26 Favorite Chicago Hotels

A $50 million renovation and exceptional service make the Fairmont one of the city's classiest stays, and allergen-free PURE guest rooms offer a bonus to suffering travelers who just want to breathe easy. Step off the elevator, and you'll immediately notice that the air smells naturally fresh—as if you'd just walked outside after a rain in the North Woods, not into a 687-room mid-priced hotel in Chicago's busy Loop. (312) 565-8000; fairmont.com/chicago 

Worth a stay just for its superb location, Hotel 71 also has a friendly staff, good amenities and generously sized rooms. On the Chicago River, just a long block from Michigan Avenue, the hotel sports an outdoor cafe for breakfast through nightcaps. Try to get a river room — the view, including some of Chicago's most iconic buildings, is worth every dollar. See reviews and ratings. (312) 346-7100; hotel71.com 

Impeccable amenities give one of the city's luxe properties its sterling reputation, and its on-site dining offers a slice of excellence to those who can't spring for a stay. Spacious guest rooms include marble baths, TVs in the bathroom mirrors, and three-tiered mood lighting. The Peninsula has two other big pluses: Its location across from Water Tower Place and its dining options —the elegant Lobby restaurant with a European-inspired menu and Shanghai Terrace, a Chinese restaurant with a 1930s supper club vibe and excellent cocktails. (866) 382-8388; peninsula.com

Fun and edgy, the Acme Hotel has turned a former Comfort Suites in River North into a vibrant, affordable place to stay, with a great perk: hot coffee delivered in a thermos to your room. The Acme, which opened in 2012, shakes off staid, restful color palettes and employee uniforms and embraces the energy that this neighborhood has to offer. (312) 894-0800; acmehotelcompany.com

A striking, rippled exterior gives this 81-story skyscraper the look of a tall, narrow waterfall. Inside, chic styling and amenities make a stay feel more like high-rise condo life. The 334 guest rooms have rain showers, flat-screens and window walls framing views of Millennium Park, the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. See reviews and ratings. (312) 565-5258; radissonblu.com/aquahotel-chicago

For people looking to splurge on a special occasion, this is your spot. Even the 600-square-foot entry-level price point rooms come standard with soaking tubs, a kitchen and 10-foot window wall. In-mirror TV portals stand above the bath's limestone counters. See reviews and ratings. (312) 588-8000; trumpchicagohotel.com

Gracious hospitality and luxurious details define a stay at this Gold Coast property less than one block east of State Street. A polished-mahogany lobby with coffered ceilings, antique clocks and Oriental rugs sets the classy tone for this 16-story boutique hotel. Enjoy both spacious rooms and impeccable service. See reviews and ratings.  (800) 825-2688; talbotthotel.com

A luxury hotel on the Magnificent Mile, Park Hyatt Chicago features elegant public spaces (such as the library, pictured) and rooms with plush amenities including marble baths with oversized tubs. Many rooms have beautiful views of the city and Lake Michigan. The hotel is home to award-winning restaurant NoMI Kitchen. (312) 335-1234; parkchicago.hyatt.com

Music fans love this salute to rock in the 1929 Carbide and Carbon Building on Michigan Avenue (artwork of The Who and other bands hangs throughout the building's 40 stories). (866) 966-5166; hardrockhotelchicago.com

Though it has a 1920s redbrick Renaissance exterior, the Allerton's interior is contemporary, thanks to a recent renovation. Rooms at this mid-priced Magnificent Mile spot are comfortable--not plush, but with a functional, calming aesthetic. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, iPod docking stations, pillow-top beds and 400-thread-count linens. See reviews and ratings. (877) 701-8111; theallertonhotel.com

Opened in 2009 after extensive renovation, this River North-area hotel combines a 1927 Beaux Arts brick building with functional, contemporary furnishings. An earthy design palette and friendly staff give this mid-priced 225-room lodging a comfortable vibe. Motion and heat sensors in the guest rooms control lighting and temperature to reduce energy use when the room is unoccupied. See reviews and ratings. (312) 447-3440; hotelfelixchicago.com

Whimsical and quirky, the new 184-room Hotel Lincoln reflects the fun, residential side of Chicago, complete with park views, lake access and downtown accessibility. Located across from Lincoln Park and Lake Michigan, the mid-priced hotel features bright, cozy rooms; playfully decorated public spaces; and an effervescent staff in 50s-style rockabilly dress. See reviews and ratings. (312) 254-4700; www.jdvhotels.com/hotels/chicago/lincoln/

632. That's the square footage of a standard king room at this luxury French-inspired boutique hotel known for lavish art, in-room fireplaces and marble baths. See reviews and ratings. (312) 646-1300 Waldorf Astoria Chicago

Found in the Loop along the bank of the Chicago River, this colorful (and pet-friendly) boutique hotel occupies a former hat factory. See reviews and ratings. (866) 610-0081; monaco-chicago.com

This hotel stands in the heart of the Loop's theater district. Your check-in includes a warm chocolate chip cookie, and throughout the hallways, you'll hear the quiet chirping of birds and crickets on your way to your plush guest room. See reviews and ratings.  (312) 467-0200; thewithotel.com

They had us with the Rat Pack-esque doormen, free daily wine reception and the nods to Chicago history, including cool photos of the 1893 Columbian Exposition. See reviews and ratings. (877) 731-0505; hotelpalomar-chicago.com

You can walk just about anywhere from this hip boutique hotel in Streeterville. The historic 1920s facade complements sleek furnishings. Soak in the view from the 22nd-floor skydeck.  (312) 787-3100; innofchicago.com

A $396 million project has transformed a historic Burnham building into a luxe hotel. The property includes 610 guest rooms and a 20,000-square-foot spa.  (312) 660-8200; jwmarriottchicago.com

A $128 million renovation has breathed sophisticated life into this Beaux Arts property that once hosted presidents. On South Michigan Avenue, with outstanding Lake Michigan views. See ratings and reviews. (312) 447-0955; blackstonerenaissance.com

A $25 million renovation gives this luxury Mag Mile site a fresh look. A battalion of attentive staff stands ready to serve, and guests shop at the Water Tower Place below. See reviews and ratings. (312) 266-1000; fourseasons.com/chicagorc

A 10-minute walk from Navy Pier, this mid-priced River North hotel completed an $11 million upgrade to its suites and fitness center. Rates include breakfast. (312) 836-5900; chicagolakefront.embassysuites.com

Opened in 2009 in the Mather Tower, this colorful, contemporary mid-priced  boutique hotel at Wacker and Michigan is within sight of the city's new lighted river walk. See reviews and ratings. (312) 777-0888; chicagoriverhotel.com

A renovated landmark in the Loop's theater district blends vibrant colors with original Art Deco design. (866) 672-6143; allegrochicago.com

This high-energy, upscale hotel with a nightclub just off the lobby stands alongside the House of Blues in Marina City.  (312) 245-0333; thompsonhotels.com

This affordable chain hotel in River North recently completed a $20 million ecofriendly renovation. Every room has a view, as the hotel occupies the 14th through the 23rd floors (the 15th-floor CityScape bar is pictured at left). A skywalk connects to the Merchandise Mart. There's also an indoor swimming pool. (312) 836-5000; martplaza.com

This budget chain option is the only downtown hotel with free parking. A renovation is giving all of the rooms new styling, bedding, furniture and flat-screen TVs. (800) 727-0800; rivernorthhotel.com