Last Updated on December 28, 2023 by Paige
The best hotels on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile — technically, Michigan Avenue between Lake Shore Drive and the Chicago River — give you access to more than just museums and exclusive stores. You are just a short walk from myriad restaurants that can take any trip from meh to extraordinary. With luxury and amenities in mind, here are the five best hotel in the Windy City’s most coveted area.
The Peninsula Chicago (108 E. Superior St.; 312-337-2888) The Loop
This five-star hotel is legendary for its impeccable hospitality, spacious accommodations, as well as very modern rooms. As one TripAdvisor reviewer notes, “Everything in the room is electronic. You can control the lights, temperature, and TV/audio with one-touch remotes.” One Google reviewer wrote, “I have never stayed at a place that put such a priority on guests having an amazing experience. Everything was top notch from the room to the bed, location, amenities, space and cleanliness.” The Peninsula also has a trendy rooftop bar, a terrace restaurant serving highly-reviewed Cantonese and Shanghainese food, and a European cafe and wine bar. >> Book this hotel for less
The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago (160 E. Pearson St.; 312-266-1000) Magnificent Mile
This 434-room Ritz Carlton at Water Tower Place received a $100-million facelift in 2023, with every room getting an extensive renovation. The 12th-floor Art Deco lobby is a showstopper, with floor-to-ceiling windows leading out to the rooftop. “A great Magnificent Mile location for exploring the city, and a cosseting base to retreat to when exhausted,” says Conde Nast Traveler. “Loads of amenities and access to food and drink features that draw in the locals, as well as guests, make this hotel feel plugged in.” The Telegraph, meanwhile, calls it “a slick skyscraper hotel slap in the middle of Downtown Chicago. The service is five-star without being fussy.” >> Book this hotel for less
InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile (505 N. Michigan Ave.; 312-944-4100) Magnificent Mile
Without a doubt, staying at the InterContinental gives you instant access to a number of top tourist destinations. But, built in 1929, this historic hotel is also a destination on its own. In fact, the glamorous InterContinental Chicago Hotel also features a wine and cheese bar, steakhouse, Starbucks, and a massive pool and sauna. One TripAdvisor reviewer recommends staying here “just for the pool!” A Yelp reviewer notes, “We were even lucky enough to be in a room that showed Navy Pier’s Friday night fireworks!” Other guests mention the luxurious and “spotless” bathrooms, as well as the old school feel of the rooms. Overall, for those who love a bit of history, this Magnificent Mile stay could be the right choice. >> Book this hotel for less
The Drake, A Hilton Hotel (140 E Walton Pl.; 312-787-2200) Near North Side
This Beaux-Arts hotel built in 1920 is synonymous with glamour, class, and the finer things in life and is also a National Historic Landmark property. Conceptualized as an “urban resort,” this Magnificent Mile hotel is known for its impressive size and design. As one Yelp reviewer notes, the lobby is “always adorned with spectacular flower arrangements, which feels so grand.” A TripAdvisor reviewer stated that The Drake “takes you back in time” and that the “front desk staff were very friendly and welcoming.” With a mix of history and modern elegance, The Drake offers comfortable rooms, a high-end fitness and business center, and valet parking. It also, of course, boasts a central Chicago location. >> Book this hotel for less
Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile (20 E. Chestnut St.; 312-324-4000) Near North Side
Situated among many more classic Magnificent Mile hotels, trendy travelers will likely enjoy the Sofitel’s chic bar and upscale dining. Boasting spectacular views, over-the-top service, and numerous event spaces, the showstopper may still be the simplest things. As one Google reviewer notes, “Our bed felt like feathers that enveloped your body in comfort.” A Yelp user loved the addition of a soft robe and slippers for every guest, stating, “When you walk in, it feels like you’re home.” But many reviewers on TripAdvisor simply focus on the proximity to stores like Apple, Niketown, Bloomingdales, and Saks Fifth Avenue. At the end of a long day of shopping, you are rewarded with handcrafted cocktails in the lounge or a soak in the hotel’s spotlessly-clean bathtub. >> Book this hotel for less
Four Seasons Hotel Chicago (120 E. Delaware Pl.; 312-280-8800) Near North Side
No list of the best hotels on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile is complete without the Four Seasons. Featuring modern and clean rooms with grandiose views of Lake Michigan, this towering hotel has a reputation for consistency and class. One Google reviewer notes its recent renovation and “beautiful contemporary design.” A Yelp reviewer raves, “From the valet personnel to the housekeeping attendees, the service is over the top.” The Four Seasons is also a great choice for those traveling with children. Due to the breakfast buffet, an in-room ice cream sundae bar, and a restaurant with a range of kid-friendly options, the one-mile walk from Navy Pier may not be the biggest appeal. >> Book this hotel for less
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