Chicago Is A Bustling City That Never Stops Moving
Chicago is a bustling city that never stops moving. It has so much going on. There is a diverse culture, an immense choice in food and attractions, a lively nightlife, and more art/architecture than one could imagine. If it weren’t so frigid in the winters, I would’ve moved here years ago… I love the cocktail scene here, and I always make time for speak easies and low-key music. This city is really something special.
River North Great For Nightlife
This hip neighborhood on the Near North Side boasts a luxurious selection of boutique shops, bistros, and cocktail bars, with the Merchandise Mart, built in the 1920s as part of the former industrial complex and the worlds largest commercial building, a must-do attraction.
The Navy Pier is a summer highlight, with its adjacent Pier Park offering families a full days experience thanks to an IMAX cinema, old fashioned rides, mini golf, and boat tours.
Music lovers will no doubt want to check out the world-famous House of Blues and Museum of Broadcast Communications, while the Museum of Contemporary Art and Chicago Shakespeare Theater are for true Renaissance souls.
This area is one of the best places for nightlife. You will find here some of the best pubs and clubs of the city.
The areas lovely boutique hotels make for a particularly romantic stay in Chicago.
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN RIVER NORTH
Choosing Which Hotel To Stay At In Chicago: Location
Hyatt is our favorite brand, and there were quite a few choices in The Windy City. We knew we wanted to use our Hyatt points and free nights for this trip, so we didnt consider any other brands for this trip. In Chicago, most major hotel chains have multiple hotels in various locations. If youre trying to save money, staying outside the city and paying for all day parking when in the city or using public transportation might be a good option as well.
The location was one of the most important things to consider for us when choosing a hotel. The Hyatt McCormick Place hotel is located in the South Loop, closer to some of the museums on the South side and farther from Millennium Park and the Pier on the North side. It is next to the convention center and walking distance to the lakefront beaches and Soldier Field where the Bears play. We also have friends who live in this neighborhood 5 blocks away, and thats one of the main reasons we chose this hotel over others. It was an easy drive to activities in Chicago and we didnt have to fight traffic or deal with loud evening noises. And because its a convention hotel and conventions are slow, cash rates would be potentially lower than the other hotels, and we were able to be upgraded.
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Bonus : Best Hotels Near The Two Chicago Airports
In case you have a very early or very late flight, a great idea for you could be to book a hotel thats as close to the airport as possible! Chicago has not one, but two international airports OHare International Airport and Midway International Airport.
Below Ill be talking about both of them and Ill give you some hotel options for each of them:
The Gwen A Prestigious Trendy And Unique Chicago Hotel
A Luxury Collection Hotel Member and once voted one of the best luxury hotels in Chicago by Travel and Leisure, this place is really something else. From the breathtaking Art Deco lobby through to the first-floor limestone panels carved by Chicago-born acclaimed sculptor Gwen Lux, this chic and trendy Chicago hotel is truly a vision to behold! Just a few short steps from central Michigan Avenue with its collection of shops, restaurants, and bars, you will be sleeping in the heart of the city.
With brass features and fittings, the 5-star exceptionally rated Gwen Hotel has rediscovered its 1930s origins and the provocative and theatrical styling is displayed throughout the hotel in intricate detail. The upscale stylish bedrooms all invoke the sumptuous styles of the Deco period but are combined with a range of modern conveniences including luxury toiletries, Keurig coffeemakers, free Wi-Fi and enormous wall-mounted TVs.
Other fabulous amenities include a sophisticated restaurant, a terrace bar offering superb city views, a gym, and a very grand lobby lounge. A much-loved Chicago institution!
- Prices from $120 per night.
- To book, check prices or availability for The Gwen Hotel Chicago
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Thompson Chicago A Dashing Gold Coast Beauty And One Of The Best Modern Hotels To Stay In Chicago
Chicagos affluent Gold Coast is full of upscale restaurants and historic mansions and nestled in amongst them is this sophisticated Chicago abode. The 4-star exceptionally rated Thompson Hotel is also just a short distance from Lake Michigan and the loft-like, urban interiors have been designed by British design icon Tara Bernerd who has combined industrial fittings with warm woods and mid-century Americana.
This luxury Chicago boutique hotel offers bedrooms that ooze style, with floor to ceiling windows affording fantastic views out across the famous Chicago skyline as well as all the usual mod cons such as high-thread-count sheets, flat-screen TVs and rainfall showers. One of the hottest eateries in the city, Nico Osteria is situated in the hotel, and if you can book a table you are in for a treat.
You can also enjoy drinks and cocktails at the smart Salone Nico, one of Chicagos most popular downtown wine bar & cocktail lounges. Think it cant get any better? They even throw in a complimentary luxury car service not bad at all!
- Prices from $150 per night.
- To book, check prices or availability for Thompson Chicago
Chicago Loop Best Area To Stay In Chicago
Presided over by the awe-inspiring Willis Tower, Chicagos Loop has long held visitors in thrall with its dazzling array of shops, restaurants, theaters, parks and art & architectural wonders.
Grant Park, where the world-famous Art Institute of Chicago is located, as well as where annual events such as Lollapalooza and The Taste of Chicago have historically taken place, is one of the the Loops central highlights, with the Buckingham Fountain a photo op dream.
Those who are interested in Chicagos rich architectural history will want to check out the Chicago Architecture Foundation, with its painstakingly accurate model of the city, while the Chicago Cultural Center offers year-round concerts and exhibitions for the public.
The Adler Planetarium is a must for all ages, while street foodies will find a mouth-watering line-up of food trucks bordering Daley Plaza.
Because the Loop is Chicagos official downtown, there are countless lodging options available, from 4-star hotels to budget hostels. As with any major tourist destination, prices largely depend on the season, but do keep an eye out for special discounts and event prices that are listed exclusively online.
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN CHICAGO LOOP
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Lincoln Park Best Place To Stay In Chicago For Families
Chicagos Lincoln Park neighbourhood is where everyone from collegiate freshman and newbie lawyers mixes and mingles with young families and well-established brokers. Its one of the best areas to stay in Chicago and is where you can enjoy a true slice of the local life.
Home to fantastic attractions including the Lincoln Park Zoo and the eponymous park, this northern neighbourhood is our pick for where to stay in Chicago for families. Its one of the greenest districts with more than 1,200 acres of natural space to explore and it boasts a relaxed and tranquil atmosphere.
Here you can marvel at the beautiful architecture, take a stroll along the water and through lush parks, and indulge in many decadent cupcakes.
Best Hotel In Downtown/the Loop: Central Loop Hotel
The Central Loop Hotel has stylish décor, spacious rooms and is centrally located in Downtown Chicago. It has a modern lounge bar, concierge service and a convenient 24-hour reception. Each room is air-conditioned and comes with coffee/tea facilities and on-demand movies. All of this combined makes it our choice for where to stay in Chicago in the Downtown area.
Also Check: Taste Of Chicago 2021 Schedule
Talbott Hotel A Popular Trendy Boutique Hotel On The Magnificent Mile
Just a few short steps away from the iconic Magnificent Mile on Michigan Avenue, the 4-star exceptionally rated Talbott Hotel offers well-appointed rooms and effortless style throughout. Opulent interiors marry retro chic with industrial touches, whilst the elegant rooms at this cool and unusual Chicago stay are well thought out and full of modern conveniences including free Wifi, widescreen TVs as well as Italian linens.
Upgraded rooms come with Apple Mac Mini computers and soaking tubs. Enjoy a drink or two in the contemporary chic hotel restaurant, 20 East, offering a thoroughly modern take on traditional American fare and a wide selection of craft beers. You can always work off those extra calories in the onsite fitness center. Also dont miss the chance to eat alfresco on the streets of Chicago in the hotels beautiful patio area! Sublime!
- Prices from $120 per night.
- To book, check prices or availability for The Talbott Hotel
How We Paid For Our Stay
The Hyatt Credit Card comes with an annual free night stay. Both Ben and I have the card and both had free nights that were expiring. The annual fee for this card is $95, so any hotel night that costs more than that is a good value for having the card. The rate for the hotel was $192 a night . Sometimes, you can get a value of $400-$500 a night using that free night. There are also other ways to earn free nights including through credit card purchases and staying a certain number of nights. We have used free nights in Sedona, AZ,New Jersey, and more.
To book our stay, I had to call into Hyatt to book under my name using Bens and my free night so that I could get credit for the stay and build towards more benefits. You can earn Hyatt points from Hyatt stays, Hyatt credit card, and Chase points which can be transferred to Hyatt. Learn more about points here.
Also Check: Taste Of Chicago 2021 Schedule
Final Thoughts On Where To Stay In Chicago
Chicago is a thrilling city. It has everything from incredible architecture and extravagant shopping to live music, electric clubs and amazing restaurants. No doubt, Chicago is a city that is certainly worth your time and hard-earned travel dollars!
In this guide, we looked at the top five neighbourhoods in Chicago. To give you a quick recap, our choice for the best neighbourhood is River North. Our recommendation for the best hotel is Fieldhouse Jones because of its stylish décor, comfortable setting and its unbeatable location in River North.
Our pick for the best hostel is Freehand Chicago thanks to its incredible Streeterville location, its charming 1920s aesthetic, and its incredible amenities.
Have we missed anything? Are you still wondering where to stay in Chicago? Let us know in the comments below!
And dont forget to take out Travel Insurance for your trip! I have been using World Nomads for some time now and made a few claims over the years. Theyre easy to use, professional and relatively affordable. They may also let you buy or extend a policy once youve started your trip and are already abroad which is super handy.
Getting an estimate from World Nomads is simple just click the button or image below, fill out the necessary info, and youre on your way!
Best Hotel In Lincoln Park: Hotel Versey Days Inn Chicago
This great hotel is located at the heart of Lincoln Park. Its is close to the Lincoln Park Zoo, Wrigley Field and many of Chicagos top tourist attractions. Modern and spacious, this hotel has large rooms, a fitness centre and free internet throughout. This is our pick for where to stay in Lincoln Park
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Best Airbnb In Downtown/the Loop: Bright And Stylish Loft
When visiting a city for the first time, you should base yourself right in the heart of the busy streets. This cool loft is the perfect spot for a couple or solo travellers that want to explore Chicago as much as possible. Youll be in walking distance to public transport options and close to many of the cities best attractions. If you dont feel like going out during the day, just enjoy your stylish home its super welcoming, theres a TV and a fully equipped kitchen, and you can even use the buildings gym if you want.
The Blackstone Hotel Immaculate Classic Elegance And A Beautifully Unique Place To Stay In Chicago
An architectural icon with a legendary past, the 4-star exceptionally rated Blackstone Hotel which is part of the prestigious Autograph collection is located on the Cultural Mile and opposite Grant Park in Down Town Chicago. Housed in a fabulous 1910 beaux-arts building and offering a one-of-a-kind experience for the most discerning of travelers, a stay at the Blackstone is an opportunity to explore Chicagos former Hotel of Presidents.
Every room is completely unique and offers sumptuous sleeping accommodation complete with Wifi, iPod docks, and flat-screen TVs as well as some with gorgeous lake views. The trendy Chicago accommodation is also home to over 1,600 contemporary artworks that are a feast for your eyes, swish club rooms, a gym, and the onsite Mercat a la Planxa restaurant which earns rave reviews for its upscale tapas menu, excellent wines, and upbeat atmosphere as well as craft cocktails with an original 1960s vibe. This place will envelop you in so much sumptuous elegance you wont want to leave!
- Prices from $120 per night.
- To book, check prices or availability for The Blackstone Hotel
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Old Town Nice Area Where To Stay In Chicago
Settled by German immigrants in 1850, Old Town feels like stepping back in time. With its beautiful Victorian architecture, quiet tree-lined streets, and lively goings-on, Old Town frequently ranks high among must-see areas during a stay in Chicago.
The famous Second City Theater, where such comedic legends as John Belushi, Tina Fey, and Stephen Colbert got their start, is a landmark attraction while the edgier Zanies, whose alumni includes the likes of Aziz Anzari, offers adults-only humor.
Just around the corner from Second City is the Old Town Pour House, which on any given day offers at least 90 beers on tap, while the areas surrounding shops and eateries leave nothing to be desired on the food aficionado front.
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN CHICAGO IN OLD TOWN