Everyone Keeps Recommending These 3 Chicago Hotels – Here’s Why

I asked our Chicago Facebook group a simple question: 

If you were going to shut yourself inside one hotel for a weekend and ignore the rest of the city, which one would it be?

While plenty of places got a mention, the same three names came up over and over again.

These aren’t just places to sleep—they are experiences.

1. The Langham

If you want the “I’ve made it” feeling without the stuffiness of the older hotels, The Langham is the overwhelming favorite.

Located in the legendary Mies van der Rohe-designed building on the river, this spot was described by multiple visitors as simply “heavenly.”

What makes The Langham stand out?

It hits the sweet spot between ultra-luxury and approachability. Locals consistently rated the food here higher than its competitors. It’s also home to the Chuan Spa, which is widely considered one of the best wellness spots in the city. If you book here, request a river view—watching the architecture boat tours glide by from a silent, plush room is peak Chicago. It’s high-end luxury, but guests insist you get more bang for your buck here than at the other five-star giants.

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2. The Peninsula

When the goal is to “rot in luxury,” The Peninsula is the gold standard.

This was the top pick for people who wanted to shut the door on the world and be pampered. It is grand, it is opulent, and the service is practically telepathic.

The Insider Tip: You aren’t just staying here for the beds; you’re staying here for Shanghai Terrace.

In the thread, locals called dinner here a “1000000%” requirement. It is arguably the best high-end Chinese cuisine in the city.

Also, check the calendar: if you are visiting in the winter, they have their own private “Sky Rink” for skating above Michigan Avenue. If you want a pool with a view and a room that feels like a palace, this is the one.

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3. InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile

While the Langham and Peninsula are about modern luxury, the InterContinental is about history.

Specifically, it’s about The Pool.

Built in the roaring ’20s (back when the building was the Medinah Athletic Club), the junior Olympic pool is a marvel of Spanish Majolica terra cotta. It is often cited as the best indoor pool in the United States, let alone Chicago.

The “Secret Menu” Item:

Here is the tip that makes this article worth saving: After your swim, head to Michael Jordan’s Steak House in the hotel.

Do not just look at the menu.

Ask for the “Killer B” burger. It is an off-menu legend served on garlic bread with a blue cheese fondue poured over the top. As one bartender at the hotel confirmed: “That garlic bread will make you think about it months later.”

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Other Options Worth Considering

If you want a vibe that is more “cool” than “fancy,” the Chicago Athletic Association is unbeatable. It’s right across from Millennium Park and the building is stunningly restored.

While the historic pool is unfortunately closed, the rooftop bar, Cindy’s, has the best view of the Bean in the city.

For 90s movie buffs, the Four Seasons is a must—yes, the pool there is the exact one Kevin McCallister cannonballs into in Home Alone 2.

Finally, if you are looking for a romantic winter getaway, locals suggest the Waldorf Astoria or the Viceroy.

Why? They are some of the few hotels in the city that offer rooms with working fireplaces and balconies—a rarity in downtown Chicago.