The Best Luxury Hotels to Book in Chicago

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Sitting on the rooftop sipping a cocktail while the surrounding buildings turn fiery orange in the setting sun, you may give yourself a quiet pat on the back for your choice of accommodation. Having set up shop in the city’s trendiest neighborhood, Ace Hotel confirmed the reputation of the West Loop as the place to be in Chicago. Rooms are made up of exposed concrete, blonde-wood desks, and utilitarian throws, while common spaces are packed to the brim with lively travelers meeting and mingling in anticipation of the night ahead.

Housed in a piece of Chicago history – a tower designed by renowned architect Mies van der Rohe – you know the Langham is going to be special before you even step inside. Every little detail has been paid the utmost attention here; bathroom glass can be made opaque at the touch of a button, and Chuan Spa amenities take hotel shampoo to another level. The service of the hotel matches its spectacular locale; staff goes the extra mile to make you feel like an honored guest, and if you stay in a club-level room you’ll even have your own personal butler – cementing the Langham’s place as not only one of the best hotels in Chicago but one with the finest luxury on offer.

If your idea of a Chicago luxury hotel pertains to the facilities on offer, then the Peninsula shouldn’t fall short of expectation. Housed on the 19th and 20th floors of the building, the wellness center truly feels like a little slice of heaven perched above the Chicago streets. Swim a few laps in the semi-Olympic swimming pool with the soaring cityscape providing the backdrop, then allow yourself a little pampering with one of the many spa treatments on offer. Dining is another worthy reason for staying here – the 1930s supper club-inspired Shanghai Terrace serves Cantonese food under the twinkling lights of Chicago every evening.

The outstanding customer service starts the moment you book at Waldorf Astoria Chicago, when you are passed on concierge information for any pre-arrival requests or queries you might have. When your check-in day finally arrives, you’ll quickly notice the interior design is every bit as impressive – with art deco-accented 1920s influences found throughout. The award-winning spa is the perfect place to let the outside world slip away for a moment – the ivory-colored space has an ethereal feel to it that will leave you feeling rejuvenated.

Originally opened in 1910 as the tallest building in Chicago, the Blackstone has played host to a storied number of guests over the years, including Marilyn Monroe and Al Capone. Ask around and you might hear a tale or two about its heyday – still evident in its early 20th-century decor. However, the hotel has been renovated and modernized over the years so you can rely on there being plenty of modern comforts. There’s also an extensive collection of over 1,600 pieces of art, rivaling many of the dedicated art museums in the area.

The Hoxton is the height of luxury for the millennial generation; think rooftop pool and bar, uber-cool-yet-understated decor, and a range of drinking and dining options that attract both locals and guests in equal measure. Perfect for foodies, not only does the hotel put you in Chicago’s best gastronomical neighborhoods, but it’s also a dining destination itself. Rooftop Cabra serves up hearty Peruvian fare under the twinkling city lights every night, while ground-floor Cira serves up modern Mediterranean cuisine. Nightcaps can be had in the basement bar – Lazy Bird – where the cocktail list and moody decor complement one another perfectly.

Though removed from downtown, the Hyde Park area is worth a weekend adventure, not least for the DuSable Museum – America’s first institution dedicated to African American history. The Sophy is a destination in itself, splashed with watercolor prints, individually curated fixtures, and touchable textured cushions. Don’t leave before making a stop at Valois Restaurant, one of Barack Obama’s favorite breakfast spots.

This boutique hotel is named after the architect of Wrigley Field, Zachary Taylor Davis. As you might expect from a hotel edging the Chicago Cubs’ home turf, there’s a strong baseball theme in the rooms with splashes of Cubs blue, vintage photos, and even views over the field – at an extra cost. Non-sporty guests will appreciate the vintage whisky cocktails at Mordecai, and Southern-style barbecue from Smoke Daddy.

The Viceroy is less a hotel, more the cover star of an architectural magazine. Inside and out, it sparkles like a cut gem; metallic headboard art and triangular chaise lounges complement the glittering, angular facade. Sip a poolside craft cocktail at the rooftop lounge, Deveraux; the menu changes seasonally, but expect unconventional additions including cactus fruit and Génépy alpine liqueur.

Wrigleyville’s other main hotel is a little further from the field and less design-forward than the Zachary, but it offers great value for money with homely suites and passes to the neighboring 40,000sqft (3,716sqm) Fitness Formula Club. The emerald-accented lobby has a fireplace for enjoying a mug of tea and cozy post-game discussion, while the helpful concierge can assist with reservations at the area’s many restaurants.

Additional reporting by Sarah Gillespie.