If you are looking for Chicago hotels with a view, this is the ultimate list. It was curated by a local, with a focus on nightlife. They’re perfect for tourists. Read on to discover the 11 best Chicago hotel views!
11 Fabulous City Hotels with best views in Chicago
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When you visit a city like Chicago, you have to make the most out of it. A classic downtown Chicago view includes sprawling modern skyscrapers, iconic historic buildings, and unique architectural elements.
Although, it isn’t just about the buildings…Some of the hotels with best views in Chicago feature glimpses of Lake Michigan or the Chicago River. Our list includes some of the best Chicago hotels with lake views and top Chicago hotels with downtown views. Written for tourists, by locals, we know where to find the best secret views of Chicago.
11 Fabulous City Hotels with best views in Chicago
If you’re choosing to stay in Chicago, you probably already know that it’s a gorgeous American city with world-class museums, top-rated restaurants, and seemingly limitless opportunities for nightlife and entertainment.
The top Chicago tourist attractions include the Art Institute of Chicago, Millennium Park, and Navy Pier. You’ll also have the opportunity to discover unique experiences like kayaking along the Chicago River, dining at a 3 Michelin star restaurant, or walking over a glass ledge that’s over 1,300 ft high in the sky.
Chicago is a big city with so many awesome things to do. It can be overwhelming! We’ll help you find the best area to stay in Chicago to best suit your interests and activities. Including rooms in Chicago for every budget type.
If you’re wondering where to stay in Chicago, you may also be wondering when to visit Chicago. The best time to visit Chicago is late spring through early fall. This will also ensure that you get the most out of your lodging in Chicago. Winter weather is cold, snowy, rainy, windy, or generally rather unpleasant.
Summertime is when the city comes to life. While it’s hot and humid, and sometimes rainy, this is the best time to experience Chicago attractions and city views. It’s a rooftop season, and rooftop bars are the gateway to Chicago’s most unforgettable views. The cool places to stay, Chicago’s hotels with rooftop bars, are best enjoyed in the summer.
If you prefer to avoid the crowds, consider visiting Chicago in late spring or early Autumn when you can still enjoy milder weather conditions. Check out our fashion guide to learn more about what to wear in Chicago during winter.
Mid-Range Hotels with Views in Chicago
This is an awesome set of Chicago hotels with a view that won’t break the bank. These Chicago hotel reservations will cost around $200 per night. They are some of the most budget-friendly hotels with a view in Chicago.
| View Type | Spa | Fitness Center | Pet Friendly | Other | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Godfrey | Cityscape | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ L’occitane bath products | |
| Hotel Lincoln | Cityscape, Lake Michigan, Lincoln Park | ✓ | ✓ Seasonal Bike Rentals | ||
| London House | Cityscape, Lake Michigan, Chicago River, | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ Sonicast streaming | |
| The Wit | Cityscape, Chicago River | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ award winning ROOF |
You’ll have the option to stay in Lincoln Park, River North, or on the Chicago River. These are some of the best hotels to stay in Chicago — that’s because they’re featuring views of downtown’s skyscrapers as well as Lake Michigan, and the Chicago Riverwalk.
Check out these fantastic hotels in Chicago with nice views. Each of these hotels is home to a lively rooftop bar or restaurant, and guests will receive special entry. So, what are you waiting for? Read on and see if you can score hotel deals in Chicago at one of these hip accommodations.
Godfrey
The Godfrey is one of the epic hotels in River North Chicago. River North is one of the best neighborhoods in Chicago for tourists. Many of Chicago’s best restaurants and bars are in River North. It’s a safe neighborhood that’s busy practically any time of day.
If you stay at the Godfrey Chicago, you’ll be a 15 minutes walk from the Magnificent Mile Shops and the 360° Observation Deck at the John Hancock Building. You’ll also be able to walk to the Chicago Redline train stop in under 5 minutes. Using Chicago’s public transportation is a cheap way to get around the city quickly. This is one of the most convenient accommodations in Chicago downtown.
In 2021, Godfrey won a AAA award in ‘Best of Housekeeping,’ so you can expect high standards of hygiene. Godfrey’s rooms have modern style features and the exterior facade is reminiscent of a Cubist design. Rooms include spacious workstations, iHome docking stations, and Large 46” LED HDTVs with premium channels. You’ll also enjoy luxurious touches like plush bathrobes and L’OCCITANE bath products.
Book a memorable stay at Godfrey.
Godfrey also offers guests access to a 24-hour state-of-the-art fitness center and boutique spa. Plus, Godfrey is home to one of the coolest Chicago lounges with a view. Godfrey’s IO rooftop lounge is open for brunch and happy hour. At night, it turns into a club that hosts special events and local DJs. The views from IO put Godfrey on the map of Chicago hotels with great views. At Godfrey’s IO lounge and guestrooms, you can enjoy unparalleled city views.
Hotel Lincoln
The Hotel Lincoln is one of the best hotels in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood. Lincoln Park is a great place to stay if you’re looking for a low-key neighborhood vibe downtown. If you stay in one of the desirable hotel rooms in Chicago’s Hotel Lincoln, you’ll be able to walk to North Avenue Beach in under 15 minutes. From the Hotel Lincoln, you can just as easily walk to many neighborhood bars and restaurants in Old Town as well as Gold Coast.
This is one of the cool hotels in Chicago because it provides guests easy access to Lake Michigan as well as Lincoln Park’s famous free zoom. May through October, guests can also experience the Green City Farmers Market. It’s every Saturday right in front of Hotel Lincoln. Walkthrough and have an authentic local experience in the city.
This is the coolest Chicago hotel with lake views, and the best place to enjoy them is at the J. Parker. Guests at the Hotel Lincoln have preferred access to the J. Parker. Once you get up there, you’ll understand why this is the hotel with the best view in Chicago. You’ll be able to look over the greenery of Lincoln Park, the sparkling blue waters of Lake Michigan, and the Gold Coast skyline. From the J. Parker, you can see the John Hancock building dominates the skyline.
Find out more about Hotel Lincoln.
Hotel Lincoln is a pet-friendly hotel, so you don’t have to leave your pooch at home. Guests will also have access to a fitness center and seasonal bike rentals. Not to mention, the epic views from your room. Consider staying at the Hotel Lincoln, one of the incredible Chicago hotels with views of Lake Michigan.
London House
London House is one of the iconic Chicago hotels with river views. It’s located along the Chicago River, steps from the Chicago Riverwalk. This is where you’ll find some of Chicago’s historic buildings, famous steakhouses, and architecture tours.
Check prices for a room at London House.
It’s one of the cool places to stay in Chicago for tourists because you’ll be within walking distance to the Magnificent Mile, Navy Pier, and Millenium Park. You can just as easily hop on a bus, train, or the Chicago River Taxi to get wherever you may want to go.
The London House Hotel Chicago offers amenities like a modern fitness center, a tranquil spa, and Sonicast streaming. These epic Chicago hotel rooms at London House are equipped with luxurious linens, signature robes, and large walk-in showers. Plus, 55” flat-screen TVs and functional workspaces.
London House is one of the best hotels in Chicago downtown to enjoy a rooftop experience. The LH rooftop has unparalleled city views, as well as dramatic views of the Chicago River. LH is one of the most popular rooftop bars in Chicago. Locals reserve their spots at LH weeks in advance! Find out for yourself why this is one of the most dramatic high-rise hotels downtown. Chicago never looked more beautiful.
The Wit
The Wit is another high-rise hotel. Chicago’s River District is steps away. If you stay at one of the unique suites in Chicago at the Wit Hotel, you’ll be close to many tourist attractions and public transportation. The Wit is a short walk from the Chicago Riverwalk, Chicago Theatre, and Magnificent Mile shops.
If you book a room at the Wit, you won’t regret making a hotel reservation in Chicago. The Wit features It’s one of the most unforgettable hotels to stay in Chicago because of its unique and captivating design.
The Wit is considered one of the best hotels with views in Chicago. You can soak in these views at ROOF on the Wit. ROOF is 27-stories high in the sky and features a retractable glass ceiling – so you can enjoy breathtaking views all year round. It’s been raved about in Travel+Leisure Magazine and has won titles at the Nightclub and Bar Awards.
ROOF is a place where you can enjoy world-class entertainment including rotating DJs and dance performances. Their craft cocktails do not disappoint! Most importantly, you’ll enjoy a Chicago hotel view unlike any other! ‘
If drinking and dancing isn’t your thing, come for the food. Renowned chef Michael Taus creates culinary concoctions that will knock your socks off. Come for a fantastic meal, stay for the captivating views. You’ll quickly discover why the Wit is one of the best hotels with views in Chicago.
Affordable Luxury Hotels with Views in Chicago
This next set of boutique hotels, Chicago’s affordable luxury accommodations, will run around $300 per night. With Chicago hotel prices like these, you can expect next-level amenities and unforgettable views.
| View Type | Spa | Rooftop Pool | Other | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Gwen | Cityscape | ✓ Glamping ✓ Bike Rentals |
||
| Ace Hotel | Cityscape | ✓ Sustainability focused | ||
| Viceroy | Cityscape, Lake Michigan | ✓Transportation to AIRE Ancient Baths | ✓ | ✓ Sustainability focused ✓ Natura Bisse bath products |
| Chicago Athletic Association | Cityscape, Lake Michigan, Millennium Park | ✓ Historic Building |
These are some of the best views in Chicago. Specifically, you’ll find them in the Loop, West Loop, Gold Coast, and River North neighborhoods. Ultimately, these best hotel views in Chicago include a captivating cityscape. One of these best hotels in Chicago with a view of Lake Michigan and Millenium Park is also listed.
The Gwen
The Gwen Hotel Chicago is perfectly positioned on Michigan Avenue. If you’re looking forward to shopping in Chicago, this is one of the ultimate luxurious Chicago hotels for you to stay in.
From the Gwen Hotel, you can walk to Navy Pier, Millenium Park, or the 360° Observation Deck in under 20 minutes! This accommodation in Chicago is located in the River North neighborhood – a busy commercial, residential, and tourist hub that’s full of shops, restaurants, and entertainment opportunities
Near the Gwen Hotel, you can discover many Chicago restaurants with a view. Including casual spots like Ghirardelli Chocolate Shop or Eataly’s La Pizza La Pasta. There are also more formal spots like the Signature Room at the 95th. Although, you don’t have to leave Gwen!
The Gwen is one of the hotels with nice views in Chicago, and Upstairs at the Gwen is the ultimate drinking & dining opportunity with phenomenal views to soak in. Upstairs at the Gwen has an Art deco inspired vibe that offers fun seasonal activities (such as curling in the wintertime). They pride themselves on masterful mixology – you’ll have to taste it for yourself!
See more photos of the Gwen Hotel.
The Gwen Hotel also offers a very unique opportunity to go glamping in the heart of the city. Guests can sleep under a canvas tent on the private 16th-floor terrace of the Gwen Lux Suite. From this 1,000 square-foot balcony, you’ll enjoy privileged views of Chicago including landmark buildings.
So, this is one of the downtown Chicago hotels with city views. Let’s talk amenities. Guests at the Gwen have access to bicycle rentals as a means to explore the city. The Gwen is also one of the dog-friendly hotels Chicago has to offer! There’s also a 24-fitness center and daily coffee service.
Ace Hotel
The Ace Hotel is one of the most glamorous Chicago accommodations. It’s a boutique luxury hotel in Chicago’s West Loop. This is the perfect place to stay for foodies. Since, some of Chicago’s top restaurants and bars are steps away including Girl and the Goat, the Aviary, and the Time Out Market.
West Loop and Fulton Market are up-and-coming neighborhoods with the hottest food scene in town. If you stay at the Ace Hotel, you’ll be able to walk to the Chicago RIverwalk or Skydeck at Willis tower in around 30 minutes.
This is one of the epic Chicago hotels with city views. They are best enjoyed at Little Wild. The Ace Hotel’s Little Wild is one of the Chicago bars with a view unlike any other. From Little Wild, you can see the whole skyline stretch out in front of you in every direction.
Since the Ace Hotel is a little west of the city, the panorama is much more impressive. There are no buildings smashed up against the hotel. It’s quite a magnificent perspective. Plus, Little Wild provides a hip atmosphere and good drinks.
Discover your perfect room at the Ace Hotel.
Check out the amenities at this skyline hotel. Chicago’s tourist attractions will be at your fingertips. Rooms include organic cotton bedding for ultimate comfort. Mattresses are made with biodegradable and sustainable latex materials. You’ll also find original artwork from local artists.
Be sure to take advantage of your plush robe, Rudy’s toiletries, and Pearl+ soaps. Guests can also take advantage of the hotel’s 24h fitness center. Also, the Ace Hotel is pet-friendly!
Viceroy Hotel
The Viceroy Chicago is one of the exceptional accommodations on this list. It’s one of the most romantic hotels in Chicago, perfect for a couples trip. It’s also one of the unique Chicago hotels with rooftop pools!
Viceroy Chicago is located on Gold Coast, one of the most prestigious neighborhoods in the city. Chicago’s Gold Coast is home to multi-million dollar homes and high-end designer shops. If you’re looking for Chicago dining with a view – this is it! You can enjoy the offerings at Viceroy, or quickly walk over to NoMi or the Signature Room at 95th.
Viceroy has made our list of Chicago hotels with nice views because of their premier rooftop Devereaux. This is the Viceroy’s pool deck, rooftop lounge, and event space. Located on the hotel’s 18th floor, Devereaux offers small plates, stylish mixed drinks, and unobstructed views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline.
This is one of the hotels downtown Chicago with city views you won’t believe! Be sure to have dinner or brunch at the Viceroy’s Somerset restaurant. It’s offers a rotating seasonal menu with innovative items and comforting favorites.
Rooms include high-end essentials from ROIL and Natura Bisse. Also, the in-room rain shower will make you feel like you’re in a spa! Each room also has a Nespresso machine and a spacious workstation.
Check room prices at the Viceroy Hotel.
You’ll also be relieved to find out the Viceroy hotels are committed to sustainability. They employ practices that minimize carbon footprints and conserve resources. Features you’ll find in your room include low-flow water fixtures and energy-efficient technology. The hotel also practices composting and has green purchasing policies.
Chicago Athletic Association
The Chicago Athletic Association is on Michigan Avenue directly across from Millenium Park. It’s one of the most famous Chicago Loop hotels. Stay at the Chicago Athletic Association, and you’ll be steps away from the ‘Bean,’ or Cloudgate as well as Crown Fountain and the Art Institute of Chicago.
From this spot in the Loop, you can also easily walk to the Chicago Riverwalk, Magnificent Mile, and Navy Pier. It’s the best place to stay in Chicago for tourists, especially if you want to save time.
The Athletic Association is the Chicago hotel with the best view of Lake Michigan. It’s also one of the most luxurious hotels in Chicago. Those who know that this is the best hotel in Chicago with lake views go to Cindy’s Rooftop.
Cindy’s rooftop restaurant and bar are open for brunch, lunch, and dinner. It’s located 13-stories in the sky and features phenomenal views of Millenium Park and Lake Michigan. Executive Chef Christian Ragano serves American comfort food with farm-to-table ingredients and modern twists.
Besides being one of the Chicago hotels with downtown views you won’t forget, the Athletic Association has fantastic amenities.
Find out more about the Chicago Athletic Association.
The Chicago Athletic Association is a historic hotel built in 1893 in the Venetian Gothic style. For over 100 years in Chicago, celebrities and musicians have stayed at Chicago’s Athletic Association.
Given the hotel’s history, rooms feature custom-made vintage-style furnishings. You’ll also be cozy in SFERRA linens, Faribault Woolen Mill Co. blankets, and boxing-style robes. Bathrooms adorned with marble, luxury rain showers, and C.O. Bigelow bath products.
Ultimate Luxury Hotels with Views in Chicago
You’ll be impressed with this next set of 5-star hotels. Chicago’s ultimate luxury hotels with views will cost you over $400 per night. It’s worth it because these are the most fancy hotels in Chicago & the most romantic hotels in Chicago.
| View Type | Indoor Pool | Spa | Pet Friendly | Other | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nobu | Cityscape | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓West Loop location |
| Park Hyatt | Cityscape, Lake Michigan | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ Peloton bike ✓ Le Labo bath products |
| The Peninsula | Cityscape | ✓ | ✓ | ✓Triple AAA Diamond award winning restaurant |
Including the best hotels in Chicago downtown neighborhoods like Streeterville, River North, and Fulton Market. These are the top-tier Chicago hotels downtown with views of the surrounding cityscape and Lake Michigan. Read on to discover the ultimate luxury hotels. Chicago vacations don’t get much better than this!
Nobu
The Nobu Chicago is located in the West Loop, near Fulton Market District. This is one of the best areas in Chicago to blend into the local scene. West Loop and Fulton Market are gastronomic hubs bustling with events and activities. In fact, Nobu is well situated on Restaurant Row. You’ll be steps away from some of the city’s best restaurants.
If you want to get touristy, you can walk to the Willis Tower’s Skydeck in 20 minutes. You can just as quickly walk to the Chicago Riverwalk, Chicago Theatre, and Millenium Park. This is a convenient place to stay if you’re planning to explore the city. No wonder it’s one of the best hotels in downtown Chicago.
Nobu is famously one of the downtown Chicago hotels with a view. Experience the unparalleled city skyline views at Nobu Rooftop. From here, you can easily identify the Willis (formerly known as Sears) Tower, and other remarkable buildings. Nobu Rooftop’s menu features expertly crafted drinks as well as small plates from Nobu restaurant’s menu.
Find unmatched luxury at the Nobu Hotel.
Nobu Restaurant is one of the best sushi restaurants in Chicago. The Nobu Hotels strive to blend cool luxury with Japanese traditions. Menus are cultivated by world-renowned Chef Nobu Matsuhisa. Besides being one of the area’s hotels with the best views in Chicago, Nobu offers a chance to have an unmatched East Asian hospitality experience.
Park Hyatt
The Park Hyatt Chicago is another fabulous accommodation for luxury travelers looking for memorable views. Park Hyatt offers some of the best luxury suites Chicago has to offer. The Park Hyatt is located in Streeterville, steps from Lake Michigan’s Oak Street Beach and the Magnificent Mile.
This is one of the most convenient places to stay in downtown Chicago. You’ll be able to walk to the top-rated tourist attractions and restaurants including the Signature Room at 95th, Gibson’s Steakhouse, and Lou Malnati’s (deep dish) pizza.
The Park Hyatt is one of the unique Chicago hotels with lake views. Consider splurging for a room with premier views of the lake. You’ll also enjoy Le Labo bath toiletries, plush bathrobes, and blackout curtains. Rooms feature at least 500 square feet of space, massive soaking tubs, Nespresso coffee makers, and triple-pane soundproof windows.
One of the best places to enjoy the views is at Park Hyatt’s rooftop bar and restaurant. NoMi is named for North Michigan Avenue. NoMi Restaurant is an indoor space open year-round for dining and events. Seasonally, you can step outside onto NoMi Garden’s seasonal terrace for small plates and cocktails.
Indulge in a stay at Park Hyatt.
If you reserve a table at NoMi, you’ll discover why this is one of the most epic downtown Chicago hotels with lake views. NoMi restaurant faces the John Hancock building and overlooks the busy tourism of North Michigan Avenue.
Past the busy city life, you can gaze over Lake Michigan. NoMi Garden has a fun summertime ambiance and more modest city views.Other hotel amenities include an Olympic-sized indoor swimming pool, and a 24h fitness center with Peloton bikes.
Peninsula
The Peninsula Chicago is another phenomenal accommodation to consider. It’s one of the most well-known 5-star hotels in Chicago, offering some of the most romantic suites Chicago’s River North District has to offer. While it’s not the most expensive hotel in Chicago, it’s close to it!
This hotel in Chicago has it all. Guests enjoy unmatched perks like flexible check-in and check-out services. Not to mention, this is one of the incredible spa hotels. Chicago’s Peninsula Spa offers Ayurvedic and Asian style treatments and utilizes Biologique Recherche products. Book a Subtle Energies Blissful Marma Massage and discover tranquility in the heart of the city.
The Peninsula is also one of the hotels in Chicago with the best views poolside. At the Peninsula’s indoor swimming pool, you’ll gawk over floor-to-ceiling windows at Chicago’s skyscrapers.
Although, the best way to experience the views is at one of the Peninsula’s bars or restaurants. You can have dinner at Shanghai Terrace and head over to Z Bar for drinks. Shanghai Terrace is open year-round with a special seasonal terrace. The decor is 1930s supper club, and the menu is Cantonese.
Secure a room at the Peninsula Hotel.
Shanghai Terrace is one of the best places to enjoy dim sum! It’s also won a AAA Diamond Award. Shanghai Terrace and Z bar are some of the most expensive rooftops on this list. You can expect to pay $20 for a cocktail. Although, that’s because it’s one of the best hotels in downtown Chicago with a view!
