The third-largest city in America is Chicago. In particular, the upscale neighborhood along Michigan Avenue, Grant Park, and Lake Michigan epitomizes the city's cosmopolitan elegance and glamour. This means that when it comes to resorts in Chicago, what we're really looking at are upscale hotels, or "urban resorts," which provide all the amenities of a regular resort but are often housed in a pricey, private high-rise tower in the poshest part of town.
There are plenty of them in Chicago. Indeed, Chicago is home to some of the top luxury "resorts" in the country. A resort is waiting for you, whether you want to go all out at the Four Seasons or Ritz-Carlton or discover your inner hipster at places like the W Chicago Lakefront or The Blackstone.
Here, we've compiled a few of the very best. These urban retreats have top-notch dining establishments, cutting-edge spas, rooftop pools, elegant lounges, workout centers, and even changing exhibitions of art. Check out our selection of the top resorts in Chicago if you're prepared to catch some much-needed shut-eye in the Windy City.
1. Chicago's Langham
The Langham, Chicago only recently (2013, to be precise) launched, yet it has swiftly risen to the top of the Chicago resort scene. The upscale Langham Chicago, housed in a sleek and contemporary skyscraper, has all the amenities you'd anticipate from a top-notch resort: exquisitely furnished suites, first-rate service, great restaurants, and wellness options.
The lobby is very stunning, with floor to ceiling windows that keep it romantically dark in the evenings and flood it with light during the day. A hotel that is obviously based in Chicago's Art Deco tradition is given a modern twist by hanging fixtures from the ceiling.
Light purple and cream colors make a lovely statement in the rooms. The fifth level is where rooms are located, therefore the most of them enjoy views of the Chicago River or the city skyline. Additional benefits if you choose a Club Level room include a free breakfast buffet, afternoon tea and snacks, as well as butler service.
The indoor pool is one of the hotel's best attractions. It has a roof covered in twinkling lights, which gives it an ethereal radiance, especially at night. The Langham, Chicago is a palace for wellbeing as well, boasting a spa and a 2,000 square foot fitness center.
2. the Four Seasons Hotel in Chicago.
Four Seasons resorts are known for their high standards, if there is one thing that can be stated about them. The Four Seasons Hotel Chicago is no different, and from the moment you walk in, you'll recognize its well-deserved reputation for perfection.
The opulent hotel is positioned atop Chicago's Magnificent Mile, a well-known stretch of North Michigan Avenue. It's located on floors 30 to 46 of a massive skyscraper just a few blocks from Lake Michigan. (In the same building, you'll find some of the best brand-name shopping in the entire globe.)
The 347 guest rooms all provide breathtaking views of the city or the lake. As is typical for Four Seasons, the design leans toward traditional elegance yet incorporates modern art to add splashes of color. The bathrooms are magnificently luxurious, covered in marble, and furnished with Malin + Goetz products.
The environment outside the room is as elegant, from the farm-to-table restaurant that glitters under the light of sparkling chandeliers to the opulent spa with a swimming pool beneath a skylight.
3. The Peninsula Chicago,
A Peninsula hotel is typically present in locations popular with international jet-setters. This specific one is no exception to the name's association with luxury.
Peninsula devotees will recognize the 339-room hotel's warm colors, natural light, and dark wood accents because it is situated directly on the Magnificent Mile. Even the tiniest rooms include a couch and a dining table, which is why they are referred to as residential spaces.
Visitors to The Peninsula Chicago can find an homage to the brand's Eastern roots at Shanghai Terrace, which is regularly named among the best Chinese restaurants in the area. The restaurant, which serves opulent Cantonese cuisine in a dining room decorated in the style of the 1930s, is located next to The Terrace, which offers breathtaking views of the city skyline.
The Peninsula Spa is located on the 19th and 20th floors and offers therapies that are largely influenced by Asian and Ayurvedic practices. The half-Olympic pool, a relaxation area with a fireplace, a yoga room, and a fitness center are all located in the spa.
4, Waldorf Astoria Chicago
One of the most well-known premium brand names in the world is Waldorf Astoria. The Chicago hotel nevertheless gives off a very upscale air. One of the top resorts in Chicago and the entire nation is the 215-room Waldorf Astoria.
Despite the fact that the hotel was only inaugurated in 2006, guests are greeted with a stylish lobby covered in marble that evokes the height of old-world grandeur in Chicago. With lots of black leathers, wrought iron, and marble, the design swings elegant and futuristic.
All along the Gold Coast, the 215 rooms are dispersed over 19 stories and have views of the city and Lake Michigan. Without a doubt, every room is at the pinnacle of luxury. The Presidential Suite, though, is the one to beat at this Chicago hotel. The 26th-floor suite is 2,400 square feet in size and features three entrances, two bedrooms, patios, a fireplace, a fully furnished kitchen, and panoramic views of Chicago.
The Brasserie, a French fine-dining establishment evoking Jazz Era Paris, transforms into a Parisian atmosphere in the evenings. In fact, you can enjoy dining in 1920s Paris all day long with a stop at the hotel's lobby Patisserie for delectable pastries and coffee.
Of course, visitors can also use the hotel's top-notch spa, pool, and fitness center.
5. Park Hyatt Chicago,
The abundance of amenities and close proximity to some of the most significant landmarks and tourist attractions in the city make Park Hyatt Chicago one of the greatest resorts in the city. In general, Park Hyatt hotels are renowned for their A-list amenities and landmark settings, and the Chicago location does not dissapoint.
The rooms and suites will be discussed first. There are 13 suites among the 198 rooms at the opulent city resort. Every room has a stylish window bench that looks out onto one of the many breathtaking views, such as the Water Tower, Lake Michigan, or the Gold Coast. Also, each bathroom has a deep soaking tub. If you're going to truly indulge, choose the 1,800-square-foot Water Tower Suite, which also has a kitchenette and office. Also, it provides views of Lake Michigan from its height on the 18th floor.
Then there is NoMI, a luxurious restaurant located inside the hotel and so named due to its proximity to North Michigan Avenue. The interactive restaurant NoMI is known for serving some of the greatest sushi in the area. It also provides views of Lake Michigan and the Water Tower.
The hotel features a spa, fitness center, and a pool in addition to an amazing private art collection. Even pets are welcome at the opulent hotel.
6. The Ritz-Carlton Chicago,
The Ritz-Carlton Chicago meets all expectations, and the brand name alone doesn't need an introduction. On the Magnificent Mile, atop a posh shopping center called Water Tower Place, is a hotel with 434 rooms. The hotel is surrounded by upscale stores and other incredibly exclusive hotel brands on the famous boulevard.
A prized piece of land right off Lake Michigan, the Gold Coast is where the Ritz-Carlton Chicago is located in regal fashion. The hotel's rooms are unmistakably exquisite and traditional, just like the rest of the property. The Executive Suite is the lowest category, while the Navy Pier Two Bedroom Suite, with views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline, is the highest category.
The Italian steakhouse Torali, which also prepares its own pasta and meats that are dried on-site, is the focal point of the "urban resort's" dining scene. The Cafe offers a more relaxed dining environment and serves sandwiches, fresh juice, and speciality coffee. On the 12th level of the stylish Rooftop at Torali, visitors may gaze out over the Magnificent Mile.
The spa and fitness center are two more opulent luxuries. Even the hotel has a swimming pool inside.
7. Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile,
The Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile is a chic, opulent option that is conveniently located in the heart of downtown and only a short distance from Michigan Avenue and the Museum of Contemporary Art. The skyscraper's 32 storeys are enclosed in a glass prism designed by French architect Jean-Paul Viguier, and it recently underwent renovation.
This Sofitel, a well-known French brand, emits the distinctive, modern French designs infused with local Chicago style. 415 rooms and suites are available. Each offers cutting-edge design to go with the modern structure.
There are six distinct types of rooms and suites, including a presidential suite. All of them are very comfortable and designed by Pierre-Yves Rochon, but we prefer the Luxury Rooms because of their placement on the 22nd through 32nd floors, which offers unrivaled views of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan from floor to ceiling windows.
There are many on-site dining options at the five-star hotel. The newest dining option at the resort, CDA, offers Mediterranean small plates on the lobby floor. During the weekends, they provide a well-liked breakfast. Moreover, there is a chic lounge.
A modern exercise center, conference spaces, and a business center are also provided. The Sofitel welcomes dogs if you're traveling with one.
8. Loews Hotel in Chicago
The Loews Chicago Hotel, which has 400 rooms in the center of Downtown Chicago, is a stylish, contemporary hotel with resort-style amenities that is close to Lake Michigan. The hotel's lofty glass skyscraper vantage point offers views of both the Navy Pier and the Chicago River. Despite the glass and steel, it nonetheless emanates a natural warmth as a result of features like floor to ceiling windows, a fireplace, and plush furniture.
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The color scheme of the rooms and suites, which consists of shades of gray, black, and wood, pays respect to Chicago's industrial past. Every room has floor-to-ceiling windows that provide views of the Chicago River or Lake Michigan. The highest rooms have kitchenettes, including the Chicago Suites and Navy Pier Suites. Small, private workout rooms are available in the top-tier Navy Pier Suites.
The ETA Restaurant + Bar in Chicago is a fixture of the Loews Chicago Hotel. The laid-back eatery offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Streeterville Social is a laid-back rooftop lounge with lovely views and a menu of small foods.
The 75-foot indoor pool and fitness center are further features.
9. Conrad Chicago
The Conrad Chicago, like the other best resorts in Chicago, receives high marks for its ideal setting, exquisite design, and first-rate service. It stands out from other hotels since it is a hub for finding intriguing art. Look at the stunning lobby installation, which serves as a backdrop for the hotel's amazing collection of artwork.
The first level of accommodations are superior rooms, which are distinguished by their mid-century contemporary decor (imagine Mad Men with a twist), red and gold color schemes, modernist artwork, and marble bathrooms. Of course, the Conrad Presidential Suite, which spans 1,557 square feet on the 16th and 17th floors, is available if you're in the mood to splurge. These accommodations have two flat-screen televisions, a dining space, living areas, 1.5 bathrooms, and access to a private Conrad Concierge.
Depending on the season, guests have two alternatives for meals. While Noyane is the seasonally open rooftop restaurant, Baptiste & Bottle offers upscale American food all year round along with panoramic views of Chicago.
10. The Autograph Collection at The Blackstone
The Blackstone, an Autograph Collection hotel located across from Grant Park, is home to the most opulent accommodations in South Loop. The 328-room hotel's interiors nearly drip with Old World Chicago and is a famous architectural landmark. But, the retro feel is balanced with oddball 21st-century additions.
All 328 of the rooms are of respectable size, and many of them feature views of Lake Michigan and the iconic Buckingham Fountain. With marble and black-and-white wallpaper, bathrooms maintain the retro theme. Access to the Club Lounge, which provides free appetizers, is one of the extra features included with Club Level accommodations.
Although the hotel lacks a pool, it does provide a fully furnished fitness center with everything you would need to continue your usual exercise regimen while traveling. Catalan tapas are served in its restaurant, Mercat a la Plantxa. While there isn't a spa here, visitors can reserve a K'Alma Spa Journey in their rooms, which includes four massages, two face mask treatments, and other therapies.
11. W Chicago Lakeshore,
In the W Chicago - Lakeshore, the atmosphere becomes distinctly more hip. The trendy, opulent "city resort" is focused about showcasing Chicago from its best perspectives. W Chicago - Lakeshore, which has 520 rooms and a variety of "vibey" features targeted especially at millennial tourists, with a direct view of Lake Michigan.
Between Lake Michigan and the posh Streeterville neighborhood—one of Chicago's most affluent neighborhoods—is this opulent hotel in the Windy City. It is renowned for its upscale eating, pricey real estate, and a wide variety of shops. The hotel also provides a view of the well-known Navy Pier, which hosts activities all year round.
Mid-sized, edgy rooms feature modern art, a monochromatic color scheme, and bright splashes of color in the form of accent pieces or striking paintings. The bathrooms include with branded Bliss spa toiletries. The W Chicago - Lakeshore's accommodations are fantastic because many of them have views of Lake Michigan or the city of Chicago.
The numerous services this hotel offers, like the on-site Bliss spa, the indoor pool, the fitness center, and the restaurant, elevate it to the status of a resort. Also, the rooftop is furnished with cozy sofas to serve as a hip communal hangout.
12. Chicago's Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel
When Radisson Blu Aqua opened as the company's first establishment in the United States in 2011, it made a big impression on travelers.
The 334 rooms, on-site restaurant, rooftop pool, and other features make it famous.
The posh high-rise hotel is located in an excellent location in the heart of Chicago, close to Millennium Park, Grant Park, the Navy Pier, and the Magnificent Mile. Its design, from the gold-plated gas fireplace in the lobby to the steel-and-wood restaurant, the FireLake Grill House, is worth writing about in addition to its location.
Wide windows let in plenty of natural light, and each room has a flat-screen TV, a Nespresso machine, and robes. Some bathrooms contain tubs and walk-in showers. Inquire about the rooms that have balconies that overlook the city or a park.
An 8,000 square foot fitness center, a basketball court, and a seasonally open rooftop pool with cabanas are additional amenities. A year-round indoor pool is available.
13. Hyatt Regency Chicago,
One of Chicago's biggest resorts, the Hyatt Regency Chicago, has a view of the Chicago River and is close to Navy Pier and Lake Michigan. The hotel is one of the best equipped lodgings in the Windy City with more than 2,000 rooms, four restaurants, a fitness facility, and more.
The lobby is covered in glass, which floods it with natural light despite the fact that it has a more upmarket railway station vibe. Fair enough, this hotel does a better job of catering to business visitors, but it also has lots of amenities for leisure tourists to unwind.
Clean and contemporary, with gray and wood tones, are the rooms. The city, the river, or Lake Michigan may all be seen from the rooms. Spend more money on a room in the Regency Club, which offers exclusive lounge access and daily breakfast and snacks all day. Dining and living areas are included in the extra space found in suites.
From the locally sourced The Living Room to Stetsons Modern Steak + Sushi, four dining options help to complete the resort-style experience. Even the living room features a changing display of artwork.