Chicago Hotels with the Best Nightlife

You made it to Chicago and it’s time to celebrate! You want to find the best hotel for a great party, someplace with trendy bars, connected to the nightlife, and where you’re likely to bring your whole crew, minus the kids this time who are safe at home with babysitters or other family. There’s plenty of fantastic options across the crown jewel of Illinois for you to choose from, trending from the luxurious Wyndham Grand Chicago Riverfront, to the more laid-back Hotel Lincoln with its rooftop bar, J. Parker.

Let’s be clear- spring break hallway drinking and rock star furniture smashing parties pose a destructive and potentially criminal menace for hotels and their guests, so when talking about a party, we mean the usual holiday, get-away, or bachelor/bachelorette party – fun on the go, but not serious trouble-making.

Whether it’s your bridal party or a weekend away with just you and a dozen of your closest friends from college, you’ll want to check with your hotel in advance to see if they offer any group discounts or party package specials, tailored specifically to your group’s interests. Sort through the amenities. Does your gang like to enjoy a fine meal before heading out on the town? Do they want to get a good working knowledge of the clubs, bars, and cocktail lounges in the area? Your concierge at your hotel should be able to guide you to the coolest hot spots, if your hotel offers that service. Maybe you picture yourself returning to the hotel after hitting up the club and shooting some pool. Moxy Chicago Downtown has a pool table available. Or if you just want to tie in WiFi at a tech-heavy hotel and chill with your friends, Hotel EMC2, Autograph Collection is forward-thinking in their stylish designs and having in-house robots available to help you enjoy your stay.

While partying in your room can be a challenge given noise restrictions, responsible fun can be had at some of the best cocktail lounges in the city. The Bar at Hotel Zachary across from Wrigley Field, ROOF on theWit, Drumbar at Hotel Raffaello, and the Bar at The Peninsula are some of the city’s best-known hotel bar scenes. For an icy experience, partying guests may wish to check out the Vertigo Sky Lounge at the Dana Hotel, as they have a rooftop ice bar during the winter months.

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.

Acme Hotel Company Chicago

ACME Hotel Company is an unconventional stay in Chicago’s River North District. It’s self-described as “painfully hip,” alluding to some unique extras like in-room Amazon Echos, a hot tub/bar, and a lobby bar where drinks are served out of Slushies or flasks. And it’s all served up with the best tech in town.

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.

Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel

Steps from the Chicago River and Theatre District, Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel offers luxury accommodations in an unbeatable location. There are also some pretty slick amenities, like an indoor pool, rooftop bar, and on-site fitness and business centers. Rooms offer views of the River or Chicago cityscape, and you’re only a few blocks from Millennium Park.

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.

Virgin Hotels Chicago

Tucked in Chicago’s business district just south of the Riverwalk, Virgin Hotels Chicago believes in work hard, play hard. Amenities offer equal amounts of business perks with after-hours entertainment at its swanky bar and rooftop club. Plus, you can book a room specially catered to your pup.