Standing on the edge of Lake Michigan, Navy Pier remains one of Chicago’s most iconic destinations, drawing millions of visitors to its boardwalk, attractions, and dining cruises. Whether you are visiting the Windy City for the first time or enjoying a weekend staycation, choosing the right place to stay nearby can dramatically elevate your experience. The surrounding Streeterville and Gold Coast neighborhoods offer a unique blend of urban energy and serene waterfront tranquility.
Proximity to the lakefront is about more than just a view; it is about lifestyle. Staying within walking distance of Navy Pier means you have immediate access to the Chicago Children’s Museum, the Centennial Wheel, and the Chicago Shakespeare Theater without the hassle of parking or rideshares. For business travelers and families alike, the convenience of walking from your hotel lobby to a lakeside sunrise is an unmatched benefit in a city known for its architectural density.
The hotel landscape around Navy Pier is diverse, ranging from opulent historic landmarks to sleek, modern boutiques. However, the definition of "near" can vary significantly depending on whether you are walking in winter winds or enjoying a summer stroll. The properties selected for this guide prioritize not only geographic proximity but also the quality of amenities, service reliability, and the overall guest experience that defines a premium Chicago stay.
When evaluating these accommodations, we considered more than just a map pin. We looked at the nuances of the guest journey: the ease of access to the Lakefront Trail, the availability of family-friendly suites, and the presence of on-site dining that rivals the city’s famous restaurant scene. A great hotel here should serve as a seamless extension of the vibrant energy found on the pier itself.
Understanding the local geography is key to making the right choice. While some hotels are literally across the street from the pier’s entrance, others are located a few blocks west, offering a quieter reprieve from the tourist crowds while still maintaining easy access. This balance allows you to choose between the electric atmosphere of the boardwalk and the sophisticated calm of the neighboring residential districts.
Whether you are planning a romantic getaway with harbor views, a corporate retreat with convention access, or a family vacation focused on entertainment, the right property is waiting for you. Below is a curated list of the best hotels that combine prime location, exceptional comfort, and the authentic character of Chicago’s stunning lakefront.
Sable at Navy Pier Chicago, Curio Collection by Hilton
| Address | 900 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | (872) 710-5700 |
(Stay: 25-27 Aug 2026)
Wow, what a hotel! Can't say enough good things about The Sable - from the moment you pull up, the friendly valet greets you (Sam, you're awesome), to the warm and inviting lobby. Guest Services was BEYOND amazing the entire stay - simple text via HH app for any request and you get a prompt professional, and courteous response! Many thanks to Nadia and Kenisha - two lovely members of the Guest Services team who not only fulfilled a few requests, but also got Engineering to quickly fix my curtain (great guy), but they followed up each time to make sure I was satisfied.
I am in no terms a high level HH member but was treated like one and that treatment reflects upon how everyone at The Sable is treated - for the two days I was there for a conference, I felt as if I was made right at home.
Rooms are STUNNING, extremely clean, tastefully furnished, and the bed was heaven. Match that with the beautiful view of Chicago skyline and the pier from the little sofa in the window nook, I wish I could've stayed forever! Housekeepers are attentive to detail and kind.
The hotel itself is historic with a modern flair, excellent location, and comes with great restaurants. Loved loved loved the Stained Glass Exhibition on my way to/from Tower 3.
Many thanks to everyone at The Sable, especially Nadia, Kenisha, Sam, Ethan, and Jayden (plus the engineer who's name I didn't catch!) Looking forward to next year's dealer meeting here and saving up to spend a few extra days after! 1000/10.
★★★☆☆
The location was great, but overall the hotel felt way overpriced for a one-night stay.
Went to have a shower in the morning only to find the soap dispenser completely empty, which is a pretty basic thing that should be checked before a guest arrives.
The rooms also aren’t very soundproof. We were woken up around 5:00 a.m. by someone in a nearby room with quite possibly the most annoying laugh I’ve ever heard in my life. 😅
Great location, but for the price, I expected better attention to detail and a quieter stay.
Javon made our stay absolutely amazing! From the moment we arrived, he provided outstanding customer service with a warm, friendly, and welcoming attitude. He went above and beyond to make sure we were taken care of and surprised us with the most spectacular room. His kindness, professionalism, and willingness to help truly stood out. It’s rare to meet someone who genuinely cares about making guests feel special, and Javon did exactly that. Thank you for making our visit such a memorable experience—we can’t wait to come back!
Room itself is great. The bathroom is also a plus but the service was mediocre at best. They only give you two towels (bath) and two hand towels. We have a total of four people in our room. We've called down to housekeeping and it took 30 minutes to get someone to bring more towels and the housekeeping literally gave us a bulk of towels not just an extra bath towel....ok? Strange.
The view was spectacular - main reason why I liked our stay. The shower pressure was lousy and bathroom didn't feel that clearn. Looks good asthetically speaking but I think it just felt cheap.
Shout out to the bartender who made my friend and I an awesome whisky sour!
My check-in experience at Sable Navy Pier Chicago was truly one of the best I’ve ever had! Riley was incredibly helpful, poised, and welcoming throughout the entire process. He was patient, attentive, and genuinely took the time to make sure everything was handled smoothly. His professionalism and warm demeanor immediately made me feel comfortable and valued as a guest. It’s clear that Riley takes great pride in providing exceptional service, and his kindness made a wonderful first impression. Thank you, Riley, for making my check-in experience so seamless and memorable. Sable Navy Pier is fortunate to have someone like you on their team!
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Chicago - Magnificent Mile
| Address | 300 E Ohio St, Chicago, IL 60611 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | (312) 787-6100 |
I stayed here during an extended Chicago trip with friends and had a great time. Due to us switching hotels mid-way through the trip, about an hour before arrival, I had asked through text if an earlier check in may be available, fully knowing it was not guaranteed or likely. Brittney, the front office manager, had replied and informed me that the rooms were vacant and one was being cleaned, which was fine as we could all use one room until the other was ready. Upon arrival Brittney checked us in and the good news was that both rooms were ready. She was super friendly through the check in process, and also provided some nut-free cookies which was nice. The hotel also has self-park which is a nice step up, and we were on the 16th floor with a nice view. Both rooms were clean and although some of the furniture was older, it was all in good shape and functional, all the rooms are large in terms of square footage too. The plumbing worked well, as did the AC when we needed it, the added benches in the back were a plus too. The elevators were overall pretty quick and also needed a key which was nice, the wait was a little longer during peak times however. The food at dinner was great, the French fries were addictive, and I found the burger and chicken tenders to be great too. Gustavo and Jose G were great at the bar too. The breakfast buffet was good and had lots of selections as well, and the onsite cafe with starbucks was a huge plus. This hotel is also a Hilton Grand vacations hotspot, so they did have a lot of signup staff, they did not interfere with us however so it was all good. Location wise, this hotel puts you central to all Chicago has to offer, at the furthest, you will only be walking about 20 minutes to see Chicago's many attractions, and the CTA will take you to all the major stops as well. The area surrounding the hotel felt pretty safe as well, but like any city you should keep an eye out. Overall, I had a wonderful time here, the price was right, and would come back here next time I went to Chicago.
Enjoyable Family Vacation Stay
We had a wonderful 6-night stay here for our family vacation. The location is absolutely unbeatable—it's just a 15-minute walk to Navy Pier, with plenty of great restaurants and attractions less than 10 minutes away.
While the rooms are slightly dated, they were exceptionally clean, and the beds were very comfortable. The staff and reception were fantastic, offering excellent service and even greeting us with delicious chocolate chip cookies upon arrival. The hotel amenities are also a major plus; the swimming pool is clean and incredibly well-maintained, and the onsite restaurant is great.
Our only minor complaints were a slight delay in getting fresh towels and the price of the onsite self-parking ($65/night). While the onsite parking is convenient, I noticed that nearby garages cost less than half that amount, so it might be worth looking into.
Overall, this is a great, kid-friendly luxury hotel. I would happily stay here again and highly recommend it!
The DoubleTree by Hilton in downtown Chicago was the second hotel in my cross-Midwest vacation tour. This hotel was a great location downtown. Close to Navy Pier, not far from Lake Michigan. Next door to the hotel is a pretty good size grocery market where you could get just about anything you needed. That way, you could snack in your room or get soda's, sandwiches, etc. In the lobby of the hotel was a very nice restaurant, not too expensive where you could get a beer, cocktail or light fare for a meal. The front desk staff is super friendly and helpful. The rooms were quite nice. Typical for Hilton standards, which are quite nice. High quality linens on the beds, nice furniture, quality baths and every amenity that you could ask for, including the obligatory coffee machine and supplies! Yes! Not to mention that the coffee is actually pretty good, and none of that powdered creamer. Yuck. Real non dairy creamer, the kind you pour! Thank goodness. The hotel was very busy, pretty much full when I was there. They have a nice rooftop pool/spa area on I believe it was the second or third floor. A lot of people were taking advantage of the sunny days and the pool. Unfortunately, these guests for some reason were clogging up all six elevators going up to their rooms and back down to the pool. It was making it very difficult for regular guests to get an elevator car just to navigate the building. Aside from the elevator issue there were virtually no problems with the stay. Parking is located in the building in a multi level garage. Not cheap mind you, at around $50/day or so. But I think the garage is owned by a different company. Not all that unusual in Chicago.
Thank goodness my rental car was small, as navigating the garage was challenging. I would hate to have had a big SUV or pickup truck. Not a fun time trying to park one of those. If you are seeking a nice hotel downtown, this one is a convenient, comfortable option with very nice rooms.
We had a great experience at this hotel! Huge, beautiful lobby with different food and beverage options and plenty of places to sit. The staff were very friendly and helpful. The Bellman was very friendly and helpful with storing our luggage. We stayed on the 26th floor and the room was very spacious and clean. One issue we had was requesting a room refresh on our second day, including some fresh towels,. We requested it in the morning and it never happened. There are several elevators, so you are never waiting too long for one. The location is very convenient and walking distance to many touristy hotspots. The hotel seemed to be in a cleaner, quieter area, just outside downtown, near a lot of hospitals and medical buildings. We were there as part of an HGV promotion. We attended the presentation and, although we did not purchase an ownership package, Zack was our rep and he was incredible. Not pushy, very knowledgable and respectful. He drove a hard bargain and made it seem very tempting for us to purchase. However, it’s just not in our budget at this time in life. Overall, we would definitely stay at this hotel again. We did not get a chance to use the pool, Would love to use it if we came back again.
We had a great experience at this hotel. It's is within walking distance from lots of attractions and restaurants. The outdoor pool was perfect for our kids since we were there during a heat wave. The pool was very clean as well. The rooms are a bit dated but clean and the beds were comfortable. The only issue we had was getting fresh towels for the room, otherwise our stay was great.
The Wade
| Address | 644 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60611 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | (312) 943-9200 |
I booked a room as part of a pre-arranged room block for a bachelorette party almost a month in advance. The room block was advertised as including lake-view rooms, but when we checked in, we were told that no lake-view rooms were available. This was very disappointing, especially considering how far in advance the reservation was made.
Unfortunately, the issues continued once we got to our room. There were no towels provided, and the toilet paper holder was empty, requiring us to open the spare roll ourselves. These details made us question whether the room had been properly cleaned and prepared prior to our arrival.
We were told we would receive a 50% discount on our stay due to the room booking issue. However, when our receipt was emailed to us, the discount was not applied. We had to return to the front desk a second time to have the matter addressed. Dakota was very accommodating and helpful throughout this process, and we greatly appreciated his efforts to resolve the situation.
Overall, for the price of the room and the way the hotel is represented online, we expected a much higher level of service and attention to detail. Our experience was disappointing, and several other members of our group also encountered issues during their stay. While we appreciate Dakota’s customer service, the overall experience did not meet expectations and is the reason for our rating.
We had a great stay at W Chicago. Housekeeping was done daily, which we really appreciated since that’s not always standard in many North American hotels.
Check-in was smooth and welcoming. Dakota at the front desk was patient, helpful, and took time to answer all our questions. Will also assisted us during our stay and was consistently friendly and responsive.
Overall, the staff across the hotel—from reception to housekeeping—was polite and approachable, which made the experience comfortable throughout our stay.
We also really enjoyed the view from our room. Would definitely consider staying here again on our next trip to Chicago.
Stayed at this hotel from 7/26-7/28. Lakeside room was spectacular! 19 floors up. We had a great view of the Navy Pier and Ohio St Beach. Unfortunately we missed the Pier's fireworks (we just were not there on the right days). We loved the location of the hotel as well. Walking distance to several restaurants and Water Tower Mall. Interactions with staff were superb. Everyone was very pleasant. 3 stars for Service due to: inoperable ice machine on our floor (inconvenience), lack of any identifiable trash receptacle anywhere in the lobby, and waited an exorbitant amount of time for restaurant staff to notice that I was waiting to be helped/seated. Even made eye contact with a waiter, the same waiter, a few times and I was still ignored. (Lack of attentiveness and prioritization leading to inconvenience). The room and location outweighed the negatives. Just a few things that make you go 'mmmmmmmm?'
I found my stay here to be exceptional! 🌟 The rooms were fantastic, truly five-star quality. The location was also perfect. Service was quite good, though there's always a little room for improvement. 👍 Definitely a great choice! ✨
Location is great: walking distance to restaurants, the beach, Navy Pier, Michigan Avenue... It's facing the lake for great views! Perfect to see the fireworks!
The room is very good. Bed and pillows are very comfortable. Lots of seating for a little social gathering! There's a mini-fridge, iron, ironing board, plenty of space to hang your clothes, and a safe.
The bathroom is fine, but the peeling black paint on the shower grout makes it look like it's moldy. It's not moldy, but you have to look closely it's not!
If you're a member you can check out at 1pm, which is nice.
They change the mats in the elevators throughout the day: Good Morning, good afternoon, good evening.
To get to the room floors you need your key card, which makes it safer.
There's coffee in the lobby in the morning.
The restaurant inside, Current offers a nice menu selection. Servers and staff of hotel and restaurant are very friendly and attentive to your needs.
I would definitely stay there again and would recommend it!
Courtyard by Marriott Chicago Downtown/Magnificent Mile
| Address | 165 E Ontario St, Chicago, IL 60611 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | (312) 573-0800 |
Not good. They do not tell guests when they check in that there is construction on all sides of the building. The hammering started in the morning like tap dancing on all sides of the room. They tell you where the pool is, etc. but leave out this information so they are not acting in good faith. They even told us they upgraded us to a deluxe room. Once you check in, there are signs on the elevator doors but it minimizes the noise level. They are counting on the fact that most people will not leave and they are being purposefully dishonest. We left after 2 days and only received $100 discount. Overpriced room, tv guide didn't work and faucet soaked my toiletry and makeup bag. We checked into another hotel.
Unfortunately, my first night at this Courtyard Marriott was very disappointing. I understand the hotel was fully booked, but the room I was given was simply not up to the standard I expected. The locker was not working, there was a broken mirror, and the bed was extremely uncomfortable. I could feel the springs against my back, and it squeaked whenever I moved.
I asked either to change rooms or to be allowed to check out and stay somewhere else. Since no other rooms were available, the solutions offered were to note the broken mirror on my account, send maintenance for the locker, and provide a memory foam topper. Unfortunately, they did not have the topper and offered blankets instead.
The only downside was that the room faced the hospital area, so emergency sirens could be heard throughout the night.
What frustrated me most was being told that I would still be charged for the full stay if I checked out early, despite the condition of the room.
The main reason I am still giving four stars is the customer service representative who helped me the next day. She was kind, understanding, and genuinely service-oriented. She listened to my concerns and moved me to a much better room.
The second room was comfortable, and the hotel itself is in a great, central location within walking distance of many places.
Overall, the stay was okay after the room change, but the first-night experience and the way the situation was initially handled were very disappointing.
The staff at the reception was very friendly, polite, and quick to check me in and out. My room was good: everything was in order, clean and as expected. Definitely noisy though, even if I was at the 21st floor.
The internal restaurant doesn't deliver to rooms (pickup only), and also opened late for breakfast (supposed to be open at 7, it hadn't opened yet at 7.15).
Great location, right next to Magnificent mile so you can shop until you drop. Quick walk along the river to the rest of downtown as well. The service was always kind and quick, and was able to anticipate all of my needs before I even asked. The elevator went down one day (2/3 were out) and the staff came and quickly offered water for those waiting, which made things so much better. I appreciate how conscientious the service was!
Had a fantastic 5-night stay here! The room was spotless and very well-maintained. The HVAC system was spot on—quiet and kept the temperature perfectly comfortable throughout my stay. Both the bathroom and sink area were in great condition.
One of the highlights was the stunning city view; looking out at the skyscrapers was a treat. The bed was very comfortable, making it a perfect place to get a good night's sleep. Highly recommended for anyone visiting the area!"
Hilton Grand Vacations Club Chicago Magnificent Mile
| Address | 300 E Ohio St, Chicago, IL 60611 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | (312) 224-2200 |
2026 UPDATE: Despite a great 2023 experience, this trip was just as horrible as the last was great. EVERY SINGLE CHANCE ... 100% OF THE TIME THEY HAD TO SCREW SOMETHING UP, THEY DID. After asking for a manager and not getting one, I looked up online and located the general manager. FAIR DISCLOSURE; HE MADE EVERYTHING RIGHT. Hate it got to that point, but he came through in the end, But the room was lacking; mainly the bathroom. There's hardly any pressure at all in the shower. It includes a wand but even on "jet", it just trickles out. Then they put up fixed glass walls. But you also have a handicap bar on one side. Between the two, the shower gets really narrow. Unfortunately, that bar is also right where the trickle of water is coming down. The HVAC runs on auto so even though I turned the heat off, warm are still comes out (FIXED). The only solution was to keep dropping the AC. They put in new TVs ... WITH NO APPS. It claims you can Chromecast, but only a few apps will do that ... NOT Netflix which has removed the Chromecast button on it's phone app. The messed up a simple laundry order, and then on top of that lost some of the clothes. I have at least 10 messages from them on my phone where they would get back to me on something. They missed our day 4 cleaning day entirely. (SORTA FIXED IN THAT THEY CAME EVERY DAY FROM DAY 5 ON) Overall, just not a customer friendly setup anymore like it used to be UNTIL THE GM GOT INVOLVED. Elsewhere, the cooler says 34 but closer to 50. If you want cold water, you gotta get it from the fitness room. Called down for fresh towels (since they only come every four days) ... called down FOUR times while Brittney and Tyler promised to send some up and follow up with me. GM FIXED THIS AS WELL. Finally went downstairs and stood in front of Bri while she called it in. Shouldn't have to do all of that.
2023 Original: Nothing but great things to say about this hotel. The rooms were VERY clean. Nice and spacious. A freezer would have been nice, but we made do with just the fridge. It was conveniently located to all the major downtown attractions including Magnificent Mile, Art Institute, Cloud Gate. Whole Foods across the street and Target no far away. So much pizza and great eats nearby as well. We called on staff a couple of times and they were incredibly responsive. Great overall experience, and that's coming from a self-proclaimed hotel snob.
I would strongly caution anyone considering Hilton Grand Vacations. The entire experience felt intentionally misleading and designed to pressure people into making a massive financial decision without fully understanding what they’re actually getting.
The sales presentation paints an extremely polished picture of luxury vacations, flexibility, and value, but the reality after signing looks very different. The way they explain points, availability, fees, upgrades, and what your ownership actually provides is incredibly vague and confusing. Important limitations and ongoing costs are minimized while the “benefits” are heavily emphasized. What you believe you’re purchasing during the presentation does not align with the actual usability and value afterward.
What stood out most was how aggressively the sales approach seemed to shift once they had an understanding of income level or financial flexibility. The higher they believed your income was, the more intense and predatory the pressure became. It felt far less like hospitality and far more like being psychologically worked through a scripted sales funnel designed to maximize commitment and monthly payment tolerance.
The process relies heavily on urgency, emotional selling, and verbal promises that become difficult to validate later. Once the paperwork is signed, getting straightforward answers becomes much harder, and many concerns are redirected rather than truly addressed.
If you attend one of these presentations, go in extremely skeptical. Do your own independent math on the long-term costs, maintenance fees, financing, and actual booking availability. Do not make decisions based on verbal claims, and never let yourself get rushed into signing same-day. Ask for everything in writing and compare it carefully against what was presented verbally.
Room was okay. Cleaning service horrible at best. No cleaning of the room even though we asked at check in. Was asked to attend a 90 minute presentation on the Hilton Club. 90 mins turned into 180 minutes and missed the baseball game we purchased tickets for thinking it would be 90 minutes. If you ask me to not be on my phone and respect their time then do the same for me. Main reason I didn’t buy in.
Will never book a grand hotel vacation. These hotels are luxery at first glance and all that goes out the window once you check in. You’re met with rude staff. Our executive sweet was dirty, hair in the shower, visible crumbs on couch as well as the carpet rug. Stains on chair in room etc. No welcome message on the TV. The tvs are outdated and use chrome cast and we were never able to access it on the living room tv. Extremely bad lighting through out the room. The bed is hard and will hurt your back. and the pillows are extremely flat. I had to ask 3 times for new pillows. Through out the night the metal clanked in the heat vent. When I asked to move rooms they said we couldn’t and they also didn’t offer ear plugs? They offer them at any other Hilton hotel. The restaurant is over price for mid food. Like 24 do a mediocre saladZ They also do not offer free breakfast like other Hilton hotels and do not have an indoor pool for kids. After our mandatory tour I felt like they don’t give a shit about you after you tell them you don’t want to buy their expensive time share packages. Why would you when you are treated this way at their facilities. I would take your hard earned money elsewhere. This hotel is like putting lipstick on a pig. And just so you guys know. Just because you give out warm cookies, doesn’t solve all your issues 😂 you missed the mark here sis. Btw it’s also NOT on magnificent mile.
I had a very disappointing experience. About a year ago, while staying at the Hilton Downtown in Chicago, I was approached with what was presented as a special “anniversary deal.” It sounded like a great offer at the time, so I agreed and paid around $400 for a 4 days 3 nights package.
However, months later, I discovered that this “deal” required attending a timeshare sales presentation—something that was never clearly explained upfront. Had I known from the beginning that this was essentially a kind of timeshare promotion, I would not have agreed to it.
When I realized I wouldn’t be able to take the trip, I contacted customer service to cancel. The interaction was frustrating. The representative seemed clearly unhappy about my cancellation, and when I asked for an email confirmation, they abruptly hung up the phone.
Overall, the experience felt misleading and unprofessional. Transparency from the start would have made a huge difference. I would strongly advise others to ask detailed questions before committing to any similar offers.
Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile
| Address | 511 N Columbus Dr, Chicago, IL 60611 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | (312) 836-5900 |
We had a good stay overall at the Embassy Suites by Hilton. The room was comfortable, and the staff was friendly and helpful. One of the highlights was definitely the complimentary breakfast. The options were great, with plenty of variety and something for everyone.
The hotel was undergoing interior construction during our stay. It didn't affect our visit too much other than having to walk around certain areas, so it wasn't a major issue. My only real disappointment was the extra add-on fees, which weren't expected and made the final bill higher than anticipated. More transparency about those charges would have been appreciated.
Overall, we enjoyed our stay and would consider staying again.
Clean spacious, amenities w Hilton Membership. Was expensive because of two conventions right here in town. So prices are going to vary, depending. Have a lovely view of the lake from my room with the city as well. It was a good central location, but a little far from the L Red Line if you need it.
Thanks for a comfy stay ~ w perks
I want to mention Yasmine as an outstanding helpful (and cheerful!) employee at the Sky Lobby. Thx Y!
If you were coming by car, the directions are not correct on the Hilton app which leads to Google Maps. If they are correct, they are not mentioning that there is valet parking... in a kind of tunnel...It was really hard to find.
So I parked off-site at another parking garage (for less, reserve w Spot Hero to get better rates) and just walked over to the hotel. Even walking over, I could not find the main entrance from the map! Allow extra time.
Please update some of your information to make it easier for guests.
Thank you so much.
This hotel is in a great location. We stayed here in 2018.
The rooms were spacious and the bar service was excellent, however a little busy during the free welcome drink period.
Full hotel meant breakfast lines were too long for omelets, but food in the buffet was fresh and plentiful.
Downside with rooms was pillows are cushion size. We asked for full size pillows and they eventually arrived. However the next morning housekeeping took them away and despite asking many times we could not get them back for the rest of the stay. Makes it hard to sleep when turning over your head falls off the tiny pillows.
Apart from this all was good.
Really enjoyed our stay, kids came and all was very fun for them, the hotel rooms itself look like an apartment and have a door to separate the rooms. kids enjoyed the pool and the breakfast brunch, the hotel gave Florida vibes. we will be coming again in the future. the location is good close to nearby things and walking distance museums and restaurants ect. we enjoyed the complimentary drink and the complimentary credit on laundry
Excellent stay overall. The biggest strength would be the location: within walking distance of Michigan Avenue, Cityfront Plaza, the Riverwalk, and CTA bus stops.
The service was very attentive; the staff, from the reception desk, to the restaurant/buffet, and to housekeeping, were professional, efficient, and helpful throughout our stay.
The only downside would be minor wear and tear in the room, with sone loose stitching on the couch and a broken tub drain, but other than that, the room was well maintained and clean.
The breakfast buffet was solid, and the staff kept things well run and stocked. The omelet station met expectations. It could get quite busy though, and this Embassy Suites posts guidance on the best times to go based on crowd levels.
Be advised, as of this visit (June 2026), half of the four main elevators were undergoing modernization, so expect the elevators to be busier than usual.
All in all, this hotel represents great value for money, has attentive staff, and has a great location.
The Drake
| Address | 140 E Walton Pl, Chicago, IL 60611 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | (312) 787-2200 |
Location and history are the only reasons to stay. The smell of mildew and stale air has my throat and lungs itchy. The bed is worn down. The thermostat doesn't work. Im uncomfortable. The view is beautiful. But I woke up with a head ache from the odor and body aches from an uncomfortablebed. Was hoping to enjoy it more, sad it's not living up to my expectation. The TV remote is an original. I only gave 1 star for service because my room only had decac coffee and when I asked for coffee, cream and sugar for the morning, half hour later they bring it and when I woke up I just saw they forgot the sugar. I'm already to be onto the next destination. I need to go find a cup of coffee and a box of tissues.
Update. Staff must have read the review and upon leaving this morning there was a bag of 45 sugars left hanging outside my door. So instead of trying to make the customer happy, the 45 sugar packets feels less like an apology and more like a sarcastic response, which left an even worse impression. I'll go ahead and stock the room for the next guest.
It keeps getting worse!! 9:50am housekeeping just WALKED IN my room. Check out is noon. Why would they walk in. I really was excited about a luxury historical hotel on Michigan Ave. Just disappointing.
We had a wonderful stay overall! The hotel is gorgeous and in a perfect location. A special shoutout to the staff, who were wonderful and extremely helpful throughout our visit. If it fits your budget, I highly recommend booking a lake-view room—and definitely request a higher floor to minimize street noise from the city.
However, there were a couple of disappointments during our multi-night stay. On our first day, we were left with an almost-empty soap bottle that was never refilled, meaning we completely ran out of shower soap by our last day. A simple refill or a backup soap bar should be standard.
More importantly, the room had a distinct, musty, muddy smell due to the lake humidity. Having stayed at many waterfront and oceanfront properties, this was easily the worst-smelling room I’ve encountered at a 4-star-plus hotel. I’m confident you can easily find 3-star hotels with much fresher-smelling rooms. I hope top management checks in on the regular guest rooms soon to address the humidity and odor issues
This hotel is a landmark, but has become an afterthought. I stayed here because my family booked here. My room was a shoebox. And looking out my window was a rooftop court yard and I was on the first floor. The bathroom was almost too small for one person. No water was provided in the room. I needed to sign a card and there wasn’t a pen in the room. I truly felt that this hotel doesn’t care anymore. You check in and you get a room and nothing more. And the room is outdated and old. We were booked here for an upcoming wedding and we have already changed to a different hotel. A true old legend is no more. My last night there I came back to have my room flanked by dirty laundry.
Mixed experience at the historic hotel. building itself is beautiful. lobby, first and second floors are well decorated. grand, classic feel at reception area. Nice chandeliers throughout, including smaller ones in rooms Housekeeping did a good job, room was clean and well vacuumed.
Unfortunately, guest room needs significant maintenance. Shower drain backed up and filled with water while showering even after we reported the issue. No rubber anti-slip mat in the tub, and with water not draining, I slipped twice. Mattress sagged badly in the middle and was a worn out one. No glass drinking cups, just paper cups. electrical outlets were hidden behind the bed, difficult to plug in chargers without moving mattress.
Hallways had an old-carpet odor, and the air vent in our room had a heavy buildup of dust and lint, it had not been cleaned in quite some time.
Hotel has beautiful historic architecture and plenty of character, but the guest rooms need better maintenance and updating to match the feel of the common areas.
Big fan of historic properties! But with historic, the care of them must be kept to a higher standard. There are so many beautiful things to see in the hotel but the room itself was subpar. The carpet was dirty, the fridge needed to be thawed, there were remnants of 3M sticky tape and you had to hold the plate on the toilet flusher so it wouldn't fall off. We really enjoyed breakfast and style of the Cafe on Oak. The staff was amazing at the hotel, restaurant, and shops .
The Chicago Hotel Collection Magnificent Mile Hotel & Suites
| Address | 166 E Superior St, Chicago, IL 60611 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | (312) 787-6000 |
On May 23, I received a confirmation for my reservation. Prior to my arrival, I attempted to contact the hotel using the email address provided on Agoda to inform you that I would be arriving late on June 25. Unfortunately, I never received any response.
After a full day of flights, I arrived at the hotel at approximately 1:30 a.m. Instead of being checked into my confirmed reservation, I was informed by the receptionist that the hotel was overbooked. When I explained that I had a confirmed reservation, he told me that the hotel was full because the owner had given my room to one of his friends. He also stated that the overbooking was not his responsibility and that he would see if he could transfer me to another hotel.
I was completely shocked by this explanation. Having a confirmed reservation should have guaranteed me a room, and it is unacceptable that my reservation was effectively canceled for such a reason, or any reason without informing me.
The situation became even more concerning when the receptionist informed me that I owed an additional $420. I explained that I had already paid all required charges for my reservation. He then stated that this amount was for a "Private Guest Club." I had never requested, agreed to, or been informed about such a charge.
I am a 23-year-old woman who traveled alone to Chicago for only three days. I deliberately booked the most affordable accommodation available because I was traveling on a budget. I specifically chose a room without breakfast or any additional services. Being unexpectedly told to pay an extra $427 for something I never requested was completely unreasonable and unacceptable.
Eventually, I was told that I would be transferred to the Ambassador Hotel. When I asked how I was expected to get there at nearly 2:00 a.m., the receptionist simply told me to "catch an Uber outside." As a young woman traveling alone in an unfamiliar city in the middle of the night, I found this response irresponsible and completely lacking in concern for my safety.
This entire experience caused me significant stress and distress and was one of the worst travel experiences I have ever had. I had planned and paid for my stay in advance, yet I was left without the room I had reserved, faced with an unauthorized charge, and forced to relocate in the middle of the night.
I request an immediate refund of the unauthorized $427 charge, as I neither requested nor consented to any "Private Guest Club" membership or fee.
The hotel management did not reply to my mails and did not take any accountability!
Our stay at The Chicago Magnificent Hotel was truly wonderful, and what made it extra special was the exceptional service from the staff.
A heartfelt thank you to Raymond, whose genuine Filipino hospitality made us feel right at home from the moment we arrived. His warmth, kindness, and attentiveness added a unique charm to our stay and reminded us of the welcoming spirit Filipinos are known for.
We also want to commend Brianna for graciously ushering us to our accommodation with such friendliness and professionalism. Her warm smile and cheerful attitude instantly made us feel comfortable and welcome.
It's people like Raymond and Brianna who turn a great hotel into a place that truly feels like home. Thank you for making our visit so memorable—we can't wait to come back!
Great hotel and very friendly staff. From the moment we walked in we were welcomed and the front desk staff were very helpful and checked us way earlier than check in time for no fee. The room is spacious and clean, and they clean it once every few days unless you asked for it to be cleaned every day. The location is great we were here for lollapalooza and the walk was about 30 mins and bus stop was right across the street and took about 15-20 mins to lolla. There are many luxury stores around same as food places. I would definitely come back here again!
Raymond at the front desk made my stay exceptional from the moment I arrived. He was welcoming, professional, and genuinely friendly, making check-in quick and effortless. He took the time to answer my questions, offered helpful recommendations, and made sure I had everything I needed throughout my stay. Outstanding customer service like his truly makes a difference. Thank you, Raymond, for going above and beyond—I hope the hotel recognizes what a valuable team member you are. I would gladly stay here again because of the excellent service!
I stayed at the Chicago Hotel Collection Magnificent Mile Hotel for a Girls Weekend stay. The hotel was delightful. Our rooms were very nice. The location is unbeatable--close to the lake and just off Michigan Ave. It was an easy walk to everywhere we wanted to go. We chose the package with the drinks and breakfast included. It was great. We enjoyed the drinks on the roof deck overlooking the city. It wasn't crowded at all when we were there and the service was great. Breakfast was a very nice buffet with lots of choices. I would definitely recommend this hotel and plan to return here the next time we visit Chicago.
Kasa Lake Shore Chicago
| Address | 446 E Ontario St, Chicago, IL 60611 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | (872) 316-7603 |
I thoroughly enjoyed my stay at Kasa Lake Shore. The ease of checking in virtually was ideal. Once in the room, it had everything I needed for my week-long stay (full kitchen and washer/dryer in the unit). The location was superb, close to city attractions and plenty of restaurants. I will be staying here again for my next visit to Chicago!
For $432 a night, we stayed in a king studio. The stay is more akin to an Airbnb with self check-in and nothing in the building in terms of dining, pool or other amenities.
The design of the space is nice, but the provisions are the furthest thing from luxury.
We booked 3 nights for two and received a total of two thin, cheap towels for our stay. When we requested additional towels, they arrived roughly 6 hours later.
Toilet paper is basically sandpaper. Beds and pillows are extremely uncomfortable. I left with a pinched nerve from the hard pillows.
Kitchen is decent, but good luck sitting down to eat. There is one chair and a small desk.
HVAC was extremely noisy (starts up with a bang) and inconsistent. Bathroom lighting is minimal, so makeup application is difficult.
Laundry detergent is provided, but extremely strong and heavily scented — so if you have sensitive skin you will need to rinse your clothing a few times (and even then, you can still smell it).
Location is good if you want to be close to the lake, shopping, Navy Pier and Union Station. View was terrible in our unit.
Bottom line: this accommodation is not a good value if you care at all about comfort or luxury.
This location is wonderful with fast access to Ohio State Beach and Navy Pier. The rooms are clean, outfitted at the higher end, and the contactless check-in was smooth and communication with staff through text reliable. Would definitely stay again.
It is my 2nd time booking with Kasa. Alway great experience : great places and support. Thank you
The location of Kasa is absolutely perfect if you want to go to Michigan Avenue, the river or the lake! I definitely plan on staying at Kasa again the next time I come to Chicago!
Hilton Chicago/Magnificent Mile Suites
| Address | 198 E Delaware Pl, Chicago, IL 60611 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | (312) 664-1100 |
Stayed here for 6 nights last month. Hotel location is great, close to the beach, shopping, food & everything else!
Our suite was serviced every single day which we did not expect since we always leave in the later part of the morning/early afternoon & even when we came back later in the afternoon, then went out again for supper. The housekeeping department here are like ninjas! It was always a nice surprise & treat after a day of exploring and it was highly appreciated!
Beds were comfy, can definitely see a bit of wear & tear in the bathroom area. One of the concern we had was that for some reason, the carpet by the vanity/closet area gets wet after we use the shower. We always had the floor towel and shower door properly closed when we used the shower. Not all the way wet but just where the bathroom door is. We forgot to mention it at check out at as it was a minor thing for us. The shower pressure was perfect!
Staff were amazing especially the valet staff. We did not have a vehicle but they were always friendly & chatty while we wait for our Uber.
The attached restaurant had some great food as well! And oh, the luggage storage after check out is a big plus! Our flight wasn't till in the late afternoon so we were still able to go around places after we checked out without having to drag our suitcases everywhere.
Very well located to everything. Service is excellent rooms are clean nice television 2 of them one in bedroom other in other room with coach and chair plus a huge desk table chair for computer. The rooms are all suites. Moderate Restaurant bar on site if you like to stay in. Everything was perfect. Plenty of good restaurants in the area or a short Uber ride.
Pros:
Large 2 room suite
Safe area
Comfy bed
Great water pressure in shower
Pretty view..we were on 25th floor view of Lake Michigan.
Quiet. No neighbor noise or street noise.
Friendly staff- bell staff and room attendants.
Cons:
Needs updating badly
Phone was in need of repair, had maintenance come up..
Bathroom faucet was loose
Small fridge is located in a lower cupboard and emits a lot of heat
Microwave also located in a lower cupboard, not sure why, isn't set up right.
Drawers and doors tight and hard to open.
Furniture is dated and worn. However rooms are clean.
Found previous guests property in towel cupboard a day after we arrived
Overall was a nice stay for what we paid. A little farther down the mile than we prefer.
Great spot on the Magnificent Mile! Cute little room. Our room wasn't ready at check-in, which was annoying since we had already waited to go to the hotel to check-in at 3PM, so we had to wait around 40 minutes for it to be ready. The manager gave us a late check out, but still inconvenient. Overall it's a good spot, near everything, and they let you park out front for 15 minutes to unload your vehicle before you move to the parking garage nearby.
The location is fantastic, on par with luxury spots like the Four Seasons or The Ritz-Carlton. I stayed in one of the lower-tier suites, which was impressively spacious and comfortable. Oddly enough, the in-room microwave interface was entirely in French without clear wattage info, so I actually had to use AI to figure out how to operate it.
Don't expect much from the view—unless you are on an exceptionally high floor, you'll mostly be staring at adjacent buildings. The gym was also disappointing; if you are looking to lift weights, there are only dumbbells and a couple of treadmills.
As a Diamond member, we received a $36 credit for two people, but at the hotel's downstairs cafe, $36 barely covers a single burger and a drink.
The one real highlight is the beach proximity. It’s just a few minutes' walk away, and joining the crowd to watch the sunrise in the morning was a great experience.
Millennium Hotel Knickerbocker Chicago
| Address | 163 E Walton Pl, Chicago, IL 60611 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | (312) 751-8100 |
I loooooved my stay at the millennium knickerbocker hotel in Chicago! It was probably one of my best hotel stays ever, I felt safe, the staff was super friendly, I rarely had to hold the door to enter or go out of the hotel, they kindly held our luggage for us after checkout to go explore a couple hours more before our flight and my favorite thing of all… they offered free water bottles whenever we wanted. That was game changer for me because I love to stay hydrated and anytime we go on vacation or a trip we always have to end up buying a case of waters or go out and buy $6 water bottles at a local convenience store. The hotel was very clean and very pretty, walking distance of restaurants and local tourist areas. We were less than 10 minute walking distance from the Harry Potter store, Starbucks Reserve, PopMart, Nike, American Girl store & Water Tower place with more shopping areas and a local TCG store, Uniqlo, and all the luxurious brands as well. We felt very safe walking to the hotel at night, and in the morning we went to eat at Wildberry just a few steps away from the hotel, we didn’t quite get to enjoy the restaurant on site at the hotel unfortunately but they did provide us with a 20% off discount which was very kind. Our bed was super spacious and we constantly used the TV, refrigerator and restroom so that was also very great and had no problems. The only 2 things I did not like about the hotel room was 1. There is only one desk chair in the room which usually is not a problem but after a long day of going out or walking and needing to sit down, me and my partner would fight for the chair and which one would go shower first lol not that big of a deal though! And 2. When you get in the shower there is a stream on top and a hand held one, you have to go physically all the way inside the shower to turn the water on but the water is always COLD, you have to wait for it to warm up and face the cold water while you turn the water on which is not a big problem but it was a challenge to face lol The hotel provides Body & Hand Wash, Shampoo, Conditioner and Lotion, we were greeted with two roles of toilet paper, two big towels and 2 of each of the smaller ones. Before our stay and after our stay they provided us through text with a form so that the hotel may prepare for your stay and departure as well as the feature of texting a staff member if you had any questions. I will be back next year for another event and hope to stay at the Millennium Knickerbocker hotel again because of my amazing experience.
Clean, quiet, and incredibly convenient. The rooms were no frills but very clean - a good place to rest your head after a day of exploring. Staff was incredibly kind and helpful - we had great service at the lobby restaurant for breakfast. Very convenient location 1/2 block off of Michigan Ave where you can walk or hop on a bus to anywhere. Also a very close walk to Oak Street Beach for swimming. We would stay there again!
Once again this stay was fabulous. From check in to the request for extra towels we had the best of interactions and it was super quick. Love the valet since it's unlimited in and out service. Some days we were constantly coming and going.
The hotel is located in the heart of Chicago, close to the main sights. It is very clean and nice, and the price for our stay was affordable. The prices at the bar were also very reasonable.
The hotel staff are very friendly and helpful. Everyone, including the front desk staff, the staff at the entrance, the bar staff, and the housekeeping staff, made us feel comfortable and welcome.
The only issue I would mention is the frequency of the housekeeping service. Overall, we were very satisfied with our stay and would definitely recommend this hotel.
Nice hotel. Very convenient location for walking the magnificent mile. The valet staff deserves a 5 star rating. The desk personnel if could I only give them a 3 star rating. Room was clean however the body wash was empty the fridge was not cold. Overall it was good. If I have another trip to Chicago I will definitely consider staying there again.
Aloft by Marriott Chicago Mag Mile
| Address | 243 E Ontario St, Chicago, IL 60611 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | (312) 429-6600 |
THERE WAS A BED BUG
UPDATE
I spoke with Marianne at the front desk and she told me that bed bug that is clearly visible in the picture, is not a bed bug. The hotel manager Sonseray was once again not in. Marianne had no information about the manager’s schedule and could only suggest I call again in the morning. They are willfully exposing guest to bed bugs and as you can see in the picture, that was a young one. These people should be ashamed of themselves for putting families at risk like they’re doing. I have filed a formal complaint with Marriott and plan to do the same with Cook County as well as the Attorney General.
This hotel had the best location by far, which is why I booked it to celebrate my son’s birthday. The check in was great, valet was great. The room wasn’t the cleanest but it wasn’t terrible and I wipe down hotel room surfaces anyway. I had to wipe down the shower also because there was hair everywhere. I’m still being positive because the location is phenomenal. My son is in his bed on the iPad. I’m in my bed setting alarms. He says something was crawling up the wall and fell so I turn on my phone’s flashlight. I see something small and black by the outlet but I can’t see what it is. It crawled away super fast and I told him it was probably a spider or ant. I turn around to my bed and see something crawling across the corner of the bed. It’s a bed bug and I tell my son to run to the bathroom and get tissue. I grab it with my nails through the tissue and yep, it’s a bed bug. When I called the front desk the young lady was very apologetic and said they’d move me right away. A young man comes to the room, he gives us the new room keys, and I show him the bedbug in the tissue. He was also very apologetic. I asked him if the hotel has a bed bug issue but he says it’s the first time that he’s aware of. I hope it’s a one off but I’m not confident because as you can see in the picture, that’s like a baby bed bug. We go up to the new one and I do the same wipe down of the surfaces. This time I pull the bedding back. I don’t see any bed bugs but the mattresses and sheets are covered with stains. I go in the bathroom and I just wanted to cry. It was so dirty. This room had a tub that looked like it had not been cleaned in weeks. This has been an awful experience. It’s almost 3am and I can’t relax enough to sleep. I feel itchy now and I can’t just get up and go because I just drove 4.5 hours to get here. This wasn’t the birthday weekend I wanted for my son or myself.
This place was ok but I wouldn’t return. Front desk service was rude, you can hear your neighbors, and these rooms need an update. Everything felt really cheap. The walls were scratched, our bathroom door didn’t even close, and there was a stain on the sheets. They also do not offer daily housekeeping unless upon request, but I was told by the front desk they aren’t always able to honor it even when requested. The location is good and the hotel bar is decent. I think you can do better in the area for the price.
The best thing about Aloft is its convenient location—close to so many great places. The hotel met all of our basic needs and made for a comfortable stay overall.
One area that could use improvement is the bedroom lighting, which could definitely benefit from an overhaul. That said, the service more than made up for it. I want to specifically call out Merica Seales, Guest Service Agent, for her amazing customer service and quick help in resolving a lighting issue in my room. She was professional, attentive, and truly appreciated.
A few nearby spots are worth mentioning: Starbucks Reserve is only a 7-minute walk away and is absolutely not to be missed, and I would also highly recommend JuiceRx, just a 2-minute walk from the hotel.
Overall, it was a pleasant stay. Thank you, Merica, for making the experience even better!
One of the Best Marriotts ever! Awesome vibes, fun pool, clean gym. And the best part of my stay was the friendly, professional staff who were always above and beyond. If you think these staff are anything but perfect…I read for example one reviewer saying staff was “unprofessional,” maybe you need to evaluate yourself and think about how unprofessional you must have been to get them to be that way to you. 10/5 great job!
Excellent! Excellent! Excellent! Customer Service
Sabrina , Marlo & Amazing
Dawn assisted me when, I needed to call back to check on something. She was extremely helpful!
This was our 1st time staying there! We will definitely be back! The rooms were spacious & clean.
Centrally located to a lot of things!
Respectfully,
Dr. Bowles
Tips for Booking a Hotel Near Navy Pier
Finding the perfect room requires a bit of strategy, especially in a city where demand fluctuates with the seasons and major conventions. The following insights are designed to help you navigate the booking process like a local, ensuring you secure the best value and the most convenient experience for your specific travel dates. From timing your reservation to understanding the micro-neighborhoods, these practical tips will help you avoid common pitfalls and maximize your stay along the waterfront.
-
Book for the "Shoulder Season" for Better Rates
Chicago’s peak tourism runs from June through August, when the weather is perfect but prices are at their highest. To secure a luxury room near Navy Pier at a fraction of the cost, consider visiting in May or September. You will still enjoy pleasant weather for walking the pier, but you will face significantly fewer crowds and often find rates 20-30% lower. -
Verify the "Walk" vs. "Drive" Reality
While a hotel may list itself as "Navy Pier adjacent," Chicago blocks are long, and the pier itself extends far into the lake. If you have mobility concerns or are traveling with small children, confirm the exact walking distance. A hotel listed as "0.5 miles away" may actually require a 15-20 minute walk just to reach the pier’s main entrance gate. -
Look for Resort Fees and Parking Costs
Many upscale hotels in the Streeterville area charge daily "urban destination fees" in addition to the room rate. Before you book, calculate the total cost including this fee and overnight valet parking, which can often exceed $70 per night. Sometimes a slightly higher room rate with "all-inclusive" perks is actually the cheaper option. -
Request a High Floor Facing East
If you are staying near the lake, the view is half the experience. When checking in, politely request a high-floor room on the east side of the building. While not always guaranteed, a room overlooking the harbor or the lakefront trail transforms a standard stay into a memorable one, especially at sunrise. -
Utilize the Pedway in Winter
If you are visiting between November and March, staying a few blocks west of the pier can be advantageous. Many hotels in the area are connected to the Chicago Pedway system, a network of underground tunnels and bridges. This allows you to walk to Navy Pier or nearby shopping without stepping outside into the harsh lake-effect wind and snow.
Choosing to stay near Navy Pier places you at the intersection of Chicago’s natural beauty and its architectural grandeur. The gentle sound of the waves against the breakers provides a surprising contrast to the bustling city streets just behind you. Whether you choose a sprawling resort-style property or an intimate boutique hotel, you are guaranteeing yourself a front-row seat to one of the Midwest’s most dynamic waterfronts.
Ultimately, the best hotel for your trip is the one that aligns with your travel rhythm. If you plan to spend your days exploring the museums and your evenings dining on the pier, prioritizing proximity over room size makes sense. However, if you want a quiet retreat after a day of sightseeing, selecting a property slightly inland with a spa and fine dining will serve you better. No matter your choice, the lakefront breeze is never more than a few minutes away.
