The 105-room Best Western Hawthorne Terrace is one of the few hotels in the Lakeview neighborhood, a northern Chicago residential area that's home to Wrigley Field and the city's gay nightlife scene. It's got more charm than you'd expect from a chain hotel -- the four-story redbrick building is covered with ivy, the Victorian-style lobby features a fireplace, and the contemporary rooms come with hardwood floors and slate-tiled bathrooms. The hotel offers free Wi-Fi and breakfast, but it's far from the tourist sights, and lacks a full restaurant or swimming pool. Travelers who want similar features from a more centrally located hotel could try the Hilton Garden Inn Downtown Chicago, which has a pool, but no free breakfast.
The 105-room Best Western Hawthorne Terrace is one of the few hotels in the Lakeview neighborhood, a northern Chicago residential area that's home to Wrigley Field and the city's gay nightlife scene. It's got more charm than you'd expect from a chain hotel -- the four-story redbrick building is covered with ivy, the Victorian-style lobby features a fireplace, and the contemporary rooms come with hardwood floors and slate-tiled bathrooms. The hotel offers free Wi-Fi and breakfast, but it's far from the tourist sights, and lacks a full restaurant or swimming pool. Travelers who want similar features from a more centrally located hotel could try the Hilton Garden Inn Downtown Chicago, which has a pool, but no free breakfast.
This mid-range hotel is centrally located in The Loop, on the northern edge of Chicago's Theatre District. Its 357 rooms — renovated in 2011 — are comfortable and spacious (though a tad generic for the price), and come with updated amenities, such as free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and iPod docks. The bright fitness center with great river and city views, the casual Hoyt’s restaurant, and its wonderful location make this a great pick, but for more stylish rooms, consider the often similarly priced Hard Rock Hotel Chicago, Allegro Chicago Hotel, or Hotel Monaco.
This mid-range hotel is centrally located in The Loop, on the northern edge of Chicago's Theatre District. Its 357 rooms — renovated in 2011 — are comfortable and spacious (though a tad generic for the price), and come with updated amenities, such as free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and iPod docks. The bright fitness center with great river and city views, the casual Hoyt’s restaurant, and its wonderful location make this a great pick, but for more stylish rooms, consider the often similarly priced Hard Rock Hotel Chicago, Allegro Chicago Hotel, or Hotel Monaco.
The historic, 1,544-room Hilton Chicago once hosted presidents and dignitaries, but today it's just a massive chain hotel in South Loop, a little far from many popular tourist sites. The hotel completed a $150 million renovation in 2014, with a result of modern furnishings in the well-equipped guest rooms and public spaces. Amenities include a large fitness center, ample meeting and event spaces, and an indoor pool. Note that parking is pricey and some room rates don't include free Wi-Fi.
The historic, 1,544-room Hilton Chicago once hosted presidents and dignitaries, but today it's just a massive chain hotel in South Loop, a little far from many popular tourist sites. The hotel completed a $150 million renovation in 2014, with a result of modern furnishings in the well-equipped guest rooms and public spaces. Amenities include a large fitness center, ample meeting and event spaces, and an indoor pool. Note that parking is pricey and some room rates don't include free Wi-Fi.
The 424-room Westin Chicago River North -- a modern property right on the water -- may lack individual character, but it does have a few things that take it a step beyond your typical upscale chain hotel, including handsome contemporary rooms, spectacular river views, and a popular on-site restaurant (Kamehachi, a Chicago staple specializing in Japanese fare). There are sleek function facilities, too, as well as a spacious gym which gets lots of natural light from its floor-to-ceiling windows and a seasonal patio bar overlooking the river. If you like brand names yet prefer a more historic setting, the four-pearl Palmer House Hilton makes a memorable alternative.
The 424-room Westin Chicago River North -- a modern property right on the water -- may lack individual character, but it does have a few things that take it a step beyond your typical upscale chain hotel, including handsome contemporary rooms, spectacular river views, and a popular on-site restaurant (Kamehachi, a Chicago staple specializing in Japanese fare). There are sleek function facilities, too, as well as a spacious gym which gets lots of natural light from its floor-to-ceiling windows and a seasonal patio bar overlooking the river. If you like brand names yet prefer a more historic setting, the four-pearl Palmer House Hilton makes a memorable alternative.
The 55-room Willows Hotel is a solid value pick in a historic building on the northern edge of Lincoln Park. It's far from Chicago's main tourist sites, but there are plenty of restaurants, shops, and bars half a block from the hotel. The property offers some nice freebies, including a 24-hour coffee bar in the lobby, continental breakfast, afternoon cookies, access to a local gym (a block away), and Wi-Fi. All rooms come with flat-screen TVs, bathrobes, and minibars, though some are are tiny (especially the 121-square-foot Small Queen Room). The Best Western Hawthorne Terrace is a comparable alternative; it's farther north, but has an on-site fitness center with a sauna and whirlpool.
The 55-room Willows Hotel is a solid value pick in a historic building on the northern edge of Lincoln Park. It's far from Chicago's main tourist sites, but there are plenty of restaurants, shops, and bars half a block from the hotel. The property offers some nice freebies, including a 24-hour coffee bar in the lobby, continental breakfast, afternoon cookies, access to a local gym (a block away), and Wi-Fi. All rooms come with flat-screen TVs, bathrobes, and minibars, though some are are tiny (especially the 121-square-foot Small Queen Room). The Best Western Hawthorne Terrace is a comparable alternative; it's farther north, but has an on-site fitness center with a sauna and whirlpool.
This 438-room Kimpton hotel is located in the heart of the Theatre District, and surrounded by the corporate offices of the Loop. Features are few (there isn't much besides the 24-hour fitness center), but the decor is bright and modern, and freebies include a nightly wine hour and in-room yoga accessories. Though some rooms are on the small side, all have modern amenities: 37-inch flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, Aveda toiletries and mini-bars. For bigger rooms and bathrooms (but fewer freebies), consider the nearby Fairmont.
This 438-room Kimpton hotel is located in the heart of the Theatre District, and surrounded by the corporate offices of the Loop. Features are few (there isn't much besides the 24-hour fitness center), but the decor is bright and modern, and freebies include a nightly wine hour and in-room yoga accessories. Though some rooms are on the small side, all have modern amenities: 37-inch flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, Aveda toiletries and mini-bars. For bigger rooms and bathrooms (but fewer freebies), consider the nearby Fairmont.
The mid-range Tremont Chicago Hotel at Magnificent Mile is a charming boutique hotel located right by its namesake bustling avenue lined with shops and restaurants. Its 135 rooms are stylish and elegant thanks to a recent renovation and have flat-screen TVs, coffee/tea makers, and free bottled water, but Wi-Fi incurs an added fee. Guests complain that the bathrooms are a bit dated, however, and have maintenance issues. Though there aren't many features on-site, the hotel's lobby connects to the next-door Mike Ditka’s Restaurant, which offers a breakfast buffet (for a fee) as well as meeting spaces. The hotel also has a business corner, and though there is no fitness center on-site, guests have access to one nearby. Travelers seeking something with more features might want to consider the Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Downtown/Magnificent Mile, which includes a gym and pool.
The mid-range Tremont Chicago Hotel at Magnificent Mile is a charming boutique hotel located right by its namesake bustling avenue lined with shops and restaurants. Its 135 rooms are stylish and elegant thanks to a recent renovation and have flat-screen TVs, coffee/tea makers, and free bottled water, but Wi-Fi incurs an added fee. Guests complain that the bathrooms are a bit dated, however, and have maintenance issues. Though there aren't many features on-site, the hotel's lobby connects to the next-door Mike Ditka’s Restaurant, which offers a breakfast buffet (for a fee) as well as meeting spaces. The hotel also has a business corner, and though there is no fitness center on-site, guests have access to one nearby. Travelers seeking something with more features might want to consider the Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Downtown/Magnificent Mile, which includes a gym and pool.
Designed as a downtown convention hub, the upscale Sheraton Grand Chicago, with its massive event facilities, caters to business travelers and big groups staying for weddings or conferences. The rooms are large and business-friendly, with desks and work space, but the Wi-Fi isn't free. On-site restaurants, bars, a cafe, indoor pool, and even a full service FedEx office make it possible to attend an event and never set foot outside the hotel. But other guests can get lost in the shuffle among the events and the endless blocks of reserved rooms. With 1,214 rooms over 34 floors, housekeeping struggles to keep up. Families or couples looking for the conveniences of a big chain hotel from which to explore Chicago have better options, such as the Hyatt Chicago Magnificent Mile or the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel.
Designed as a downtown convention hub, the upscale Sheraton Grand Chicago, with its massive event facilities, caters to business travelers and big groups staying for weddings or conferences. The rooms are large and business-friendly, with desks and work space, but the Wi-Fi isn't free. On-site restaurants, bars, a cafe, indoor pool, and even a full service FedEx office make it possible to attend an event and never set foot outside the hotel. But other guests can get lost in the shuffle among the events and the endless blocks of reserved rooms. With 1,214 rooms over 34 floors, housekeeping struggles to keep up. Families or couples looking for the conveniences of a big chain hotel from which to explore Chicago have better options, such as the Hyatt Chicago Magnificent Mile or the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel.
Located in River North, the three-pearl Homewood Suites by Hilton Chicago-Downtown is a solid choice for business travelers and families, offering a prime address less than two blocks from the Magnificent Mile. The hotel, renovated in mid-2016, has 233 spacious suites that feature full kitchens, sleeper sofas, and roomy bathrooms. Value-added amenities include free hot breakfast, a free grocery shopping service, and weekday evening receptions with free food and drinks. A rooftop indoor pool, a well-equipped fitness center, and a laundry room enhance its appeal. Those looking for a hotel with an on-site restaurant and bar may prefer the adjacent Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Downtown/Magnificent Mile.
Located in River North, the three-pearl Homewood Suites by Hilton Chicago-Downtown is a solid choice for business travelers and families, offering a prime address less than two blocks from the Magnificent Mile. The hotel, renovated in mid-2016, has 233 spacious suites that feature full kitchens, sleeper sofas, and roomy bathrooms. Value-added amenities include free hot breakfast, a free grocery shopping service, and weekday evening receptions with free food and drinks. A rooftop indoor pool, a well-equipped fitness center, and a laundry room enhance its appeal. Those looking for a hotel with an on-site restaurant and bar may prefer the adjacent Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Downtown/Magnificent Mile.
The upscale Silversmith Hotel is a sleek and modern boutique property in the heart of Chicago’s Loop. It’s within walking distance of many attractions and surrounded by dining and shopping options. Its stylish marble lobby and restaurant/lounge exude sophistication, and its 24/7 fitness center is roomy and well equipped. Valet-only parking operates 24/7, but it’s expensive. The 144 guest rooms are as chic as the public spaces, and come equipped with mini-fridges, Keurig coffeemakers, and free Wi-Fi. The large bathrooms are especially impressive, with marble floors and separate walk-in showers and tubs. Rates are competitive but not inexpensive, and they don’t include breakfast. A good alternative is the four-pearl Palmer House Hilton Hotel around the corner, with an opulent lobby from the 1800s, an indoor pool, and often better rates.
The upscale Silversmith Hotel is a sleek and modern boutique property in the heart of Chicago’s Loop. It’s within walking distance of many attractions and surrounded by dining and shopping options. Its stylish marble lobby and restaurant/lounge exude sophistication, and its 24/7 fitness center is roomy and well equipped. Valet-only parking operates 24/7, but it’s expensive. The 144 guest rooms are as chic as the public spaces, and come equipped with mini-fridges, Keurig coffeemakers, and free Wi-Fi. The large bathrooms are especially impressive, with marble floors and separate walk-in showers and tubs. Rates are competitive but not inexpensive, and they don’t include breakfast. A good alternative is the four-pearl Palmer House Hilton Hotel around the corner, with an opulent lobby from the 1800s, an indoor pool, and often better rates.