Family Friendly Chicago Hotels

You pack up the kids, make sure no one forgot their toothbrushes, underwear, or favorite toys, one last check for the bathroom, and finally hit the road for a much-needed family vacation. Unfortunately, if there’s one thing vacation can be when traveling with one’s family, it’s too stressful. That’s why when you come to Chicago for your next get-away, it’s essential to choose lodgings that know how to handle your more rambunctious family members.

When we’re talking about family, it can be important to check in advance and make sure the hotel is able to handle the entire family. For instance, some hotels won’t permit pets, or if they do, they require an additional fee be paid in advance. If you’re travelling with a baby, you may wish to see if a crib can be moved into your room in advance. The same theory applies if you need an additional cot or small bed given the size of your family. If there are too many of you in the family, it may be more convenient to split up with adult or mature family members represented in each room.

Since travel with family can be expensive, it’s not a bad idea to make sure there’s a free breakfast, a full breakfast being better than a continental service. Free parking is another way to keep costs down; most parking downtown requires a fee, while parking in the suburbs or in motels are typically free. Motels also offer the benefit of pulling right up to one’s room and immediately unloading family and luggage, if one is on the first floor.

Your youngest may also appreciate a dedicated kid suite, a room that encourages play, coloring, and interacting with video games and dolls. Kid’s suites are available at the Swissotel Chicago, a luxury hotel. Homewood Suites Downtown offer cocoa and cider in the lobby and suites that allow the family to stretch out between kitchen and living room or separate bedrooms. Breakfast is free and there are evening drinks for the adults.

Finally, when seeking a great family-friendly hotel, one may choose to focus more on proximity to major attractions rather than cutting costs and being further afield. Most of the three-, four-, and five-star hotels are located near the Magnificent Mile or Chicago River. There are often hotels with suites in this area as well, an attractive feature for large families.

Kimpton Hotel Palomar Chicago

Kimpton Hotel Palomar Chicago offers four-star luxury in the heart of downtown’s River North neighborhood. Shopping on Magnificent mile is just a few blocks away, with all of the excitement on Navy Pier just beyond. Stay in luxe rooms with an indoor pool, swanky fitness center, and on-site restaurant.

The Langham Hotel Chicago

The Langham Chicago is a five-star hotel situated along the Chicago River next to Magnificent Mile. There are a lot of on-site perks, including a spa with aromatherapy showers, a spacious indoor pool, a kid’s playroom, and a movie theater that can comfortable seat 12.

The Westin Chicago River North

The Westin Chicago River North is perched along the water in the trendy River North district, just steps away from theater entertainment and Magnificent Mile Shopping. The four-star hotel has upscale amenities like an on-site salon and two impressive restaurants.

Omni Hotel Chicago

Omni Chicago Hotel sits on a coveted stretch of Magnificent Mile right near Saks Fifth Avenue and Nike Chicago. Inside, there are unique amenities including a rooftop vegetable garden, two outdoor sundecks, and an expansive indoor pool. Suites offer roomy comfort and separate living areas.

Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown

Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown offers apartment-style living near Magnificent Mile. There’s a free made-to-order breakfast each morning and rooms boast microwaves and refrigerators. You can also enjoy the indoor pool, several hotel restaurants and an on-site fitness center.

Homewood Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown

Homewood Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown (not to be confused with its sister location to the northeast, Magnificent Mile) offers all of the comforts of home for extended stays. The all-suite accommodations feature full kitchens, a complimentary hot breakfast, and an indoor pool.

Four Seasons Hotel Chicago

In the heart of Chicago’s Gold Coast is a gold-standard institution: Four Seasons Hotel Chicago. The five-star accommodations offer the most luxurious stay in town, with ultra upscale amenities like an Athens-inspired indoor pool, on-site spa, and on-demand ice cream man for the kids.

Loews Chicago Hotel

Tucked a block from the Chicago River just steps from Navy Pier, Loews Chicago Hotel has is situated in Chicago’s most prime real estate. And the inside is equally as impressive, with a rooftop bar, indoor pool, and several on-site eateries.

Fairfield Inn & Suites Chicago Downtown/Magnificent Mile

Fairfield Inn & Suites Chicago Downtown/Magnificent Mile is situated on prime real estate between the lakefront trail and Millennium Mile. So, take a hike with nature or with retail! The hotel offers an unbeatable bargain for the area, as well as a free hot breakfast each morning.

Homewood Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown/Magnificent Mile

Homewood Suites by Hilton Downtown Magnificent Mile is an all-suite hotel boasting a rooftop pool and free weekday breakfast. Spacious accommodations are outfitted with full kitchens, cozy work stations, private living areas and comfortable bedrooms, so you can really move in.

Hampton Inn Chicago Downtown/Magnificent Mile

Hampton Inn Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile offers family-friendly accommodations just steps from Michigan Avenue and all of its entertainment. There’s a free hot breakfast every morning and a 40th-floor outdoor pool, plus standard perks like free Wifi, large flat-screen HDTVs, and refrigerators.

Residence Inn Downtown/Magnificent Mile

The Residence Inn by Marriott Chicago Downtown/Magnificent Mile boasts an impressive location along the lake’s Gold Coast neighborhood. Great views are paired with all-suite accommodations. You can move in with a full kitchen, dining area, and on-site laundry facilities.

Hilton Chicago/Magnificent Mile Suites

Hilton Chicago/Magnificent Mile Suites offers roomy condo-like suites along the Lakefront. Enjoy well-appointed rooms with microwaves and mini-fridges as well as on-site dining options and a top-floor indoor swimming pool. Special accommodations for families make this ideal for bigger groups or extended stays.

Hampton Inn Chicago Downtown/N Loop/Michigan Ave

Situated on the Chicago River, Hampton Inn Chicago Downtown N Loop/Michigan Ave has premier real estate in downtown Chicago. Part of Hampton hotels, this location comes with all the standard perks: free WiFi, complimentary breakfast, 24-hour business and fitness centers and a satisfaction guarantee.

Hilton Garden Inn Chicago/North Loop

Tucked on the north side of Chicago’s business loop, the Hilton Garden Inn Chicago/North Loop is the perfect respite for business and pleasure travelers alike. Near many businesses and offering easy access to Chicago’s dual airports, accommodations are just a stone’s throw from Magnificent Mile shopping and all of the entertainment and art of Millennium Park. It’s also positioned next

Hilton Chicago-Michigan Ave Cultural Mile

Hilton Chicago is situated on Michigan Ave across from Grant Park. The picturesque location is walkable to Museum Campus and Soldier Field. The hotel itself has some top-notch amenities, like a large indoor pool and several on-site restaurants. Take advantage of the swanky fitness center and Peloton bikes.

Hampton Inn Majestic Chicago Theater District

The Hampton Inn Majestic Chicago Theater District boasts prime real estate next to Hamilton in the heart of downtown. Perks include a free hot breakfast, a 24-hour gym and complimentary WiFi. Additional amenities for families make this a great option for groups.

Chicago Athletic Association

Stay in the lap of luxury like the elite members of Chicago’s Gilded Era at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel, tucked alongside Millennium Park. Once a members-only retreat for the rich and famous, today the classic architecture, on-site eateries and unparalleled service is open to all.

Residence Inn Chicago Downtown/Loop

For those visiting the Windy City for an extended stay, the all-suite accommodations at the Residence Inn Chicago Downtown/Loop offer all of the amenities you’d find in a luxury apartment with room service to boot. Take advantage of grocery delivery and cook a meal in your fully equipped kitchen, or head downstairs to the on-site restaurant.

Staypineapple The Loop Chicago

Staypineapple, An Iconic Hotel, The Loop Chicago is tucked in a historic building near the bustling theater district. Its trendy location and modern amenities are anything but staid, offering bright robes and matching yellow beach cruisers for guests. Plus, you can bring your pup!

Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago

Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel boasts every luxury on one of the most brag-worthy corners in Chicago. Its modern architecture is at home next to both Millennium and Lake Shore East parks near the Financial District and Michigan Avenue. Plus, there’s free WiFi and a rooftop pool.