The Best Romantic Hotels in Chicago

Pop the question or perhaps renew your love among the jewel-hewn interiors of the Viceroy. The sapphire-accented lobby sparkles with understated 1920s glamour, but it’s the rooms that truly shine. Tear yourself away from the window and bask in the retro-chic of blue velvet curtains, metal-patterned wallpaper, and curvy light fixtures. After dark, indulge in fine American dining at Somerset or poolside cocktails at Devereaux as the city twinkles below.

The acid green lightning bolt slicing down the front of this romantic hotel in Chicago encapsulates its youthful vibe. Young – or young-at-heart – couples will appreciate these nightclub-inspired digs, where cadmium-yellow sofas add zing and alarm clocks can be programmed with the voices of Al Capone or Barack Obama. The screen-bedecked bar, ROOF, serves Instagrammable cocktails under bright lights.

Unfussy mid-century chic and dark-wood paneling are the cornerstones of this sleek hotel among the buzzy bars and clubs of River North. Relax in the orchid-filled spa, which specializes in treatments for couples. The highlight is the Duet package – a three-hour, side-by-side treatment of body scrubs, aromatherapy massages, and pedicures topped by a glass of sparkling wine. Don’t leave this romantic hotel in Chicago without sharing a seafood platter at the Portsmith restaurant.

The science theme prevails at Hotel EMC2, a fun concept hotel in Streeterville inspired by Einstein. Room numbers are magnified, the glass-paneled bathrooms, otherwise known as WetLabs, are laced with copper tubing – and if you forget your toothbrush, one will be delivered to you via robot. Don’t miss the experimental cocktails with inventive names such as the Penicillin at the on-site restaurant, the Albert.

Antler chandeliers, leather ottomans, and wall art by contemporary artists give this Gold Coast hotel an edgy, industrial vibe. Sophisticated city slickers sip an old fashioned in the Salone Nico lounge, and Nico Osteria offers home-made pasta with tender seafood. There’s no pool or spa, but the excellent fitness center provides complimentary refreshments.

Redefining the notion of “room with a view,” this outpost of art collector Steve Wilson’s hotel-in-a-museum concept features 10,000sqft (930sqm) of space dedicated solely to 21st-century art. Exhibitions change seasonally but guarantee thought-provoking works covering religious beliefs, identity, and political polarization. The location is excellent; you’ll find the hotel in the heart of River North – the center of the interior design studios and independent galleries in Chicago.

High concept on a low budget is made possible at the Robey, where whitewashed brick and exposed concrete attract a crowd of trendy, latte-sipping hipsters. Couples should head straight to the Cabana Club rooftop pool and bar for 180-degree views of the Chicago skyline. It’s a little far from downtown – but with the independent boutiques and cafes of the surrounding Wicker Park area, the neighborhood is worth a visit in itself.

There could be no more fitting a location for this award-winning five-star hotel than the Magnificent Mile, rubbing shoulders with Ralph Lauren and Saks Fifth Avenue. Visiting celebrities love the Peninsula for the deluxe indoor pool and old-school service, where bellhops wear white gloves. Follow tender filet mignon at the Lobby with an evening of skating on the illuminated rooftop rink.