Staying within walking distance of one of Chicago’s most treasured cultural landmarks transforms a simple trip into a seamless urban experience. The Art Institute of Chicago, located in Grant Park at the edge of the Loop, is surrounded by a dense cluster of historic architecture and modern luxury. Choosing the right base here means trading commute times for extra hours admiring masterpieces or relaxing in Millennium Park.
The immediate vicinity offers a diverse range of accommodations, from iconic luxury establishments that have hosted royalty to sleek boutique properties designed for modern travelers. Whether you are visiting for a special exhibition, a business conference at McCormick Place, or a family vacation, the right hotel sets the tone for your entire stay. The goal is to find a property that balances comfort, amenities, and proximity to the museum’s iconic bronze lions.
However, the area around the Art Institute is not just about convenience; it is about atmosphere. Many of the hotels in this district are housed in architectural landmarks, offering views of Lake Michigan, the Chicago River, or the city’s famous skyline. Staying here places you at the center of the city’s cultural heartbeat, with the theater district, symphony center, and lakefront trail all just steps away.
This guide focuses on properties that offer the best combination of location, quality, and value for museum-goers. We have analyzed walking distances, guest reviews, and unique amenities to curate a list that serves both first-time visitors and seasoned Chicago travelers. You will find options ranging from opulent five-star stays to comfortable, budget-conscious rooms that do not sacrifice cleanliness or safety.
Understanding the nuances of Chicago’s layout is key to a good visit. While the Loop is a business district, it quiets down significantly at night, offering a peaceful retreat after a busy day of sightseeing. If you prefer a livelier evening scene, staying just north of the river or slightly south near the South Loop can offer a different vibe while still keeping the museum within an easy stroll or a short rideshare trip.
Below, we have broken down the top hotels near the Art Institute of Chicago, highlighting what makes each one unique and why it might be the perfect fit for your itinerary.
The Congress Plaza Hotel & Convention Center
| Address | 520 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | (312) 427-3800 |
Our room was great! You can tell it's very old. The lobby is absolutely stunning. All the staff I encountered were friendly. There are lots of bars, restaurants, museums, and attractions within walking distance. It was a decent value compared to the other hotels in the area.
A few bad things were:
Anyone can walk into the hotel and get on the elevator. At most hotels, you have to use your key card to use the elevator.
The layout was confusing. Odd number rooms were in one tower and even were in the other tower. I found a guy wandering the halls who barely spoke English and did my best to explain this to him.
We stayed on the 13th floor of the South tower. It was beautiful. We walked around the hotel looking for the famous ghosts like the "12th floor lady" and the missing 666 room. The other floors and halls were pretty ugly. I saw this in both towers. I would confirm this when you book. I would not pay $300 per night to stay on one of those ugly floors. Also, no, we didn't have any supernatural encounters.
Also, I found underwear from a previous guest on the closet shelf when I checked in. That's just gross. I did the next guest a favor and put them in the trash.
The photos are our room, the hall, and stairs from the 13th floor. The others are the halls and stairs from another part of the hotel, and the "surprise" left by a previous guest.
Stayed for one night as my family was in town for the Morgan Wallen concert at Soldier Field. The location is great! Quick walk to the museum campus and stadium, and close proximity to Grant Park and Millennium Park too. The customer service was excellent. Check-in was quick and easy, the doorman was super friendly, and the bellman was very helpful with storing our luggage before and after our stay and with getting us transportation to O’Hare because Uber was not picking up at the hotel. It’s an old hotel so yes, the hallways and stairwells are a little run down and it doesn’t have all the amenities of a 5-star hotel,, but our room itself was perfectly fine, especially for just a one-night stay. Good size, comfortable bed, and comfortable temperature. The people trashing this hotel in reviews have to just be chronic complainers as I’d recommend this hotel and would stay here again.
Hotel charged me twice even though we only stayed one night. The room needs updated. Bathroom was not great. Can’t hardly stick your head over the sink to wash your face without hitting the glass shelf. Shower was pretty crusty and you don’t get any hot water until it’s ran for at least 20 minutes. They put a tablet that lights up the whole room at night that’s literally have the size of the TV. Room was also pretty warm and no good way of cooling it down. Mini fridge in the room wouldn’t get cold either. Only plus was there were outlets literally everywhere. Would not choose to stay here again.
Great location. Had a good time staying here. It was an old building, so, the rooms, washrooms and the hallways were fashionably outdated. The hallways smelt musty but the rooms were cozy and big. You can find old appliances but they worked well. The restrooms were old, the bathtub drained a bit slow and the toilet sometimes struggled to flush properly. Overall a decent stay. Do not let the weird rumors get to you.
Stayed here a while again for Lollapalooza; it was amazing. I choose a double bed room with my sister and had the park view on a top floor and it was incredible ; not only was the room very clean and spacious but the view at night of the festival was great as well only went for a select artists as the festival gets really packed. Other customers at the hotel were so friendly. A stay at a top floor here during the summer or fall is a must do as the park views are so great
Hi Chicago
| Address | 24 E Congress Pkwy, Chicago, IL 60605 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | — |
What a wonderful place, right in downtown Chicago! I'm a gimpy senior, loved that another guest, an 81 year old dude, opened the front door for me! Friendly staff, enjoyed the trivia night in the lounge with snacks and a wine/beer bar. I'm in a 7th floor corner room with a lovely view of Lake Michigan 😍
We stayed at HI Chicago Hostel for two weeks, and overall it was a positive experience with some important points to be aware of.
The location is excellent—very central and convenient, close to public transport, gyms, shops, and key attractions. Prices are also very reasonable, and by booking early we were able to get a private room, which made a big difference.
One thing to note for international travellers: we had some issues at check-in with non-US cards. Payments didn’t always go through smoothly, and refunds can take time. It’s not the hostel’s fault, but we strongly recommend having cash or a US-compatible payment method to avoid inconvenience.
The main downside was the kitchen area. While it’s large and well-equipped, cleanliness was a recurring issue. Sinks were often left full of dirty dishes throughout the day, and there were times when dish soap was missing, making it difficult even for guests who wanted to clean up after themselves. We reported this multiple times, and although staff said they would address it, it took several days to improve. At one point, dishes were only quickly rinsed rather than properly washed, which raised some hygiene concerns.
We also had an issue with our first room: the fan and temperature couldn’t be controlled, as it was apparently linked to another room. The fan was extremely loud and cold, which made it uncomfortable to sleep. After requesting a change, we were moved to another room where everything was fine, so it seemed to be an isolated issue.
Another small surprise was a $4 fee for receiving packages/mail, which wasn’t clearly explained when we asked about it.
That said, staff were generally helpful, and once issues were raised, they did try to assist.
Overall, this is a great option for location and value, especially if you plan ahead—but there’s definitely room for improvement in kitchen management, communication, and consistency of service.
Great hostel and location. There are two things that did bother me a little: since you dont have where to put your bath towel to dry, you have to ask for a new one every single day at the front desk. The other thing is that the music in the lounge on the 2nd floor can be annoying both because of the volume and also repetitive. Other than that its a great place with kitchen, vending machines, pool tables and games, good shower and confortable bed.
Great location, a block away from Millennium Park and the art museum. Friendly staff who are very helpful with finding local attractions. Daily activities which provide a good opportunity to meet other travelers and make connection. Free to use kitchen. Comfortable beds and private enough for a night or two. Hot water showers and fresh clean towels.
If it would be possible you would owe me five stars. Worst place in the universe for people who are traveling with their four legged family members. They don’t accept dogs. I promise you there is a spot saved for you in hell!
Freehand Chicago
| Address | 19 E Ohio St, Chicago, IL 60611 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | (312) 940-3699 |
This place was hard to find for us as it is one set of doors with the name (Freehand) in red kind of smeared font. The rooms were smaller than I expected but beds were perfect size for 1 person to sleep very comfortable and for 2 to sleep good if you dont toss and turn much. Great location and clean rooms. Comfortable but small. Definitely good room if you just need a bed to sleep. There were hangouts down on the lobby level that looked fun. Not a bad experience, but if you dont need a spacious room. This could be for you.
This hotel is so cool and swanky! Absolutely love the ambience. The lounge is super lush and beautiful. The rooms (at least our private quad) was cool but doesn’t have amenities like coffee maker, fridge, microwave. For the price and location definitely worth it! Beds were comfy!
I loved the location of this place, it’s right next to the train station which can take you all over town quickly! The front desk staff service was nice as well as the bar staff, Stacy was amazing! I would definitely come back to see her, she was a great help in local recommendations. The room was just okay tbh. Nothing crazy, didn’t smell the cleanest , the bathroom was really small but could just be the room I picked. Overall 8/10 stay
I had a wonderful stay at the Freehand. As a solo femme presenting person traveling, I felt very safe and had fun. The staff made my stay all the more enjoyable. Gia at the bar was amazing! She is so personable and knows how to make a great espresso martini. It was so fun getting to talk to her and other travelers at the bar each morning. The customer service skills of all the staff are 1000/10 as the front desk ladies also made me feel very well taken care of. I had a great birthday trip at the freehand. It’s a block away from the redline so it is very convenient for traversing the rest of Chicago. Would recommend for solo femme travelers.
The hotel staff is very kind, especially Dana! She was super helpful and kind! I think the pictures of the quadruple private room are kind of deceiving in the sense that the room is really tiny. Despite this, the experience has been great so far and the location is basically walkable distance from everything! Thanks Dana for your kindness!
Palmer House a Hilton Hotel
| Address | 17 E Monroe St, Chicago, IL 60603 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | (312) 726-7500 |
Honestly underwhelming experience. The lobby is as grand and breathtaking as it appears in photos, but that’s about all I can say.
I understand it’s the oldest hotel in the Midwest, but the rooms are nothing special for being a luxury hotel. We were on the Executive levels and I would’ve thought this was a Hampton Inn. Everything clean and comfortable, but nothing high-end at all.
The front desk service was great and brutally honest saying this hotel is not known for its views. If you’re on the NE corner you may get a glimpse of the park and the lake, otherwise enjoy the rooftops.
Cool experience, but not worth coming back.
The brownie is pretty good.
We did self-park and it was fine. A little walk, but not bad for the city. Expect to go up for a while. They will validate your parking ticket at Check In.
My husband and I stayed here for a nearby wedding and only needed the room for a short stay. In the end, that worked out well because I don’t think I would have wanted to stay much longer.
The room itself was quite small and offered very few amenities beyond a mini fridge. The bathroom was especially unusual. The shower had no curb or threshold, so water flowed across the bathroom floor and drained through a drain in the middle of the room. After every shower, there was standing water throughout much of the bathroom. It appeared to be an intentional design, but it has clearly taken a toll over time—the vanity and baseboards showed visible signs of water damage.
I understand that this is a historic building, and older hotels often have quirks. However, the bathroom also showed signs of deferred maintenance, including peeling wallpaper and chipping ceiling paint, likely made worse by the lack of ventilation.
The elevators were the biggest concern during our stay. Guests have to scan their room key before selecting a floor, but the system is very slow to register. Combined with the elevators’ slow operation, this creates long waits, which seems to encourage people to crowd into already-full elevators rather than wait for the next one.
On our first full day, we entered an elevator that already felt near capacity. Four more people squeezed in, and shortly afterward the elevator malfunctioned. The doors remained closed, but the elevator wouldn’t move. Someone pressed the emergency call button, and while an operator responded, what ultimately got us out was a maintenance employee who happened to be in the lobby. He instructed us to press a sequence of buttons, which caused the doors to crack open slightly, and then he manually forced them open the rest of the way. It was a frightening experience.
This hotel is undeniably beautiful, and its historic character is part of its appeal. However, between the dated condition of the bathroom, the water issues, and the concerning elevator experience, I think the property would benefit from significant updates to improve both comfort and guest safety.
Honestly, if I hadn't been attending an event held in the building, I wouldn't have paid what I paid to stay here. The convenience of being on-site was the main draw. The lobby, hallways, and elevators do have a genuinely nice historic feel — a little worn, but that's part of the character — and the bed was comfortable.
The room itself was another story, and the bathroom especially. There was no truly hot water, so warm showers only. White paint or similar splatter was all over the floor. The hot water faucet leaked whenever the cold tap was running, and the cold tap itself never actually shut off — it just spun continuously, with one point in the rotation where it slowed to a drip. The wallpaper was peeling in multiple spots. Out in the entry hallway, the closet doors had worn stripes running down them from years of rubbing.
Beyond the bathroom, the new Android-based entertainment system was dysfunctional and kept resetting itself. The charging station worked the first night, then stopped working the second.
None of these is catastrophic alone, but together they add up to a room that isn't being maintained to the standard the rate implies. If you're booking a historic luxury hotel, you expect the details to be handled. Convenient if your event is in the building — otherwise I'd look elsewhere.
We stayed here this past weekend. The lobby is beautiful! Service was friendly.
Unfortunately, our room was a bit run down.
Chipped corners on furniture, wallpaper peeling, mold in the shower handle and the shower kept backing up.
The beds were incredibly comfortable though.
For the price and outward look of the hotel I expected a higher quality.
Our stay at the Palmer House was made incredible by our check-in experience with Carlo C. who went above and beyond making us feel like welcomed and valued guests.
The amenities at the hotel were superb as well. The fitness center is huge with separate rooms for Pelaton bikes, aerobics, weights, treadmills, and more. The indoor swimming pool is huge and there’s even a sauna room.
There’s a Starbucks, hotel café with grab-and-go snacks, yogurt, drinks, fresh coffee and tea and the famous Palmer House brownies which are worth trying as well. Having our breakfast in the lobby was a lovely experience with the gorgeous ceilings and tons of space to sit.
The rooms were the only drawback for me. There are no coffee makers and no water refresh unless you’re a Hilton Honors member and ask at the desk. The bathrooms were tiny and tubs felt outdated. Same with the beds and bedding. There were a couple of items mysteriously missing in our room (soap, hand towel, and phone receiver of all things), but the view was gorgeous and made the rooms feel even more historical.
The location is great for taking the L or getting around the city in general. Would stay again in a heartbeat!
Travelodge by Wyndham Downtown Chicago
| Address | 65 E Harrison St, Chicago, IL 60605 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | (312) 574-3335 |
First timer review
The room is very outdated. Window is sealed and completely shut by paint. The room smells like paint and stale cigarettes. The room I thought I was getting that was pictured had a microwave and a fridge…. Neither one of these amenities are in here, which makes it inconvenient if I wanted to purchase cold breakfast items from a regular store.
There’s a large gap underneath the door… which is a little sketchy.
There are places to eat that are attached to the hotel, and around the hotel. Not sure how good they are.
Parking across the street for overnight is $62 and up. Which isn’t a big deal if you need to be parked closer.
The good part is that the hotel is within walking distance of the bean and some more fun sightings.
The staff was courteous and allowed me to check in early for a $25 fee and held the door open for those coming in or out.
I view hotels as a place to stay while enjoying a location. This fit my criteria perfectly. It was right off Millennium/Grant Park, halfway between the River and the Field and other museums. This is a perfect place if you like to walk. My room was quite large and comfortable.
The only issue was lack of parking. I found inexpensive parking at Millennium Park. I left the car there and walked to everything. I would stay here again
I chose this hotel again after a trouble-free stay last summer, but this visit was highly disappointing. We arrived to a broken TV and had to call the front desk five times just to get them to answer the phone to request maintenance. Despite leaving for the evening and returning seven hours later, the TV was never fixed. The biggest issue, however, was finding a beetle crawling on my pillow at midnight. Checking the rest of the bed for bugs completely ruined any chance of a relaxing night. Next year, we will definitely be staying elsewhere a little more modern and clean.
Me and my partner had a very good stay at this hotel, it was clean and cozy. The staff was very nice and the hotel is in walking distance of all the places we visited while in Chicago. When we return we will definitely be staying here again. Housekeeping did a very good job as well.
(I take back my 5 stars as I’ve learned that housekeeping stole my Apple iPods)
The hotel was nice for the price. Front desk staff 5 star. Beds are older and not that comfortable. Suggest adding rubber bath mat in tub and a handle . Can be quite slippery getting in and out and moving around in tub. Small footprint of tub makes it difficult to maneuver safely.
HI Chicago, The J. Ira and Nicki Harris Family Hostel
| Address | 24 East Ida B. Wells Drive, Chicago, IL 60605 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | (312) 360-0300 |
This is honestly one of the best value options I found for staying right in central Chicago. Accommodation in the city can get very expensive, so for the location and what you get, I think this hostel is a very good choice.
I stayed in an 8 bed female dorm, and the room was actually much better than I expected. It was quiet, comfortable, and felt well organized. I also liked that the toilet and shower are separated, which makes a big difference when several people are sharing the same room because one person can shower while someone else uses the bathroom.
The only thing I found inconvenient in the room was the size of the lockers. They are quite small, especially if you are traveling with a large backpack. In my case, getting my backpack in and out was awkward enough that I ended up hurting my hands a little while pulling it out. Bigger lockers would definitely improve the experience for travelers carrying more luggage.
The kitchen area is very well equipped. The hostel provides plenty of cookware, utensils, plates, cups, and basically everything you need if you want to prepare your own meals, which is a huge advantage when traveling on a budget. However, the sinks were often full of food remains, which was honestly pretty unpleasant and made the kitchen feel less clean than it otherwise was. The hostel itself provides everything necessary, but I think the shared kitchen area needs more frequent checking and cleaning.
The dining area is really nice and comfortable, with places to charge your phone or laptop, and one of my favorite details is that you can actually see the Chicago trains passing by from inside. It gives the place a very urban Chicago feeling.
Reception was friendly, although check in felt a little slow because there was quite a lot of conversation with each guest. Everyone was very nice, though, so it wasn’t a major problem. Another big plus for me is that they allow you to pay in cash, which is becoming surprisingly uncommon in some places.
There are also lots of activities organized by the hostel, including free walking tours, which is perfect if you’re traveling alone and want to meet people or discover the city without planning everything yourself. The common areas are very good too, especially the pool table area, which creates a relaxed and social atmosphere.
Overall, for the price, location, facilities, and atmosphere, I think this is an excellent hostel in downtown Chicago. There are a few things that could be improved, especially the kitchen cleanliness and the size of the lockers, but I would still happily stay here again.
My stay ended up being split into two separate bookings, and interestingly, the two experiences felt completely different.
Part 1: I spent my first two nights in a women's 4-bed dorm, and honestly, I was pleasantly surprised. The room was spotless, spacious, and much nicer than I had expected. While the bedroom was shared with three other people, the living room was shared with the neighboring dorm, so there were about eight people in total using the common space. Even so, it never felt crowded. The living room was huge, the couches were incredibly comfortable, and I actually found myself hanging out there quite a bit. The beds had privacy curtains, which I really appreciated, and since our room was on the corner, we had amazing views of Chicago from both the bedroom and the living area. If my entire stay had been like this, it would have easily been a 5/5.
Part 2: I was originally supposed to move to another accommodation for the next two nights, but something went wrong with that booking. Thankfully, the hostel was able to accommodate me again, this time in a women's 8-bed dorm. What surprised me was how different this room was. It wasn't just because there were more people, it was a completely different setup. The room felt much more cramped, there were no privacy curtains, and the beds were noticeably less comfortable. My mattress was so dented that it made sleeping difficult. The biggest issue, though, was that I noticed a man sleeping in the bed next to mine, even though I had specifically booked and confirmed that it was a women's-only dorm. I went downstairs to ask the front desk what was going on, and they immediately realized it had been a mistake. They even laughed about how someone had accidentally checked a male guest into the women's dorm and said they would fix it right away. I completely understand that mistakes happen, and I appreciated that they acted quickly. What didn't sit well with me was how they handled the situation with the guest. Instead of apologizing for their mistake and politely asking him to move, they simply told him, "You need to leave right now." He looked shocked and embarrassed, and honestly, everyone in the room felt bad for him because it clearly wasn't his fault. That moment definitely put a damper on an otherwise enjoyable stay.
Overall, I still really liked this hostel. The second-floor common area was fantastic—it was huge and had everything from book exchanges and board games to ping pong, a pool table, comfortable couches, and a giant TV where people were watching the FIFA matches. The shared kitchen was also one of the best I've seen in a hostel: spacious, well-equipped, and with beautiful views of the city.
Despite the issues with my second room, I'd still stay here again and give this a 3.7/5 rating. I'd just try to book the 4-bed dorm if possible, because the experience between the two rooms was honestly night and day.
The most budget friendly place to stay in downtown Chicago. I was in a 10 bed dorm for 3 nights. Not all the dorms have curtains, but I chose a 10 bed because it did. Each bed had a light and outlet too, and the room itself was spacious. Everyone in my room was respectful about sharing a sleeping space. There's a train nearby that runs all night, but I don't expect great sleep in a room with 9 others anyways.
I wish they had a few more bathrooms, but even on a busy weekend I always found one. They could use more hooks though!! Can't comment on the kitchen cleanliness since I didn't use it.
Highly recommend going to any social events the hostel has. I think this hostel is so big that it leads to less of a social traveler experience. They regularly do a friendly socializing event on Friday night that encourages you to talk to other guests.
There is also a Cuban cafe (with several vegan options for me!) right next to the hostel that shares an entrance.
This facility is far less clean and comfortable than any hostel I have stayed in previously. In particular, I would HIGHLY discourage other disabled people from staying at this hostel due to the numerous accessibility violations that I experienced while staying at this hostel as a wheelchair user. In order:
1) They assigned me to a top bunk (lol) and I had to spend some time and stress sorting it out with staff so I could be housed elsewhere. They should be affirmatively asking about access needs ahead of time via email to avoid these sorts of problems.
2) I spent most of my stay in a room that was branded as an "ADA-accessible" quad. The push button to the room did not work at any point during my stay, and I could barely back my chair into the room because the king-size bed took up almost all the space in the room. It is a basic expectation that a room branded as disability-accessible should be able to fit a wheelchair.... Hello?!?! If my chair didn't fold, this would have been a major problem.
3) They have a janky and unequal entry system for wheelchair users/anyone who needs ramp access. You have to enter through a side door to utilize the ramp, and they lock it after 8 PM. Then you have to ring the intercom to contact staff to have them unlock it. The obvious issue with this is that you could be stuck waiting around if the staff members are distracted, in the bathroom, awol, etc. I once got LOCKED between the two sets of doors because of a screwup with this arrangement, which was stressful and humiliating. When I called the staff out on this, their response was, "you're staying through Saturday, right?"-- as if they are only responsible for equal access when someone with an obvious disability is staying at the facility. I proceeded to point out the various problems with this system. When they justified this arrangement the name of "safety," I suggested a few feasible alternatives for ensuring oversight of this entrance: installing a security camera or tapcard system, or stationing a receptionist near this entrance. The lousy response I got was "those things cost money." This is so disrespectful of wheelchair users and other disabled people, who deserve the same convenience of entry as everyone else and should not have to hope for the good graces of the staff on duty. This response is also pretty rich considering they charge about $180 per night for a minimally adequate room in a facility that is much worse than any of the hostels I have stayed in in cities including Madrid, Barcelona, and Portland.
Do better, folks! Disabled people deserve better than these indignities.
I had a fantastic experience for my first time staying at a hostel. It made a potentially lonely-feeling solo vacation feel full and exciting. I did not realize how many people I was going to meet, especially internationals! I would definitely stay here again. The shared room was actually great and clean, I lucked out with polite roommates. They hold plenty of events for you to meet others and explore the city or just hang out — it’s like forced socializing with strangers, but you’re choosing to be there with people who actually want to talk.
Arlo Chicago
| Address | 168 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60601 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | (312) 346-1200 |
First time in Chicago and I couldn't have selected a better hotel. The location is fantastic! The L and bus are right out the door...we didn't uber once during our 4 nights here. Many attractions are within walking distance also.
The restaurant has a delicious menu and make fantastic lattes.
Also, the bed and pillows are INCREDIBLE! One of the most comfortable hotel beds I've experienced.
I would not hesitate to stay here again...excellent hospitality & service!
This place has a great location right on Michigan Ave. There is no first floor bathroom that any random person can use which is good for security purposes. You have to use your room key to get to the second floor for a bathroom or you would just go to your room. The elevators require a room key to take you up. It is a little finicky but I think most people could get the hang of it after a couple times. The way to get it to work is to hold your room card to the sensor then press your floor nearly immediately afterwards.
Antoine and Bryce were very helpful, and Antoine’s smile brightened my day and made holding my luggage a joy. They provided an option to text instead of calling the front desk or stopping by the front desk. The response isn’t always speedy but it’s a nice option for people that would rather text for communication.
The Arlo Chicago worked well for my needs and was available for a great price using booking.com, and I didn’t have any issues paying through a third party. There a restaurant onsite that I didn’t try but that could be convenient if you didn’t want to leave the property.
I was pleased with my stay and although the room cleanliness was not 100% pristine, it was good enough. I highly recommend this place if you are visiting Chicago and are interested in the Millennium Park, Grant Park, and Buckingham Fountain area. Public transit is also handy to get anywhere else as well.
Stayed here for a work trip. Beautiful, modern boutique feel. Very friendly and helpful staff. They were great in booking me a cab for a very early ride to the airport. It’s in a great location - walkable to many restaurants and the park. The rooms are a nice size, well appointed bathrooms and lots of nice lighting - under the bed lights are motion activated which is great if you get up in the middle of the night. Overall a nice experience. I’d definitely stay here again.
We had a very nice stay at the Arlo Chicago. The hotel was very clean, modern, and comfortable. The staff was very friendly and helpful from the first moment. We felt very welcome when we arrived. A special thank you to Ali and Antoine from the front office team for their kindness and support during our visit. We are very happy with our experience and would definitely come back again. We highly recommend this hotel and really enjoyed our time here.
It was a mixed bag. The rooms are very nice but quite small. The shower was very nice. For the price of the room, I was a bit disappointed. The room was also clean. The Mini fridge was filled with overpriced items to the point you can’t really use it. The hotel gives you two free cans of water but you cannot buy water in the hotel. I felt like there was a lot of nickel and dime charges too. $50 fee for early check in, ok fine, but to charge another $25 in tip of an early check in fee for “urban charge” is crazy. Additionally, maybe this is not an issue on higher floors, but the noise from the road was really bad. You can hear cars or motorcycles drag racing down the street at night. So much so that I barely got any sleep the one night so stayed here. Service was excellent and the restaurant downstairs was also really good. The location is fantastic though and there is a lot around the area to see and do. At the price point, and given the noise issues, I’d probably opt for a different property next time.
Silversmith Hotel Chicago Downtown
| Address | 10 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60603 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | (312) 372-7696 |
Great stay! This place is a gem. Beautiful inside. Excellent location to shopping, riverwalk, and the bean.
It's a landmark hotel. The room was spacious. Beautiful bathroom and lighting. High quality soap.
The room does need a refresh. The carpet, tv, and sofa is dated. I could live with that because everything else was great. If it's a luxury hotel you need house keeping daily not every other day. Also add slippers.
My wife and I had a wonderful stay. The staff was amazing, so pleasant, and accommodating. Every morning we were greeted by the front desk. The bartender at the Adamus was fantastic. The only reason I couldn't give it 5 stars was that it's a bit dated and shows. The wallpaper was peeling and the carpets were coming up at the seams. But overall a great hotel.
Had a wonderful stay at the Silversmith Chicago. The STARS of my stay were Beverly and Susan, at the front desk. Besides being a joy to work with on hotel business they both had great recommendations for places to go and things to do. The Silversmith is about three blocks from the Art Institute of Chicago and Millennium Park. Plenty to do and see without the need of a car or transportation. Cheers to the staff and keep up the spectacular work!
I stayed 2 nights from May 13 and Beverly was so nice and kind. Also, other front desk staffs were great, too.
Great location and I stayed Room 310, I was not bothered at all with Subway Train noise.
I definitely stay here again, when I visit Chicago again. Most of tourist attractions are within walking distance. Include shopping…
I had an amazing time staying at the Silversmith Hotel during my very first trip to Chicago. The staff members, especially Beverly, Shanika, and Lucia were all incredibly friendly and helpful. They gave me some excellent recommendations for food and activities and were just genuinely very nice. I love that they offered me water when they saw me struggling with the heat. Just excellent customer service all around.
My room was also very nice. Everything was clean and functional. I had a junior king suite and the room was spacious and very comfortable. It was within walking distance of tons of restaurants, attractions, and stores which made everything very convenient. Overall great. I would definitely stay there again and recommend to anyone visiting Chicago.
Staypineapple, An Iconic Hotel, The Loop Chicago
| Address | 1 W Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | (312) 940-7997 |
The hotel was lovely. Room was very pretty with all in excellent condition. The staff were all very nice and helpful. While I cannot remember all of the names, I know that DJ, Darnell and Nef were all very helpful as were the other people who were there to help with storing luggage, giving directions and ideas of what to see, etc., and the cleaning person. The filtered water available night and day, including sparkling water(!) without using any extra products (i.e. plastic pollution) was very much appreciated. The afternoon cookies and coffee also were lovely and delicious.
The location was perfect for a first time visit to Chicago for easy access to Millenium park, the Art Institute of Chicago and the El. I will stay there again if I return to Chicago. Many aspects made it feel like a luxury stay.
Great hotel, great location. Charming, well staffed. When we stayed they were at capacity and everything ran smoothly.
Friends stayed at the Embassy Suites which was a zoo of small kids and poor staffing and chaos.
This hotel is dog friendly but I couldn't see a trace of any pet ever, short of the available dog treats. Staff offered wine when we checked in. Bar drinks are excellent.. small restaurant there, food is excellent..
Uber picks up right outside. We didn't drive, valet can be expensive at $77/night. Bikes are available. Easy walk to shopping, mall, and Riverwalk.
Rooms are not huge but are well maintained and the beds are amazing. We stayed on the 8th floor, city noise is a thing (mainly traffic honking, but that's part of the location). Staff is super.
Don't book 3rd party, we waited about 20 minutes behind a couple who did not book direct and whose reservation notes were not passed on. Small hotels - always book direct.
From the moment we arrived, the staff made us feel incredibly welcome with their warm greetings and attentive service.Our room was a comfortable haven with a beautiful view of the city. We were deeply touched by the thoughtful welcoming gifts of champagne, fresh berries, chocolates, and souvenirs. The convenient location near the train station and excellent dining, including the wonderful restaurant downstairs, made exploring easy. Thank you for making our anniversary trip to so special. We look forward to returning!
For context, we travel quite frequently all over the world and have stayed in many hotels. We loved everything about our stay here. The building is beautiful and ornate. The whimsical pineapple decor is tasteful and fun. The bed was comfortable, absolutely loved the separate duvets (so fluffy). The pillows weren't great, but that is typical in hotels. The room was clean. Staff was helpful, friendly, professional. Would absolutely stay here again.
Great location! An older building, but it’s charming. The staff is what puts it over the edge— DJ, Darnell, and Sharneice (spelling? She has a great bob haircut) were standouts. We had a long and rough travel day, and DJ’s warmth and helpfulness made all the difference when we had to get settled in. Darnell was able to point us in the right direction when we were turned around. Also the free drink at check-in is a great perk. The restaurant is also very tasty. Location is close to great shopping and a nice walk to great restaurants. We also had a great view of the Chicago theater from our room. Worth visiting and considering, if only for the staff!
Cambria Hotel Chicago Loop - Theatre District
| Address | 32 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | (872) 710-9539 |
Cassandra at the restaurant was fantastic! She made breakfast a great experience. The food was delicious. The restaurant atmosphere is calm and relaxing for breakfast. The night before, there was happy hour from 4-6pm. Our waiter made sure we were well taken care of. The rooms were nice and clean. Location is perfect for anything you want to do in the Loop.
Had a great experience at this Cambria. I had stayed at one other previously in Austin and was quite pleased. Decided to stay here on my business trip to Chicago.
It wasn't as easy to find/see walking up, but once in the lobby, you go to the 9th floor for check in. That was a little different but not a problem.
The rooms were a touch smaller but still plenty spacious enough. Good shower pressure and hot water, good towels, coffee in room, etc.
There restaurant / bar area looked good from what I saw, but I didn't go as it was a quick trip with a business dinner. There was a game room I wanted to visit but didn't get a chance. The fitness room had a few cardio machines, dumbells, kettle bells, and a tower, enough for an effective workout.
All in all, great price for the room and would recommend.
Fantastic stay. Super clean rooms extremely helpful staff thank you guys so much for letting me run around and look for my stuff when it was missing. Hugest hugest shout out to Brett and Maria at the front desk. You made my stay a thousand times better thank you so much for everything that you did. Rooms were huge and very clean as well. What should have been a stressful business day was 10 times more relaxing thanks to staying here. Fantastic location awesome doormen. Highly highly recommend you stay here.
Latrice at the front desk was very friendly and made my stay feel welcoming and fun! James at the front door was always very friendly and professional and always accommodating. Dave in the restaurant bar was very friendly and gave great advice for local restaurants and entertainment. I would highly recommend this hotel. Thank you for the very positive experience.
James, the doorman was such a sweetheart! Very friendly and knowledgeable about the area. The bartender, Dave was also very sweet and friendly. The room was quiet and comfortable. We would definitely stay there again on our next trip to Chicago!
Sentral Michigan Avenue Chicago Hotel
| Address | 808 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | (888) 687-9089 |
Lout A. & Lavi A. were very professional and attentive reps. They welcomed us and made sure we were good to go. The hotel was fantastic, the bed was really comfortable, the bathroom was clean and there weren’t any unpleasant smells. Thank-you for the 5-star treatment.
I don't know where to start...let's try from the beginning. My friend booked this hotel through Expedia for her 40th birthday. From the photos and overall reviews, it seemed like a nice place to stay. Checking in: couldn't understand the front desk staff well due to the language barrier. Also, they told us it was a $500 security deposit. What on Earth?! This was not advertised anywhere. I've stay in a lot of places, but I've never heard of a $500 security deposit for a hotel. As soon as we went into room 1008, it smelled like garbage, there were stains on the carpet and there were scratches and dents on the wall. I asked for a room change due to the smell. The manager informed us that only one other room was available to rent so we prayed that there weren't any other issues. Welp, room 2008 was smaller, it smelled like a man who didn't shower for a week, and there were stains on the carpet. Only thing I could do at this point was ask them to bring candles and deodorizer spray. They weren't able to bring candles, but after the maintenance guy finished deodorizing the place, it smelled so much better. Why didn't they do that beforehand? I can't answer that. So the next issue was the sheets in one of the rooms. I went to take a nap, and saw stains when I pulled the covers back. I'm no expert, but it looked like make-up. I asked them to change the sheets, but they said there isn't housekeeping service around the clock so the best they could do was give me sheets to put on the bed myself. Yikes! I almost threw up changing those sheets. The mattress cover had all kinds of stains on it. I can't even begin to describe what those stains looked like. The next issue was with one of the showers. It wasn't draining properly so the water accumulating at the bottom. At this point, I was tired of calling downstairs so we simply used one shower...it was 4 of us. I would NOT recommend this place. Not even as a last resort.
I've been going back and forth on a one or two star review but I think I have to go with one star for numerous reasons.
To start with, we walk in from our flights and the front desk person looks at us, then points over to the terminals in the room to check in with, instead of with them, which is whatever, but weird. It made it feel much more impersonal. During the check in, you have to have pictures taken of the front and back of your license, with no information about if those pictures are stored in their systems, deleted after your stay, etc (super sketchy honestly) and then they hit you with a 500 dollar security deposit that they dont mention, which is crazy, but it's not like I was going to find another hotel at that moment instead.
We get up to the room and almost immediately notice issues. Somehow BOTH rugs in the separate rooms have big wine stains on them (and one even had other stains on it), and the laminate on the kitchen cabinets are either broken/peeling off, or bubbled up on at least 3/6 cabinets. So I text the front desk because they say to and wanted to make sure that this stuff was known and that we wouldn't be charged (you know, since they made us give them a security deposit). All I get back is "Thanks for letting us know, sorry for the inconvenience".
Other weird things that made our stay not great
-The TV was not properly logged out of peoples accounts. I saw 2 other peoples google emails.
-The dishes in the cabinet were not clean and had stuff on them.
-The lamp in the living room was both not plugged in and had a kitchen towel wrapped around the bulb. It didn't look like one of the rooms towels either, so I just kind of wonder where it came from?
-The shower, while nicely sized, does not have *any* storage or shelves in it, so I just had to put all my shower stuff on the ground.
-The AC in each room is controlled by things called "ecobee" that were not registered. It asked me to register it on my phone. Additionally, it was set to schedules that I tried to edit but couldnt, so our temps were all over the place.
There was another small thing or two, but I think you get the idea at this point. It really felt like the rooms were not properly cleaned and felt more like looking at a "landlord special" rental.
Definitely not a place I'll ever return to, especially for the price. The one good bit was the location.
Edit: I reached out to the company since Matt asked me to in the response but didn't provide an email to reach out to. Ill update here if/when they respond (or if they don't).
We had an amazing experience. The location and rooms were super nice! We were a walk away from soldier field! Solid spot. I will look for this place again when visiting Chicago (or if Kanye performs again). Lout was a great help!
This was the best experience for myself and my family. The staff was amazing and the location across the from the park was chef’s kiss as I was able to take my dog to get his daily exercise. Lout at the front desk really help make my experience wonderful.
Pendry Chicago
| Address | 230 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60601 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | (312) 985-0942 |
If you're trying to use your CSR benefits, I'd book elsewhere.
Location- Great. Close to a lot of different things, we walked to most of our places.
Rooms- they upgraded us and I was excited but then realized the room was really just a larger room with weird unused space to it. No view, nothing extra in the room. The carpet could use a shampoo. If they put you in a corner room that is just you in that hallway, don't think it's cool, it's noisy. Our room was right next to the service door/ stairs so all morning you could hear the Staff coming in and out.
Staff- super friendly.
Amenities- doesn't have anything id consider 4 star hotel worthy to mention. Maybe the bath robes being really soft?
CSR benefits-
early check in/ out. They offered earlier check in for a $75 fee when we arrived at 11 am, which we declined since it was almost 12 which they said was the earliest we could check in, but then we had to wait until 230 pm to get into our room, made no sense and we were disappointed that when we said to the check in staff we'd just wait that hour to get in without paying the fee, they didn't explain like hey your room actually isn't ready yet and time is tbd even though we were going to happily take that $75. Seemed sketch which i didn't appreciate. We sat in their lounge area until almost 1 before we just had them hold our bags and went to eat.
Late check out- nope. After a little kind questioning, they offered 1 pm. I've always been able to check out at 4 with CSR.
The venteaux restaurant- pretty and awesome staff, but the food was not anything special.
Their rooftop- underwhelming. When we checked in for our reservation we were specifically told to be sure to mention there was a birthday for a complimentary drink or dessert, I did mention it, they did not offer that, and I didn't say anything because we used the property credit anyways. Food, no flavor. We got the lemon blueberry cake and hummus plate. Espresso martini was not good. It's more of a pre dining experience for appetizers. We had made other reservations later that night and we were glad we did.
Overall, it's a pretty and historic building that is cool to say you stayed in with staff that is super friendly but nothing i would rebook again via csr. It was on a points boost and to use the ihg credit which helped to ease the blow of disappointment to our wallets. Id go elsewhere next time in Chicago to see what other csr places had to offer.
Beautiful hotel. We would definitely stay here again. Rooms are extremely clean and nicely furnished. Adjoining rooms a great option for families. Modern finishes. Fairly priced. Interesting historical past. Location was perfect. Centrally located in the heart of downtown. Easy walk to Riverwalk and Milleninium Park, tons of food options. No need for a car. Front desk staff was wonderful and helpful. The only negative which is no fault of the hotel is the street noise at night from Michigan Ave.
Great hotel with exceptional service. The rooms were simple yet thoughtfully designed and well laid out, providing a comfortable stay. The bar was a standout—the drinks were anything but ordinary, offering unique flavors and creative presentations that set them apart from the typical hotel bar experience. Overall, a memorable stay, and I would gladly return.
Maybe we caught it at a bad time but this experience makes me rethink Pendry. After staying at their great location in NYC we wanted to try for our Chicago trip. We found the hotel to be not prepared, underwhelming, inconvenient to get picked up in uber safely. I opted to upgrade to a suite and it was nothing special for the price charged. Food was sub par on property and for majority of my stay only 1 elevator worked. At one point we waiting 30 min for an elevator that wasn’t cramped and ended up gaming to go up/down 11 flights of stairs. I would recommend elsewhere.
Probably the worst bang for the buck I have ever seen in a hotel.
My first room smelled of dust and plaster, so I got it changed.
The rooms are spacious, bedding is average, you feel stuck inside a big building with zero ability to access fresh air, it's unpleasant.
Elevators are slow and not all are working.
Shower and bathroom are average.
Do not recommend.
Tips for Choosing the Perfect Hotel Near the Art Institute
Selecting a hotel in a major city like Chicago requires more than just looking at a map and finding the closest dot to the museum. The Loop and its surrounding neighborhoods have distinct personalities that change depending on the time of day and year. By considering a few key factors beyond the nightly rate, you can ensure your accommodation enhances your trip rather than complicating it.
Prioritize Walking Distance Over Public Transit: While Chicago has an excellent "L" train system, staying within a 10-15 minute walk of the museum saves you time and money. The area directly south and east of the museum is highly walkable and generally safe during the day and evening.
Check for Hidden Fees: Many downtown Chicago hotels, especially the larger ones, charge "urban destination fees" or "resort fees" that are not included in the initial booking price. Always check the fine print for these mandatory nightly charges, as they can add $25 to $50 to your bill.
Consider the "Loop" Weekend Vibe: If you are visiting on a weekend, note that the financial district can be very quiet. While this means less foot traffic and often lower room rates, some restaurants and coffee shops may have limited hours. If you prefer a constant buzz, look slightly north toward the River North border.
Look for Michigan Avenue Access: Hotels that sit directly on or adjacent to Michigan Avenue offer a dual benefit. You get immediate access to the Art Institute and Millennium Park, but you are also at the doorstep of Chicago’s premier shopping district, making it easy to drop off shopping bags during the day.
Evaluate View vs. Price: Many hotels in this area charge a premium for rooms facing Lake Michigan or Grant Park. If you plan to be out exploring from morning until night, a standard city-view room can save you significant money. However, if you enjoy morning coffee with a view, the upgrade is often worth the splurge.
Choosing a home base near the Art Institute allows you to experience Chicago at your own pace. You can visit the museum early to beat the crowds, take a break in your room, and return for an evening event or a stroll through the park without logistical stress.
Whether you opt for the historic grandeur of a landmark hotel or the understated elegance of a modern tower, staying in this district puts the best of Chicago at your feet. The convenience of walking back to a comfortable room after a long day of absorbing art and architecture is the ultimate luxury for the discerning traveler.
