Chicago Luxury Hotels

Let’s presume you’re used to enjoying the best of the best and you have a budget of at least $250 or more per night- closer to $400 may be more accurate. You’re looking for one thing- luxury. Whether it’s a special day such as a honeymoon or just another day in the life of a busy CEO on the go, your anticipation that your stay should be exclusive, refined, and meeting the pinnacle of standards for the hotel industry.

The good news is that you are spoiled for choice. There are perhaps a dozen such hotels that meet that criteria in Chicago. Kinzie Street and Wacker Drive are teaming with hotels wanting to take advantage of the splendid view afforded by the winding Chicago River and its famed bridges. Within a short distance of one another, you’ll find The Langham, Sheraton Grand Chicago, and LondonHouse Chicago, Curio Collection by Hilton. The Waldorf Astoria, Ritz-Carlton, The Peninsula, and The Four Seasons are all a bit further north in the vicinity of Lake Shore Drive and the Magnificent Mile.

Conveniently located in the heart of the city, you’ll find these hotels are only steps away from high-end shopping, famed art galleries, and tours through the historic and scenic neighborhoods steps away from downtown.

So what kinds of features do luxury hotels in Chicago offer? They’re universally designed to provide the most comfort and enjoyment one can have away from home. The Four Seasons has city and Lake Michigan views, marble bathrooms, and a minibar. They pride themselves on their indoor pool, hot tub, sauna, steam rooms, and gym. If you’d prefer to relax, you’ll find a spa, fine-dining restaurant, and art collection to look over. In contrast, the Peninsula has three restaurants, a cafe, and a sun terrace. The Waldorf Astoria provides bistro dining, a cocktail bar, and their suites include pull-out couches and a fireplace. Over at the Langham, they provide a Mediterranean restaurant and an afternoon tea lounge. All come with WiFi and flat screen TVs.

A few final things to expect. Truly luxury hotels have a concierge on hand, ready to help you with the last-minute details of your trip planning. These hotels generally have business centers and conference rooms, so you can conduct business on site. What they do not usually have is free parking or free breakfasts. You should plan those expenses into your next trip.

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.

Godfrey Hotel Chicago

The Godfrey Hotel Chicago offers four-star service in the heart of the River North neighborhood, full of happening restaurants, nightlife and theater entertainment. In your room, enjoy thoughtful amenities and out, stop in one of the scenic indoor/outdoor spaces, like the I|O Rooftop Lounge.

The Gwen, a Luxury Collection, Michigan Avenue

The Gwen, a Luxury Collection, Michigan Avenue Chicago offers the best of the city in a central downtown location in the historic McGraw-Hill building. An Art Deco restaurant pays homage to the building’s heydey, while a rooftop lounge dazzles with modern flair. There’s also a unique glamping option.

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.

Conrad Chicago

Situated on Magnificent Mile just north of the Streeterville district, Conrad Chicago offers the best of Chicago entertainment. It also has high-tech amenities like bluetooth in each room, 65-inch HDTVs, and intuitive room controls. There’s also a bourbon restaurant and a rooftop bar.

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.

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.

Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile

Sofitel Chicago brings French luxury to Magnificent Mile. With a location steps from Chicago’s biggest attractions, Sofitel offers a quiet respite from the excitement. Take a break and enjoy an in-room spa service followed by a delicious French dinner at one of the on-site eateries.

Park Hyatt Chicago

Situated just steps from Magnificent Mile next to the historic Water Tower, Park Hyatt has a lot of offer and a five-star rating. There’s an on-site pool and spa as well as several upscale eateries and a rooftop bar. At night, sleep in luxurious rooms with deep-soaking tubs and cozy window seats.

The Peninsula Chicago

Right along Magnificent Mile, The Peninsula Chicago offers unparalleled luxury and elegance inspired by traditional Asian hospitality. There’s an impressive spa, olympic-sized pool, and state-of-the-art fitness center with many group exercise classes. Then, put those calories back with impressive on-site restaurants and a rooftop bar.

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.

The Ritz-Carlton Chicago

The Ritz-Carlton Chicago is situated in the heart of the city, steps from Magnificent Mile destinations as well as the Museum of Contemporary art and Lake Michigan. Inside, the four-star hotel has a ton of luxe amenities, like an indoor pool, spa, and on-site restaurant with seasonal rooftop bar.

Viceroy Hotel Chicago

Viceroy is a five-star hotel in the heart of Chicago’s Gold Coast neighborhood. In the former home of the 1920s era Cedar Hotel, Viceroy today offers unadulterated luxury in the form of Michilin Star dining, a rooftop pool and lounge, and an on-site Tesla to take you around in style.

Waldorf Astoria Chicago

Waldorf Astoria Chicago is a five-star hotel in the heart of the swanky Gold Coast neighborhood. Of course, there are five-star amenities to match, like an on-site spa, lap pool, and fitness center as well as awarded restaurants, in-room wet bars and marble bathrooms with separate soaking tubs.

Kimpton Hotel Monaco Chicago

One block from the Chicago Riverwalk, the Kimpton Hotel Monaco is a four-diamond accommodation in downtown Chicago. The luxe, boutique-style hotel offers special extras like a sleek fitness center, nightly happy hour, and complimentary PUBLIC bicycles—not that you’ll need them to access the many nearby attractions.

LondonHouse Chicago, Curio Collection by Hilton

A luxury lifestyle hotel along the Chicago River, LondonHouse Chicago, Curio Collection by Hilton is situated within the historic London Guarantee & Accident Building. Interiors pay homage to the heydey of Chicago while incorporating modern furnishings and high-tech extras, like smart TVs and free WiFi.

St. Jane Hotel Chicago

Situated in the historic Carbon and Carbide Building, the St. Jane hotel is one of the newest places to stay in Downtown Chicago. Just blocks from the Chicago River, the Art Deco building is equally stunning inside. For the most luxurious experience, reserve a room in The Tower on floors 24 and up.

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.

Kimpton Gray Hotel Chicago

The Kimpton Gray Hotel is a shiny new penny in Chicago. Its rooftop bar and fine dining establishments are the talk of the town, much like the gym’s on-trend Peloton bike. The Gray also lets you bring Fido for free, who you can take for a walk in nearby Millennium Park.

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.

theWit Chicago – A DoubleTree by Hilton

Situated just two blocks from the Chicago Riverwalk, theWit Chicago - A DoubleTree by Hilton offers every amenity in a luxe location. There’s also an on-site spa, 24-hour fitness center and fine dining restaurant. The biggest gem, however, is ROOF, the indoor/outdoor rooftop bar boasting sweeping city views.

Kimpton Hotel Allegro

Adjacent to the Cadillac Theatre, find the Kimpton Hotel Allegro and its storied architecture. Equally luxe interiors are outfitted in Mid-Century Modern design that complements the classic cocktails served in the upscale lobby bar. The four-star accommodations offer a lot for the price: primarily, a location walkable to the best Windy City arts and entertainment.

Hotel Julian Chicago

Hotel Julian Chicago is situated on Michigan Avenue in the original Atlantic Bank Building. The classic architecture is just steps from Millennium Park and Chicago Cultural Center, so you can soak in all the city has to offer. Plus, the Julian is home to the popular ALK (About Last Knife) steakhouse.

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.

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.