Voted the Best Big City in the US by our readers for nine consecutive years, there are so many reasons to visit Chicago. With glittering Lake Michigan views, exceptional museums, stunning architecture, and delicious food, it’s one of my personal favorite places in the US (and that’s not just because I spent a few years living nearby). Aside from fun activities and beautiful sites, Chicago also has an excellent hotel scene—from the well-known, historic Drake to the opulent Peninsula Chicago. But if you’re looking for something a bit smaller and more personalized, it’s worth checking into one of the Windy City’s many chic boutique properties.
The boutique hotels below all feature fewer rooms, personalized amenities, and unique design, creating intimate and authentic experiences for all types of travelers. Whether you’re a family visiting the city for the first time, a solo traveler headed here on business, or a couple looking for a romantic getaway, these stays truly deliver. Read on for my favorite boutique hotels in Chicago, with accommodations in vibrant and exciting neighborhoods like Wicker Park, the West Loop, and River North.
How we choose the best boutique hotels in Chicago
Every hotel review on this list has been written by a Condé Nast Traveler journalist who knows the destination and has visited that property. When choosing hotels, our editors consider properties across price points that offer an authentic and insider experience of a destination, keeping design, location, service, and sustainability credentials top of mind.
For more room to spread out and full kitchens, check out our list of the best Airbnbs in Chicago.
