Best Area to Stay in Chicago 2024
Chicago, one of the most famous cities in the United States of America, is a completely unique vacation destination with its lively atmosphere, famous shopping streets, futuristic architecture, and entertainment life.
The lake is vital to Chicago’s prosperity and climate, regulating temperatures so that it is warmer in winter and cooler in summer. Chicago has nearly 30 public beaches along its shores, as well as several parks and green spaces, including Lincoln Park, which is second only to New York’s Central Park in terms of annual visitors.
You can spend an entire day without getting bored in the city on the shores of Lake Michigan, which has gained national recognition for its cultural attractions and vast green spaces. However, because the city is quite large, you must make careful decisions about where you will stay.
In this article, I have listed all of the tips that will help you find the correct answer to the question.
For those in a hurry: Chicago Hotel Recommendations
Throughout the article where to stay in Chicago, I will give hotel recommendations according to every budget, but I want to recommend those who want quick advice;
- Quality and relatively affordable 3 * Residence Inn by Marriott in the center,
- Quality 4 Swissotel Chicago, close to places to visit,
- Compromising on quality 5 ★ JW Marriott Chicago.
There are 5 regions in Chicago where you can stay. These are:
- The Loop (Downtown), which makes it easier for those who will travel to the city for the first time,
- River North, the center of nightlife,
- The most luxurious shopping and living centers of the city, Magnificent Mile & Gold Coast;
- Lincoln Park, the most ideal accommodation area in Chicago for families;
- South Loop, which is of great interest to those who enjoy museum visits.
The Loop – Downtown Chicago
The Loop, so named because it is surrounded by public transportation, is the best place to stay for those visiting the city for the first time. Chicago’s financial district, one of three districts that comprise the city center, is located between Lake Michigan and the river.
When you stay in this skyscraper-filled neighborhood, you can spend your vacations visiting architectural wonders, watching breathtaking performances in historical theater buildings, and focusing on learning about the food culture. You can prioritize visiting the Art Institute of Chicago, the Museum of Contemporary Photography, and the Vietnam Veterans Museum if you stay in The Loop hotels.
If you get tired of wandering around the area, you can take a break in the peaceful Millennium Park, where you will find many nice restaurants with reasonable prices in its side streets. Don’t forget to take a photo in front of Cloud Gate while you’re in the park. On another day, you can visit the Grand Park, which dates back to the city’s founding, and the Buckingham Fountain in the park’s center. Then you can take a seat on the observation deck of Willis Tower and take in the city view.
Because of the grid model urban planning, you can be confident that you will not have difficulty locating an address within The Loop’s boundaries. The city center, which is full of hotels to suit every budget, draws a lot of attention from first-time visitors to the city. Of course, all of its positive aspects allow you to enjoy pleasant moments without having to worry about anything in the area, which is becoming increasingly crowded during the day.
The Loop Hotel Recommendations
3 ★ Residence Inn by Marriott Chicago Downtown / Loop:
Booking.com rating 9.1.
Located in the elegant Roanoke Building, the hotel is only 400 meters from Willis Tower.
3 ★ Hampton Inn Majestic Chicago Theater District:
Booking.com rating 9.0.
Continuing its activities within the historical theater building, the property is very close to attractions such as the Art Institute of Chicago and Willis Tower with its luxurious shopping facilities.
4 ★ Hyatt Regency Chicago:
Booking.com rating 8.6.
It takes only 10 minutes to reach the Chicago Theater District on foot from the hotel located on the riverbank.
4 ★ Swissotel Chicago:
Booking.com rating 8.8.
The hotel is located very close to Lake Michigan and the Magnificent Mile, which is full of luxury shopping, dining and entertainment venues.
5 ★ JW Marriott Chicago:
Booking.com rating 8.4.
Attractions within a short walking distance from the hotel include Navy Pier, Millennium Park and the Art Institute Museum.
River North
River North is the epicenter of Chicago’s legendary nightlife, located 2-3 kilometers west of Streeterville and Magnificent Mile and 2-3 kilometers from The Loop. As a result, leisure travelers who make plans to visit the city focus directly on this region when researching where to stay in Chicago.
River North’s art galleries, museums, and boutiques all contribute to the area’s popularity as a tourist destination. In the River North Gallery District, you can spend the majority of your time having fun in venues near Hubbard Street.
High-end entertainment venues such as The Basement, PRYSM Nightclub, and Disco Chicago await you on the north side of the river, which has gained a modern appearance, thanks to the urban transformation project implemented in the 1990s. The cultural aspect of River North must be mentioned separately. Because, after Manhattan, this region is known for having the most art galleries in the country. River North, like The Loop, is an accommodation area that can appeal to different styles due to the presence of attractions such as Navy Pier, Tribune Tower, Children’s Museum, Milton Lee Olive Park, and DuSable Bridge.
River North has a plethora of options for travelers looking for affordable lodging near the city center. Furthermore, despite its reputation for nightlife, the region offers lodging options for families and those seeking a quiet environment.
River North Hotel Recommendations
3 ★ Fairfield Inn and Suites Chicago Downtown-River North:
Booking.com rating 9.1.
Thanks to its central location, it takes only five minutes to reach the luxury shops and riverside from the hotel on Michigan Avenue.
3 ★ Aloft Chicago Downtown River North:
Booking.com rating 9.0.
Modern-style boutique hotel three blocks from the Magnificent Mile. The distance from O’Hare International Airport is over 30 minutes by car.
4 ★ Hyatt Place Chicago River North:
Booking.com rating 8.8.
The hotel, which is three blocks from the Magnificent Mile, has a Zagat approved restaurant on site.
4 ★ Eurostars Magnificent Mile:
Booking.com rating 9.0.
Located a five-minute walk from the Magnificent Mile, the boutique hotel is ideal for those who want to be close to the Museum of Contemporary Art and Navy Pier.
5 ★ The Langham Chicago:
Booking.com rating 9.6.
The luxury hotel is extremely assertive in providing its guests with a first-class accommodation experience. Moreover, it is only two blocks from Michigan Avenue.
Magnificent Mile & Gold Coast
The fact that Magnificent Mile and Gold Coast offer a variety that appeals to different budgets is a feature shared by nearly every region in the city. In other words, these two regions provide super luxury opportunities to their visitors in every aspect of their visit, from lodging to entertainment, eating and drinking to shopping.
The Magnificent Mile, Chicago’s affluent business district, is only a few blocks from the city center. The area, known colloquially as Mag Mile, is deemed worthy of the city’s shopping center due to its abundance of stores. It also houses many famous landmarks such as the Chicago Water Tower, the John Hancock Center, the Wrigley Building, and the Michigan Boulevard Bridge. After shopping and seeing iconic structures, you can cap off the day with a delicious meal at one of the Magnificent Mile’s top-rated restaurants.
The Gold Coast, which grew in popularity following the Great Chicago Fire, is located on the shores of Lake Michigan. Potter Palmer, a millionaire living on Prairie Boulevard, built the 42-room mansion that bears his name in 1882, changing the course of the historic settlement forever. Almost every street in the settlement, which has evolved into Chicago’s most prestigious district over time, is lined with Michelin-starred restaurants, boutiques catering to the city’s wealthy population, and magnificent mansions.
Oak Street, in particular, is home to stores catering to large shoppers. Rush Street is a great place to go for high-end entertainment. Meanwhile, the International Surgical Science Museum in St. You have time to visit historic sites such as James Chapel and the Newberry Library.
The Magnificent Mile and Gold Coast satisfy visitors in many ways, particularly in terms of security. The key to having a good time in these two elite districts of the city, however, is to have a much larger than average budget.
Magnificent Mile & Gold Coast Hotel Recommendations
3 ★ Hampton Inn Chicago Downtown / Magnificent Mile:
Booking.com rating 8.6.
From the hotel that delights its guests with its spacious atmosphere; Getting to the Magnificent Mile, Water Tower Place, the Art Institute of Chicago and the Museum Campus is easy.
4 ★ Eurostars Magnificent Mile:
Booking.com rating 9.0.
The boutique hotel, which is appreciated for its central location and service quality, appeals to those who want to be close to luxury shopping opportunities in the heart of the city.
5 ★ Four Seasons Chicago:
Booking.com rating 9.2.
Offering rooms with Lake Michigan views, the luxury hotel is located a few steps from the Magnificent Mile.
Lincoln Park
Lincoln Park is a popular destination for visitors who want to experience local life in its most basic form. It is known for housing university students, white-collar employees just beginning their professional careers, young couples, and famous stock market brokers.
Previously known as Lake Park, the neighborhood was a self-contained area where settlers from Poland and Germany lived. However, following the Great Chicago Fire in 1871, it gradually began to regain its modern and vibrant appearance.
The ruins that shed light on the pre-fire state of the city, the old Chicago nicknamed “The First City,” can be found in Lincoln Park’s Old Town Triangle Historic District.
After exploring the ruins, you can move on to the attractions that make the neighborhood a popular choice for families with children. The Lincoln Park Zoo, which gives the settlement its name, the botanical gardens located in the observation area on the shore of Lake Michigan, and the Chicago History Museum all provide enjoyable activities for families.
To be honest, I don’t believe there will be a more ideal area in the city than Lincoln Park for those who want to stay in a quiet atmosphere away from Chicago‘s crowded city center. Young travelers can choose this location because of the availability of affordable lodging options and the student population.
Lincoln Park Hotel recommendations
3 ★ Hotel Versey Days Inn by Wyndham Chicago
Booking.com rating 8.6.
Standing out with its theme reflecting the local culture, the hotel is 3.3 kilometers from Wrigley Field and North Avenue Beach.
4 ★ Hotel Lincoln, a Joie de Vivre Hotel
Booking.com rating 8,5.
For those who want to have a different experience by staying in rooms decorated with local artworks, this hotel is the perfect place.
South Loop
South Loop, the oldest residential area of the city, is considered among the most visited neighborhoods in Chicago with its restaurant options and landmarks.
Because of the abundance of museums within its borders, this region attracts cultural travelers. The neighborhood is located south of The Loop, as the name suggests.
The famous Museum Campus is located in South Loop, which was once the most prestigious residential area in Chicago. The Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum, and Adler Planetarium are all part of the campus.
The massive convention center McCormick Place also draws attention. The most interesting part of the neighborhood is the homes of 75 of the world’s wealthiest men. Nine of these homes on Prairie Boulevard are still protected because they represent the city’s history.
South Loop is an appealing accommodation area due to its proximity to the city center. As a result, if you are looking for an affordable lodging option where you can take advantage of the opportunities in the heart of Chicago at any time, you should start looking into South Loop hotels.
South Loop hotel recommendations
3 ★ Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Downtown South Loop
Booking.com rating 9.0.
Only 1.1 kilometers from DePaul University, you can reach the Field Museum of Natural History, Grand Park and the Art Institute of Chicago in minutes.
4 ★ Marriott Marquis Chicago
Booking.com rating 8.9.
Directly connected to McCormick Place, the train station close to the hotel makes it easy to reach attractions in the heart of the city.
4 ★ Hyatt Regency McCormick Place
Booking.com rating 8.6.
Acclaimed for its modern style, the hotel offers its guests views of Lake Michigan and the city.
Final Word on Chicago Hotels
To summarize, there are five excellent places to stay in Chicago. The Loop, the most popular part of the city center, stands out among these areas due to its ease of transportation and rich content. Because of these benefits, many first-time visitors to Chicago prefer to book their accommodations at The Loop hotels.
River North, on the other hand, is regarded as the epicenter of the city’s renowned nightlife. Because of this title, those looking for a hotel on the north side of the river concentrate their search.
Of course, if you have a very large budget for a Chicago vacation and want to be pampered in every way, from accommodation to entertainment, you can choose between Magnificent Mile and Gold Coast hotels without hesitation. Lincoln Park and the South Loop stand out as two Chicago lodging areas with a family-friendly vibe.
If we come to hotel recommendation in Chicago; If you have allocated an average budget, you can give priority to evaluating 3 ★ Residence Inn by Marriott Chicago Downtown, Hotel Versey Days Inn by Wyndham and Aloft Chicago Downtown River North.
“May the service quality be a little higher.” If you are one of those who say, I think 4 ★ Hyatt Place Chicago River North, Eurostars Magnificent Mile or Hyatt Regency McCormick Place will be more suitable options for you.
For those who care about luxury, there are top-level options in the city such as 5 ★ JW Marriott Chicago, The Langham Chicago and Four Seasons Chicago.