The Windy City hugs Lake Michigan’s western shores, containing countless nooks and crannies just waiting to be explored. But if it’s a warm midwestern welcome you seek, look no further than Chicago’s thriving boutique hotel scene, spread across the city’s 77 colorful neighborhoods.
Our editors have selected the best boutique hotels (plus our favorite city-chic hotels) in the heart of downtown Chicago for your travels — even if you just want to lounge in bed with a deep-dish pizza.
Aligned with Editoire’s commitment to sustainability, this article links readers to sustainability stories, reports, and initiatives related to the featured hotels whenever possible.
The Loop
In the center of Chicago, the Loop is home to some of the city’s best-known landmarks and many memorable stays. Within a few minutes of these hotels, you can meander through Millennium Park, peruse the galleries at the Art Institute of Chicago, visit the Willis Tower Skydeck, and stroll down the Riverwalk.
Staypineapple, an Iconic Hotel
No, the Staypineapple Chicago does not resemble a pineapple, but it does serve pineapple treats and delicious welcome drinks. The amenities only continue from there — a front-desk “Everything Person” will accommodate requests for snacks and information, stylish beach cruisers are on hand for borrowing, and the rooms’ ultra-comfy bedding and towels encourage what Staypineapple terms the “Naked Experience” (just remember to slip into a robe before ordering room service).
Sustainability Story: The Staypineapple Impact
Address: 1 W Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602
Rooms: From $212 per night
Book With: Expedia | Tripadvisor | Booking.com | Official Hotel Site
LondonHouse Chicago, Curio Collection
Given its location in one of Michigan Avenue’s oldest skyscrapers, it’s no surprise that city views take center stage at LondonHouse Chicago. You can see the skyline and Chicago River from your room, but for even more jaw-dropping scenery, you’ll need to go all the way up to the LH Rooftop. Billed as Chicago’s only three-level rooftop bar, LH offers a variety of global dishes and — you guessed it — incredible sights, topped off by a historic cupola.
Sustainability Initiatives: London House Happenings
Address: 85 E Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60601
Rooms: From $220 per night
Book With: Expedia | Tripadvisor | Booking.com | Official Hotel Site
Chicago Athletic Association
At the Chicago Athletic Association hotel, it’s as though the Roaring ‘20s never ended. Decor at this former sporting club includes carved wood panels and crystal chandeliers, quilted leather and Carrara marble, all evoking the building’s 130-year-old history. Seven award-winning bars and restaurants are just the start of the fun here — you can tee off indoors at the Topgolf Swing Suite, see something new at the rotating art exhibition, borrow a Heritage Bike, and more.
Address: 12 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603
Rooms: From $149 per night
Book With: Expedia | Tripadvisor | Booking.com | Official Hotel Site
Virgin Hotels Chicago
The first Virgin Hotel location, Virgin Hotels Chicago boasts all the personalized touches the boutique chain has become known for, including inspired room designs and attentive, friendly service. But you’ll also find wholly unique draws like the Miss Ricky’s and Cerise, a seasonally open rooftop bar and lounge.
Sustainability Story: Virgin Hotels Approach
Address: 203 N Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60601
Rooms: From $259 per night
Book With: Expedia | Tripadvisor | Booking.com | Official Hotel Site
Pendry Chicago
The art-deco Carbide and Carbon Building houses 364 comfortable rooms in the form of Pendry Chicago, a favorite for Chi-Town visitors since its 2021 grand opening. While far from boutique, the experience is just as intimate. You can hop on a Peloton in the hotel gym or take a rental bike out for a spin to the nearby Art Institute of Chicago and the Field Museum. Make it back in time for an absinthe cocktail at the rooftop Château Carbide, where you can also jam to live DJ sets on Friday and Saturday nights.
Address: 230 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60601
Rooms: From $162 per night
Book With: Expedia | Tripadvisor | Booking.com | Official Hotel Site
The Blackstone, Autograph Collection
Plush textures and rich, dark hues throughout The Blackstone will make you feel as though you’ve stumbled into a Gilded Age mansion. Lest you forget which century you’re in, an in-room massage followed by tapas at Mercat a la Planxa should bring you right up to speed.
Sustainability Initiatives: Past Meets Present
Address: 636 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605
Rooms: From $279 per night
Book With: Expedia | Tripadvisor | Booking.com | Official Hotel Site
Magnificent Mile
Stretching 13 blocks along North Michigan Avenue, the bustling Magnificent Mile is synonymous with shopping in Chicago. After some requisite retail therapy, visitors can marvel at the Wrigley Building and Tribune Tower, tour the Museum of Ice Cream, and get a bird’s-eye city view at the 360 Chicago observation deck.
Park Hyatt Chicago
Park Hyatt Chicago nourishes the body and mind with a fitness center, Wellbeing and Mindfulness Suites, and multiple NoMI dining spaces serving everything from sushi to Duck Egg Raviolo. NoMI also runs an on-site spa, where you can book a Swedish-style massage or a HydraFacial treatment.
Sustainability Initiatives: Hyatt World of Care
Address: 800 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
Rooms: From $515 per night
Book With: Expedia | Tripadvisor | Booking.com | Official Hotel Site
The Gwen, A Luxury Collection Hotel
The Gwen, which features a facade crafted by innovative female sculptor Gwen Lux, channels its namesake by embracing the unexpected. Urban glamping in a yurt above Michigan Avenue? Absolutely. Tipsy Tea Parties and a vending machine dispensing Moët champagne? But of course. As for the more “expected” amenities, you’ll also get views of the Chicago skyline and beds crafted specifically for the Luxury Collection Hotels.
Address: 521 N Rush St, Chicago, IL 60611
Rooms: From $251 per night
Book With: Expedia | Tripadvisor | Booking.com | Official Hotel Site
The Peninsula Hotel Chicago
With countless awards, the Peninsula Hotel has made itself into a travel destination in its own right. That’s thanks in part to its three on-site dining options and two-floor spa, which includes a swimming pool with city views. But the hotel’s reputation hinges on its friendly, helpful staff and welcoming environment firmly rooted in the relationship between Far Eastern graciousness and Midwestern hospitality.
Sustainability Story: Sustainable Luxury
Address: 108 E Superior St, Chicago, IL 60611
Rooms: From $518 per night
Book With: Expedia | Tripadvisor | Booking.com | Official Hotel Site
Gold Coast
One of Chicago’s oldest neighborhoods, the Gold Coast developed in the wake of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Today, well-to-do Chicagoans and awestruck tourists alike flock to these tree- and mansion-lined avenues, which host some of Chicago’s best upscale shopping and dining.
Thompson Chicago
Thompson Chicago puts you right in the middle of the Gold Coast. Add 400-thread count linen bedding and stylish furniture, and you’ve got a recipe for an incredible stay. While Thompson’s popular Italian restaurant, Nico Osteria, will close its doors this fall, expect exciting things in the space from restaurateur Phil Stefani, who plans to open with a new concept in spring.
Address: 21 E Bellevue Pl, Chicago, IL 60611
Rooms: From $233 per night
Book With: Expedia | Tripadvisor | Booking.com | Official Hotel Site
Viceroy Chicago
Color and texture abound within the Viceroy Chicago, a polished boutique located in the former Cedar Hotel. After washing off your travels in the rain shower, stretch out on the bed or couch to admire the views and gold-accented room decor. In the summer, you can take a complimentary bike rental down to Oak Street Beach, ideally with a picnic lunch from the Viceroy’s Somerset Restaurant.
Sustainability Story: Viceroy Sustainability Practices
Address: 1118 N State St, Chicago, IL 60610
Rooms: From $230 per night
Book With: Expedia | Tripadvisor | Booking.com | Official Hotel Site
Talbott Hotel
Talbott Hotel not only allows pets,but their Pet Care Package encourages you to bring cats and dogs along for the trip — and that typical pet fee? Consider it taken care of. Human guests can explore the 24/7 fitness center, a monthly Sip & Spa happy hour, and steak and seafood dinners at Talbott Cucina.
Sustainability Data: Carbon Footprint: 18.01 kg per room night | Water Footprint: 480.34 liters per room night
Address: 20 E Delaware Pl, Chicago, IL 60611
Rooms: From $127 per night
Book With: Expedia | Tripadvisor | Booking.com | Official Hotel Site
Fulton Market
Once a hub for Chicago’s meat-packing industry, Fulton Market has undergone a decidedly more glamorous rebirth. Former warehouses and factories now hold cutting-edge restaurants, retail spaces, and hotels, including some on this list.
The Hoxton, Chicago
Since opening in 2019, The Hoxton has been gaining quite a reputation for all the right reasons. With a rooftop pool as well as a Peruvian-inspired restaurant (Cabra), Mediterranean eats (Cira), and a downstairs cocktail bar (Lazy Bird), the hotel’s many communal spaces invite ample mingling. Once you’re ready for some peace and quiet, head upstairs to your Snug, Cosy, or Roomy accommodations, replete with mid-century modern accoutrements.
Sustainability Story: The Good Stuff
Address: 200 N Green St, Chicago, IL 60607
Rooms: From $279 per night
Book With: Expedia | Tripadvisor | Booking.com | Official Hotel Site
Soho House Chicago
Any Soho House member can attest to the hotel chain’s tasteful furnishings, well-planned gathering spaces, and intimate, yet elegant atmosphere that attracts creative thinkers of all types. Beyond those par-for-the-Soho-course attractions, though, Soho House Chicago is bursting with other surprises: a large private lounge, a gym with its own boxing ring, and a rooftop bar, to name a few.
Sustainability Story: Soho House Sustainability Report 2023
Address: 113-125 N Green St, Chicago, IL 60607
Rooms: From $320 per night
Book With: Tripadvisor | Official Hotel Site
The Emily Hotel
The Emily Hotel describes its rooms as “minimalist,” but you should expect anything but austerity here. A warm color palette and indoor greenery keep the environment homey, while an Artist in Residence program and seasonal Rooftop Cinema Club provide something new to see year-round. As for the culinary and mixology arts, you can sample omakase at Sushi by Bou and sip palomas at Selva.
Sustainability Story: The Emily Hotel Journal
Address: 311 N Morgan St, Chicago, IL 60607
Rooms: From $175 per night
Book With: Expedia | Tripadvisor | Booking.com | Official Hotel Site
More Chicago Neighborhoods
While the Magnificent Mile and the Loop often steal the spotlight, Chicago’s dozens of other neighborhoods supply off-the-beaten-track excitement in spades. Whether you want to spend your vacation scoping out the Theater District or taking the little ones to the zoo and parks, these accommodations will put you minutes from the action.
Publishing House Bed & Breakfast, West Loop
Bed and breakfasts often evoke thoughts of dusty, remote cottages — not so at the Publishing House Bed & Breakfast, which retains only the best parts of the B&B experience. Guests will be met with personable and involved hotel owners, delightful communal spaces (notably, basement wine bar The Press Room), and eclectic room decor. But you’ll still get plenty of modern luxury perks, such as heated bathroom floors and fluffy bathrobes.
Address: 108 N May St, Chicago, IL 60607
Rooms: Contact for pricing (2-night stay required)
Book With: Expedia | Tripadvisor | Booking.com | Official Hotel Site
The Langham Chicago, River North
The Langham Chicago occupies a building designed by famed architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, and the hotel’s artistic roots continue to thrive today. You can spot paintings and sculptures in the lobby and select drinks from an art-inspired cocktail menu at the hotel’s Travelle Lounge. The Langham also facilitates art and food tours of the surrounding streets, with options for everyone from architecture aficionados to deep-dish pizza hounds.
Sustainability Story: CONNECT Programme
Address: 330 N Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
Rooms: From $489 per night
Book With: Expedia | Tripadvisor | Booking.com | Official Hotel Site
Ivy Hotel Chicago, Streeterville
The Ivy Hotel’s jewel-toned trimmings bring to mind resort living rather than a traditional hotel stay. Soaking tubs and Egyptian cotton sheets will make for a memorable visit, as will a nightcap at Sky Terrace. This rooftop spot affords expansive downtown views, best enjoyed with an Ivy Spritz.
Address: 233 E Ontario St, Chicago, IL 60611
Rooms: From $137 per night
Book With: Expedia | Tripadvisor | Booking.com | Official Hotel Site
Hotel EMC2, Autograph Collection, Streeterville
You might be spellbound by Hotel EMC2’s luminescent exterior, which could be equally suited to a chic club. Inside the revolving doors, the hotel blends sophistication and comfort with technology, from robot butlers (yes, really) to posh quarters resembling yacht staterooms. Downstairs, the Albert restaurant dishes up creative takes on Italian cuisine, but you can also grab vegan bites just around the corner at health-minded Lyfe Kitchen.
Sustainability Data: Carbon Footprint: 16.62 kg per room night | Water Footprint: 461.61 liters per room night
Address: 228 E Ontario St, Chicago, IL 60611
Rooms: From $183 per night
Book With: Expedia | Tripadvisor | Booking.com | Official Hotel Site
Freehand Chicago, River North
True to its name, Freehand Chicago keeps things casual but classy, with private quarters as well as strikingly affordable, hostel-esque bunkrooms that sleep up to four guests. Whether you opt for a shared quad or the swanky penthouse suite, you can depend on the Freehand’s high standards for comfort, cleanliness, and design.
Sustainability Initiative: Go Green
Address: 19 E Ohio St, Chicago, IL 60611
Rooms: From $36 per night
Book With: Expedia | Tripadvisor | Booking.com | Official Hotel Site
Nobu Hotel, West Loop
With pillowy platform beds and teak soaking tubs, the Nobu Hotel Chicago fully meshes its Japanese heritage with Western style. The hotel’s tranquility pool brings to mind a traditional onsen, while an on-site Nobu restaurant serves sea bass tempura, sashimi salads, and other eats dreamed up by the hotel chain’s founder, chef Nobu Matsuhisa.
Sustainability Initiative: Introducing Path Bottles
Address: 155 N Peoria St, Chicago, IL 60607
Rooms: From $359 per night
Book With: Expedia | Tripadvisor | Booking.com | Official Hotel Site
The Guesthouse Hotel Chicago, Andersonville
Room offerings at The Guesthouse Hotel consist of suites with up to three bedrooms, kitted out with in-unit washer/dryers and fully equipped kitchens. The latter more than makes up for The Guesthouse’s lack of an on-site restaurant, but those who don’t want to cook can call in delivery from local restaurants like Calo Ristorante or Pick Me Up Cafe.
Boutique Hotel Origin Story: Inherit Hotel Group
Address: 4872 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640
Rooms: From $252 per night
Book With: Expedia | Tripadvisor | Booking.com | Official Hotel Site
Hotel Zachary, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, Lakeview
Marriott has made Hotel Zachary a winning addition to its Tribute Portfolio, but even more impressive than the hotel’s afternoon tea and in-suite bars is what you’ll find outside. Hotel Zachary is just steps from the Wrigley Field (Cubs fans, take note — many rooms feature stadium views).
Sustainability Data: Carbon Footprint: 6.61 kg per room night | Water Footprint: 720.73 liters per room night
Address: 3630 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60613
Rooms: From $269 per night
Book With: Expedia | Tripadvisor | Booking.com | Official Hotel Site
Hotel Lincoln, Lincoln Park
Hotel Lincoln brings on the charm and personality, with furnishings that appear to be sourced from the coolest yard sale you’ve never heard of. You can explore whimsical artwork and views of Lake Michigan and Lincoln Park without ever leaving your room. Then, take your adventures outdoors by snagging a complimentary bike rental (in season) and riding to Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Chicago History Museum, or Belmont Harbor.
Sustainability Story: Hotel Lincoln Promise
Address: 1816 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614
Rooms: From $105 per night
Book With: Expedia | Tripadvisor | Booking.com | Official Hotel Site
