The Best Pet-Friendly Hotels in Chicago

Dogs and cats weighing up to 75lbs are welcome at the historic Blackstone hotel. There’s a $75 per day cleaning fee and a limit of two animals per room, but crated pets can be left unattended. Grant Dog Park is just a short walk from this landmark hotel, which was Chicago’s tallest building when erected back in 1910. The Blackstone has hosted presidents and film stars and retains its period décor, with fancy penthouse and presidential suites.

This four-star boutique hotel lies on Delaware Place, close to two parks for dogs to run around. The Whitehall allows dogs and cats up to 30lbs for a daily fee of $30 per pet and they can be left unattended if the front desk has your contact details. There’s a vintage feel to the Whitehall, which reflects the building’s 1920s history. The décor features marble floors and chandeliers. There’s a popular rooftop terrace with city views.

The Swissotel Chicago is an award-winning hotel that overlooks the river and Lake Michigan. Its glassy exterior gives way to a sleek interior décor with alpine flair, conceived by Chicago architect Harry Weese. Think ballrooms, a swanky restaurant and penthouse fitness centre. You can bring one dog weighing up to 25lbs to Swissotel for a night fee plus a $250 deposit. Dogs can’t be left unattended and the nearest green area is a block away at Lakeshore East Dog Park.

Two pets up to 15lbs can stay for free at Claridge House, a rarity in Chicago. Both cats and dogs are welcome but must be crated if left alone. Pet-friendly amenities include a nearby park and dog walking paths, bowls and treats. Set in downtown, Claridge House has deluxe rooms and suites featuring Netflix and pillowtop beds, as well as a spa and the Juniper restaurant and bar.

The Sofitel’s eye-catching 32-floor prism exterior was designed by French architect Jean-Paul Viguier and is one of the most striking skyscrapers in Chicago. Picture lavish interiors with granite floors and high ceilings, plus views of the John Hancock Center and Lake Michigan. The pet policy at Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile allows for dogs up to 30lbs to stay for free with a $200 refundable deposit. Dogs are given a bowl and bed upon arrival, and there’s a park close by.

Richard Branson’s Virgin Hotel has one of the most flexible pet policies in the city. Two dogs or cats of any size or breed can stay for free. The hotel provides special pet-friendly rooms with animal beds, dishes, treats and even a bandana. There’s a park a few blocks away and pets can be left unattended in the hotel while you explore Chicago. The hotel has a 1920s theme with red carpets and brass doors, as well as a rooftop lounge and diner.

Set in the Lincoln Park neighborhood near the zoo, this hotel is ideal for pets. The park is just next door and two pets of any size are welcome for free. Pets are given bowls, beds and treats and there’s even a doggie room service menu with gourmet food from Side by Side Pet. The Lincoln boasts a retro design with thrift-store art and shabby-chic furnishings. Some of the most expensive rooms have lake views and its rooftop bar is one of Chicago’s best.

Stay in the trendy Fulton Market district at The Hoxton, which allows you to bring one dog for free. There are designated pet-friendly rooms at this Chicago hotel and, although animals can’t be left unattended, the property’s on-trend co-working space allows hounds. This modern hotel has a warehouse style, with floor-to-ceiling windows, concrete ceilings and local Chicago art. Check out the rooftop restaurant, Peruvian Cabra Cevicheria, for a seafood dinner.

Aloft Chicago Downtown welcomes dogs of up to 40lbs for free and provides treats, bowls, beds and toys. Dogs can’t be left alone but there’s a grassy area nearby for toilet breaks. The hotel enjoys an enviable location near the river and Magnificent Mile, with nine-foot-high ceilings and huge windows. The hotel also has a gym, bar, coffee house and acclaimed restaurant, Beatrix.