11 Best Hotels in Chicago with a View

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Best Hotels in Chicago with a View - The Chicago skyline.
The Chicago skyline. Photo credit: Adina Keeling

Chicago, Illinois sits like a jewel in the Midwest. Here, towering skyscrapers stand beside an endless Lake Michigan. The Windy City is known for its frigid winter temperatures, but these months also bring with them a festive holiday spirit. In the spring and summer, skies start to clear, and a contagious excitement to be outdoors sweeps across the city.

 

No matter what time you’re traveling, Chicago welcomes visitors with open arms. Get the most out of your stay by opting for one of Chicago’s luxurious hotels. Sleep on Navy Pier, overlook the Chicago River, or stay on the Magnificent Mile. Here is a roundup of the best hotels in Chicago that boast an unforgettable view.

 

Best Hotels in Chicago with a View - Stunning lake views at Sable at Navy Pier.
Stunning lake views at Sable at Navy Pier. Photo credit: Adina Keeling

 

1. Sable at Navy Pier

 

If a lake view is what you’re after, look no further than Sable at Navy Pier. This Hilton hotel sits directly on the pier, and rooms boast one wall of floor-to-ceiling windows that frame stunning views of Lake Michigan. Guests can snuggle up in plush queen-sized beds while watching the sunrise over the lake.

 

The hotel is only a couple of years old and is the only hotel built on Navy Pier. Here. guests will find an on-site restaurant as well as plenty of dining, shopping, and entertainment options on the pier itself. While this hotel is a little further from other Chicago attractions, it’s the perfect hotel for a relaxing and romantic stay.

Read my complete review of Sable at Navy Pier.

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2. The Peninsula Chicago

 

The Peninsula Chicago is an award-winning 5-star hotel known for its traditional Asian service. Located in the Chicago Loop, this luxury retreat is home to 339 guest rooms and suites, all of them airy and spacious.

 

There are five dining options, including in-room dining, a Chinese restaurant, a rooftop lounge, and a lobby serving afternoon tea. Relax at the rooftop pool or sunbathe on the outdoor terrace. Meditate in the yoga room or unwind at the spa. The Peninsula is all about spoiling its guests with unparalleled service and luxury perks.

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3. Swissotel Chicago

 

Swissotel Chicago is another luxury hotel located along the Chicago River. This hotel is huge, with more than 600 rooms and suites spanning 43 floors. From their rooms, guests may enjoy river views, city views, or even a glimpse at Navy Pier.

 

Swissotel Chicago is easy to spot, with its sleek glass exterior. The interior features chic, alpine-inspired decor and lavish amenities. There is a business center, a ballroom, and more than three dozen meeting rooms, including some on the 42nd floor. Dining options include a bar and an Italian-American restaurant.

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4. The Ritz-Carlton

 

Even the Ritz-Carlton’s address is impressive. This luxury hotel sits on top of the Water Place Tower Chicago, offering unparalleled access to the shops and amenities found here. From their rooms, guests here can see the lake and the sparkling city skyline. Rooms are chic, with gold accents and large windows.

 

Guests can work out at the fitness center while looking out over the city below. There is an indoor lap pool, an on-site spa, two restaurants, a cafe, and a bar. There are meeting rooms and a ballroom that can accommodate up to 1,200 people. The hotel features family-friendly amenities like a candy cart and a red wagon full of toys, one of which they can take home.

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5. Four Seasons Chicago

 

This iconic Chicago hotel sits boldly on the Magnificent Mile, boasting lake and skyline views. You’ll feel like royalty passing through the reception area, complete with chandeliers and marble surfaces.

 

Traveling with a family? The hotel offers babysitting services and in-room ice cream delivery. Plus, there’s a 44-foot-long indoor pool that looks like it’s straight out of a Wes Anderson film. Those looking to go shopping can find more than 900 shops just one floor below the hotel.

 

Accommodations include chic guest rooms, dreamy suites, and a luxury residence. There’s live music in the lobby and a bar and restaurant on the seventh floor.

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Best Hotels in Chicago with a View - Chicago River views at TheWit Chicago.
Chicago River views at TheWit Chicago. Photo credit: Adina Keeling

 

6. TheWit Chicago

 

With wonderful customer service, a vibrant rooftop bar, and a great location, TheWit Chicago offers a welcoming and unforgettable stay. This four-star hotel can be found right beside the Clark/Lake CTA stop in the Loop. From here, some of the city’s most popular attractions, including Millenium Park, Michigan Avenue, and the Art Institute of Chicago, are less than 15 minutes away, walking distance.

 

Rooms are thoughtfully designed to give guests plenty of space to store their suitcases. While some rooms boast a view of the Chicago River, others look into the city skyline. Before retreating into the hotel’s plush beds, guests can head upstairs and enjoy a lively night of cocktails, delicious food, and sometimes even live music at the popular rooftop bar.

 

Read my complete review of TheWit Chicago.

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7. The Langham, Chicago

 

More cityscapes await at The Langham, Chicago. This 5-star hotel in downtown Chicago is nothing if not elegant. Guest rooms boast rainwater showers, large tubs, and wood furnishings. Wall-to-ceiling windows frame the Chicago River or city views.

 

Enjoy afternoon tea at the Pavilion, grab a drink at the Travelle Lounge, or snack on ice cream at The Ice Cream Social. Unlike most hotels on this list, The Langham has an indoor pool with a hydrotherapy hot tub. There’s also a fitness center and a wellness spa.

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Best Hotels in Chicago with a View - City views at Sofitel Chicago.
City views at Sofitel Chicago. Photo credit: Adina Keeling

 

8. Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile

 

Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile is the height of luxury in the Gold Coast Neighborhood. Located just down the street from the Magnificent Mile, this 5-star, French-inspired hotel is all about pampering its guests.

 

Eager bellboys stand outside the hotel, waiting to help guests with their bags. There is a grand ballroom, which has been used to host hundreds of weddings, and on-site dining options include a chic bar and an outdoor terrace.

 

Inside their rooms, guests will find a Nespresso maker, touch-control curtains, and a large bathroom with a separate bathtub and shower. The hotel’s fitness center is stocked with modern equipment and a table with water, towels, and even a selection of apples.

 

Read my complete review of Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile.

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9. Viceroy Chicago

 

Travel back in time to the Viceroy Chicago. This 1920s-inspired hotel is inside a 120-year-old building in the Gold Coast neighborhood of Chicago. The hotel’s striking interior is all leather, gold, and navy blue, evoking a sophisticated and luxurious ambiance that transports guests to another era.

 

The hotel is just a couple blocks from some of the city’s biggest attractions, including the Chicago Water Tower, the Museum of Contemporary Art, and the trendy shops located along the Magnificent Mile. It’s also close to the lakeshore, just a 10-minute walk from Oak Street Beach. American cuisine is served at the 1920s Somerset restaurant.

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10. Thompson Chicago

 

Thompson Chicago is the perfect place for a romantic escape. A Hyatt brand, this boutique hotel in the Gold Coast is characterized by its dark color scheme, offset by warm lighting and ample natural light. Amenities like its rainfall showers, velvet sofas, Sferra linens, and mid-century modern furniture make this hotel a stand-out among Chicago hotels.

 

Guests can drink and dine at the on-site Italian restaurant or the hotel’s wine bar, which hosts live music every Thursday through Saturday. There is a fitness center, complimentary wifi, and valet parking. The hotel is also pet friendly and guests can bring their dogs at no added costs.

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11. The Gwen

 

Another luxury hotel on the Magnificent Mile, The Gwen draws inspiration from 1930s glamor. A Marriott hotel, the Gwen sits inside the historic McGraw-Hill Building. The hotel’s namesake, Gwen Lux, designed the hotel’s art deco exterior at a time when few women occupied her field.

 

The hotel’s interior is just as impressive as its exterior. Gold offsets a black-white-and-gray color scheme. Wall-to-ceiling windows in the guest rooms offer panoramic views of the Chicago skyline. There is an open-air terrace with fire pits that can be visited in the winter.

 

The hotel’s location makes sightseeing easy. Lots of shops and restaurants surround The Gwen, and Millennium Park is only a 17-minute walk away.

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