Hotels in Chicago

Best time to visit Chicago

Chicago has severe winters and hot summers. For milder weather, it is best to visit Chicago in the shoulder months of April – May or September – October when average temperatures range from 12 – 20 degrees Celsius. Summer is the peak tourist season with higher hotel rates and hard-to-find accommodations. The city plays host to several cultural festivals and events during this time. From January – February, there are great deals on hotels, restaurants and entertainment, but the average temperature is minus 6 degrees Celsius and there is frequent snowfall. Consider visiting in this bargain season only if you can brave the harsh weather.

Getting around Chicago

Chicago is a very walkable city with an easy to navigate grid-style layout. Many of the Downtown Chicago attractions are within walking distance of each other. You also have a dense network of buses and trains operated by the Chicago Transit Authority. A single ride fare starts at $2.25 USD while a 1-Day ticket which allows unlimited rides on buses and trains costs $10.00 USD. Taxis are available easily and charge a base rate of $3.25 USD. Another fast and affordable mode of travel, particularly to view the top tourist destinations, is water taxis. A single ride costs between $3.00 USD – $8.00 USD. Chicago’s bike-sharing program Divvy allows unlimited 30-minute rides in a 24-hour period for $9.95 USD.

Best places to stay in Chicago

37 movable bridges, waters as blue as the Caribbean, fierce rivalry in food innovation, and a thriving ground for music and major league sports; that’s Chicago for you! Also known as the Windy City, Chicago is an enterprising city with a rich culture and history. It is a city of neighbourhoods, and each one has a distinct character and vibe.

The Loop

Downtown Chicago, known as The Loop is the main business district with several office buildings as well as the administrative government buildings, making this a fairly busy and bustling area on week days. If you want dramatic views of the Chicago skyline, a short walk to the waterfront, or you plan to visit the Chicago museums, this is a good area to stay while you explore the rest of the city. Stay at the opulent and historical Palmer House A Hilton Hotel or enjoy unobstructed views of Millennium Park and Lake Michigan from The Blackstone Hotel on South Michigan Avenue.

The Magnificent Mile

The one mile stretch from North Michigan Avenue to Oak Street boasts some of the most luxurious accommodations in Chicago. From designer boutiques to large department stores, this area is also a shopper’s paradise. The Oak Street Beach is within easy reach if you stay in this neighbourhood. Book your stay at the Warwick Allerton – Chicago hotel to enjoy an interesting blend of historic architecture with modern amenities. You also have the golden-domed Intercontinental Chicago Magnificent Mile hotel offering modern rooms and multiple dining options.

River North

An old industrial neighbourhood which has transformed into a thriving dining and nightlife area, River North has plenty of hip clubs and bars, and a large concentration of hotels. Enjoy the minimal décor and elegance of The James Chicago hotel or check out the modern yet unconventional Aloft Chicago City Center hotel.

The Gold Coast

If you wish to be in a more quiet neighbourhood within walking distance to the lakefront and Michigan Avenue, then book a stay in the Gold Coast area. For top-of-the-line luxury, opt for The Waldorf Astoria Chicago. Or you can stay at The Talbott Hotel, a historic boutique hotel which offers classic English décor and modern amenities.

Lincoln Park and the North Side

Lincoln Park is full of historic churches, brick row houses and quiet, tree-lined streets. This area is also home to several museums, theaters, and live music clubs. A 6-minute walk from the Lincoln Park Zoo, you have the vintage-styled Hotel Lincoln featuring contemporary rooms with lakefront views. Or you might want to stay at The Majestic Hotel, a charming boutique hotel with quick access to public transport.

Cheap hotels in Chicago

Enjoy daily complimentary breakfast and Wi-Fi at the HI Chicago Hostel within walking distance of Millennium Park, The Art Institute of Chicago and Willis Tower. The Hyatt Centric Chicago Magnificent Mile or the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Chicago – Magnificent Mile also offer budget rates for their upscale properties in the heart of the city. You must also checkout the spacious, apartment-styled suites at DeWitt Place Hotel & Suites in Gold Coast.

Chicago boasts many beautiful beaches, world-class museums, over 200 theatres, an eclectic food and music scene, and several major league spectator sports clubs. A city that completely reinvented itself after being gutted in the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, there is so much to see, do and experience in Chicago that a single trip may not be enough!