Cheap Chicago Hotels

When you go on your next vacation, wouldn’t it be nice to focus your spending on delicious meals, enlightening tours, and fun souvenirs? Dropping all of your limited budget on a hotel during your stay in Chicago limits your spending power and leaves you fumbling in your pocket for loose change on Navy Pier rather than finding the fun you planned on your trip.

Keeping things cheap can require creativity, as Chicago is a major metropolitan destination, and not known for being the least expensive of places to stay. Cheapest options may be hostels. Those locally-run, shared sleeping experiences can be a mixed bag, though choosing a reputable hostel can result in a restful and pleasant stay. Just make sure the hostel has good policies regarding protecting your personal things. Another option, provided you seek one in a safe location, is a motel. Mostly scattered in Chicago’s suburbs, the motel is the barebones, no frills option for those who don’t want to spend too much. They don’t require a parking fee, unlike hotels downtown, and all of those amenities one is used to don’t come out of the cost of your stay.

As for actual hostels, you may wish to look through those that are rated one-star or that simply show prices that meet your needs.  After all, a one star doesn’t mean dirty or poor quality. It’s a rating that suggests that a very small hotel includes a television and a fair bed, but no restaurant, pool, business or spa facilities, and nearly all the usual amenities cast aside for a bare bones, simple, comfortable sleep.

Sometimes the best way to stay cheaply in Chicago is to look for reasons why the hotel is offering a discount. Perhaps they are under new management after a more disastrous and poorly managed run. They may be cutting costs because of the weather; the city is more walkable during the summer, and hard winters can limit the call for tourism. As always, weekends and holidays are going to be the most expensive times to drop in, while weekdays can be much cheaper.

Cheap hotels in Chicago can be found with a little effort and a willingness to focus on the basics rather than all the little extras luxury hotels like to add. While you should never sacrifice safety or hygiene, you can choose to forgo laps around a massive indoor pool or drinks at the cocktail bar in favor of a cheaper stay.

Hotel Felix Chicago

Hotel Felix Chicago is known for its environmentally conscious practices like low energy consumption, eco-friendly cleaning products and recycling. It also has several on-site dining options, including a sushi joint and a French Bistro. After, work it off in the high-end fitness center.

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.

Hilton Garden Inn Downtown Magnificent Mile

Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Downtown/Magnificent Mile offers access to Michigan Avenue and all of its shopping and entertainment. You can also do a lot from your spacious room, complete with a work desk and hospitality center with microwave, fridge and coffee maker. There’s also an indoor pool.

Aloft Chicago Mag Mile

Between Ohio Street Beach and Magnificent Mile, find the new trendy hotel in town: Aloft Chicago Mag Mile. Contemporary interiors are outfitted with oversized TVs and free high-speed wifi. At the end of the day, top of your visit with a nightcap at the popular W XYZ.

Warwick Allerton Hotel

The Warwick Allerton Chicago is situated on Magnificent Mile in one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. The jazz-era building will take you to simpler times, with luxe amenities like an on-site lounge and in-room massage services. There are plenty of modern perks too, like new HD televisions and iHome docking stations.

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

River Hotel

River Hotel gets its name from its impressive location on the south bank of the Chicago River. Stocked with the basic amenities, the three-star accommodations offer one of the best bargains around while providing walkable access to many Chicago attractions and the adjacent Theatre District.

Club Quarters Hotel, Wacker at Michigan

Club Quarters Hotel, Wacker at Michigan is situated in the former Mather Tower, Chicago’s most slender high rise. Tucked along the south bank of the Chicago River, high-tech accommodations offer access to lots of Windy City landmarks. You can check in and even open your door straight from your smartphone.

Central Loop Hotel, Chicago

For thoroughly modern travelers, there is no better than the Central Loop Hotel. Its central location is a given, but the futuristic perks are unexpected: mobile check-in, in-room sleep systems and the “fastest WiFi in Chicago.” Plus, this is one of the area’s more affordable options.