Where to remain in Chicago: Best Areas and Hotels for 2022
Chicago is the very best. The Illinois capital is among the most enjoyable cities within the United States. It has a skyline that might flip most cities resentful and has vibrant metropolis life and tradition. Chicago can be located on the shores of Lake Michigan and even has waterfront and watersport actions on provide.
Of course, because the third most populated metropolis within the United States, it’s no marvel that the windy metropolis is stuffed with things to do and places to eat. The huge metropolis has plenty of totally different neighborhoods with totally different qualities. This information will cowl the place to remain in Chicago and which areas it is best to select.
We’ll introduce you to every of Chicago’s finest areas. From the town’s trendiest neighborhoods to its most handy, let’s delve into the place to remain in Chicago.
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Researching for last-minute lodging? You received’t need to delay. If you’re in a rush, these are the very best Chicago accommodations.
The finest areas in Chicago
When researching the place to remain in Chicago, the realm you decide ought to be your precedence. The metropolis is so enormous that every neighborhood varies massively in its ambiance, sights, and traits. For instance, when you head to Wicker Park for nightlife, you may be sorely upset. Or, when you keep in Streeterville to keep away from the crowds, you may be kicking your self on Saturday morning when the consumers seem.
Align your expectations and select a particular space earlier than deciding the place to remain in Chicago. You’ll have an expertise that’s extra tailor-made to you and have a significantly better journey.
We’ve damaged down the primary neighborhoods in Chicago under so you’ll be able to see their main qualities.
- Best space for first-time guests: Downtown Chicago
- Best space for buying: Streeterville
- Best space for luxurious: Gold Coast
- Best space for nightlife: River North
- Best space for stay music: Wicker Park
- Best space for a cool ambiance: West Loop
Now that you just’ve obtained a primary thought of the very best areas in Chicago let’s check out every space in depth.
1. Downtown Chicago aka South Loop
Once you keep in downtown Chicago, you’ll rapidly perceive the hype. Downtown Chicago (aka South Loop) is the place to remain in Chicago if that is your first go to to Chicago, because it has an electrical city ambiance and the vast majority of Chicago’s skyscrapers.
Downtown Chicago is entertaining and fast-paced. It is ironic, although, as whereas every little thing and everyone seems to be transferring one million miles round you, you’ll be stopping and beginning to ‘ooh’ and ‘aah’ at sights and scenic cityscape views at each nook.
Best Hotels in Downtown Chicago
Luxury: Pendry Hotel
Pendry Hotel is inside metropolis class. The resort is ready in an industrial-looking excessive rise, proper on the intersection of Michigan Avenue and Wacker Place. It is among the finest accommodations to remain in Chicago in order for you luxurious services. Pendry Hotel has a health suite, enterprise heart, restaurant, and terrace. See charges, evaluations and availability on TripAdvisor / Booking.com
Mid-range: Hotel Blake
Hotel Blake is a boutique resort located between Grant and Millennium Park. Like Pendry Hotel, Hotel Blake has an old-money class. But the costs are barely decrease than these at Pendry Hotel, so excellent you probably have a mid-range price range in thoughts.
It has a unbelievable location and is only a ten-minute stroll from the Chicago Art Institute. Hotel Blake has a health heart, restaurant, 24-hour enterprise heart, and free wifi. Compare charges and availability on TripAdvisor / Booking
Budget: HI Chicago Hostel
Finding a price range place to remain in Chicago could be difficult, particularly downtown. HI Chicago Hostel is a wonderful possibility if you will get an area – this hostel is at all times in demand. HI Chicago Hostel has a video games room, lounge, and 24-hour reception. You can select a personal or dorm room, too. Compare Rates and Availability on TripAdvisor / Booking
VRBO: Stylish two-bedroom condominium
This rental apartment is a dreamy image of what it’s like to remain in Chicago. The property has spectacular metropolis views and is positioned in a central downtown high-rise. Visitors can entry the constructing’s pool, health club, movie show, and rooftop terrace. Check it out on VRBO
Things to do whenever you keep in Downtown Chicago
If you need a quiet area within the Chicago Downtown neighborhood, Grant Park isn’t too far-off. The 319-acre park separates the busy streets from Lake Michigan, and you may chill out and wander the park to admire views of the water and cityscape skyline. For taking footage, Millennium Park has the very best skyline view of Chicago Downtown.
On a heat day, the park’s twelfth Street Beach is the very best place to sunbathe. And, on a wet day, Grant Park has the lakefront Museum Campus. The Museum Campus is a 57-acre space containing the Field Museum, Adler Planetarium, and Shedd Aquarium, which can preserve you well-occupied indoors.
The essential sights within the city aspect of Downtown Chicago are Skydeck Chicago and the Museum of Contemporary Art. There can be McCormick Place Convention Center which has plenty of occasions. However, South Loop can be top-of-the-line areas to remain in Chicago simply to discover the streets and take in the ambiance.
Everything is inside strolling distance and quick access. If you’re solely visiting for just a few days or in case you are visiting for the primary time, Downtown is the place to remain in Chicago.
2. River North
If you’re keen on artwork and nightlife, skip staying in South Loop and head throughout the Chicago River to the aptly named neighborhood of River North. Why you say? Because River North has among the finest golf equipment and bars in the entire of Chicago – which is spectacular contemplating the dimensions of the town. It additionally homes many artwork galleries, together with Chicago’s second Museum of Contemporary Art and the City Gallery within the Historic Water Tower.
Now, River North is a stylish place to be in Chicago. The transformed warehouses, lofts, and pink brick buildings are an ode to the neighborhood’s artistic and hardworking aptitude – which now bubble below a extra indulgent floor.
Best Hotels in Chicago – River North
Luxury: The Peninsula Chicago
Peninsula Chicago is well one of the crucial luxurious locations to remain in Chicago. Peninsula can be excellently positioned to discover River North and is simply throughout the highway from Chicago Water Tower.
The resort has a half Olympic-size pool, a scenic rooftop terrace, and an Asian-inspired spa. Honestly, Peninsula Chicago feels extra like a tailor-made palace than a resort. You can attend afternoon tea or a soothing yoga session in your downtime. See charges and availability on TripAdvisor / Booking.com
Mid-range: Eurostars Magnificent Mile
Eurostars Magnificent Mile is a smooth mid-range resort possibility in River North. You can count on newly renovated, fashionable rooms with unbelievable floor-to-ceiling metropolis views. The resort services are equally spectacular, and company obtain entry to a health suite and enterprise heart.
Eurostars Magnificent Mile can be well-located, and company have quick access to Navy Pier, only a quick fifteen-minute stroll away. See charges, evaluations and availability on TripAdvisor / Booking.com
Budget: Found Hotel River North
Found Hotel might sound extra luxurious than price range from its design. But the property is among the most budget-friendly lodging choices in River North. Guests can e-book dormitory rooms to avoid wasting further money or deal with themselves to an evening in a personal room. The hostel gives free wifi and a enterprise heart, and the inside design is warmly stylish. Compare charges and skim evaluations on TripAdvisor / Booking.com
VRBO: Studio with balcony and metropolis views
This studio has all the advantages of a luxurious resort suite. Guests can get pleasure from personal metropolis views from their balcony and cook dinner up a storm of their fashionable kitchen. And in only a quick stroll, you could be stress-free in Millennium Park or within the elevator on the John Hancock Center in your approach to the 875 Observation Deck. This rental property is among the finest in Chicago. See it on VRBO
Things to see in River North
River North covers the gap from the Chicago River to Chicago Avenue and the Magnificent Mile. It is close to the town heart and downtown neighborhoods but in addition has a robust sense of its personal id. River North was as soon as an industrial space and has been slowly gentrified over the previous century.
When you aren’t shopping River North’s artwork galleries or sipping cocktails, it’s value strolling the Magnificent Mile. The Magnificent Mile is definitely referred to as North Michigan Avenue. But the road coined its identify as a result of many distinguished cultural sights and venues lining its sidewalks. You can window store, drop into enjoyable sights like The Dr. Seuss Experience or The Office Experience, or e-book a desk at one of many superb eating eating places. Walking the Magnificent Mile is a wonderful approach to spend a day if you wish to be spontaneous however be assured a variety of leisure and hospitality choices.
Overall, River North is a enjoyable, fashionable place to remain in Chicago. If you’re questioning the place to remain in Chicago for a socialite expertise, River North is your most suitable option. The neighborhood ticks the containers for meals, drink, and tradition. Plus, you’ll be able to nonetheless discover waterfront views because of its positioning alongside the Chicago River.
3. Streeterville
Streeterville is the place to remain in Chicago for buying. Streeterville shares the Magnificent Mile with River North, and the foremost buying avenue is the boundary between the 2 neighborhoods. Streeterville is strolling distance from Magnificent Mile and has every little thing to suit your retail wants – from excessive avenue shops to luxurious buying facilities and boutique retailers.
If you’re questioning the place to remain in Chicago with quick access to buying, Streeterville is the place to decide on. Magnificent Mile is among the most well-known buying areas in Chicago, so you’re in luck having it in your potential doorstep.
Best Hotels in Chicago Streeterville
Luxury: Four Seasons Chicago
The Four Seasons hotels are constantly ranked amongst the very best hostels, and the Four Seasons Chicago shouldn’t be one to interrupt this sample. Each room options marble bogs, a visitor spa with a fifty-meter indoor pool, and an award-winning restaurant on-site. You can select from a variety of suite and room choices, all of which can put luxurious into your keep in Chicago. Book it on TripAdvisor / Booking.com
Mid-range Loews Chicago Hotel
Loews Chicago Hotel is stylish. The resort’s newly renovated inside options an indoor pool, 24-hour health heart, and enterprise assembly rooms. Loews Chicago Hotel can be excellently positioned for metropolis and lake views. It is barely a brief stroll from Navy Pier and Ohio Street Beach. Compare on TripAdvisor / Booking.com
Budget: St. Clair Hotel / Freehand Hotel
Budget-friendly lodging simply isn’t in Streeterville’s vocabulary. The least expensive possibility is St. Clair Hotel, the place the rooms begin at round $300 per evening. The European-style resort is brilliantly positioned proper subsequent to Magnificent Mile and has lovely, spacious rooms. Compare on TripAdvisor / Booking.com
However, chances are you’ll want to take a look at lodging in River North or in Downtown Chicago alongside the Chicago River as an alternative. These areas have extra price range choices and are inside strolling distance of Streeterville. See it on TripAdvisor / Booking.com
VRBO: Two-bedroom condominium
This two-bedroom apartment is the proper fashionable vacation lodging to get pleasure from with buddies. You have lake and metropolis views from the condominium after which entry to a rooftop terrace with 360-degree views over Chicago. The inside is well-furnished and gives a cushty however stylish place to remain in Chicago. See reviews on VRBO
Things to do in Streeterville
Apart from Magnificent Mile, one other huge draw of Streeterville is its waterfront. The complete east aspect of the neighborhood is on the shores of Lake Michigan. Streeterville has Ohio Street Beach within the south, which is related to Oak Street Beach within the north by a fairly lakeside footpath. There is loads of quiet inexperienced area to sunbathe, jog, and picnic.
Navy Pier can be positioned alongside Streeterville’s Lake Michigan shores. Once a navy coaching heart, the pier is now a everlasting fairground with rides and Chicago’s funhouse maze. There can be the Chicago Children’s Museum and even Chicago Shakespeare Theater, a great venue for some leisure.
If you’re undecided between River North and Streeterville, whether or not you would like to be simply inside strolling distance from the shores of Lake Michigan is the very best decider. Both River North and Streeterville have nice bars, retailers, and tradition, so Lake Michigan is the one important distinction.
4. Wicker Park
Wicker Park is among the furthest out of all these neighborhoods from the town heart. So why keep right here when visiting Chicago?
In quick, Wicker Park has well-known stay music venues which are at all times filled with live shows and performances. The suburb is hipster and enjoyable – excellent in case you are touring to Chicago on a price range or to see a particular stay music live performance. The hottest stay music venues are Empty Bottle, Chop Shop, and Subterranean. However, upcoming musicians may also dip their toes in at one of many a number of recording studios across the neighborhood.
Best Hotels in Wicker Park Chicago
Luxury: The Robey
The Robey is stylish and historic, but hip on the similar time. The resort has undergone a cautious refurbishment. It has a contemporary really feel however has stored an genuine sense of character and authentic options. Guests obtain entry to a pool, terrace, and health heart.
Chicago is a legendary sports activities city and sports activities followers will love the resort location, as you’ll be able to hop in a fast fifteen-minute taxi and arrive on the United Center – the house of the Chicago Bulls. See it on TripAdvisor / Booking.com
Mid-range: Hyatt Place Wicker Park
Hyatt Place Wicker Park is as luxurious as mid-range accommodations can get. It is well top-of-the-line accommodations in Chicago, and its services set it other than others in Wicker Park. You can dine on the resort’s restaurant, work out within the health club, sip cocktails on the bar, or use the shared lounge. We advocate selecting a balcony room however, when you don’t, there’s a shared terrace as nicely. Compare costs and skim evaluations on TripAdvisor / Booking.com
Budget: Ray’s Bucktown Bed and Breakfast
Wicker Park is primarily residential, so there aren’t many resort choices within the neighborhood. Because of this, the closest budget-friendly possibility is Ray’s Bucktown Bed and Breakfast – a twenty-minute stroll from Wicker Park heart.
Ray’s is homely and pleasant. Guests can entry good extras like a sauna, wifi, and complimentary toiletries. If you need a residential expertise throughout your keep in Chicago, Ray’s is among the finest accommodations within the metropolis. Book it on TripAdvisor / Booking.com
VRBO: Urban apartment
This condo can be positioned simply exterior of Wicker Park, however truthfully, it’s so value the additional journey. The property is a superbly transformed loft area and one of many trendiest trip leases you’ll be able to select from within the space.
Guests obtain entry to a health club and storage – excellent at no cost off-road parking. Pets are additionally welcome, so you’ll be able to carry your canine or cat alongside to become involved within the enjoyable. See rates and availability on VRBO
Things to do in Wicker Park
Thanks to its recording areas and the fixed flurry of stay music, Wicker Park is a well-liked neighborhood amongst musicians, artists, and creatives. If you fall into any of those classes, you’ll doubtless fall head over heels for Wicker Park as nicely, and if not, we are able to promise you that you just’ll be in good firm.
Foodies can rejoice as nicely, and Wicker Park is fabulous for avenue meals and Michelin-starred eating places alike. Claudia and Le Bouchon are two of the very best Michelin eating places in Chicago. But, for avenue meals, head to Division Street. Here you’ll discover venues like Firenze Italian Street Food, which is value visiting for scrumptious pizza and sandwiches. You don’t have to remain within the metropolis heart to expertise Chicago’s world-class meals scene.
Overall, Wicker Park is the place to remain in Chicago if you wish to escape the CBD crowds. Sure, you’re a quick drive or bus journey from most sights. But this Chicago neighborhood has a group, residential really feel that West Loop, South Loop, and even River North lack. Wicker Park is lived in and unpretentious. Make positive you don’t develop roots too after staying in Chicago for just a few days.
5. Gold Coast
Any neighborhood with the phrase ‘gold’ in it immediately appears upscale. Chicago’s Gold Coast isn’t any totally different.
The Gold Coast has a well-manicured finger in most pots. Rush Street is the place to go for cocktail bars and golf equipment, Oak Street is the place for designer buying, and Concrete Beach is the place you’ll be able to sunbathe and take a dip in Lake Michigan.
Luxury: Ambassador Chicago
Ambassador Chicago is a luxurious resort subsequent to the seaside – a phrase that ought to entice you instantly. The resort encompasses a movie show in its ‘Screening Room’ and a 24-hour health club. Guests can get pleasure from fancy particulars and services all through the property. See it on TripAdvisor / Booking.com
Mid-range: Claridge House
Claridge House is certainly one of Chicago’s finest accommodations and a shocking place to remain on the Gold Coast. The location is excellent, and you may be on the seaside in lower than a ten-minute stroll. The resort itself has considerate particulars all through, like rainfall showers in every room. And company obtain entry to a health club and spa. See it on TripAdvisor / Booking.com
Budget: Freehand Hotel
Unfortunately, the Gold Coast doesn’t provide budget-friendly lodging. Until the hole available in the market is crammed, you’ll be able to keep at Claridge House or exterior of the Gold Coast on the Freehand Hotel.
Freehand has dormitory rooms if you wish to lower your expenses and has a ranking of over 9.0 on Booking.com. You are nonetheless inside straightforward attain of the Gold Coast however will save just a few {dollars}. It is a superb price range place to remain in Chicago when you don’t thoughts staying exterior the Gold Coast. See it on TripAdvisor / Booking.com
VRBO: Luxury condominium with rooftop pool
This apartment is typical of Gold Coast luxurious. The condominium constructing encompasses a health club, examine area, and an outside pool surrounded by skyscrapers. The condominium inside is minimalistic however arty – image a smooth bachelor pad. See more of this and other apartments on VRBO
Things to do within the Gold Coast
The Gold Coast additionally has many museums and artwork galleries. The hottest museums are the Chicago History Museum, the International Museum of Surgical Science, and the Charnley-Persky House Museum.
For a barely much less mainstream expertise, you can even stroll previous the Original Playboy Mansion. There are not any excursions operating, so that you’ll be restricted to snapping footage from exterior its 4 partitions. However, the mansion is an emblem of the Gold Coast’s hedonistic, glamorous indulgence and simple addition to your itinerary if you end up staying close by.
The Gold Coast isn’t all lighthearted indulgence, although, and the story behind the neighborhood’s exponential development is unhappy. The suburb grew after the Great Chicago Fire in 1871, when the hearth consumed and destroyed most of central Chicago. The metropolis then suffered additional harm in a interval of looting and lawlessness. The Gold Coast was one of many first new neighborhoods to be shaped. After just a few of Chicago’s wealthiest residents moved and rebuilt, it rapidly grew to become the unique place to be.
Nowadays, the Gold Coast has a extra laidback type of luxurious. You’ll discover class all over the place and enjoyable whenever you go on the lookout for it. Of course, this Chicago neighborhood has among the finest luxurious accommodations. But there are some budget-friendly choices, too, when you look exhausting sufficient. Check out our high suggestions under.
6. Lincoln Park
Lincoln Park is a gorgeous place to remain in Chicago. Is it on the Chicago Loop? No, Lincoln Park is way from central, and also you’ll must drive or catch public transport into the town heart. But the qualities of this suburb positively justify the additional journey time.
Lincoln Park has among the finest Chicago accommodations, and if you wish to keep in Chicago on a price range, the variety of mid-range and price range accommodations is good news. Here are our high suggestions.
Best Hotels in Lincoln Park
Luxury: Villa D’Citta
Villa D’ Citta has transported Europe to Chicago. Everything is basic, conventional, and Italian-influenced. From picket four-poster beds to a solar deck and sizzling tub, Villa D’Citta is the epitome of luxurious. This property is among the finest accommodations in Chicago, not to mention Lincoln Park. See it on TripAdvisor / Booking.com
Mid-range: The Neighborhood Hotel
The Neighborhood Hotel is a superb mid-range possibility in Lincoln Park. The rooms are freshly embellished, with colourful characteristic partitions and comfy furnishings. While nonetheless new to Chicago’s resort scene, the resort has glorious evaluations to date. Neighborhood is an effective likelihood to attempt one thing up and coming. See more reviews on TripAdvisor
Budget: Chicago Getaway Hostel
Budget vacationers, thanks on your persistence. This time, you’re in luck, as Chicago Getaway Hostel is among the finest budget-friendly choices in Chicago. With a 24-hour kitchen, lockers, and pool tables, Chicago Getaway Hostel is a happy-go-lucky hostel to choose when staying in Chicago. See it on TripAdvisor / Booking.com
VRBO: Loft condominium
You don’t get rather more pure mild than from a transformed storefront. This Lincoln Park apartment is a shop-turned residence with floor-to-ceiling home windows for maximized pure lighting. Forget the very best accommodations; this trip rental is a enjoyable place to remain in Chicago. Check it out on VRBO
Things to do in Lincoln Park
The better part concerning the neighborhood is its 1,200-acre park, additionally referred to as Lincoln Park. The park has every little thing – from Lincoln Park Zoo to its personal lifeguard-patrolled seaside, North Avenue Beach. Lincoln Park Zoo is a great spot for a household day trip, and North Avenue Beach is the very best place for a swim or sport of volleyball. On a wet day, Lincoln Park Conservatory is a godsend, and you may simply spend an hour or two exploring indoors.
The streets themselves in Lincoln Park are protected and pleasant. Yet Lincoln Park can be well-suited to price range journey. You received’t discover the hoity-toity attitudes and sky-high costs that typically curse neighborhoods like Gold Coast and the Chicago Loop. If you’re deciding the place to remain in Chicago as a household or price range traveler, we advocate contemplating Lincoln Park.
7. West Loop
Like so many different downtown neighborhoods, West Loop was an industrial zone first and a beloved cultural suburb later. While the large industrial buildings are actually fashionably transformed to eateries, bars, impartial retailers, and residential houses, West Loop nonetheless has character. The suburb is stylish in a distinct segment, classic method – excellent for these wanting a cool expertise of Chicago.
West Loop has a lot happening on a regular basis. This Chicago neighborhood is already well-established and massively well-liked. However, it’s nonetheless rising and growing prefer it has one thing to show. One of the primary advantages of staying in West Loop is being so near Chicago metropolis heart and all of the downtown sights.
Best Hotels within the West Loop
Luxury: Nobu Hotel, Chicago
Nobu Hotel is a dreamy degree of luxurious. The darkish colour scheme provides a relaxed, mysterious ambiance to the property. And what could possibly be extra stress-free than eating with metropolis views on the rooftop after a swim in a dimly lit indoor pool? See it on TripAdvisor / Booking.com
Mid-range: The Publishing House Bed and Breakfast
The Publishing House is already a favourite, and also you’ll must e-book forward to safe a spot on your keep in Chicago. The resort constructing is a conventional, industrial pink brick. Each room retains some authentic options for the character but has been superbly renovated for final consolation. The cherry on high is the buffet breakfast, out there for most leeway choices each morning. Compare costs and availability on TripAdvisor / Booking.com
Budget: Hotel Chicago West Loop
Hotel Chicago West Loop is an easy lodging possibility at one of many lowest costs within the space. Each room encompasses a microwave and occasional machine, which is nice for saving cash on consuming out. There can be a 24-hour health club and reception. Book it now on TripAdvisor / Booking.com
VRBO: West Loop One-Bedroom Apartment
This property is every little thing you need in a trip rental. The condominium comes with beautiful metropolis views, ample dwelling area, snug furnishings, and the usage of a health club and pool. Couples or solo vacationers will love this lodging alternative, particularly contemplating its unbelievable location. Search for this and extra apartment rentals on VRBO
Things to do within the West Loop
Most individuals agree that one of the simplest ways to discover a brand new place is along with your style buds. Restaurant Row is a hospitality haven with sufficient eating places to pause even essentially the most decisive of diners of their tracks. If you’ll be able to, attempt to eat out most nights to attempt all of the totally different meals. There are loads of avenue meals and low-cost choices for these on a price range. Don’t miss out on the deep-dish pizza at Bonci Pizzeria.
Once you’ve explored the sights, it’s nicely value venturing right down to New Maxwell Street Market, which borders West Loop and South Loop. The market whirs into full motion each Sunday, with meals, secondhand items, and stay music performances. The market is understood for its tacos, so don’t go away with out sampling some.
Whether biting right into a deep-dish pizza or dancing alongside to music at House of Vans, West Loop is a unbelievable place to remain in Chicago. We advocate West Loop for any guests to Chicago wanting a cool and thrilling metropolis expertise.
Going to remain in Chicago is at all times an journey. Whether you keep on the Chicago Loop, in North River, or in Wicker Park, you’ll have a unbelievable time. Chicago has among the finest eating places, nightlife, and cultural sights within the United States. Combine these qualities with just a few seaside and park days, and also you’ll rapidly fall in love with the town.
Of course, staying in top-of-the-line accommodations definitely helps. We hope that you just’ve discovered your excellent resort match. Enjoy experiencing Chicago’s legendary hospitality firsthand.