Where to Stay in Chicago: 11 Best Areas & Neighborhoods

Chicago is a city of 77 diverse neighborhoods and community areas, each with its own unique vibe and personality. There is so much more to the Windy City than just downtown, especially if you’re staying here on a trip. From stunning views of Lake Michigan to spots overlooking the Chicago River or one of the many parks, there are places to stay in Chicago for any kind of view seeker.

If you’re looking for a quiet weekend getaway or a lively night out at one of our famous live music venues, you’ll find it here. From sports, art, theater, or food–you are never far away from a good time. Not to mention the fact that Chicago is a world-class museum destination with some of the foremost collections on Earth.

And if all of that sounds too overwhelming for you—don’t worry! We’ve got you covered. After all, this city is home to some of the best hotels in the country so you’ll be well taken care of.

To help you find where to stay in Chicago, we’ve compiled this list of our favorite areas and neighborhoods in the city. This Chicagoan will ensure you have the best time in the greatest city in the world.

TL;DR: Best Places to Stay in Chicago

• Luxury Hotel in Chicago – Waldorf Astoria Chicago
• Mid-Range Hotel in Chicago – Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago
• Budget Hotel in Chicago – Warwick Allerton Chicago
• Vacation Rental in Chicago – Sonder The Plymouth
• Family-Friendly Hotel in Chicago – Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago

Best Areas to Stay in Chicago

• Area for foodie travelers – The West Loop
• Area for first-time travelers – Chicago Downtown/The Magnificent Mile
• Area for luxury travelers – Gold Coast
• Area for safety – Printers Row
• Area for families – Lincoln Park
• Area for young adults – Lakeview
• Area for hipsters – Wicker Park
• Area for history buffs – Hyde Park
• Area for artsy travelers – River North
• Area for activities – Streeterville
• Area for return Chicago visitors – Old Town

Where to Stay in Chicago, Illinois

1. The West Loop: Perfect for Foodie Travelers

The West Loop is a neighborhood located in the Near West Side community area of Chicago. It is one of the most exciting neighborhoods in the city, with incredible dining options, top-notch hotels and entertainment venues, and some of the best nightlife in town.

When it comes to deciding where to stay in Chicago, this neighborhood is often one of the first to come to mind. For families, solo trips, couples getaways, or a business endeavor, West Loop is always a terrific choice — especially if you’re a foodie.

Chicago’s former meatpacking district, the West Loop has transformed, fittingly, into a world-class food scene. Here, along Randolph St, you’ll discover what is lovingly referred to as Restaurant Row. That is where some of Chicago’s finest restaurants can be found.

Foodie or not, there is so much to partake in. Especially in one of the city’s most walkable neighborhoods, you don’t have to go far to find something fun to do:

• Take a West Loop food tour
• See some live music at City Winery
• Indulge in relaxation at the AIRE Ancient Baths
• Enjoy the night at the Bottom Lounge
• Get your deep-dish pizza fix
• Go on a gangsters and ghosts walking tour
• Have fun with your kids at the Mary Bartelme Park
• Shop at the Randolph Street Market
• Check out McDonald’s Global Menu Restaurant

While the West Loop is a bastion of city life, it’s also largely a residential neighborhood. That said, you can still find some lovely places to stay here, with plenty of access to tasty dining options nearby. Here are some of the area’s best hotels:

• Budget Hotel in the West Loop – Hotel Chicago West Loop – A few minutes from the United Center, Hotel Chicago is an ideal place for Bulls fans or anyone attending an event there. Some rooms even have some incredible, unique art painted on the walls.
• Mid-Range Hotel in the West Loop – The Emily Hotel – The star of the show at the Emily is most certainly the rooftop lounge. From here you can enjoy the sights of the surrounding city center and just revel in the sounds of the Windy City.
• Luxury Hotel in the West Loop – Nobu Hotel Chicago – Its name elicits thoughts of the Nobu Japanese cuisine found inside the hotel’s restaurant of the same name. Nobu Hotel will transport you a world away with its posh accommodations as well as its pool and sauna areas.

See Related: Is Chicago Safe? What Travelers Need To Know

2. Chicago Downtown

When it comes to tourists thinking of where to stay in Chicago, likely the first place they think of is downtown. Among the skyscrapers, the scenic Chicago River, and the most famous shopping areas along the Magnificent Mile on North Michigan Avenue, there is so much to do in Chicago’s city center.

Chances are your hotel options will be more expensive downtown, but you’ll also be within walking distance of some of the most prominent cultural attractions in the city. From the Chicago Loop, you’ll have access to so much of what this stunning city has to offer.

For example, the lengthy Magnificent Mile connects the Loop to the luxe Gold Coast neighborhood. Streeterville to the west, River North to the east, and the Mag Mile are natural barriers between the two.

The Magnificent Mile is one of the best places for shoppers in Chicago. Shops like Burberry and Neiman Marcus can be found in this 13-block shopping haven, as well as more affordable retailers like H&M and Uniqlo. The Magnificent Mile is home to over 460 stores, 275 restaurants, and 60 hotels.

Here are some more destinations and things to do within Downtown Chicago, including the Magnificent Mile:

• Check out Millennium Park
• Take a walking tour of downtown’s best spots
• Explore the world-class Art Institute of Chicago
• Order deep-dish pizza from Exchequer Restaurant and Pub where Al Capone hung out
• Learn about the city on a Chicago River architecture cruise
• Shop your heart out along Michigan Avenue (The Mag Mile)
• See the Chicago Water Tower which survived the Great Chicago Fire

Downtown Chicago is undoubtedly where the highest concentration of hotels exists. There are over 140 hotels around the Loop giving you ample choices of where to stay. Among the best hotels, there are options for every kind of budget.

• Budget Hotel Downtown – Warwick Allerton Chicago – Set in a gorgeous, downtown Art Deco building, the Warwick Allerton is a great budget option. It won’t bust the bank, is just blocks from shops along the Magnificent Mile, and provides a glimpse into Chicago’s history.
• Mid-Range Hotel Downtown – Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago – I think the Radisson Blu Aqua is one of the best Chicago hotels out there. With unbelievable views of the city center, parks, and downtown neighborhoods, you can’t go wrong with the Blu Aqua.
• Luxury Hotel Downtown – Waldorf Astoria Chicago – You will forget that you’re visiting Chicago, especially in winter, if you stay at the Waldorf Astoria. It is among the best luxury hotels in the area, with a lovely pool area, fitness center, and full-service spa.
• Vacation Rental Downtown – Sonder the Plymouth – A terrific option for folks who want access to a full kitchen and laundry during their stay in Chicago. From here, it’s a simple walk to many of the biggest attractions in the city.

See Related: Unique & Unusual Things to Do in Chicago, Illinois

3. Gold Coast

To the north of the Chicago Loop, the Gold Coast neighborhood is where you’ll find some of the city’s finest historic mansions and stately homes. Among these architectural gems, you’ll find fine dining restaurants, local boutique shops, and a general calm you’d be surprised to find in the United States’ third most populated city.

Although it isn’t quite in the city center, getting around from the Gold Coast is still so easy. There aren’t as many places to stay in this neighborhood as it is largely residential, though the hotels you can find here are beyond luscious.

Plus, you’re just a short walk away from Lake Michigan, making a spring or summertime visit to the area even more magical. Why not dip in the lake from the neighborhood’s Oak Street Beach or take a self-guided audio tour around the Gold Coast? This neighborhood feels worlds away from the bustle of the Magnificent Mile.

Some things to do and places to spend time in this luxurious getaway are:

• Check out the International Museum of Surgical Science
• See a show at Porchlight Music Theatre (one of my personal favorites)
• Go see the Original Playboy Mansion
• Grab some food at 3 Arts Club Cafe
• Shop along Oak Street
• Spend the night out at the historical Coq d’Or restaurant and bar at The Drake Hotel
• Do your own restaurant hopping tour along Rush Street

As mentioned, the Gold Coast neighborhood is not heavily populated with hotels. That said, the accommodations here are no less beautiful than the historical mansions surrounding them.

• Budget Hotel in the Gold Coast – Thompson Chicago – Featuring an Italian restaurant, Nico Osteria, on-site, the Thompson also has a fitness center and is pet-friendly. Plus you’re a two-minute walk from the luxury shopping along the Magnificent Mile.
• Mid-Range Hotel in the Gold Coast – The Drake Hotel – Elegant guest rooms and the Palm Court restaurant, where guests can sip tea or cocktails in the afternoon, are found at this iconic 1920s-era hotel. High tea at The Drake is an institution in Chicago and is a must-do if you stay here.
• Luxury Hotel in the Gold Coast – The Talbott Hotel – An elevated experience that totally fits with this Chicago neighborhood, The Talbott is one of the best hotels in this massive city. Although it’s a luxury experience, you also get a boutique setting that gives you a deeper sense of community here.

See Related: Unique Places to Stay in Chicago

4. Printers Row

Printers Row is a neighborhood that’s the epitome of Chicago. This historic neighborhood is located in the South Loop area of Chicago, right smack dab between downtown and the McCormick Place Convention Center with the Chicago River bordering its western side.

It is now considered one of the best areas to live in Illinois, but in the late 19th century, the neighborhood was the publishing center of the Midwest. Now the printers have long since shuttered, though you can still reclaim that history by stopping by one of the bookstores like Sandmeyer’s.

The Printers Row community is known for its great food and architecture—there are tons of restaurants and cocktail bars to try out while visiting. Whether you want to grab a bite after work or want an evening out on the town with your friends, Printers Row has you covered.

In addition to its rich history and culture, Printers Row has a low crime rate—so you can feel safe walking around at night. Some things to do in the area include:

• Spend September right at the Printers Row Lit Fest
• Browse for books at Sandmeyer’s Bookstore
• Catch a show at Jazz Showcase, Chicago’s oldest jazz club
• Enjoy some delicious Mexican and margaritas at Flaco’s Tacos
• Relax at Printers Row Park
• Take a ghost tour of the nearby Millionaire’s Row

Printers Row is one of Chicago’s smaller community areas, though you can stay pretty close by if you don’t find accommodations within the neighborhood’s boundaries.

• Budget Hotel in Printers Row – Best Western Grant Park Hotel – A relatively no-frills hotel across from Grant Park, the Best Western is still a comfy place to stay. The on-site LaVazza Italian Coffee Bar and Mei’s Kitchen will keep you fueled up for your Chicago adventures
• Mid-Range Hotel in Printers Row – Hotel Blake – This historic boutique hotel in Chicago’s Printers Row is a short walk from Grant Park and boasts an on-site restaurant, Meli Café. You can stroll to the world-renowned Art Institute of Chicago in a matter of minutes as well.
• Luxury Hotel in Printers Row– The Blackstone – One of the best hotels in Chicago, The Blackstone is a French Beaux-Arts-style building in the South Loop area. In addition to its stunning aesthetics, it’s also only steps away from the city’s art galleries, live music venues, and some of the city’s best restaurants.

See Related: Best Walking Tours in Chicago

5. Lincoln Park

Lincoln Park is a beautiful neighborhood where the focus is on nature. Part of what makes it such a haven for families is the huge array of things to keep everyone active during a vacation here.

From immersing yourself in nature to expanding your taste buds at the neighborhood’s numerous Michelin-starred restaurants, Lincoln Park has everything. Fun attractions are within walking distance in practically every direction in this part of the city, so you can’t really go wrong.

A trip to Chicago in the summer and staying in Lincoln Park is the perfect way to enjoy our beloved North Avenue Beach along Lake Michigan. It’s the most popular beach in the city that is a favorite of locals and visitors alike.

Some other ways to make the most of your time in Lincoln Park are:

• Spending the day at the free Lincoln Park Zoo
• Learn more about the city at the Chicago History Museum
• Go for a swim in Lake Michigan
• Experience some time with the flora at Lincoln Park Conservatory
• Grab some delicious California fare at Summer House Santa Monica

Staying in Lincoln Park means not only being within walking distance of fun attractions like the Chicago History Museum or the zoo but also just a short way away from Downtown Chicago too.

• Budget Hotel in Lincoln Park – Chicago Getaway Hostel – With traditional hostel accommodations and private rooms alike, this hostel is one of the most budget-friendly places to stay in Chicago. Close to Fullerton station, you can easily get around the city from here, too.
• Mid-Range Hotel in Lincoln Park – Villa D’ Citta – This adorable, European-style bed and breakfast is an absolute dream. With free breakfast, cozy accommodations, and a terrace, you’ll have ample space in a unique place to relax. Plus it’s right by Homeslice, which has some of the best pizza in the city–sorry Giordano’s.
• Luxury Hotel in Lincoln Park – Hotel Lincoln – A hip spot near the history museum, Hotel Lincoln is a chic place to stay in Chicago. Complete with an on-site restaurant, fitness center, and local art adorning the walls, you’ll think you’re staying in one of the city’s many art galleries instead of a hotel.

See Related: Illinois Travel Guide

6. Lakeview

Spelled both Lakeview and Lake View, this neighborhood on the northern side of Chicago is popular for its wide array of activities and events throughout the neighborhood. Part of the reason the spellings are different is that the neighborhood is named after the Hotel Lake View, which was built in 1854 rather than the nearby Lake Michigan.

A little further north of the Chicago Loop, Lakeview is where many young people move to when they enter the city. The neighborhood is very walkable, not far from the popular nightlife of Northalsted (formerly Boystown) or Wrigleyville, and generally just a fun place to be.

This Chicago neighborhood is full of some of the best restaurants and trendy cocktail bars without being too far of a tour back to Downtown Chicago. While you’re here, don’t forget to check out one of the numerous theaters in the neighborhood, which includes Music Box Theatre and Belmont Theatre District, which is Chicago’s largest theater district.

Find out what makes this legendary sports town tick from Lakeview:

• Get Oscar-worthy at my favorite Wilde Bar & Restaurant
• See a classic film at the Music Box Theatre
• Take in a show in the Belmont Theatre District
• Catch a Cubs game at Wrigley Field
• Laugh it up with some improv or sketch comedy at Annoyance Theatre & Bar

Because Lakeview is highly residential, there aren’t a ton of hotels. Most are technically in Lakeview East or right on the line between the two areas. Even so, we’ve got you covered:

• Budget Hotel in Lakeview – City Suites Hotel – A vibrant, Art Deco-style hotel right by the Belmont El stop, City Suites is the perfect place to stay in Chicago — especially if you want easy access to downtown Chicago. Not to mention it’s also right by Ann Sather, which has the best cinnamon rolls on Earth.
• Mid-Range Hotel in Lakeview – Old Chicago Inn – This boutique hotel only has ten rooms, a vintage vibe, and even a speakeasy in the basement. Old Chicago even serves a free continental breakfast to get you started in the morning.
• Luxury Hotel in Lakeview – The Willows Hotel – Celebrating its roots as a historic building, the decor in this hotel is very 19th century. By far less expensive than other luxury hotels on this list, it is nonetheless lovely in its aesthetics. The Willows also serves breakfast, afternoon cookies, has constant tea and coffee service in the lobby, and has a fitness center.

See Related: Best Day Trips from Chicago

7. Wicker Park

If you want a feel for the coolest side of Chicago, you will want to spend time in Wicker Park. A stay in Chicago, particularly this neighborhood, means surrounding yourself with eclectic brilliance. In Wicker Park, you’ll find many unique shops, trendy eateries or bars, and some of the best restaurants outside of downtown.

Don’t think this Chicago community is new just because it’s hip. Wicker Park dates back to the 1830s and has always been a destination for the hipsters in all of us. Especially if you’re hunting for a place far different than any other in the city, make Wicker Park your home away from home.

You can even do some amazing thrifting in this neighborhood. From childhood tchotchkes to one-of-a-kind vintage accessories, you’re sure to find the thrifts of your dreams here. Kokorokoko is my personal favorite thrift store, which you can find here off Milwaukee Ave.

It would be easier to list off what you can’t do in Wicker Park, but here are some of the best things to do around here:

• See some Chicago storefront theater at The Den
• Go on a speakeasy tour
• Grab burgers at Small Cheval
• Enjoy happy hour at The Violet Hour
• Meander the 606 walking path
• Play games with a cocktail in hand at The Emporium
• Take a street art tour

Finding suitable accommodations in Wicker Park is a bit trickier than in other parts of the city. Since it’s so residential, there are only a few hotels here. But not to worry, they’re good ones:

• Budget Hotel in Wicker Park – Wicker Park Inn – A ridiculously charming B&B, this bright Wicker Park spot is the perfect place for a romantic stay in Chicago. Complete with a continental breakfast, the cozy B&B will make you fall in love with the city.
• Mid-Range Hotel in Wicker Park – Hyatt Place Chicago Wicker Park – From the terrace at Hyatt Place, you can enjoy the nighttime ambiance of the city. In addition to the on-site bar, there is also a restaurant and daily breakfast options as well.
• Luxury Hotel in Wicker Park – The Robey – One of the dreamiest places to stay in Chicago, The Robey embraces the history of its building and the neighborhood around it. This hotel is housed in a former office building dating back to 1929 and is one of the only hotels in the area with a swimming pool.

See Related: Chicago vs New York: What’s the Difference?

8. Hyde Park: Best Area for History Buffs

You’ll find some of Chicago’s richest history in the Hyde Park neighborhood. From the spot where President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama had their first date to the Science and Industry Museum which is one of the remaining buildings from the World’s Columbian Exposition in 1893, the area is brimming with history.

This neighborhood is also home to the University of Chicago, which houses several museums including the free Smart Museum of Art. You can also take tours around the campus to see the range of architecture throughout the university.

Since the area is so entrenched in history and learning, it should come as no surprise that it is also known as an incubator for Nobel Prize winners. If you ask yourself where to stay in Chicago but want to be surrounded by some of the most important places in the city’s history, stay here.

Some of the numerous things you can do in Hyde Park include:

• Visit the DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center
• Explore the Science and Industry Museum
• Take in the skyline sights from Promontory Point
• See a show at the Tony Award-winning Court Theatre
• Wander the lakefront museum campus
• Peruse the new Maxwell Street Market
• Go on a walking tour of the neighborhood
• Eat a meal at the Obamas’ favorite Valois Restaurant

There are several places to stay in Chicago in this neighborhood and here are some of the best options:

• Budget Hotel in Hyde Park – Chicago Lake Shore Hotel – One of the most pared-down budget hotels on this list, the Chicago Lake Shore Hotel is still a great option for staying in the neighborhood. You’re close to nearby attractions and can access a pool and free parking.
• Mid-Range Hotel in Hyde Park – Hyatt Place Chicago-South/University Medical Center – Complete with a pool, on-site restaurant, cafe, and bar, Hyatt Place has much of what you’d need in a hotel. Not to mention the free daily shuttle over to the University campus.
• Luxury Hotel in Hyde Park – Sophy Hyde Park – The neighborhood has no place quite like the Sophy. Throughout the hotel are artworks by local artists, the on-site Mesler Restaurant and bar, and a general aesthetic of artistic and scholarly merits.

See Related: Chicago CityPASS Review: Is it Worth the Price?

9. River North

River North can be a confusing area for folks visiting Chicago. Its boundaries lie between the main and north branches of the Chicago River near downtown. Many of the attractions in River North are often mistakingly said to be downtown like The Wrigley Building, so it can be confusing.

Arty folks love to see River North during a stay in Chicago because of all of the architectural and artistic treasures here. One is the Merchandise Mart which hosts Art on the Mart during the warmer months. This event involves projecting art onto the building with an accompanying musical arrangement.

You’ll have no problem figuring out where to stay in Chicago if you decide to stay in River North. As part of the vast downtown area, there are a lot of hotels here as well.

You could stay in a historic building or a posh, modern one. Truly, the city is your oyster.

If you need help deciding what to do in River North, here are some options:

• Shop along Michigan Avenue
• Learn at The Richard H. Driehaus Museum
• See a show at The Chicago Theatre
• Go on a tour of the Chicago River
• Indulge at Bavette’s Bar & Boeuf
• Pay a visit to the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago

As we said above, figuring out where to stay in Chicago is less of a problem in River North. Instead, it feels like choosing between a rock and a hard place with all of these options:

• Budget Hotel in River North – 21c Museum Hotel Chicago – For art lovers, the 21c is in an ideal location. Not only are you right by the river, but your hotel also serves as an art gallery. Besides the on-site restaurant, 24/7 access to the art exhibits is a major perk.
• Mid-Range Hotel in River North – Moxy Chicago Downtown – As is the style of the Moxy brand hotels, this location doesn’t disappoint. Its vibrancy, and proximity to nightlife and shopping make it an excellent accommodation choice. Not to mention that Zombie Tacos is on-site. I know you’re dying to try them.
• Luxury Hotel In River North – LondonHouse Chicago – One of the city’s premiere hotels, the LondonHouse has a reputation for beauty — especially for the views from its 23rd-floor terrace. It’s truly a one-of-a-kind stay near the river.

See Related: Do You Need a Car in Chicago?

10. Streeterville

You may not know this neighborhood by name, though you most likely know it for its biggest attraction: Navy Pier. Streeterville extends from the eastern side of River North onto Lake Michigan via the pier.

Why is this the best neighborhood for activities? Because the pier alone has more to do than some other neighborhoods have.

From downing deep-dish pizza at Giordano’s to exploring the many shops along the pier, Navy Pier is a tourist fan-favorite for good reason. Who could deny riding the iconic Centennial Wheel for some of the city’s best views?

Although this is easily as touristy, if not more so than parts of downtown, it’s also a quintessential part of seeing Chicago. It might not be my favorite part of the city as a Chicagoan, though it’s home to some of my favorites.

Here is just a sampling of all you can do in Streeterville:

• Relax on Ohio Street Beach
• Play the day away at the Chicago Children’s Museum
• Get silly at the Amazing Chicago’s Funhouse Maze
• See a show at Chicago Shakespeare Theater
• Enjoy some coastal cuisine at Hampton Social
• Simply enjoy the sights along the Lakefront Trail
• Cruise along Lake Michigan

Some of the best hotels in the city are situated around downtown, Streeterville included. Also, this is not where to stay in Chicago if you are on a tight budget:

• Budget Hotel in Streeterville – Sable at Navy Pier – The only hotel actually on Navy Pier, the Sable is definitely one of the spots with the best city views. Perched along the pier, you not only get prime access to everything the entertainment area has to offer, but you also get to see the city from the lake.
• Mid-Range Hotel in Streeterville – Loews Chicago Hotel – Just a ten-minute walk to the pier, this Loews location is an excellent accommodation for its price point. This pet-friendly hotel has an indoor pool and a pool bar, restaurant, coffee shop, and traditional bar to keep you busy.
• Luxury Hotel in Streeterville – W Chicago – Lakeshore – For visitors who simply can’t get enough of Lake Michigan, the W might answer your where-to-stay-in-Chicago quandaries. A gorgeous hotel with multiple dining amenities, an indoor pool, and live entertainment offerings, you’ll be in heaven.

See Related: Things to Do in Illinois & Places to Visit

11. Old Town

Home to some of Chicago’s oldest buildings, including St. Michael’s Church, which is one of only a few structures that survived the Chicago Fire in 1871, Old Town lives up to its name. Full disclosure, though: its name is actually a nickname derived from the days when hippies were some of the primary residents.

Old Town is the ideal place to stay in Chicago for folks who have been here numerous times. It’s not downtown, far less touristy, and has more Chicago flair than other neighborhoods with more plentiful hotel access.

Here, you’ll find Chicago pubs, the world-famous Second City, lots of boutiques, and unique Chicago restaurants. For example, LG’s Bar & Kitchen, is one of my favorite Irish pubs in the city. Anyone who loves Ireland will appreciate that they serve Powers whiskey.

There’s nothing old about the plethora of things to do in Old Town:

• See a show at Second City
• Enjoy happy hour at the Old Town Ale House
• Go shopping at The Spice House
• Visit Old Town Aquarium
• Catch a world premiere at A Red Orchid Theatre (Michael Shannon was a founding member and comes back from time to time)

Honestly, there aren’t a ton of places to stay in Old Town, but the hotels you will find are gems that keep you close to the action:

• Budget Hotel in Old Town – The Sono Chicago – This cozy bed and breakfast will be why you stay in Old Town again. Its sleek interiors wrap you into the warm embrace of a Chicago neighborhood without breaking the bank. Plus, you get daily breakfast, which is always a plus.
• Luxury Hotel in Old Town – Level Chicago – Old Town – These condo-style hotels have kitchen facilities in each unit. There are also shared terrace areas, a game room, and outdoor play equipment for children.

See Related: Best Tourist Attractions in Chicago

FAQ

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