9 Stylish Boutique Hotels in Chicago

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Each of the many boutique hotels in Chicago has a personality all its own. Whichever one you choose, you can count on attentive service, luxurious amenities, and extra conveniences in a distinctive setting reflective of the Windy City.

Boutique Hotels in Chicago

For a stay that’s as unique as you are, stay in one of these standout boutique hotels in Chicago.

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Chicago Athletic Association Hotel

This 1893 landmark building recently was converted into one of the best boutique hotels in Chicago. The 240-room hotel blends Old World elegance, modern amenities, and clubby flair. Six dining establishments range from Shake Shack to farm-to-table fare in the swanky Cherry Circle Room. The Game Room sports the athletic club’s original indoor bocce court plus billiards, shuffleboard, and chess/checkers tables. Check stunning views of Lake Michigan and Millennium Park from Cindy’s, the hotel’s rooftop restaurant.

Amenities: Carrara marble bathrooms, rain showers, C.O. Bigelow bath products, 42-inch flat-screen TVs, SFERRA bed linens, 24-hour fitness center, 24-hour room service, and free bicycles.

Thompson Chicago

Thompson Chicago, located in the tony Gold Coast neighborhood, is steps from Lake Michigan’s Oak Street Beach and the shops of the Magnificent Mile, making it one of the most popular boutique hotels in Chicago. A massive stone fireplace blazes in the prairie-style lobby, and the 248 guest rooms and suites exude a calm-cool vibe through minimalist furnishings and an earth-toned color palette. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame glittering city and Lake Michigan views. On-site restaurant Nico Osteria features seafood-focused Italian cuisine.

Amenities: Spacious bathrooms, rain showers, Frette terrycloth robes, IPTV, SFERRA linens, 24-hour room service, 24-hour fitness center, and complimentary luxury car transport to nearby locations.

Virgin Hotels Chicago

British entrepreneur Richard Branson fancied Chicago for his first Virgin Hotels property in the United States, and the result was this art deco-style property in the Loop near the theater district. Called “chambers,” 250 guest rooms and suites feel like modern apartments. Sliding doors separate the bathroom and dressing area from the “Sleeping Lounge.” Lipstick-red accents include a Smeg fridge and London Underground-themed rug. The playful in-room amenities, whimsical decor, edgy on-site entertainment, and cleverly designed spaces make Virgin Hotels Chicago one of the most distinctive Chicago boutique hotels. Meet friends and make new ones at the Commons Club’s nightly hosted social hour. Seasonal rooftop bar Cerise is a local hot spot known for cozy-up couches, vibrating DJ parties, and skyscraper-studded views.

Amenities: Rain showers, makeup vanities, Red Flower Palo Santo bath products, fitness center, coffee/wine bar, 24-hour room service, and “Lucy” free mobile app to customize your experience.

Talbott Hotel

Located in Chicago’s historic Gold Coast neighborhood, the Talbott Hotel was a stately 1920s apartment building before becoming one of the best boutique hotels in Chicago. The 178 guest rooms and suites are decorated in calming neutrals with splashes of vibrant color. Plush fabrics, luxury linens, textured wall coverings, and carved woodwork surround pampered guests. The 20 East restaurant serves modern American fare all day, as well as craft beers, wines, and cocktails.

Amenities: Marble-accented bathrooms, waterfall showers, Jonathan Adler amenities, La Bottega bathrobes, LG Smart TVs, 24-hour room service, and 24-hour fitness center.

Kimpton Gray Hotel

This stylish Loop hotel in a converted office building features 291 soothing guest rooms and suites decorated in muted gray, cream, and light blue. The Steadfast restaurant serves contemporary American cuisine with global nuances. Lots of deals have been brokered over cocktails at clubby, library-themed Vol. 39’s intimate bar. Boleo, a rooftop restaurant and lounge on the 15th floor, dishes up small plates inspired by Peruvian and Argentinian street food and hosts late-night DJ dance parties.

Amenities: Complimentary nightly guest social hours, in-room yoga mats, 24-hour fitness center, room service, free bikes, hair salon, children’s books checkout, complimentary morning coffee/tea, and “Forgot It? We Got It!” travel essentials program.

Hotel Lincoln

The Hotel Lincoln is known for its friendly Midwestern hospitality, with 185 guest rooms featuring comfortable heartland style and works by local artists. The Kennison restaurant serves contemporary American cuisine, and J. Parker Rooftop Bar overlooks leafy Lincoln Park. It’s an easy stroll to restaurants, music venues, comedy clubs, Lincoln Park Zoo, DePaul University, and the historic Old Town neighborhood. A 10-minute bus or bike ride gets you to Lake Michigan beaches and bustling North Michigan Avenue shopping.

Amenities: Jonathan Adler bath products, 24-hour fitness center, coffee bar grab-and-go snacks, flat-screen HD TVs, iHome docking stations, and complimentary bikes.

The Blackstone

The Blackstone is a historic, grand dame hotel built in 1910, and one of the most popular boutique hotels in Chicago. Facing Grant Park, the 331-room South Loop property offers travelers modern comforts amidst luxurious Old World grandeur. Guests can walk to Lake Michigan, the Art Institute of Chicago, the Museum Campus, and State Street shopping. Well-appointed guest rooms and suites are decorated in rich shades of brown, pewter, copper, and robin’s egg blue, contrasting with tailored white bed linens and shiny brass accents. Restaurant Mercat a la Planxa serves tapas and craft cocktails inspired by Catalan cuisine. Free in-room Wi-Fi is available for Marriott Rewards members.

Amenities: Spacious marble bathrooms, La Bottega amenities, luxury bedding, 24-hour fitness center, and evening-only room service.

LondonHouse Chicago

Although bigger than most boutique hotels in Chicago, this 452-room property still offers plenty of personal touches. LH Rooftop, a seasonal terrace bar and restaurant serving craft cocktails and small plates, is the place to be in Chicago on summer evenings, especially at sunset. Views also impress from LH on 21, a year-round bar and restaurant serving American fare. Spacious guest rooms and suites feature sleek woods, crisp white linens, and minimalist but comfortable furnishings. Enjoy a contemporary take on afternoon tea at Bridges Lounge.

Amenities: 55-inch HDTVs, Chromecast entertainment streaming, 24-hour fitness center, room service, and full-service spa.

Staypineapple

Overnighting in this National Historic Landmark is anything but staid. It’s an adventurous, laid-back Chicago boutique hotel stay. The Reliance Building, now Staypineapple, was one of the world’s first skyscrapers, built in 1895. The Loop hotel’s public spaces and 122 guest rooms and suites are decorated with original architectural details including mahogany woodwork, wrought iron ornamentation, coffered ceilings, and marble floors. Standard guest rooms can feel a bit tight, but the bay windows flood them with natural light and expansive State Street views. The popular Atwood restaurant serves modern American meals all day. Each afternoon guests snack on free, mini-pineapple cupcakes in the comfortable lobby.

Amenities: Nightly complimentary wine receptions, 24-hour fitness center, flat-screen TVs, room service, robes, slippers, and free bikes.

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—Original reporting by Kit Bernardi

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