Travel Magazine

Top 10 Boutique Hotels in Chicago

By Urbanmatter Chicago @UMatterChicago

Staying at a boutique hotel is an experience

And each one is totally different than the last. Whether you’re a new visitor or a local planning a staycation, you owe it to yourself to check these places out.

Thompson Chicago

boutique hotels chicago

Photo Credit: Thompson Chicago

21 East Bellevue Place

Enter a beautifully industrial, loft-like space on the edge of Michigan Avenue and the Mag Mile. You can stay here comfortably, knowing that you’re in close proximity to the lake as you overlook the luxurious Gold Coast. Multiple event venues, penthouse suites, and a gorgeous ballroom can meet anyone’s need. Sit down to a delicious Italian dinner at Nico Osteria.

Features:

  • Fitness center
  • Several lounges
  • Free high-speed internet
  • Accessible rooms
  • Pets allowed
  • Laundry and dry cleaning
  • Meeting space

The James

boutique hotels chicago

Photo Credit: The James

55 East Ontario Street

The James Hotel is one of the most attractive & aesthetically pleasing hotels in Chicago. It’s located along the Magnificent Mile, right in the heart of the city’s shopping district, and it features artwork from both local and international artists on the walls of your room. Simply put, The James is the embodiment of the luxury hotel – with 24-hour services available, impressive pampering, and more complimentary items than you’d expect.

Features:

  • 24-hour room service provided by David Burke’s Primehouse, one of the premier restaurants in the area
  • 24-hour fitness center and personal training services available
  • Laundry & dry cleaning
  • 2pm check-in and check-out
  • Pets welcome
  • HD Smart TVs in guest rooms and meeting spaces

Hotel Palomar

boutique hotels chicago

Photo Credit: Hotel Palomar

505 North State Street

In the heart of the Loop, you’ll find a hotel with unique perks, a remarkably caring staff, that brings an overall luxurious experience. As soon as you walk in, you’ll appreciate their carefully planned designs. Step out onto their terrace as you overlook downtown Chicago.

Features:

  • Heated indoor pool and sundeck
  • Complimentary morning coffee and tea
  • Evening wine hour
  • 24-hour room service
  • 24-hour fitness center
  • Personalized yoga and pilates sessions with in-room mat
  • Laundry and dry cleaning
  • Pets allowed

Freehand Chicago

boutique hotels chicago

Photo Credit: Eric Allix Rogers for Open House Chicago

19 East Ohio Street

This hotel, which formerly housed the Tokyo Hotel, isn’t like any other in River North. It has a laid back approach to hospitality, with funky, hip vibe and many communal spaces. It also functions as a hostel, as there is a mix of private and shared rooms. The interior design is a cool boho-chic, with patterned throws, plush furry rugs, dim lights, and geometric tribal-inspired prints. Grab a delicious cocktail from the Broken Shaker.

Features:

  • Lockers in shared rooms
  • Guest kitchen
  • Ongoing group events and tours
  • Accessible rooms
  • Free high-speed internet
  • Laundry

The Godfrey

boutique hotels chicago

Photo Credit: The Godfrey

127 West Huron at LaSalle

Chances are you’ve already heard of this place, because their rooftop lounge is absolutely amazing. The Godfrey is easily one of the hottest hotels in the city, and it’s super identifiable, with its unique, modern architecture and cutting edge technology. Grab a bite at Dolce Italian.

Features:

  • Free high-speed internet
  • Spacious workstations
  • In-room safe
  • Fitness center and spa
  • Room service
  • Laundry
  • Meeting space

The Langham

boutique hotels chicago

Photo Credit: The Langham

330 North Wabash Avenue

Inside a building designed by the legendary Mies van der Rohe sits an incredibly accommodating hotel with timeless British style. Its riverfront location and close proximity to all major landmarks make it perfect for visitors who will enjoy gazing out of floor-to-ceiling windows, and their stunning venue spaces are ideal for weddings.

Features:

  • Free high-speed internet
    • Fitness center and spa
    • Private club space
    • Meeting space
    • Swimming pool and hot tub
    • Accessible rooms
    • Pets allowed
    • Laundry and dry cleaning

The Gwen

boutique hotels chicago

Photo Credit: The Gwen

521 North Rush Street

This hotel screams luxury, with 1920’s designs inspired by the artist aptly named Gwen Lux. Every square foot of this hotel is absolutely beautiful. Take in the views Upstairs at the Gwen, their rooftop lounge area. The newest addition to the hotel is the Circa Restaurant & Lounge, where guests are guaranteed a table.

Features:

  • 24-hour business center
    • In-room spa services
    • 24-hour fitness center
    • Laundry and dry cleaning
    • Free WiFi

Hotel Allegro

boutique hotels chicago

Photo Credit: Hotel Allegro

171 West Randolph Street 

The Hotel Allegro is a luxury venue with a vibrant atmosphere neighboring the Cadillac Palace Theatre. They have huge beds, wonderful food, top-notch staff, and one of the best restaurants in Chicago, 312. It’s clean, quiet, and comfortable. You have arrived.

Features:

  • Complimentary high-speed WiFi on all devices throughout the hotel
    • Exclusive offers
    • $25 All Day Parking
    • Hosted evening wine hour
    • Acclaimed 312 Chicago restaurant
    • Complimentary onsite fitness center
    • Eco-friendly Chicago hotel
    • Elegant downtown Chicago meeting and event space

Cambria Chicago (formerly MileNorth Hotel)

boutique hotels chicago

Photo Credit: MileNorth Hotel

166 East Superior Street

Formerly known as the MileNorth Hotel, the Cambria Chicago is an urban contemporary stay that’s perfectly situated on the Mag Mile. The atmosphere is inviting and you’re so close to all the action in town that you can feel the energy from inside the hotel. Be sure not to miss their super popular 52Eighty Rooftop Lounge for some top-notch views.

Features:

  • Barista bar
    • Rooftop event venue
    • 24-hour business center
    • 24-hour fitness center
    • In-room safe
    • Shuttle bus service
    • Pets allowed
    • Laundry and dry cleaning

The Robey

boutique hotels chicago

Photo Credit: The Robey

2018 West North Avenue

This hotel is the latest to arrive to the Six Corners, housed in a building dating back to 1929. An iconic spire tops the building and the interior designs are reminiscent of the art deco era. They’re all about keeping the experience open and honest for their guests, giving it less the feel of a hotel and more of a destination. There are 69 rooms available, adorned with sleek and shiny trimmings, earthy tones, casual reads, and unbeatable views of Wicker Park.

Features:

  • Free high-speed internet
  • Rooftop pool
  • Rooftop lounge
  • Second floor breakfast and cocktail lounge
  • Street-level full-service cafe

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