Best Chicago Hotels With a View

The Four Seasons Chicago more than exceeds the brand’s reputation for luxury and superior service. Guests can pick either a lake view or city view room, each tastefully appointed in Four Season’s signature style and neutral color palettes. Some older guest reviews mention maintenance issues like noisy HVAC systems, but the hotel underwent an extensive multimillion-dollar renovation in 2020 to update the design aesthetic and modernize guest rooms and suites to solve these issues.

How the Four Seasons really distinguishes itself from other hotels is the range and quality of amenities it offers. Management has made sure this hotel has something special to offer every type of traveler. Couples can take advantage of the on-site spa and enjoy a romantic meal at Adorn, the restaurant by James Beard Award-winning chef Jonathon Sawyer. Business travelers can book on-site conference spaces and get free upgrades to transform their room into a home office. But where the hotel really shines is in its offerings for families, which include a complimentary kids' room and special services tailored to younger guests. There are many hotels in Chicago that do some of what the Four Seasons does, but this property sets itself ahead of the competition by providing so many unique services at such a consistently high level. 

• Pet friendly
• 24-hour fitness center on-site
• Babysitting services and kids' playrooms on-site
• Kids receive a toy upon arrival, get a stuffed animal in the room, and can access floats and toys at the pool
• Natura Bisse toiletries
• Access to VIP tickets for local attractions

Lots of hotels in Chicago have pools, but at 75 feet, the Loews pool is one of the largest. This is a highlight of the property and a great feature for those traveling with kids, as families won’t have to worry about competing for space with lap swimmers or other adult guests. Plus, the panoramic city views from the pool's surrounding floor-to-ceiling windows are simply unbeatable.

Traveling with kids can be stressful, and what makes Loews the best choice for families is the thoughtful services and amenities that make traveling with kids as convenient as possible. Coloring books, crayons, board games, card games, PS3 systems, iPads preloaded with games and select movies, and pool toys are all available for complimentary loans during guests' stays. Cribs are complimentary, and the hotel offers special rates when you book an adjoining room. Family packages grant guests to even more special offerings, like a play tent set up in the room and cookies and hot cocoa upon arrival. Guests who stay at Loews with young kids describe it as a family atmosphere and appreciate the staff, who make a point of treating young guests like VIPs.

• Pet-friendly
• Business center
• Peloton Bikes at the fitness center
• Babysitting services
• Julien Farel toiletries

For travelers looking for city views on a budget, the Hampton Inn Chicago McCormick Place offers modern rooms, a well-equipped fitness center, convenient access to major sites, and a great pool—all for under $150 a night (a steal in this city). The hotel has a three-star rating, but room rates are often well below those of other properties in this same rating category.

The real asset that gives Hampton Inn an edge over its competitors is the large indoor pool. Although the floor-to-ceiling widows around the pool don’t offer a sweeping panorama like those at some pricier properties do, they do have a nice city view and the overall effect is that of luxury at half the cost.  

• Complimentary coffee
• Conference spaces
• On-site convenience store

From the rooftop pool and lounge with sweeping city views to the funky décor, the Viceroy Hotel is extremely Instagrammable. The hotel sits on the site of the 1920s era famed Cedar Hotel and pays homage to that history with a playful take on art deco style décor. Couples visiting on a romantic getaway can book suites include soaking tubs facing floor-to-ceiling windows with cityscape views. Somerset, the on-site restaurant, serves traditional American fare in a space inspired by a fresh take on American country club culture. Wellness amenities are limited, as there is no spa and the fitness room is modest. The rooftop (which closes to those under 21 after 6 p.m.) is the crown jewel of the Viceroy, making this property the perfect choice for those prioritizing nightlife and poolside lounging during their vacation.  

• Pet-friendly
• Complimentary Tesla car service
• In-room Nespresso machines
• Toiletries by ROIL and Natura Bisse
• Bikes available to guests

Hotel Zachary has a particular feature that truly knocks it out of the park, and that is the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Wrigley Field. Baseball lover or not, it is a truly unique and delightful experience to be able to wake up in the morning, pull the blackout curtains aside, and look over one of America’s most iconic venues.

The hotel’s décor is not exclusively baseball themed, but it does nod to the park’s 100-year history, with vintage touches and fixtures throughout. The hotel’s other standout feature is the food, as there are no less than 10 on-site dining options, including outposts of popular local Chicago restaurants. After a game, guests can grab a celebratory (or conciliatory) bespoke cocktail at the Oval Bar. 

• Pet-friendly

When it comes to embracing a visual identity, the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel does not hold back, and the result is delightful. The hotel, situated in a Venetian Gothic landmark building, offers complimentary heritage bicycles, personal training at the fitness center, an indoor golf simulator, and undeniable charm in spades. Rooms are smartly appointed with 20th century vintage-inspired furnishings and features like Faribault Woolen Mill Co. blankets and working fireplaces in suites. 

The seven on-site dining options and social spaces make this an especially great choice for those traveling with groups. The most notable on-site restaurant is Cindy’s, a vaulted glass and steel rooftop venue which allows guests to enjoy panoramic city and lake views while sipping inventive cocktails and enjoying traditional American comfort food. The property was once an exclusive men’s club and the décor has a masculine bend, but guests of all stripes will enjoy the playful attention to detail and the emphasis on fun at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel.

• Pet-friendly
• Shake Shack room service available
• Bikes available to guests
• C.O. Bigelow toiletries
• Chicago’s only Topgolf Swing Suite golf simulator is available to rent

The Langham’s location is walking distance from many of downtown Chicago’s most popular attractions, but between the beautifully appointed rooms, the award-winning spa, and the on-site dining options (including afternoon tea), guests at the Langham could not be faulted for never leaving the property after check in. There are many luxury hotels in downtown Chicago that offer similar amenities to the Langham at the same lofty price point, but what sets this hotel apart as a romantic destination is the emphasis on relaxation that permeates all aspects of the hotel.

The property's interior design exudes serenity. Suites include working fireplaces and marble soaking tubs that face floor-to ceiling windows overlooking the river. The ceiling above the pool is dotted with star-like lights, giving the space a dreamy feel. For an extra fee, guests can take advantage of the Langham Club, a 4,000-square-foot lounge and dining room with views of the city. An additional fee can also secure access to the on-site screening room, complete with a private theater-inspired dining menu. Those looking to take full advantage of the property should be sure to make reservations for the award-winning Chuan Spa, which offers traditional Chinese medicine treatments in addition to massages, facials, and an array of other experiences. The Langham’s unique amenities are well suited to an intimate luxury experience, making this the perfect choice for couples looking for an opulent romantic getaway. 

• Pet-friendly
• Indoor pool and fitness center on-site
• Complimentary coffee

When it comes to luxury, the Peninsula is in a class of its own. The brand’s Chicago output has been awarded countless accolades, with many outlets dubbing it one of the top hotels in the U.S. Rooms are elegantly appointed and include marble bathrooms with soaking tubs and in-set television screens (right next to bathtubs) for catching up on Netflix while bathing. In-room technology is an emphasis at the Peninsula, and each room comes equipped with tablets for streaming to the large TVs, controlling room temperature and lighting, and more. The spa draws from Ayurvedic and Asian traditions, and is attached to the half-Olympic length swimming pool. There is an outdoor sun terrace overlooking the city next to the pool area, which offers a quiet and intimate spot to lounge after a swim or spa treatment. 

For the full Peninsula experience, guests should make sure to book a meal at the renowned Shanghai Terrace, which offers Cantonese delicacies amidst a 1930’s supper club environment. The Peninsula Chicago’s signature offering is the meeting of “traditional Asian service and Midwestern hospitality” and guests seeking the most refined accommodation that money can buy will find that their every need and desire is anticipated and exceeded by this hotel. 

• Pet-friendly
• Fitness center on-site
• Complimentary coffee and newspaper
• In-room printer, scanner, and fax machine

Positive reviews of Hotel Sophy all touch on the property’s special warmth and ambiance, which is a result of the friendly service and beautifully curated, eclectic décor. The hotel is full of thoughtfully selected artworks (many which draw from the Hyde Park community in some way) that are intended to inspire conversation.

Mesler and The Sanctuary are the respective restaurant and bar on-site, and there is the option of a private dining room for groups. Suites include soaking tubs and floor-to-ceiling windows with panoramic city views. Although the hotel doesn’t have as many amenities as some larger downtown options, for a luxury stay in Hyde Park Sophy offers a location and atmosphere that can’t be beat. 

• Pet-friendly
• 24-hour fitness center on-site
• Complimentary coffee and newspaper
• Meeting rooms
• On-site library