Largest Chicago Hotels

Some say bigger is always better. Hoteliers realize this credo can help out with business, and they have, in the past, built up higher and higher into the clouds in order to impress clientele and reshape the skyline of their cities. If you’re looking for the largest of all possible hotels in Chicago to stay and you feel this would be valuable experience during your vacation, there are a few massive buildings for you to check out.

The biggest hotel in Chicago is the Hyatt Regency Chicago, with 35 floors, 2,032 rooms, and 123 suites located in the bustling downtown. With so many rooms, the population of the hotel at full capacity with a minimum of two people per room is roughly equal to that of Illinois towns such as South Chicago Heights, Caseyville, and Eldorado. The hotel offers 228,000 square feet of space for business trips or ballroom requirements and features a small market, a breakfast buffet, a restaurant, and a bar. Suites are reasonably large and well furnished, while standard rooms are of reasonable, if not vast space.

Large hotels in Chicago are generally higher star rated than not, and therefore can be considered luxury or upscale in nature. Other large hotels beyond the Hyatt Regency Chicago include those who occupy a special place in Chicago’s history, such as the Drake Hotel and The Palmer House Hilton. Luxury hotels that occupy a major footprint in Chicago include Ritz-Carlton Chicago, Four Seasons Hotel Chicago, The Peninsula Chicago, and the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel and Residence Tower.

In a larger hotel, you’ll often find multiple restaurants, indoor pools, spas, health clubs, cocktail bars, and vast, artfully-decorated lobbies. Concierges are often found to be on hand to help guests find their best travel experience in Chicago. Bell hops may or may not be employed by the hotel, and valet parking is often an option. Parking and breakfasts are likely not to be free. One definite benefit of staying in a large hotel, of course, is the view. The higher up one is, the better the opportunity to see Lake Michigan, the Chicago River, or the iconic neighborhoods surrounding downtown.

If you’re ready to give the crowded little motels in the suburbs a break and you don’t want to spend money to see the skyline, you might enjoy being able to view much of the city from some of Chicago’s largest hotels.

Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile

Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile offers four-star accommodations situated directly on Michigan Avenue. Enjoy access to all of the city’s best shopping and entertainment, then come home to newly renovated rooms. There’s also a sleek fitness center and several restaurants.

InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile

Located in the trendy River North district on Michigan Avenue, InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile is a blast from the past. The historic 1929 building features many of its jazz-era original features, including an olympic-sized swimming pool. There’s also a spa, fitness center, and Michael Jordan’s Steakhouse.

Sheraton Grand Chicago

Tucked along the north side of the Chicago River, Sheraton Grand is just steps from the River Esplanade, with nearby Magnificent Mile and Navy Pier just a few blocks to the east. Plus, there are five on-site restaurants and an indoor pool.

Hyatt Regency Chicago

Hyatt Regency Chicago is just steps from the Riverwalk and a few blocks northeast of Millennium Park. It is the largest hotel in Chicago, so you can bet there are plenty of rooms, suites, event spaces, and on-site dining options. Plus, there’s free WiFi and sleek contemporary furnishings.

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.

Palmer House A Hilton Hotel

Potter Palmer built Palmer House for his wife Bertha in the 19th century. Open since 1873, it is the longest continuously operating hotel in the U.S. Guests today can sleep in the historic accommodations just a stone’s throw from Millennium Park and the Art Institute.

Swissotel Chicago

Located near where the Chicago River meets Lake Michigan, the Swissotel offers four-diamond accommodations in the heart of downtown. The all-glass building offers impressive views of the city, Navy Pier, Lake Michigan, and Magnificent Mile. You can take in more sites from the 43rd-floor fitness center, as well.

Fairmont Chicago Millennium Park

Fairmont Chicago Millennium Park is situated along Millennium and Lake Shore East Park just two blocks from the Chicago Riverwalk. The four-star hotel has some pretty luxe features, including swanky on-site dining, a spa with fitness center and lap pool and rooms with sweeping views.