Chicago hotels know how to set a mood.
And you don’t have to book the Presidential Suite to have a memorable night (though it certainly helps).
But with Valentine’s Day creeping up fast, we asked our Facebook community where they go they want a staycation that delivers on the romance.
1. Nobu suite with a bathtub
Hands down the runaway winner for a “mood.”
If there is a single hotel feature Chicagoans are currently obsessed with, it’s the teak soaking tubs at Nobu.
Locals call this the ultimate West Loop flex—minimalist Japanese design, dim lighting that makes everyone look good, and a rooftop bar that absolutely slaps if you decide to leave the room. But let’s be honest, you probably won’t.
The specific request here is crucial: you have to book a suite with the wooden tub. It gets mentioned constantly as the most romantic amenity in the city.
The sushi room service is legendary. The catch? Everyone wants these rooms for Valentine’s Day, so if you see an opening, book it immediately.
📍 854 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607, United States
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2. Chicago Athletic Association
The absolute coolest vibe in the city.
It’s not your typical “rose petals on the bed” romance—it’s moody, historic, and incredibly stylish. Locals love it for the old-school athletic club feel, the roaring fireplaces in the drawing room, and the fact that you have Cindy’s rooftop right upstairs for a nightcap.
The rooms have that vintage, masculine edge that feels cozy rather than stuffy. It feels like you’ve snuck into a secret club.
Pro moves: Grab a drink in the Milk Room (the tiny, hidden speakeasy downstairs) before heading up. It’s intimate, dark, and perfect for a date.
📍12 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603, United States
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3. St Regis
The new heavyweight champion of luxury.
A lot of locals now rank this #1 for a pure “wow factor.” It’s the tallest building in the world designed by a woman, and the views are described as “next level” and “insane.”
It leans modern and high-end, with floor-to-ceiling windows that give you the river and the lake. If you want to impress someone with sheer scale and flawless execution, this is the move.
The spa is also reportedly fantastic if you’re trying to earn major brownie points.
📍401 E Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60601, United States
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4. Park Hyatt Chicago
The renovated classic that’s back on top.
This is for the couple that wants quiet luxury. Locals say the recent renovation completely refreshed the vibe, making it feel modern but still incredibly posh.
The window seats in the rooms overlooking the Water Tower and the lake are the perfect spot to just sit and watch the city. It’s elegant, understated, and the service is always on point—no off nights.
Plus, you’re steps away from everything, but the rooms are so serene you won’t care.
📍 800 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
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5. The Langham
The splurge that is worth every penny.
Consistently praised as the best service in the city. If you want to feel like royalty, you come here. The river views are killer, and the aesthetic is bright, airy, and glamorous.
Multiple locals mentioned the Chuan Spa as a non-negotiable part of the stay—it’s widely considered the best in Chicago.
It’s not cheap, but people who stay here swear by it. It’s the kind of place where you don’t have to lift a finger.
📍 330 N Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
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6. Londonhouse
The one with the view everyone tries to get on Instagram.
Riverfront location, killer rooftop, and a history that feels distinctly Chicago. It’s the one locals mention when they want a “damn epic” backdrop for the evening.
The cupola at the top is legendary for proposals, but even the regular rooms offer a sleek, sexy vibe right in the middle of the action.
Great for when you want a high-energy romantic night downtown without feeling stuck in a stuffy old hotel.
📍 85 E Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60601, United States
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7. The Gwen
The sleeper hit on Michigan Avenue.
Art Deco glamour meets modern comfort. Locals love the terrace suites—if the weather cooperates (or you’re brave), having your own outdoor space in the middle of the city is a game changer.
It’s connected to the shops, but feels tucked away and private. The vibe is “1930s glam,” which makes it feel a little more special than your standard Marriott.
📍 521 N Rush St, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
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8. The Thompson
The Gold Coast gem with an edge.
Sexy, darker tones, and a lobby bar that is always buzzing. Locals say this is perfect for the couple that wants a cool, boutique feel rather than a massive corporate hotel.
It’s located right near the best dining in the Gold Coast, but the rooms themselves have a mid-century modern aesthetic that feels very curated.
The loft suites get serious praise for feeling like a cool apartment you wish you owned.
📍 21 E Bellevue Pl, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
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9. Peninsula
The Grand Dame.
If you want the “Pretty Woman” experience (the good parts), this is it. It’s old-school in the best way possible.
The technology in the rooms is surprisingly top-tier (tablets control everything), but the service is classic. The pool with the view of the city is a standout—multiple groups raved about taking a swim while looking out at the skyline.
It’s pricey, but for a special occasion like Valentine’s, it’s a fortress of luxury.
📍108 E Superior St, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
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10. Waldorf Astoria
Paris in Chicago.
If you can’t fly to France, you book a room here. The courtyard entrance alone makes you feel like you’ve left the Midwest.
Locals love the fireplaces in the rooms and the massive soaking tubs. It’s romantic, secluded, and feels incredibly high-end.
It’s consistently mentioned by people who want a “staycation” that actually feels like a vacation.
📍11 E Walton St, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
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11. The Four Seasons
The consistency king.
Just like their service, the romance here is reliable. The recent renovations have made the rooms feel lighter and more contemporary, but the views remain unbeatable.
You are literally above the noise. Locals say it’s the best place to go if you want to shut out the world and just focus on each other. The room service is flawless.
📍120 E Delaware Pl, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
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12. Hotel EMC2
The wild card for the couple that hates “boring.”
Science-themed, quirky, and visually stunning. It’s not your traditional romantic spot, but locals love it for being different.
If you want a hotel with robots (yes, robots) and a smart, artistic vibe, this is the one. It’s perfect if you want an experience that sparks conversation.
📍228 E Ontario St, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
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