If you’re searching for lodging in Chicago, the duty might sound intimidating. After all, it’s an enormous metropolis with seemingly limitless choices. So how will you select? Finding the proper lodging for you comes right down to what you hope to do in Chicago. For instance, if museums are your most important precedence, staying within the South Loop is good, as a result of it’s near the museum campus (residence to the Adler Planetarium, The Field Museum, and the Shedd Aquarium). If you desire a extra laid-back journey, go for a quieter neighborhood, like Gold Coast or West Town.
From the brownstone-lined streets of Lincoln Park to the skyscrapers of the Loop, there’s one thing for each form of traveler in Chicago. This metropolis is certain to enthrall you, leaving you wishing to come back again for months thereafter, whether or not it’s to get your palms on one other slice of Pequod’s deep-dish pizza or to spend extra time on the Art Institute.
Where to Stay in Chicago, by Neighborhood
Lincoln Park: for old-school appeal
Lincoln Park was the primary neighborhood I lived in Chicago. It’s some of the charming locations on the town, with tons of inexperienced area and quaint streets lined with brownstones. It stretches from the Armitage Brown Line cease to the Diversey Brown Line cease. (In Chicago, the practice system is known as the L and makes use of completely different coloured strains. We typically discuss with a neighborhood’s parameters by utilizing the L stops as a information.) This neighborhood additionally goes all the best way to the lakeshore, with the Lincoln Park Zoo, North Avenue Beach, and Lincoln Park itself proper on the lake.
Lincoln Park could be very walkable, making it a stellar place to remain. Exploring on foot is an journey in itself, as this charming neighborhood is certain to captivate you at each flip. From the Shakespeare statue on the entrance of Lincoln Park to the bustling DePaul University campus, there are neat landmarks and factors of curiosity all through.
Here’s the place I like to recommend staying in Lincoln Park:
- ($) Did you realize that there are hostels in Chicago? Chicago Getaway Hostel has dorm beds for as little as $27/night time and personal rooms beginning round $75/night time, all with breakfast included.
- ($$) I used to cross Hotel Lincoln each time I went to the seaside. It’s a 10-minute stroll from Lincoln Park and general a incredible location for the worth. Rooms begin round $143/night time.
- ($$$) The Lincoln Park Gem residence is ideal for small teams, and its decor completely captures Chicago’s fashion and appeal. It seems to be like a web page out of my temper board from after I moved into my first Chicago residence, with a cool Americana really feel. This place goes for round $200/night time, which is definitely fairly the steal, contemplating it has three bedrooms.
Gold Coast: for excellent eating places and buying
The Gold Coast will get its title as a result of it’s one of many ritziest components of the town. While the Loop will get all its glitz and glamour from the glowing high-rises and immaculate streets, the Gold Coast has extra of an “old money” really feel, with hundred-year-old buildings, ivy-covered brick partitions, and streets lined with outdated oak bushes.
This neighborhood is residence to a few of the finest eating places in Chicago, just like the well-known Nico Osteria and Mario’s Table. There can also be a fantastic collection of boutiques and brand-name shops alongside Rush Street, in case you’re down to buy ’til you drop.
The Gold Coast is simply south of Lincoln Park and north of River North, most simply accessible through the Clark & Division Red Line cease. It’s a smaller neighborhood and nice for exploring on foot. Accommodations listed below are extra dear than Lincoln Park, however barely extra inexpensive than the Loop, with many luxurious choices.
- ($) Cheap stays are arduous to come back by within the Gold Coast, so Airbnb is your finest guess right here. These leases begin at about $100/night time, with choices like this whole condominium or this studio.
- ($$) If you wish to actually immerse your self in all the Gold Coast’s glamour, keep at Claridge House. This charming resort has rooms for as little as $121/night time (costs fluctuate relying on the season), which could be very inexpensive for the world.
- ($$$) If you wish to go all-out on your Chicago keep, select Ambassador Chicago. This iconic resort seems to be like some other historic brick constructing from the skin, however the inside is stylish, trendy, and minimalist. Guests love staying right here as a result of it looks like a boutique resort despite the fact that it has all of the facilities of a giant one. Rooms begin round $400/night time through the summer time months, however you’ll be able to snag a fantastic deal within the wintertime with charges about half the worth.
Lakeview: LGBTQ+ pleasant
After Lincoln Park, Lakeview is my second favourite district. Though a bit grittier than the luxurious Gold Coast and quaint Lincoln Park, Lakeview is a hub for nightlife, buying, and occasions. The neighborhood begins on the Wellington Brown Line cease and stretches as far north because the Addison Red Line cease (the place Wrigley Field is). There are a pair distinct components of Lakeview: Wrigleyville, which is usually bars and eating places surrounding Wrigley Field, the place the Cubs play; and East Lakeview, which is the complete part of the neighborhood alongside the lake; and Boystown, the town’s most outstanding LGBTQ+ haven.
Boystown is a blast. I like spending time there, as a result of there’s at all times one thing taking place, from impromptu drag reveals on the street to live shows and festivals within the summertime. Here you’ll see rainbow flags proudly waving within the wind, and a fabulously eclectic demographic that calls this neighborhood residence.
Lakeview is good not just for LBGTQ+ vacationers however anybody who needs to remain someplace energetic and thrilling with out being too touristy. It’s additionally a less expensive neighborhood to remain in, so it’s a fantastic decide for funds vacationers.
- ($) Your finest guess for funds stays in Lakeview is to take a look at Airbnb. There are nice residences for as little as $90/night time, like this one within the coronary heart of Boystown.
- ($$) Housed in a Nineteen Twenties constructing that appears very similar to the residence buildings within the space, the Majestic Hotel holds on to its vintage appeal with timeless decor and excellent hospitality. Rates right here can climb in the summertime months, however if you happen to go to within the fall or winter, you’ll be able to snag a room for as little as $120/night time.
- ($$$) Even if you happen to’re not a Cubs fan or in Chicago throughout baseball season, Hotel Zachary is the last word luxurious keep in Lakeview. With stylish masculine decor and a shade scheme of blues, yellows, and grays, the entire place has a soothing really feel. The finest a part of it’s the location, as you’ll be steps away from the Addison Red Line cease, with easy accessibility to the entire metropolis, in addition to a brief stroll away from the center of Boystown.
The Loop: finest central location
The Loop is the place to remain for movers and shakers, or vacationers who can’t get sufficient of the city atmosphere of Chicago. From iconic Millennium Park and the Bean to large museums just like the Art Institute of Chicago, the Loop is residence to a few of the metropolis’s most well-known landmarks. (We use “the Loop” and “downtown” interchangeably, because the neighborhood will get its title from the loop that the aboveground practice makes.)
Staying within the Loop isn’t for everyone, as it may be overwhelming to step exterior and immediately be bombarded with all of the sights, sounds, and smells of a bustling metropolis. Staying within the Loop means staying within the beating coronary heart of Chicago.
These are my high picks for lodging right here:
- ($) There aren’t many hostels in Chicago, however the Loop has the most effective on the town. HI Chicago Hostel is correct within the coronary heart of the town and has dorm beds obtainable beginning at $33/night time and personal rooms for round $100/night time.
- ($$) If you have got been dreaming of staying throughout the road from Millennium Park, I’ve nice information for you. The Congress Plaza Hotel, which is well some of the recognizable resorts within the Loop, is definitely fairly inexpensive. Rooms begin at $134/night time, and also you’ll get to remain in a historic constructing in the most effective places you’ll find.
- ($$$) For the proper combine of contemporary eclecticism and midcentury fashion, Sonder the Plymouth affords friends the chance to remain in a ravishing area with an ideal location. At this luxurious resort with a shocking rooftop, rooms begin round $305/night time.
Magnificent Mile: for luxe stays and buying
The Magnificent Mile is Chicago’s most noteworthy buying district and residential to the well-known Watertower Place, a multilevel buying heart housed in an outdated water facility. This neighborhood is the epitome of Chicago tourism, as you actually can’t miss out on a stroll down the Mag Mile whenever you go to.
In phrases of the place to remain, this space is good for vacationers who desire a central location near the most effective buying on the town and the Chicago Red Line cease.
Another purpose to remain right here is the world’s incredible luxurious resorts and fine-dining choices. Similar to the Gold Coast, this is without doubt one of the most glamorous components of the town.
These are my picks for the place to remain in Chicago’s Magnificent Mile space:
- ($) I couldn’t imagine that Freehand Chicago had such low charges for dorm beds. They begin round $28/night time, which is a few of the most cost-effective lodging in the entire metropolis. Freehand is tremendous fashionable, with an elevated backpacker-hostel vibe.
- ($$) The Drake Hotel is without doubt one of the most well-known historic resorts in Chicago, and the foyer by itself is value checking, out even if you happen to don’t keep there. Surprisingly, rooms at The Drake are fairly inexpensive, with rooms beginning round $134/night time. Make positive to e book prematurely, as this resort tends to refill.
- ($$$) If you’ll be able to splurge on a luxurious resort, there’s no different place fairly like The Gwen. With two unimaginable eating places, a world-class health club, and a rooftop terrace all on-site, the facilities listed below are unmatched. This place is the last word “treat yo’self” lodging. With an evening right here beginning round $334, this one is value it.
West Town: for various tradition and a neighborhood really feel
As considered one of Chicago’s most underrated neighborhoods, that is the place to remain if you wish to expertise the town from the lens of a neighborhood. West Town a multicultural haven, with influences from Ukraine, Poland, and Mexico. In truth, many companies have English, Spanish, and Ukrainian signage.
One disadvantage of staying in West Town as a vacationer is the dearth of entry to the L practice. To get round right here, it’s a must to take the CTA bus or depend on taxis or Ubers. It’s value it, although, if that is the form of expertise you’re hoping for whenever you go to Chicago.
Besides having cultural richness, which is clear within the neighborhood’s eating places, West Town has a cool classic really feel that many lodging seize completely. Plus, the 606 elevated bike path runs proper by the district, which provides you the chance to hire a motorbike and discover the town.
These are my high locations to remain in West Town:
- ($) Budget lodging are powerful to come back by in West Town, as there are fewer resorts. Airbnb is a superb place to seek out low cost stays right here, like this straightforward residence unit for $90/night time that may sleep as much as 4 folks.
- ($$) Also on Airbnb you’ll find candy gems like this eclectic residence for $121/night time. The decor is cute, with private touches all through.
- ($$$) As far as cute bed-and-breakfasts go, there’s no match for The Publishing House Bed & Breakfast (sure, they serve complimentary breakfast). The decor all through is a nod to the neighborhood’s multicultural identification. Guests love how pleasant the employees are right here, in addition to the laid-back ambiance.
Wicker Park: for the most effective meals scene
Wicker Park is considered one of my favourite areas in Chicago. It’s on the West Side, north of West Town, with easy accessibility to the Damen and Division Blue Line stops. This eclectic and kooky neighborhood is residence to numerous classic clothes shops, cute cafés, and mom-and-pop shops.
All of these issues are nice, however the true purpose why Wicker Park is considered one of my favourite locations in Chicago must be the abundance of unimaginable eating places. From Ina Mae’s Southern-style consolation meals to Big Star’s mouthwatering tacos, selecting the place to eat here’s a troublesome resolution for a hungry traveler. If this paradox of selection is not any biggie for you and also you’re excited to attempt as a lot as you’ll be able to, keep in Wicker Park whenever you come to Chicago.
As for the place to remain:
- ($) Like many different neighborhoods, funds stays in Wicker Park are simple to seek out on Airbnb. For simply $88/night time, this cozy studio is stuffed with homey touches and even has a patio you’ll be able to get pleasure from.
- ($$) One factor I like about Wicker Park is that there are extra small inns versus the mega-hotels that you just’ll discover within the Loop. Ruby Room is a wonderful selection, as a result of it has a ravishing backyard and even serves breakfast. Rooms at Ruby Room begin round $179/night time.
- ($$$) The Robey has immaculate fashion, that includes the proper mixture of classic and trendy. It’s no marvel why this is without doubt one of the most beloved resorts in Chicago. The resort first opened in 1929, so it’s a virtually century-old historic relic in itself. Rooms at The Robey begin at round $200/night time.
South Loop: for simple entry to museums
If you might be all about Chicago’s skyscrapers and floor-to-ceiling home windows that sparkle within the solar, contemplate staying within the swanky South Loop neighborhood. Though not as bustling because the Loop, there’s a lot to do right here, with Chicago’s museum campus only a brief stroll away, the place you’ll discover the Adler Planetarium, The Field Museum, and the Shedd Aquarium all inside a couple of minutes’ stroll from each other.
The South Loop is simply south of downtown and simply accessible through the Roosevelt or Harrison Red Line stops. Besides being a stone’s throw from a few of Chicago’s finest museums, you’ll even be near Soldier Field, McCormick Center, Grant Park, and Northerly Island Park. South Loop is the place to be for an action-packed go to to Chicago.
Here’s the place to remain within the South Loop:
- ($) With rooms which have superb views of downtown, Sonder South Wabash is without doubt one of the finest funds stays you’ll find within the space. Rooms begin round $93/night time; you’ll undoubtedly wish to e book far prematurely as this place fills up in a short time.
- ($$) Le Meridien Essex has a cultured, contemporary really feel. With its minimal-meets-cozy furnishings and decor, staying right here feels each luxurious and homey. Plus, it’s lower than a block from Grant Park and couldn’t be in a extra superb location. Rooms right here begin at $152/night time, which is a steal contemplating the placement and glorious high quality.
- ($$$) Oozing luxurious and boasting ornate particulars all through is The Blackstone, a luxurious resort in a French Beaux Arts–fashion constructing that dates again to 1910. Don’t let the constructing’s age idiot you although: this place has all the fashionable facilities you’ll be able to dream of. An evening at The Blackstone begins at $250.
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Whether you’re on a decent funds or desirous to ball out on a pleasant resort, I hope this listing offers you a greater thought of the superb lodging which are obtainable in Chicago.
(I hope funds doesn’t preserve anybody from visiting the Windy City, so I additionally put collectively an inventory of free issues to do in Chicago in addition to a information on when to go to, which might additionally provide help to lower your expenses.)
One of the most effective issues about Chicago is the excellent range of its neighborhoods, which make it such an attention-grabbing place to go to. Which neighborhood will you select?