three-star hotels can double their rates, and the city is packed to bursting. If you’re planning a summer trip, book your accommodation at least four months ahead so you still have a reasonable choice and don’t end up paying outrageous prices.
On the other hand, Chicago accommodation is cheapest from January through March, when the city settles into a deep winter slumber. Chicago is wonderfully quiet at this time, the attractions are almost empty, and prices drop to their annual lows. There is, however, one major and rather unpleasant catch. Temperatures regularly fall well below freezing, sometimes to around −10°C, and the icy wind off Lake Michigan makes it feel considerably colder still. Winter in Chicago is for hardy travelers who don’t mind the freezing weather and want to save hundreds of dollars on their stay. Early fall is a better compromise: the biggest tourist crowds have thinned out, prices ease slightly, and the weather is still pleasant enough for long walks around the city.
18 Best Chicago Hotels
The following selection is based on detailed research and real traveler reviews. The hotels are arranged from the most luxurious and distinctive options through dependable mid-range stays to the best deals for smaller budgets.
1. The Publishing House Bed and Breakfast
The Publishing House Bed and Breakfast in West Loop occupies a former publishing house and ranks among the city’s highest-rated hotels. There are just eight individually furnished rooms, thoughtfully blending raw exposed brick with modern luxury. Instead of the impersonal feel of a huge chain hotel, you’ll find a peaceful atmosphere, enhanced by generous communal spaces and two friendly pugs who love mingling with guests. People return mainly for the welcoming staff and fantastic homemade breakfasts, which are included in the room rate — a fairly rare perk in expensive Chicago.
If you love good food, you’ll probably fall for the surrounding area. You’ll be in the heart of the very best dining neighborhood in the United States, surrounded by stylish little cafés and prestigious restaurants. Bear in mind that some single rooms can be on the smaller side, but that certainly doesn’t make them any less comfortable. It’s a lovely spot for a romantic break, with very easy access to the downtown sights. Just hop on the Green or Pink Line and you’ll be there in a few minutes. And if you’re heading to a concert at the nearby United Center, it’s only a short walk away.
💡 Tip: I strongly recommend booking your stay well in advance. With so few rooms and such enormous popularity, this gem often sells out many months ahead.
2. The Drake
Among historic Chicago hotels, the iconic The Drake, dating from 1920, stands at the northern end of the famous Magnificent Mile shopping district. If you love history with a touch of aristocratic elegance, you’ll probably fall for it. This is a classic where Winston Churchill, Marilyn Monroe and Princess Diana all stayed. Guests love the beautiful views straight over Lake Michigan and Oak Street Beach, as well as the very friendly staff. The hotel is particularly suited to couples looking for a taste of old Chicago. Its famous Palm Court lounge is well worth a visit for traditional afternoon tea accompanied by a live harpist, as is the historic Coq d’Or bar.
Be prepared, though: time has left its mark, and many guests feel the rooms could use a renovation. Slow-draining showers, older furnishings and street noise come up frequently in reviews, and the most basic rooms can be tiny. But if you’re mainly here for the period atmosphere and excellent shopping right outside the door, you’ll be happy. You can also easily walk to the popular 360 CHICAGO observation deck or the much-loved Navy Pier.
💡 Tip: When booking, ask for a room on a higher floor to avoid street noise and enjoy a direct lake view. That magical sight of the water at sunrise is said to be worth every extra penny.
3. InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile
Inside and out, the InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile takes you straight back to Chicago’s grand architectural era of 1929. Step into the enormous lobby with its richly decorated interiors and you immediately feel the weight of its history. Guests particularly praise the incredible location right on the bustling Magnificent Mile, with the river, the popular Riverwalk promenade and the best-known sights all an easy few minutes’ walk away. Rooms tend to be spotlessly clean, and those on higher floors come with fantastic city views. The real treasure, though, is the legendary heated pool on the 14th floor, decorated with hand-painted Spanish tiles and a terracotta fountain. Swimming in the very place where Johnny Weissmüller, the actor who played Tarzan, once trained is a wonderful experience after a day spent walking around the city.
Keep in mind that this is an older building, which brings a few quirks. The lifts can be very slow, and some visitors mention unexpected hotel fees or occasional air-conditioning failures. A night costs around $300, a fairly standard rate for such a prestigious address. There’s a renowned steakhouse with a wine bar right in the building, but if you’d rather explore the surrounding streets, you’ll find countless excellent places for dinner or an evening drink nearby.
💡 Tip: The hotel consists of two distinct towers, one historic and one modern. Some guests find the rooms in the modern tower a little cramped, so if you’re after an authentic period experience, make sure you request the older part of the building when booking.
4. Palmer House a Hilton Hotel
Palmer House a Hilton Hotel is one of the oldest and most famous hotels in Chicago’s Loop, and its history is quite dramatic. The original 1871 building burned down in the Great Chicago Fire just thirteen days after opening, but the current building, dating from 1925, showcases true 1920s luxury. When you enter the main lobby, you’ll probably want to sit down and spend several minutes gazing at the ceiling, adorned with beautiful frescoes depicting Greek mythology. Guests praise this historic grandeur above all else, closely followed by the enormous fitness centre with its indoor pool and the exceptionally helpful staff. The famous theatre district is also right around the corner, and the local elevated trains make getting around easy.
I have to be honest, though: the rooms themselves aren’t quite as magnificent. They’re fairly small, which is common in protected historic buildings, but guests sometimes complain about scuffed furniture, a lack of views or awkward showers that deliver rather lukewarm water. If you’re coming mainly for the history, however, there’s a sweet little detail you’ll enjoy. The world’s very first chocolate brownie is said to have been invented by chefs in this hotel’s kitchen, specifically for the World’s Fair held at the time.
💡 Tip: Even if you don’t end up staying here, stop by the lobby bar for a drink. You can order that famous original brownie, made using the original 19th-century recipe.
5. Staypineapple, An Iconic Hotel
Right in the bustling heart of the Loop, you’ll find Staypineapple, An Iconic Hotel, whose beautiful white terracotta façade will probably catch your eye immediately. It occupies the famous Reliance Building, built in 1895 and considered by architectural experts an important forerunner of modern glass skyscrapers. Large windows fill the rooms with daylight, and some offer fantastic views of the city and lake. The concept is wonderfully playful, with yellow pineapple motifs everywhere—a traditional symbol of hospitality. But the hotel’s greatest asset is undoubtedly its staff, who are incredibly friendly and often greet you with a welcome drink on arrival.
After a full day of sightseeing, you’ll be delighted to return here: guests rave about the exceptionally comfortable beds and fluffy double duvets. Just bear in mind that this is an older building, so some rooms may show slight signs of wear. Otherwise, it’s an excellent base within walking distance of iconic Millennium Park, home to the famous Bean sculpture, and the magnificent Art Institute museum. Shopping streets and train stations are nearby, and there’s a very good American restaurant on the ground floor for a quick dinner.
💡 Tip: The hotel charges a mandatory amenities fee, but it covers plenty of pleasant extras. These include complimentary use of yellow bicycles, afternoon coffee with the famous pineapple cookies at reception, and round-the-clock access to sparkling water.
6. Soho House Chicago
Soho House Chicago, in the popular industrial West Loop neighbourhood, primarily operates as an exclusive private members’ club, but non-members can book rooms too. A stay gives you access to all the club spaces within the huge brick building, which dates from 1907. The interiors are a showcase of vintage luxury: expect dark leather armchairs and enormous crystal chandeliers. Guests love the spacious rooms, modern screening room and huge gym with a professional boxing ring. The biggest hit, though, is the rooftop terrace with its heated pool and fantastic views of the downtown skyscrapers.
This stay is probably best suited to couples with a taste for luxury who want a trendy setting with a lively atmosphere. Be aware that things can sometimes feel a little chaotic. Guest reviews suggest the pool gets crowded, since you share it with club members, and children are allowed there until 11:30 a.m. Restaurant service can also be slow, so you may have to wait a while for your drinks. The reception staff, on the other hand, are exceptionally welcoming and helpful. There are several top-notch restaurants right in the building, so you barely need to step outside for an excellent dinner.
💡 Tip: The surrounding West Loop streets are packed with fantastic places to eat. If you prefer plant-based food, the stylish PLANTA restaurant is a short walk away. The dishes are so incredibly creative that even dedicated meat lovers regularly come away impressed.
7. Kimpton Gray Hotel
Among Chicago hotels, Kimpton Gray Hotel stands out for its setting in a magnificent marble building dating from 1894, right in the heart of the financial district. Originally an office complex, it now offers elegant accommodation with impressive attention to detail. Guests particularly praise the exceptionally friendly staff and the spacious, spotless rooms. Perhaps the biggest draw is the early-evening wine hour, when complimentary wine is served in the main lobby and you can enjoy a relaxed chat with other guests. The main sights are within easy walking distance, and public transport is close by too.
Don’t miss Boleo, the South American-inspired rooftop bar. Its retractable glass roof means it stays in full swing all year round, even during Chicago’s bitterly cold winters. I do have a small, honest warning about the showers, though: the water temperature and pressure can sometimes fluctuate. Bear in mind, too, that the marble hallway floors carry sound quite well, so if you’re a light sleeper, ask for a room away from the elevators when you book. Even so, I think this is a fantastic base for exploring the city.
💡 Tip: The entire hotel is exceptionally pet-friendly, with no additional pet fees at all. If you’re travelling with a dog or cat, whatever their size, you and your furry companion will be well looked after here.
8. Hilton Vacation Club Hotel Blake
Hilton Vacation Club Hotel Blake is one of the best-rated hotels in Chicago’s Loop. You’ll find it in the historic Printer’s Row neighborhood, a short walk from major museums and sprawling Grant Park. The late-19th-century building has a beautiful brick exterior, while the interior has been tastefully renovated to blend modern design with respect for its history. Guests particularly appreciate the clean rooms, which are surprisingly spacious for a downtown hotel and have huge windows with views. The amenities are practical, with both a microwave and a fridge, and guests love the daily housekeeping too. Another standout is the helpful staff, who you can even contact by text message.
An elevated train station is just a few steps from the entrance, making it quick and easy to reach both the airport and the sights. The hotel will happily store your luggage after checkout, so you can head out for another look around the city. Right next door is Meli Cafe, a guest favorite for fantastic breakfasts. I do have one honest warning, though. You may be invited to a sales presentation for Hilton club membership, which guests say can involve quite a hard sell, so it’s probably best to politely decline at reception straight away.
💡 Tip: In and around Printer’s Row, you’ll find plenty of small independent cafés and charming bookshops. They have a much more relaxed, local feel than the big commercial establishments beneath the skyscrapers, so make time to explore them.
9. The Robey
If you fancy a break from the skyscrapers and want to discover Chicago’s hipster side, The Robey in Wicker Park is made for you. This beautiful Art Deco building is the only tall building for quite some distance, rising above a busy six-way intersection. The rooms tastefully combine cool concrete with glass and warm wood for an incredibly photogenic look, but on a practical level, guests most appreciate how clean and comfortable they are. A major draw is the rooftop bar with a pool, where you’ll get stunning panoramic views of the city’s iconic skyline in the distance.
The incredibly friendly staff are a real highlight and are always happy to help with advice. The Blue Line “L” station is directly opposite the entrance, so the journey from O’Hare Airport takes only about forty minutes. Keep in mind, though, that the rooftop bar is one of the most popular in the city. It gets lively in the evening, and long queues sometimes form at the elevators, so you might have to wait a little for that view. In the morning, you can enjoy a peaceful breakfast by the pool from the on-site café; I’d recommend getting there early.
💡 Tip: Wicker Park is a paradise for vegetarians and vegans. A short walk from the hotel, the popular Handlebar serves excellent meat-free food and has a cozy outdoor patio that’s a lovely place to sit in summer.
10. The Sono Chicago
The Sono Chicago sits on the quiet edge of historic Old Town and leafy Lincoln Park. Trust me, staying here feels more like renting a luxurious private apartment than booking a standard hotel room. The owners make a real effort to help you feel at home. A particular highlight is the spacious shared kitchen and cozy living room, where a complimentary light continental breakfast is served every morning. The biggest selling points, though, are the rooftop terrace with fantastic city views and free parking right outside the entrance—a rare find in this area.
This is a particularly good choice if you want a quiet retreat in a residential neighborhood after a full day out, while keeping the lively downtown area within easy reach by public transport or a longer walk along the lake. Bear in mind that some rooms are fairly small and the walls are a little thin, so you may occasionally hear your neighbors. According to many guests, though, that minor drawback is easily outweighed by the wonderfully friendly staff and showers so spacious you could probably fit four people inside.
💡 Tip: The enormous Lincoln Park begins just a few blocks from the property and is perfect for a morning run or a long wander. You’ll also find the main entrance to the local zoo here, which, incidentally, is completely free to visit.
11. Ray’s Bucktown Bed and Breakfast
Ray’s Bucktown Bed and Breakfast is a small, family-run guesthouse in Bucktown and one of the best-rated places to stay in the entire city. Don’t expect a glass-fronted lobby or doormen in crisply pressed uniforms: the atmosphere here is wonderfully homely and relaxed. The guesthouse is on a quiet street lined with mature trees, making it easy to get a feel for everyday local life. Guests rave about the witty owner and the staff, who look after you as though you were family. The biggest draw, though, is the hot breakfast, freshly cooked to order every morning, with excellent vegan options too.
Getting here from O’Hare Airport is very straightforward, as there’s a Blue Line train stop nearby. The rooms are cozy and clean, each with its own distinctive, slightly maximalist style that gives the whole house plenty of charm. You’ll have access to a shared kitchenette with light snacks throughout the day, and after a long day of sightseeing, you’ll appreciate the small sauna and steam room too. Another fantastic bonus is the free street parking right outside the house, which can easily save you fifty dollars a day in otherwise expensive Chicago.
💡 Tip: The owners lend guests older but fully functional bicycles free of charge. The popular cycling trail The 606 runs through Bucktown, giving you a safe, car-free way to explore the area on two wheels.
12. Sentral Michigan Avenue
If you’re visiting Chicago with the whole family or planning a longer stay, Sentral Michigan Avenue in the South Loop will probably catch your eye. Rather than a conventional hotel with cramped rooms, this is a luxury apartment complex where you’ll have a fully equipped kitchen with a large fridge, a spacious living room and, best of all, your own washer and dryer. It’s housed in a modern glass high-rise, and many guests appreciate the excellent soundproofing against street noise. Above all, though, they praise the lovely reception staff, who are always willing to help with anything you need.
The higher floors offer stunning views of vast Lake Michigan and neighboring Grant Park. You’ll also have complimentary access to a beautiful indoor pool, a huge fitness center with modern equipment, and outdoor terraces with barbecue facilities, all within the building. Keep in mind that permanent residents live here alongside guests, and if a major maintenance issue arises in the building, repairs can take quite a while. The enormous Shedd Aquarium and other popular lakeside museums are around twenty minutes away on foot, with a pleasant walk through the well-kept park.
💡 Tip: Having your own spacious kitchen can save you a lot of money on pricey restaurant meals. There’s a large Trader Joe’s supermarket a short walk from the apartments, where you can easily stock up on ingredients at reasonable prices.
13. Hyatt Regency Chicago
Hyatt Regency Chicago is the largest of all Chicago hotels, and feels more like a little town of its own. It stands right beside the Chicago River, on the boundary between the tourist-friendly Loop and the famous Magnificent Mile, so all the main sights and shops are just a few steps from the entrance. Guests particularly love the gorgeous views of the river and surrounding skyscrapers from the higher floors—they’re unforgettable. The large gym, clean and spacious rooms, and very helpful staff also get plenty of praise. The enormous lobby has several good restaurants and bars, too, which are a lifesaver when Chicago’s notoriously bad weather catches you out.
Bear in mind that a complex this enormous comes with the occasional organizational hiccup. You may have to wait a little at check-in because your room isn’t ready yet, and housekeeping sometimes falls short, too. I also think it’s worth knowing that you shouldn’t expect replenished bottled water or overnight room service in your room; you’ll be directed to the little shop on the ground floor for drinks. Otherwise, it’s a reliable, tastefully furnished base for exploring downtown, where the hotel manages to maintain a very high standard of service despite its sheer size.
💡 Tip: Because the hotel is so huge, you can often find some very attractive deals here. That only applies when there isn’t a major conference at the nearby McCormick Place convention center, though—available rooms disappear in a flash on those dates.
14. Omni Chicago Hotel
Omni Chicago Hotel is a luxurious spot right on the famous Magnificent Mile shopping strip, and what I particularly like about it is that every room is a spacious suite. Guests appreciate all that extra space: each suite has a completely separate bedroom and living area, which is a welcome luxury after a full day of shopping. There’s a public transport stop a short walk away, and you can walk to the John Hancock Center, home to the 360 CHICAGO observation deck, in just ten minutes. In the morning, you can also enjoy a coffee on the lovely outdoor terrace overlooking the city as it wakes up.
You’ll have plenty of ways to unwind after the bustle of the city, whether in the heated indoor pool or the modern, well-equipped fitness center. Housekeeping is the one thing that occasionally lets the hotel down: guests report sometimes having to wait for service, and some find the furnishings a little tired. Prices naturally reflect the premium location, so you’ll pay more, but some of the city’s most luxurious shopping—including a store for Harry Potter fans—is right on your doorstep. For travelers with higher expectations who love having plenty of space and everything close by, it’s certainly worth it.
💡 Tip: If you’re traveling with children, they’ll receive a cute little backpack with games and coloring activities on arrival—a thoughtful touch that can save families plenty of stress. If you’d also like to see the city from the upper deck of a sightseeing bus, the BigBus stop is about a five-minute walk away.
15. Hilton Chicago/Magnificent Mile Suites
For families and larger groups, Hilton Chicago/Magnificent Mile Suites is a great choice, set in a slightly quieter area near the lake and the well-known 360 CHICAGO observation deck. Every room is a two-room suite with a separate living room, so you won’t feel cramped. Guests particularly praise the space and the home-away-from-home feel, helped by a handy microwave and mini-fridge—both incredibly useful for storing dinner leftovers when you’re traveling with children. The staff are reportedly very friendly, and the housekeepers work like invisible ninjas, so you’ll always return from exploring the city to a perfectly clean room. There are also plenty of excellent restaurants and little cafés nearby, so you won’t have to navigate the elevated train again in the evening.
The heart of the shopping district and all the action is about a five-minute walk away, but rooms here tend to cost less than at competing hotels right on the main strip. After a full day pounding the city’s concrete streets, the indoor rooftop pool with its lovely city views will be a welcome retreat. On the other hand, bear in mind that the interiors could do with a little updating. The odd bathroom faucet can be temperamental, and on the lower floors you’re more likely to look into the windows of buildings opposite, but most guests find the peace and generous space well worth it.
💡 Tip: The city’s famous Oak Street Beach is a short walk from the hotel. In summer, make time to relax and recharge here—the contrast between the fine sand and the towering skyscrapers right behind you is fascinating.
16. HI Chicago Hostel
If you’re on a tight budget but don’t want to compromise on location, HI Chicago Hostel in the heart of the South Loop could be just right for you. Guests love the friendly atmosphere and the short walk to Millennium Park and the Art Institute of Chicago. You can stay in clean, traditional dorms with bunk beds, but if you book early, you can also snap up a lovely private room with its own bathroom. Some corner rooms on the seventh floor even have beautiful views straight out over Lake Michigan. Getting here from the airport is straightforward, with an elevated train station right around the corner.
The facilities for backpackers are excellent: you can cook in the huge shared kitchen and easily meet people from around the world over a game of pool or foosball. Just bear in mind that the music in the common room can sometimes be a little loud. Travelers also warn that the payment terminal at reception sometimes struggles with foreign bank cards, so bring a backup. Don’t forget a physical form of ID, either—their strict rules mean you won’t be allowed to check in without it. Key-card access does, however, help keep your belongings secure, so that’s one less thing to worry about.
💡 Tip: The hostel regularly organizes free walking tours of the city exclusively for its guests, along with occasional fun trivia quizzes. It’s a fantastic way to learn about Chicago’s history, meet fellow travelers, and save money on expensive commercial guided tours.
17. Wicker Park Inn
Housed in a historic townhouse, Wicker Park Inn feels more like staying with a wonderfully attentive aunt than at a typical guesthouse. The rooms with exposed brickwork are incredibly cozy, and reading through the reviews makes it clear that cleanliness is taken very seriously here. The warm staff and fantastic breakfast served in the bright communal kitchen receive the most praise, though. In the morning, you can look forward to fresh pastries from well-known local bakeries, homemade muffins, or the popular chia pudding, and the team is happy to accommodate different dietary requirements.
Filled with independent boutiques and stylish little cafés, the neighborhood is somewhere locals head after work for culture and great food, so you’ll get a genuine feel for the city. There’s also a Blue Line station a short walk away, with trains getting you to the main sights in about fifteen minutes. Staying a little away from the center has one huge advantage: in the evening, you return to a quiet, safe residential street without blaring ambulance sirens or noise from busy roads. If you happen to arrive by car, you’ll also appreciate the convenient parking.
💡 Tip: Head to the nearby Alice & Friends’ Vegan Kitchen for lunch. They serve fantastic, entirely plant-based Asian dishes that, by all accounts, win over even the most committed meat eaters.
18. STAY 424 Hostel
STAY 424 Hostel is in the popular Wicker Park neighborhood, and I think it makes a handy base for backpackers who want to stay outside the expensive downtown area. It has a small, intimate feel and a safe atmosphere, while the neighborhood is full of young people. Most travelers agree that you get a solid place to stay for a fraction of the price of typical Chicago hotels. The shared bathrooms are cleaned thoroughly, the beds are comfortable, and a small coworking space or seating on the terrace gives you somewhere to work remotely. Countless bars and cheaper restaurants are within walking distance, and you’ll spend considerably less there than in the Loop.
Expect very basic accommodation with simple little rooms. Guests occasionally complain about scuffed walls, hot water that takes a while to come through, or music thumping from the barbershop downstairs in the morning, so don’t expect luxury. Communication with the staff can sometimes be a little patchy, too. But if all you need is an inexpensive place to sleep, with a Blue Line station about a ten-minute walk away and a supermarket right around the corner, this base will more than do the job for your Chicago adventure.
💡 Tip: You’ll find plenty of excellent thrift stores and vintage shops right around the hostel. They’re well worth exploring if you enjoy hunting for distinctive clothes and want something a little different for your wardrobe.
How to Choose the Right Hotel
When choosing accommodation in Chicago, there’s one very important figure to keep in mind: the hefty tax. In March 2026, the city council approved another increase, bringing hotel tax downtown to an astonishing 19 percent—an outright, and rather alarming, record nationwide. An additional charge called the Tourism Improvement District fee followed on May 1, 2026. In practice, this means that if you spot a room on a booking website for an appealing $200 a night, more than $238 will actually be charged to your card. Always open the price breakdown and compare the final total, including every fee, because at more expensive hotels this percentage difference can easily add hundreds of dollars to your stay.
Other common catches are parking charges and so-called destination fees. If you’re planning to arrive in your own car, be prepared for parking in a downtown hotel garage to cost $50–$80 per night, and it’s rarely included in the room rate. Honestly, I’d recommend not bringing a car to Chicago at all, because you won’t need one as a tourist. The city is easy to explore on foot, and its elevated train system works extremely well. Watch out for those destination fees, too: they’re similar to the resort fees charged at beach hotels. Hotels charge them for everyday amenities such as Wi-Fi or access to the gym, even if you never use those services during your stay.
As for safety, popular tourist neighborhoods such as the Loop, River North, Streeterville, Lincoln Park, West Loop, and Hyde Park are generally safe for visitors, even after dark. The usual big-city precautions still apply, though. Late at night, it’s better to avoid completely empty train cars and choose one with other passengers instead. And don’t stand right beside the opening doors with an expensive phone in your hand.
Finally, a serious, heartfelt warning about tourist traps. If you come across an unbelievably cheap deal from The Chicago Hotel Collection, I’d suggest skipping it. Its hotels on the Magnificent Mile and in River North have disastrous reviews. I’d also avoid Travelodge Downtown. These properties are known in Chicago as major tourist traps, with dirty rooms, broken amenities, and very unpleasant surprises on the final bill. Freehand Chicago has a similarly mixed reputation among travelers: its well-known bar may be excellent, but the rooms themselves fall well short of expectations.
Where to Next?
If you’ve chosen your accommodation and are starting to plan your itinerary, take a look at our other guides.
- For a detailed itinerary and sightseeing tips, read Chicago: What to See and Do.
- Planning to fly to the West Coast? Read Where to Stay in Los Angeles.
- Or is another big city on the East Coast next on your itinerary? We’ve got you covered with Where to Stay in New York: 17 Hotels by Neighborhood.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get from the airport to downtown Chicago?
From the huge O’Hare International Airport, the Blue Line on Chicago’s ‘L’ train network is by far the best and cheapest option, taking you straight to the Loop in around 45 minutes. If you fly into the smaller Midway airport, hop on the Orange Line to reach downtown in about 25 minutes. Staying near an ‘L’ station will save you plenty of time and money on expensive taxis.
How much does public transportation cost in Chicago?
CTA fares are very reasonable. A single train ride with a Ventra card costs US$2.75, while a bus ride costs US$2.50. If you plan to explore the city extensively and take plenty of rides, a one-day pass for US$5 or a three-day pass for US$15 is well worth it. You can buy tickets from the machines at every station.
Do you need a car in Chicago?
You definitely don’t need a car to get around Chicago, and honestly, it would be more of a hassle than a help. Downtown parking is extremely expensive, often costing as much as US$80 a night, traffic can be heavy, and public transportation works brilliantly. You can also easily walk between most of the main sights along the lake or river.
Is Chicago safe for tourists?
Tourist areas such as the Loop, River North, Magnificent Mile and Lincoln Park are generally safe, so there’s no need to feel nervous about exploring during the day. In the evening and at night, take sensible precautions. If you ride the ‘L’ late at night, choose a car with more people in it and avoid drawing attention to yourself by using an expensive phone near the doors.
What’s the deal with that huge hotel tax?
As of 2026, Chicago has the highest hotel tax in the US, reaching an eye-watering 19 percent downtown. From May 2026, a special Tourism Improvement District fee applies on top of that. Always switch the price display on your booking site to show the final total for your entire stay, so you don’t get an unpleasant surprise when it’s time to pay.
Where can you find good vegetarian food in Chicago?
Chicago is a fantastic city for meat-free dining. You’ll find great plant-based spots such as the legendary The Chicago Diner, the popular PLANTA restaurant in River North, The Veggie House in Chinatown and the excellent Handlebar. Almost every pizzeria also serves a delicious vegetarian version of Chicago’s famous deep-dish pizza, loaded with cheese.
Which local foods should you try?
Don’t miss Chicago’s deep-dish pizza, mentioned above. It’s more like a tall savory pie filled with cheese and sauce, and you’ll need a knife and fork to eat it. Locals also swear by Chicago-style hot dogs piled high with vegetables and huge Italian beef sandwiches, but if you’re vegetarian, you can happily skip those and tuck into a hearty meat-free pizza instead.
When is the best time to visit?
The weather is at its best from May to September, but flights and hotels are also at their most expensive, and the city gets crowded. Accommodation is cheapest from January to March, but you’ll need to be ready for a brutal winter, with temperatures dropping well below freezing and an icy wind blowing off the lake. Early autumn is the ideal compromise.
Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
🚗 Car rental on the roadVerified rental cars in the United StatesSearch with the DiscoverCars comparison engine — it compares prices from dozens of local and international rental companies, and most bookings come with free cancellation.
Compare car prices in the United States →Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (simple monthly subscription) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Find the Best Experiences
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!
