The Best Family-Friendly Hotels to Book in Chicago

Stay at the historical Blackstone, once the tallest building in Chicago, which has hosted film stars and presidents. The hotel dates back to 1910 and has French Beaux-Arts architecture that has been fully restored. Families will appreciate the central location on Michigan Avenue, which is within walking distance of the city’s key sites such as Grant Park. Roomy suites work well for families, with views of Lake Michigan and the park.

This four-star boutique hotel offers another slice of Chicago history. Famous names have stayed at the Whitehall, from Katharine Hepburn to The Beatles. The hotel is conveniently located on Delaware Place near Michigan Avenue and boasts vintage decor including chandeliers, wood panelling and artwork. Family-friendly suites feature plush seating areas, Egyptian cotton bedding and room service for hungry kids.

Hotel Essex lies across from Grant Park and close to all the restaurants and shops on Michigan Avenue. Set in the original building that housed the Essex Inn, this kid-friendly hotel in Chicago now has a contemporary ambience with a sky bar, fitness centre, rooftop garden and classy bistro. Child-friendly amenities include a pool, cribs, family suites and a shuttle service to tourist sites. Enjoy views of the park and lake from sparkling floor-to-ceiling windows.

Right in the heart of downtown Chicago, Claridge House offers chic comfort for families. There’s a quiet, peaceful vibe with pillowtop beds, Netflix on the flat-screen TVs and spa-like showers. Handy features include in-room fridges and a pet-friendly policy if you need to bring the family dog along. Adults can head to the opulent Gold Coast Spa for a relaxing treatment.

Expect typical, top-notch Ritz-Carlton service at this Chicago branch, which shows off views of Lake Michigan, the Navy Pier and city. Children will love the Ritz Kids’ Club, welcome toy and candy cart that delivers to your room. Useful facilities for families include cribs and children’s menus at the hotel’s Italian steakhouse, as well as cute child-size robes and kids’ toiletries. Rollaway beds are available for an extra fee and there’s an indoor pool.

Loews is one of the chicest hotels in the city, with a glassy exterior, local artwork and minimalist rooms. It’s also a great Chicago hotel for families, set in a quiet area near the river and lakefront, with rooms that have sitting areas and floor-to-ceiling windows. Kids under 18 stay free at Loews and there are complimentary cribs, rollaway beds and baby bath kits as well as PS3s and pool toys to keep kids occupied.

Shaped like a prism, the Sofitel Chicago lies on Magnificent Mile and is one of the city’s most stand-out skyscrapers. The building was designed by architect Jean-Paul Viguier and retains the hotel brand’s French legacy, evident in its artwork and award-winning restaurant menu, which includes options for children. Picture high ceilings and granite floors, feather-top beds and views of the John Hancock Center. Kids under 12 receive a free breakfast, plus cribs and rollaway beds are available on request.

The Talbott Hotel is steeped in elegance, set in a 1920s building that was once variously a laundromat, jazz club and swanky apartment building. Named for the flashy Talbot-Lago sports car, the 16-floor hotel is just three minutes from Michigan Avenue and was recently renovated, refurbishing its retro fixtures. There’s a spa and restaurant, as well as 178 rooms that can accommodate extra beds and cribs for kids. The Talbott’s American Girl Spirit Package for kids includes cupcakes and toys.

Brought to you by Richard Branson’s Virgin brand, this unusual hotel is located in the busy Loop district. The art deco building, which was formerly home to the Old Dearborn Bank, has an elaborate carved façade and red-carpeted staircase. Modern touches for families include Miss Ricky’s Diner and in-room mini fridges. Rooms have separate sleeping and living areas and pets are welcome, with dog beds supplied.