Standing 1,353 feet above the Windy City, the Skydeck at Willis Tower offers one of the most breathtaking urban panoramas on the planet. From the dizzying heights of The Ledge—a glass balcony extending four feet outside the building—visitors can see up to four states on a clear day. Because this iconic attraction sits in the heart of the Chicago Loop, staying nearby means you are minutes away from not only the Skydeck but also the city’s financial district, Millennium Park, and the Art Institute.
Choosing the right hotel in downtown Chicago can make or break your itinerary, especially if you want to maximize your time sightseeing rather than commuting. The Loop and the adjacent West Loop and River North neighborhoods offer a diverse range of accommodations, from historic architectural landmarks to sleek, modern boutiques. Whether you are traveling with family, on a romantic getaway, or visiting for a quick business trip, there is a perfect home base just a short walk or quick ride from the tower.
The area surrounding Willis Tower is exceptionally walkable, but Chicago’s weather can be unpredictable, making proximity a significant advantage. Staying within a half-mile radius allows you to pop back to your room to drop off shopping bags or warm up during the winter months. Furthermore, many hotels in this district offer stunning views of the Chicago River or the skyline itself, allowing you to enjoy the city’s architecture even when you are not at the observation deck.
When evaluating the best hotels near Skydeck Chicago, several factors come into play beyond just distance. We have considered guest reviews, on-site dining options, room quality, and overall value to ensure you get the most out of your stay. You will find options ranging from luxurious five-star properties with spas to budget-friendly boutiques that do not compromise on comfort. Each selection offers a unique perspective on Chicago’s famous hospitality.
This guide is designed to help you find the ideal accommodation that suits your travel style and budget. We understand that a trip to Chicago is about more than just a view from the top; it is about immersing yourself in the culture, food, and energy of the Midwest’s largest city. Therefore, every hotel listed here provides convenient access to public transportation, making it easy to explore neighborhoods beyond the Loop as well.
Below, you will find our curated list of the top places to stay. We have highlighted what makes each property special, from historic charm to modern amenities, ensuring that your visit to the Skydeck is complemented by a restful and memorable hotel experience.
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!
Holiday Inn & Suites Chicago-Downtown by IHG
| Address | 506 W Harrison St, Chicago, IL 60607 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | (312) 957-9100 |
The good: Location was near a train stop, plenty of eating venues within a short walk or train ride, quiet hotel, comfortable beds. Fitness center was good with sufficient equipment. Customer service was very good, no concerns there.
Could be better: the area around the hotel is not the ideal place to be - especially at night; the room was your typical "compact" downtown Chicago room, elevators need an upgrade (in bad condition).
I would stay here again as none of my issues were showstoppers.
💖Our family stayed at Holiday Inn & Suites Chicago Downtown for two nights, and we had a wonderful experience.
The location was excellent. We were able to explore Chicago easily using the Blue Line and Bus 124, making it very convenient to visit many of the city’s attractions without a car.
The room was clean, comfortable, and well-maintained. We also appreciated the convenience area on the first floor, where snacks, drinks, a microwave, basic medications, laundry supplies, and other useful items were available for purchase. It was clear that the hotel had thoughtfully considered the needs of its guests.
Overall, this hotel made our stay in Chicago much more enjoyable and comfortable. We would gladly stay here again on a future visit. Thank you for a great experience! 😊🏨👍
We stayed here just one night. The location was so convenient for us. We departed from the Amtrak station early in the morning and it was an only five minute walk. The rooms were very clean, though they are dated and show some signs of wear. The lady at the front desk was very pleasant when we checked in. Overall I would stay here again.
We spent two nights here on a weekend and absolutely will return again! This is an affordable, clean, and extremely comfortable hotel in a safe spot with amazing breakfast and lunch places on the same block (shoutouts to Ahuevo! and Himalayan!). We were just there to see the city and the location couldn't have been better for us. Easy to get to, easy and cheap to park in the adjacent lot. Cons are minimal: the rooms are not as spacious as others, and the bathroom in my room was small. Pros are huge: location, location, location! Willis tower literally towers over the hotel making this the perfect staging point for a weekender in Chicago! Super friendly staff, lovely clean room, perfect location, truly a wonderful stay. Thank you so much!
Hotel itself is okay. Rooms are nice, clean, and affordable. There is very little parking actually provided by the hotel, instead the primary parking is run by SpotHero and costs $25/night. Not a terrible price but I would have appreciated either advance notice or another option either free or rolled into the cost of my room. I've only interacted with one staff member but she was very obviously rushing me through the check-in process so she could go back to talking to her friend, something I find rude and off-putting when you are, for all intents and purposes, the face of the company from my point of view.
Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Downtown/Magnificent Mile
| Address | 10 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | (312) 595-0000 |
Hilton Gardens is officially my 'go to' hotel when coming to Chicago. My 2nd stay here. The location is perfect for me. The rooms are clean and well appointed
The staff is friendly and strive to make their guests comfortable. The views are great and having Webber grill restaurant on site makes this a very convenient place to relax and enjoy this beautiful city.
I did not use the pool as it's not an amenity I care about.
The ac worked flawlessly and my room was very comfortable. Fluffy pillows, crispy cool sheets, clean bathroom, microwave and a normal k-cup coffee brewer.
Thank you Hilton Gardens.
We chose the hotel for its proximity to the red line which made it super easy to get around the city. The front desk staff were helpful and accommodating. No issues leaving our bags before check-in.
No safety concerns walking around the area other than a normal need to be mindful of your surroundings.
My only complaint was the bathroom in the lobby was not clean.
Booked this hotel for my birthday weekend and it was not what I expected at all. I mainly booked this hotel for the indoor pool and as you can see in the pictures it looks like a very nice indoor pool, that is not true. Its less than 4ft deep and it is super small. I also called housekeeping for more towels to my room no one ever brought towels. The lady at the front desk was very rude. They charge an overpriced deposit of $100 per night that they dont mention at all before being charged. And on top of all of that they took 45 minutes to check me in, terrible service. The only good thing is the location other than that this place is falsely advertised online and highly unprofessional. Dont waste your money here
Great stay overall — this Hilton Garden Inn is in a super convenient spot right on Grand Ave, and for the price it’s hard to beat. I was able to get a room with two queen beds for around $110/night, which felt like a really good deal for downtown Chicago.
Location is the main win here. It’s very walkable to shops, restaurants, and plenty to do around downtown. Staff was friendly and helpful, and service was consistently good.
The rooms are decent — nothing fancy or “wow,” but they’re clean, nicely kept, and comfortable.
Amenities were a nice bonus:
• Indoor pool is small (only about 4 ft deep), so don’t expect to swim laps, but it’s a chill spot to relax. Being indoors with nice city views makes it feel better than your typical hotel pool. It was open 6 AM–10 PM.
• Fitness center has a decent mix of equipment for beginner to intermediate workouts (I attached pics), and it’s open 24 hours.
• Also good to know: the pool, gym, conference rooms, and restrooms are all on the 12th floor. I wouldn’t have guessed that (I assumed lower floor or top floor), so it’s helpful to know going in — staff is who pointed it out to me.
One small downside: the shower is pretty tight. I’m an average-sized person and still felt a bit cramped — the horizontal space is narrow enough that I kept bumping into the wall and the shower door.
Overall, I’d definitely recommend this place if you want a clean, affordable downtown stay with a great location and solid basics.
Where do I start? First, let’s start at the parking. It’s mandatory valet parking that is $200 outside of the expensive hotel. Pretty much every hotel has a $70 valet parking fee in that area (per night). It wouldn’t be a problem at all if it was WORTH IT. Not to mention, you have to wait an extra 10-15 min to either get your car or drop your car off. Though, they do a pretty decent job at trying to get the cars in and out, it’s still not a good enough system because then people dropping their car off end up blocking the street. Next, the hotel room…… yeah, so they have a really BAD roach infestation. How roaches get up 40 floors? Idk but clearly the building isn’t being taken care of. This has made my Chicago experience a really bad experience. If you do go and visit, avoid this hotel (Magnificent Mile Hotel/Hilton garden Inn)!
SN: the pool is empty and dirty
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Chicago Downtown
| Address | 1 S Franklin St, Chicago, IL 60606 |
|---|---|
| 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) 588-9873 |
Although the stay was in a great location, I heavily warn against anyone wishing to stay here. When we first checked in everything was great, the room seemed clean, the staff was friendly upon arrival, and we had high hopes for our trip to Chicago. Things changed rather quickly though. On the Friday of our stay before we left the room for the day, we found a very clear bed bug on one of our pillows. As is traditional, we reported the bug to the front desk, took pictures of said bug, and presented whoever the manager on duty was with the evidence of what we found. They told us they would refund our laundry, move us rooms, and investigate the disturbance. We obliged and trusted they would make it right. On Sunday, another member of our party went to the front desk to get answers from the manager about what happened and what steps they were going to take outside of moving us rooms and refunding our laundry. Low and behold, no notes were left on our account, nothing was mentioned of the bug we found, and not a single thing had yet to truly happen in order to accurately determine whether the room was infested or not. Mind you reader, we had to pack ALL of our things, move floors, and hope that nothing we brought on our stay was now also infested. The best they could do by check out was a 15% refund, after hiking up prices for the weekend because of the fest. Deplorable. We have stayed at this hotel in the past and its clear its gone down hill. To top everything off, on a visit to the bar, the bartenders were dismissive, rude, and when people tried to order a snack the bartender was dismissive and told them “kitchens closed”. If you are looking for a good place to stay for your trip I suggest somewhere that isn’t here and in order to avoid spending as much as you did on a bad, infested, and frankly anxiety inducing hotel, avoid the LaQuinta in the loop.
Great hotel. Convenient location within walking distance to many things. Welcoming front desk staff. Leona was so accommodating, from holding our luggage, getting towels - when asked and not waiting to be brought to the room, and wishing us a good day, she made a great impression on our stay. Keep smiling, Leona - it looks beautiful on you! Breakfast was perfect. Kitchen/breakfast staff were super friendly and kept things stocked and clean. Franklin on 2 bartender and waitress wore many hats but did so with a smile and timely. We were there 3 nights and 4 days and would stay again. Thank you LaQuinta Inn for the wonderful stay! Room was a good size. The only little imperfection was the mold around the shower bar in the bathroom.
If you have business in the area like at the Franklin, this is a really good location. But, there are better choices nearby.
Things to know that might be of interest to you include the fact that no rooms have safes, which is really table stakes in better hotels these days. Also, while coffee is available, they don't have good creamer options. I like half and half or Coffee mate regular, but when I asked for either the breakfast staff abruptly said they didn't have any. I don't like having to leave the hotel for a basic cup of coffee in the morning.
Bedding was just okay.
Room HVAC was good and didn't turn off when it didn't sense movement, meaning it didn't shut off in the night.
Three stars at best. Better options within a stone's throw.
Service at the bar was really good -especially Terri and Sebastian, the rooms were exceptionally clean. I loved the QR code for room cleaners, wish they had it for the bar to give tip with the complementary drink tickets they issue each evening. Beds super comfy, breakfast was fine, location superb.
I do think that the front check in people seem stressed, like on edge a little. Everyone was doing their job, just a little edgy - especially when crowded.
Overall for the cost, given the location, cleanliness, better than average HVAC - especially, I believe it was an exceptional value.
Spacious, clean rooms for an average price. The amenities were good (mini fridge, microwave, and keurig). Easy walk to many restaurants and attractions. Only complaint was thay we stayed for 2 nights and there was no housekeeping service, not even to pick up trash. But the breakfast service and complimentary evening drink was great!
Nicole helped us check in and was awesome! She helped our party get rooms close together which made our trip great!
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.
Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Central Loop
| Address | 245 S Franklin St, Chicago, IL 60606 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | (773) 809-6860 |
I was having a difficult time finding a hotel at a reasonable price and stumbled across this one. Let me start by saying that the room was very clean and spacious. I was very happy that the place had a refrigerator and microwave. Check-in was easy, and I was able to check in before 3 p.m. with no issues whatsoever. The fitness room was clean, and the staff were very kind and attentive. I think the only issue I had was with the curtains. They wouldn’t fully slide, so the corner was exposed, so I had to move a chair to keep the curtain in place. Other than that, I was very happy with my stay :).
This has been the worst experience. The night front desk person Candace was extremely rude and unhelpful.
My flight was delayed multiple hours and apparently they canceled my reservation stating eh credit card was decline- which was odd because the room had been paid in full in May. Weeks prior to my stay. I booked the room through Expedia and Candace refused to look on the confirmation number through Expedia. She told my previous room was sold and there was no rooms available. However when I went on the Hilton website I was able to rebook the room at a much higher rate than the Expedia price.
I contacted Expedia and their rep said when they contacted the hotel they said they could no longer honor the Expedia reservation because I had already made a new reservation. Mind you I got into Chicago at nearly 3AM. Neither the hotel or Hilton customer service was able to help as the all reported there were no rooms. Despite my ability to book a new reservation.
They did nothing to offer help or a practical solution. Both the hotel and customer service were disappointing in their approach. I am traveling with my daughter and being told you do not have a room at 3 AM despite having a booking that was paid in full was concerning and frightening.
Now I have to wait and see if the Manager is going to approve my refund- I am doubtful based on the poor customer service and the confrontational attitude of Candace the night front desk person.
I would not recommend this hotel. If I could give it zero stars I would, but I will have to settle for one star.
The Hilton Garden Inn in downtown Chicago (Loop) is an easy walk from the Blue Line train station (that I took from the airport). The room I had was clean and comfortable, although, being in the heart of the city the window needed to have the blackout curtain closed for privacy. Since I could see into the windows in the building across the street, the occupants in that building would have the same view into my room. That's not the fault of the hotel, it's just part of the urban experience. The staff was friendly, attentive and professional. The room doesn't come with any perks. For as much as they charge, I would have expected breakfast. The location is convenient to UIC and DePaul Universities, as well as a restaurants, and the lak3. But there wasn't much else of interest in the area.
The rooms are really nice with a separate seating area and tv.
The coffee bar in the lobby is dissapointing, they never had any sugar and we stayed for 1 week. They also had a laundry area so you could wash your clothes but didn't have any quarters so we had to go find a bank for that. Location was good. Lose to bus and the L.
Ugh. Climate control is disastrous. Airless rooms. No concierge. No real staff other than front desk. Few amenities. I'm up reviewing because the pillows feel like stuffed socks and the temperature keeps fluctuating. I woukd be asleep right now in a good hotel with a damn window I can open.
Crowne Plaza Chicago West Loop by IHG
| Address | 25 S Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60661 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | (312) 829-5000 |
I have had several wonderful stays at the Crowne Plaza Chicago West Loop. The hotel was clean, comfortable, and in a great location with easy access to restaurants and everything I needed during my visit. The staff was consistently friendly and welcoming, making me feel at home from the moment I arrived.
A special thank you to Tiana, who truly went above and beyond. Her kindness, professionalism, and genuine desire to make sure guests have a great experience did not go unnoticed. It's employees like Tiana who turn a good hotel stay into a memorable one. She is an incredible asset to the Crowne Plaza team.
I would absolutely stay here again and highly recommend this hotel to anyone visiting Chicago.
My first night started off rough only because of one the staffers were rude, but it was all made up by the rest of the staff. They had pretty great attitude and also very helpful. I love the location is located in a great spot close to downtown the room was clean. Shower was great. Ended up having breakfast there and it was also nice and the people were very sweet and helpful at the restaurant overall, I would definitely go back and stay there mostly because of the location and of course the staff was great except for the one incident we had . Overall, I’ll give it 10 out of 10 for my vacation hopefully will be back soon
Nothing about this hotel makes it 4 ⭐️ worthy. The entire hotel is non-smoking, yet as soon as you exit the elevator the halls reek of weed. Our room was dated and smelled horribly of dog pee as if the carpets haven’t been cleaned in ages with deodorizer. If you are wanting this location, then I’m sure it’s great but you can hear all of the road noise, so if a quiet hotel is what you’re after, this isn’t it. After our flight being canceled, this is the first hotel we could find at midnight within an 8 mile radius of the airport and we had hoped it would be a decent one. I do have to say Regina at the front desk was helpful and responsive in listening to my concerns, so that aspect was great.
I had a wonderful experience at this hotel, thanks in a large part to the outstanding staff. Regina at the front desk provided exceptional customer service. She was friendly, professional, and made me feel welcome from the moment I arrived.
I’d also like to recognize Roxeanne in the breakfast area for her helpfulness and positive attitude. She went out of her way to ensure i had a great start to my day.
Both Regina and Roxeanne are true assets to the hotel. Their hospitality made my stay memorable, and I look forward to returning.
Thanks,
N. Harris 6/4-6/7
I usually do not complete reviews but I am so irritated that I had to. I wanted to find a nice location that was close to the medical district were I work. For this to be a 4 star hotel, I was not impressed at all. My first interaction was the front desk agent which was not a friendly one. The other customers were talking loudly and she was speaking to me in such a low tone. I needed to hear because she was explaining the parking situation and the associated costs. I politely asked could she speak up and she clearly let me know she was irritated. I'm like whatever, I'm not going to let that bother me. The room was dated. I guess I expected more for over $350 a night. I'm like whatever, it is what it is. I go to get ice and the ice machine does not work. At this time, I made the decision to leave in the morning although I paid for two nights. I received a text asking how my stay was, and I responded honestly that I wasn't impressed and left and gave them my reasons. They stated they would email me my receipt.
A week later, they still have not emailed me my receipt. I called the hotel because my card was not credited back the incidentals. I was told because I did third party booking they couldn't find the confirmation???? WTH??? I received the run around and still never received my receipt from Crown Plaza. Avoid this place at all costs. Word of mouth is powerful and I will let everyone at work know about my experience.
Best Western River North Hotel
| Address | 125 W Ohio St, Chicago, IL 60654 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | (312) 467-0800 |
Hotel is definitely not exactly as it seems online. The view from the room was a street light shining into our room, rooms were fairly clean. The office offers free coffee, but the only breakfast was juice from 6-9 am or something. Pool was a bit dingy, but big. The roof patio was great, lovely view and seating, the photos make it look much bigger and more on a roof than a patio that it is. Parking is 50$ a night, and if you get a regular room not a premium you have to use an outdoor elevator to get to your room. Then go outside to get to and from the lobby which has the pool and roof access. It is surrounded by a lot of places to walk to, the restaurant attached really isn’t that worth it. But it’s quick and easy so it’s not horrible.
I read so many bad reviews of this place we almost cancelled our reservation but we stayed here and honestly I have to assume most of the 1 star reviews are either lies from a competitor or idiots getting it mixed up with a different hotel. Some of the biggest complaints I read were the rooms not matching the pictures and the place being horribly run down and smelling of mold and pee. None of those things are true. Another complaint was having to go there the garage to get to the fifth floor, that is also not true. This place was actually really nice for the price. Not only do they have room service, which really surprised me, but their menu was huge. Most hotels these days with room service have very limited menus.
We requested an early check in which they granted us but then they didn’t have anything available until 3ish but they made up for it by offering us free breakfast which was also really good. Usually when we come to Chicago we stay at much nicer hotels because we have so many points with Marriott and Choice but we’ll definitely stay a night or two on future trips given the price.
Fantastic location, good & clean room and bathrooms, helpful & friendly staff. The pool/gym/terrace area is clean and fun. Overall a great choice for your stay in Chicago in a great central area.
My only knock is the noise. Maybe it is because we had a corner room, but the noises from outside were very loud - we could hear all the music, conversation, honks, and sirens all throughout the night. It’s a safe area so it didn’t bother us too much but worth considering if you are sensitive to noise.
Agter a pretty shitty entry to chicago the team at best Western helped restore my faith in the city.
Both on check in and with luggage storage the staff were excellent and extremely helpful.
The rooms were clean today and
Comfortable.
Grat job.
Very descent hotel. Very nice service at the front desk and the lobby (concierge related service man - very nice person). Free coffee and juices at the lobby. Clean, quiet, and spacious room.
Need to improve: 1. AC is very noisy (old model). 2. Breakfast service not the best in town, although rapid and fair cost. 3. It was highly expensive, likely due to very high demand for the period (9 days - end May to early June)
Kinzie Hotel
| Address | 20 W Kinzie St, Chicago, IL 60654 |
|---|---|
| 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) 395-9000 |
My husband and I were visiting Chicago for the first time. We truly enjoyed our stay at The Kinzie! Our room was cleaned everyday and always smelled so good. We loved how safe and secure the hotel felt. You have to use your card to enter the building past a certain time and to access the elevators up to the rooms. Another bonus is the daily continental breakfast and happy hour where you are allotted to drinks from the bar with light snacks. The location is amazing. You are minutes away from The Riverwalk and the red line station. The staff were extremely nice and accommodating. I highly recommend The Kinzie and this will be our go to any time we are back in Chicago.
We stayed here over the Fourth of July weekend with our two kids, and we had a great experience! The location is perfect—everything is within walking distance. The room wasn’t very big, but it was clean and comfortable. Housekeeping did a great job every day. A special shoutout to the complimentary happy hour, which was a really nice touch! Breakfast was decent—not anything fancy, but it had everything we needed. Overall, we would definitely stay here again.
Stayed here for two nights and everything was great! Our room itself was super spacious and the views from the large windows were gorgeous. The hotel has free breakfast as well as a happy hour where guests can redeem two free drinks. The location was perfect for a weekend trip where we wanted to explore the city. All of the staff was very friendly, and the man working nights at the desk is the best!
The rooms and friendliness of the staff were a 5/5. Very clean and spacious rooms. The location is also a 5/5 as it’s quite literally walking distance from everything in Chicago. I got a good deal and paid well under $200/night so found it worth it, but at the typical price of like $250/night I wouldn’t say it was worth it. First there was a hidden resort fee that wasn’t clearly advertised. Secondly, the breakfast was extremely weak by 4 star hotel standards. I’ve literally had significantly better breakfasts at 2 star hotels. It was just extremely processed food like Jimmy Deans breakfast sandwiches, and not even decent fruit. The first morning there were no bananas, something everyone likes in the morning. The next morning all the bananas were greener than Shrek-inedible. Guys please, when everyone is paying $200/night, it’s not too much to ask to get decent bananas and other fruits, and decent bread as it appeared to be the cheapest generic grocery store bread. The happy hour snacks were only popcorn and pretzels, when I was fully expecting more.
Really great hotel, I really enjoyed my stay! The rooms are impeccably clean and spacious and the beds are very comfortable. Everyone is so friendly and welcoming, specially Deandre who was very attentive, profesional and willing to help. The place is well located, practically walking distance to and from anywhere and is well maintained. I would definitely come back!
Hi Chicago
| Address | 24 E Congress Pkwy, Chicago, IL 60605 |
|---|---|
| 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!
Hampton Inn Chicago Downtown/N Loop/Michigan Ave
| Address | 68 E Wacker Pl, Chicago, IL 60601 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | (312) 419-9014 |
I will not be returning to this hotel. The rooms are quite small, and there is room for improvement regarding cleanliness. External noise from the street is significant and consistently disrupted my sleep. The air conditioning is not centralized and was ineffective; my room had a ductless mini AC that did not adequately cool the space.
It's nice to see that the hotel still has a section dedicated to the motor club. It's truly a historic place. However, the hotel could definitely benefit from some renovations.
I had an excellent stay here for Lollapalooza! It is so close to the venue and the service was phenomenal. The young lady and young gentleman who helped us were very accommodating. We tried to check in early when we arrived Friday morning and they did everything they could to help us, even though they didn’t have too.
The free breakfast was decent and the room was very clean. The room was a bit smaller than I expected, but still good for what you are paying. I loved the digital key offered. This hotel is not to be confused with the Hilton hotel next door! DoorDash would not deliver here for some reason, but Uber Eats did. I highly recommend and would stay here again.
Pros: A more affordable option in a perfect downtown location. Clean rooms. Most staff are Hampton-friendly & very helpful. Really interesting building (the old Chicago Motor Club, with original signage on the wall). Usual free breakfast, although there are other options in the area worth trying.
Cons: Couldn't select a room in advance on the Hilton app. Tried calling the front desk, but person who answered was unwilling to try helping. Our assigned room (310, away from the elevators & facing the street) was very small, although to be fair that's to be expected in a big city. (It looked as though the 2 queen bed rooms across from the elevators had more space.) No plug or charging stations anywhere near the beds, not even at the bedside lamps.
Terrible experience with this hotel. I didn’t even get the opportunity to stay here - I booked a non refundable stay for a work trip. I had paid over $900 for 3 nights. I was already charged, money taken out of my account, and then when I went to check in as a female traveling alone for work, they told me they overbooked and I couldn’t stay there. Their solution was to put me 3 miles outside the city (so then I have to uber in for work). There was nothing offered for my inconvenience, actually if I wanted to stay at the hotel they were moving me to for all 3 nights, I would be charged the overages. Dionte was working the check-in and was not helpful. It doesn’t make sense to me why I would be moved from a hotel room I already paid for. Absolutely horrible experience and extremely disappointed in the service provided
The hotel exterior and lobby area are gorgeous to look at. It’s such a perfect, walkable location to many spots in the city or to train and bus lines for exploration.
The staff were all super friendly and helpful when we had an issue with our room’s AC not working. They got us moved to a new one pretty quickly and without any fuss.
They continental breakfast was not very good. Fine if you need to grab something quick on the go, but we elected to find other places to eat the other days we were visiting.
Central Loop Hotel
| Address | 111 W Adams St, Chicago, IL 60603 |
|---|---|
| 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) 601-3525 |
I had a wonderful stay at the Central Loop Hotel. The location in the heart of downtown is ideal for walking to major sights or hopping on the train. My room was clean, quiet, and comfortable especially the bed! but the service truly stood out. Every single time we needed something, the staff delivered it to our room incredibly quickly with no issues at all. Between the great hospitality, the attached breakfast pub, and the thoughtful touches like filtered water on each floor, it made our trip seamless. I highly recommend this hotel! And will be staying again. Thank you so much!
Pros:
Hotel is perfectly located for tourists, it's close to Skydeck, millenium park and short walk to most of the tourist spots. It is conveniently located to bus and subway transit stations if you need to go farther.
Cons:
We booked Queen room but from out previous multiple experiences, we can confidently say that beds are smalled than Queen bed. We had trouble sleeping throughout our stay as the bed felt smaller. If we wanted double ned, we would have booked smaller room. We I confirmed with reception they said it's Queen but I have read similar reviews (unfortunately after we experienced this) on Expedia with bed sizes. Verify or book a bigger size if you want bigger neds, don't go with hotel's description.
Rooms are also quite smaller.
Parking is not included and nearby parking lots are quite expensive. Hotels sent us a link just a day before to book parking spot at nearby location that gave hs a discount. So either wait for the link or use third party websites/apps. Walk in rates are outrageous (we reached 1 hour early than our booking and drive in rate for that garage was 45 USD for 60 min park)
Great location. Room has relatively thin walls - I can hear the neighbours TV. I can hear conversations. I can hear doors opening. Room is fairly small. Bathroom door is difficult to close. The interior looks like a time travel back to 2015. No mini fridge. No water boiler. I honestly don’t get how it’s a 4 star hotel lmao
Adrienne at the front desk was absolutely wonderful. A great personality and very upbeat. Location is fantastic for easy access to the subway, amtrak and not a bad walk down to the parks. Lots of great restaurants around. The room we booked was on the smaller side, which was fine for us since we are out all day exploring the city. Water dispensers on each floor is a nice touch.
I has a wonderful stay at the Central Loop Hotel. I found everything I needed for a perfect trip.
The beds are incredibly comfortable, ensuring a great night's sleep. The bathroom was beautiful, very clean with quality toiletries and a powerful hairdryer.
The gym is very well-equipped, which was a huge plus for staying active during my trip. The housekeeping was top-notch—the room was kept spotlessly clean throughout my stay. One of my favorite features was the guest lounge downstairs, which offers free coffee and tea 24/7. It’s such a thoughtful touch!
I also opted for the hotel breakfast, which is served in a traditional English style. It was delicious and presented in a fantastic way. Overall, a very professional and comfortable hotel in a prime location. I highly recommend it!
Essential Tips for Visiting Skydeck Chicago
Planning ahead can significantly enhance your experience at one of Chicago’s busiest attractions. The Skydeck welcomes millions of visitors annually, and the wait times can vary dramatically depending on the season, weather, and time of day. By strategizing your visit and understanding the logistics of the area, you can avoid common pitfalls and make the most of your time both at the top of the tower and in the surrounding neighborhood.
1. Purchase Tickets in Advance
Buying your tickets online before you arrive is the single best way to save time. General admission tickets purchased at the door often involve standing in two separate lines: one to buy tickets and one to enter the elevator. By pre-purchasing, you can skip the box office line entirely and head straight for security and the elevators.
2. Visit During Off-Peak Hours
The Skydeck is most crowded between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM, especially on weekends and during the summer. For a more relaxed experience, aim to visit right when they open in the morning or after 5:00 PM. Evening visits offer a spectacular transition from sunset to the glittering city lights, often with significantly shorter lines for The Ledge.
3. Check the Weather Before You Go
Since the view is the primary attraction, visibility is key. On foggy or heavily overcast days, you might pay for a ticket only to see a wall of white. Check the live weather conditions and the view from the tower’s webcams if available. If the forecast is poor, consider rescheduling your visit for a clearer day.
4. Budget Time for Security
Willis Tower is a working office building with strict security protocols similar to an airport. You will need to pass through metal detectors, and bags are subject to search. Leave large luggage at your hotel; if you are checking out that day, ask the front desk about luggage storage so you are not hauling suitcases through the security checkpoint.
5. Explore the Surrounding Loop
Do not rush away from the area after your visit. The Loop is home to some of Chicago’s most famous public art, including the Picasso statue at Daley Plaza and the reflective "Cloud Gate" (The Bean) in Millennium Park. Walking through this historic district after leaving the tower allows you to appreciate the architectural details of the buildings you just viewed from above.
Choosing to stay near Willis Tower places you at the center of Chicago’s vibrant energy, where world-class dining and cultural landmarks are just steps away. Whether you select a historic hotel with classic Chicago character or a contemporary high-rise with floor-to-ceiling windows, your proximity to the Skydeck ensures that the best view in the city is always within reach. After a long day of exploring, you can rest easy knowing that your comfortable room is just a short stroll from the heart of the action.
