The best boutique hotels in Chicago, Illinois offer design-led stays to enhance your travels
Colour, comfort, and a glimpse into the city's past.
America’s biggest cities have no shortage of impeccably designed hotels. From vibrant and colorful stays in Los Angeles, chic and modern high-rises in New York City, to beachside cabanas in Miami, you’ll find artful accommodations to suit every style. Chicago may be known as America’s second city, but take our word for it: it’s second to none when it comes to architecture and design. Here are our picks for the best boutique hotels in Chicago.
The very best boutique hotels in Chicago
1. Chicago Athletic Association Hotel | Downtown Chicago Loop
Staying at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel is a one-of-a-kind experience that combines historic charm with modern amenities. From the moment you enter the grand lobby, you’ll be transported back to the building’s original purpose as an exclusive athletic club in the early 1900s. The rooms are elegantly designed, with retro-chic furnishings and a few even offering stunning views of the famous Millennium Park.
The property boasts several award-winning restaurants and bars on-site, including the Cherry Circle Room, Cindy’s Rooftop, and The Milk Room – an eight-seater micro bar serving rare, vintage spirits.
Find out more about Chicago Athletic Association Hotel or Book through Booking.com
2. The Guesthouse Hotel | Andersonville
Nestled in the charming neighbourhood of Andersonville, surrounded by Vintage stores and trendy eateries, The Guesthouse Hotel gives you a chance to live like a local in Chicago. Rooms here are spacious and come complete with kitchens, living rooms, and expansive closets for longer stays.
One of our favourite parts of the property is the rooftop terrace, where you can take in views of the city while enjoying a drink or two. Fitness fanatics will enjoy the gym facilities which include a Peloton bike. You’ll find the service here impeccable.
Read our full review of The Guesthouse Hotel.
Discover more about The Guesthouse Hotel or Book through Booking.com
3. The Robey | Wicker Park
When you want to stay outside the hustle and bustle of downtown but still be in the middle of outstanding shops and restaurants, head to The Robey in trendy Wicker Park for a sleek and contemporary experience that highlights fuss-free, industrial style. If you can, try to score a corner suite that affords you floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the neighbourhood.
If you meander to the 13th floor, you’ll stumble upon The Up Room, a gorgeous cocktail bar offering panoramic views, frequented by hotel guests and Chicago locals alike. Meanwhile, Cafe Robey serves up seasonal comfort food by Chef Michael Elliott’s, with mouthwatering options like Biscuits & Gravy and spicy Chilaquiles.
Find out more about The Robey or Book through Booking.com
4. The Gwen Hotel | River North
Located centrally on the Magnificent Mile, guests at the Gwen Hotel enjoy panoramas of the Michigan Avenue skyline from their rooms. Celebrating 1930s Chicago, the hotel radiates a vintage charm, accentuated by its Gwen Lux-designed Art Deco façade.
While exuberance is woven into the residence’s interiors, it’s the modern and boutique installations that make Gwen a must-stay hotel in Chicago in our eyes. The carpeted rooms feature oversized showers in en-suites, 65” TVs, room service packages, WiFi, shoe-shine service, arty accent walls, large windows, and sleek furnishings. Our room recommendation at the Gwen Hotel, though, is something entirely different. As part of the Lux Suite, guests can opt to spend the night in a 16-foot Lotus Belle tent with bohemian decor, cushions, drum tables, and a black pearl bed.
The 24-hour business centre and fitness centre mean you can work or work out whenever you choose.
This pet-friendly hotel delivers an immersive stay with events such as Wine Wednesdays, Happy Hours, the Tipsy Tea Party, and Winter Curl and Chill. On a typical evening, visit Upstairs at Gwen, the art-deco-inspired rooftop, for a sundowner and light bites.
Find out more about The Gwen Hotel or Book through Booking.com
5. The Neighborhood Hotel | Lincoln Park
Perched in the heart of beautiful and bustling Lincoln Park, The Neighborhood Hotel features 14 large, stylish suites that come complete with fully equipped kitchens, washers/dryers, and thoughtfully chosen decor to make you feel right at home in one of the city’s most desirable neighbourhoods. This gem is the perfect home away from home for those who want to feel like a true Chicago local.
When you’re not cooking up a storm in your well-stocked kitchen, take a stroll to North Pond for a Michelin-starred feast complete with Lincoln Park views, or keep it casual at Pequods, known for some of Chicago’s greatest deep-dish pizza.
Find out more about The Neighborhood Hotel or Book through Booking.com
6. Thompson Chicago | Gold Coast
Thompson Chicago is a luxurious and sophisticated hotel tucked away in downtown Chicago’s exclusive Gold Coast neighbourhood. The sleek and modern design comes to life with rich, dark hues and high-end furnishings, while sunrise views over Lake Michigan make a stunning wake-up call.
Nico Osteria is the hotel’s on-site Italian restaurant, and is definitely worth a visit whether you’re a guest or not. If you prefer to head somewhere slightly further afield, take a wander through the neighbourhood and find yourself in good company, with some of the city’s most classic establishments, like Gibsons Bar and Steakhouse, at your doorstep.
Find out more about Thompson Chicago or Book through Booking.com
7. Freehand Chicago | River North
The Freehand’s trendy and artistic vibe is evident from the moment you step inside, thanks to its eclectic decor and colourful murals. The rooms are cozy, budget-friendly, and stylish, with comfortable beds and a warm, vintage feel. Depending on your budget, you can opt for a chic but shared bunk-style room, or spring for an ultra-hip, two-bedroom Penthouse Suite.
One of the hotel’s standout features is the Broken Shaker bar, known for its creative cocktails and lively atmosphere. The hotel also offers a communal kitchen, perfect for preparing a quick meal or snack.
Find out more about Freehand Chicago or Book through Booking.com
8. Sophy Hotel | Hyde Park
Those after a sophisticated experience will feel right at home at Sophy, a 98-room boutique hotel in the heart of beautiful Hyde Park. Rooms are colorful and bold yet undeniably elegant, and even their standard-sized rooms come with a cozy loveseat, ottoman, full-sized wardrobe, and a modern walk-in shower.
The on-site Mesler restaurant offers an inventive menu of New American cuisine, and the bar serves craft cocktails and an impressive selection of wines. You’ll also be a stone’s throw away from Virtue, a James Beard award-winning restaurant featured previously on the Netflix series Somebody Feed Phil.
Find out more about Sophy Hotel or Book through Booking.com
9. The Hoxton Chicago | West Loop
A stay at The Hoxton Chicago is stylish and comfortable, set in the heart of the hip and urban West Loop. Room sizes range from Snug, Cozy, and Roomy, but all are impeccably (if not minimally) designed and well-equipped for short and longer stays. Plus, you’ll find a nod to local artists woven throughout the hotel, including locally-sourced bath products.
The hotel’s dining options are exceptional. In the gorgeous lobby, you’ll find Cira, a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant and bar that’s perfect for catching up with friends or hunkering down with your laptop. For views and incredible cuisine, head to the rooftop restaurant, Cabra Chicago, which serves Peruvian dishes from highly-acclaimed Chicago chef Stephanie Izard. When you’re ready to wind down, the basement speakeasy, Lazy Bird, features live jazz music and a stellar cocktail menu.
Find out more about The Hoxton Chicago or Book through Booking.com
10. Nobu Hotel Chicago | West Loop
When you’re looking for unadulterated luxury, there’s no better option than Nobu Hotel Chicago. The hotel’s sleek and sophisticated design combines Japanese-inspired minimalism with modern elegance, creating a serene and peaceful atmosphere. The rooms are beautifully designed, with comfortable beds, luxurious linens, and high-end amenities, like your own Nespresso machine.
Of course, the hotel’s Nobu Restaurant offers world-class Japanese cuisine that can’t be missed. In addition, the rooftop restaurant offers a “cocktail-driven experience” with some of the city’s best views of the skyline. Should you find yourself jonesing for more variety, the location in the West Loop neighbourhood provides easy access to some of Chicago’s top restaurants.
Learn more about Nobu Hotel Chicago or Book through Booking.com
11. The Publishing House Bed & Breakfast | West Loop
The Publishing House Bed & Breakfast in Chicago is a unique and charming accommodation option, located in the vibrant West Loop neighbourhood. The hotel is housed in a restored 110-year-old building that was formerly a publishing house, hence the name. You’ll find a beautiful blend of modern and vintage styles featuring exposed brick walls, original woodwork, and artfully collected decor. The rooms are spacious and quirky — the perfect respite for those looking for laidback luxury. You’ll also find a cozy communal area with a fireplace, perfect for relaxing after a long day of exploring the city.
The Publishing House also offers what some would consider one of the best breakfasts in the city, featuring locally-sourced ingredients available exclusively for guests. Head downstairs for an intimate dinner at the Press Room in the evening, which boasts a thoughtfully curated menu and an outstanding wine list.
Learn more about The Publishing House Bed & Breakfast or Book through Booking.com
12. The Talbott | Gold Coast
The Talbott is a sophisticated boutique hotel set in the scenic Gold Coast neighbourhood. Originally built in 1927, it underwent a $20 million renovation in 2017, when acclaimed designers combined its rich history with modern amenities. Artful and sophisticated details like plaster, milk-painted wood paneling, and terrazzo tiles seamlessly integrate European design details and make it a one-of-a-kind stay in the Windy City.
When hunger strikes, sink into luxury at the hotel’s fine dining restaurant, Talbott Cucina, which serves up classic American bistro fare with a Mediterranean twist.
Learn more about The Talbott or Book through Booking.com
13. The Godfrey Hotel Chicago | River North
Opened in 2014, The Godfrey effortlessly fuses modern and futuristic elements, with its Cubist-inspired structure standing out in the highly sought-after River North neighbourhood. Add to that youthful interiors with splashes of bright colour and a sophisticated atmosphere, and you have one of the best boutique hotels in Chicago.
The accommodations here, comprising 182 rooms, 12 executive suites, and 27 one-bedroom suites, have a spacious look and feel. Boasting ottomans with beds, wooden flooring, en-suites with L’Ocittane bath products, iHome docking pods, a wet bar, and 46” HDTVs, the room presents guests with a restful respite, whether visiting the city for leisure or business. We recommend upgrading to one of the suites that come with extra living space, making them ideal for families or those looking for a longer stay.
Dining at the hotel is a remarkable experience. For Mediterranean cuisine, visit the in-house Yasemi, where we like to indulge in the Maitake Mushroom kebab and the Seabass Plaki washed down with the restaurant’s signature Olive Oil Martini. Alternatively, I/O Godfrey Roofscape is a 15,000 sq-ft event space that promises year-round lounge and bar services, complete with fire pits, stunning city views, and both indoor and outdoor seating.
Learn more about The Godfrey Hotel Chicago or Book through Booking.com
14. 21c Museum Hotel | River North
21c is an award-winning River North property, part of the hotel chain founded by Laura Lee Brown and Steve Wilson in 2006. With 297 rooms and suites, it functions as both a museum and boutique hotel, reflecting Chicago’s enduring passion for art in all its forms. The hotel’s museum features changing exhibitions curated by Alice Gray and remains free and open to the public throughout the year.
Design architects TenBerke have infused the space with a sense of playfulness alongside sophistication. The guestrooms are cosy, featuring muted colour tones and wood elements that create a calming environment. Amenities include complimentary WiFi, 43” HDTVs, docking stations, curated artwork, and wellness kits. Leather and velvet headboards, along with a barn door replacing the usual glass bathroom partition, add an eclectic touch to the rooms. The en-suites offer a shower and tub combination, complemented by Malin+Goetz bath products.
A pet-friendly hotel, 21c offers in-room spa and wellness facilities to its guests (we loved our hot stone massage!)
Gourmets can indulge in the finest seafood, sushi, and steaks at Lure Fishbar, where we recommend going all out with the Royale Shellfish Plateaux. Guests with a taste for eccentricity should keep an eye out for the hotel’s mascot, a penguin, found in various avatars at different spots throughout the residence.
Find out more about 21c Museum Hotel or Book through Booking.com
15. Silversmith Hotel Chicago | Downtown
Situated in the world-famous Jeweller’s Row district, Silversmith Hotel’s central location in the Loop makes it a preferred choice among business and leisure visitors alike. Adding to the allure of this 1896 building, commissioned by two jewellery companies and initially designed by Peter J. Weber, is its architecturally significant history.
Documented in the National Register of Historic Places, the hotel, in its present-day incarnation, features 144 rooms with 12-foot ceilings and amenities such as mini-fridges, coffee makers, WiFi, walk-in showers, plush headboards behind luxurious beds, cabinets, and extra living space in suites. The health-conscious can go a step further and opt for one of the hotel’s wellness rooms, which provide an anti-viral, anti-microbial, and superior air quality environment.
For food lovers, Adamus Restaurant and Lounge serves scrumptious steaks and seafood. Don’t miss out on sampling the hotel’s unique Maker’s Mark bourbon served from a bespoke barrel crafted from unique woods.
Learn more about Silversmith Hotel or Book through Booking.com
16. Kinzie Hotel | River North
When it comes to the best boutique hotels in Chicago, the Kinzie, situated in the heart of River North, is a top choice. Incorporating local culture, art, and history, it provides guests with a comfortable way to enjoy the attractions while also offering a homely place to rest and recharge.
Design enthusiasts will appreciate the original artwork throughout the hotel. Carpets feature a cobblestone pattern, while the room walls showcase large prints of historic city maps. Guests can also enjoy views of Chicago’s centre from their spacious windows. Additionally, creature comforts are elevated with in-room amenities such as an HDTV with cable, unlimited WiFi on multiple devices, en-suite bathrooms with dual showerheads, iHome docks, TUMI bath products, and Keurig coffee machines.
However, for a notable abode, we suggest selecting one of the corner options. These rooms feature more windows, stunning views, a pull-out sofa, and a longer hallway for added storage space. Typically, the room rate includes a delicious continental breakfast and evening drinks and snacks, making a stay here truly worthwhile.
Find out more about Kinzie Hotel or Book through Booking.com
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