The best hotels in Chicago with a view offer Instagrammable vistas of the dramatic skyline. But they’re not always necessarily family-friendly. So we’ve rounded up for you ones that our ambassadors recommend as the best place to stay in Chicago with kids.
Hotels can be stressful, but they don’t have to be; having a beautiful view of the city to come back to after a long day of sightseeing will be fun for the whole family. If you’re planning to spend a lot of time in the room, a hotel with skyline, river, or lake visibility is a great way to experience the city from the comfort of your own room. Here are some of our picks for the best hotels in Chicago with a view:
Located downtown near the intersection of the Chicago River and Lake Michigan, the Swissotel Chicago provides pleasant views of both, not to mention the skyline and fun-filled Navy Pier with its iconic Ferris wheel. You can book rooms based on view preference and choose from a classic, suite, and loft-style rooms, all with large windows, deep beds, and modern bathrooms. There are even kids suites available, complete with toys, books, movies, and complimentary breakfast. The hotel also offers a spa, fitness center, and in-hotel steakhouse for easy dining.
Hotel Lincoln is another great, family-friendly hotel with beautiful views of the city and great amenities. Located near the Lincoln Park Zoo and North Avenue Beach, it has views of Lake Michigan, the Chicago Skyline, the John Hancock Center, and Lincoln Park. Rooms with bunk beds can be requested for families (call rather than book online) and the hotel has a gorgeous rooftop bar. That makes it not only one of the best hotels in Chicago with a view, but also the best bar with a view.
Located just steps from the Chicago River, the Renaissance Chicago offers impressive river views, as well as views of the city skyline. Located near the theater district, Magnificent Mile, and The Loop, this hotel has easy access to a wide variety of activities and offers a relaxing and scenic atmosphere.
While all our recommendations are family-friendly, these hotels have a little extra something for the kids to enjoy. From pools to ice cream, each of these hotels has extra kid-friendly services and will make memorable experiences your little ones will never forget. Here are our top picks for the best place to stay in Chicago with kids:
One of the best things about the InterContinental Chicago Hotel? The junior Olympic-sized swimming pool! If your family loves to visit hotel pools while traveling, then this one is for you. The hotel is also located on the Magnificent Mile so you’ll have easy access to Millenium Park, Navy Pier, and other city attractions. It is also pet friendly and has large, elegant rooms and a few in-house restaurants too. https://www.icchicagohotel.com/
Not only is the Omni Hotel in a great location (Magnificent Mile, near Millenium Park, Navy Pier, and the lakefront), but they have the Omni Junior Chef program which will make your stay extra special. Included in the welcome tote are a lunch bag, snack, to-go cup, crayons, an activity book, and a say Goodnight to Hunger postcard which donates a meal to Feeding America once turned in. Rooms also have 2 TVs each, and there is a free fitness center and pool in the hotel.
The Four Seasons Hotel Chicago is top of the best places to stay in Chicago list. Practically resort-like, the hotel offers a heated indoor pool complete with pool toys and floaties, an ice cream man who will come to the room and make sundaes, and a complimentary activity book and toy. The location is also key, with views of Lake Michigan, easy access to Water Tower Place (an indoor, vertical shopping mall), and proximity to the Museum of Contemporary Art, Navy Pier, and the Chicago Children’s Museum.
Sometimes, a quaint and quirky boutique hotel beats a chain not just in style, but in service, activities, and location. These hotels are so unique you’ll never forget them! Here are some of our recommendations for the best boutique hotels in Chicago:
The Talbott HotelLocated in Chicago’s Gold Coast neighborhood, the Talbott Hotel is a beautiful boutique hotel dating back to the 1920s. Close to the lakeside beach, this hotel is great in the summer or for big families, with rooms fitting 4-5. With packages for kids, an onsite restaurant, and a gym, this (also pet friendly!) hotel is perfect for the whole family.
Looking for a hotel with in-room amenities? Look no further than The Guesthouse Hotel, which offers suites fully furnished with a kitchen and dishes, a balcony and grill, and a washer and dryer. Great for families that want to feel at home. Located in Andersonville on the north side, it is close to many renowned restaurants, breweries, shops, and entertainment venues. While you’re there, check out one of our favorite stores, the Women and Children First Bookstore, only a nine-minute walk from the hotel.
If you’re a fan of baseball, the Zachary Chicago is for you. Located right across from Wrigley Field, the Zachary offers views of the stadium, baseball-inspired decor, and the perfect spot to enjoy a game and explore all the city has to offer. Named after Zachary Taylor Davis, the architect behind Wrigley field, the hotel pays homage to his legendary work through a mix of history and style.
The iconic Staypineapple Hotel, located in a national historic landmark building, is located steps from Millenium Park and the Chicago Theatre. Located in a prime location to visit the Art Institute of Chicago, among many other attractions, it mixes in-house history with easy access to some of Chicago’s most iconic historical sites. This hotel also allows dogs and has a fitness center, beach cruisers, and fun pineapple treats for the whole family to enjoy.
Chicago is a beautiful city full of loads of things to see and do, from snapping selfies with The Bean to spending a fun-filled day at the Museum of Science and Industry. Without a proper hotel though, it can quickly turn into a nightmare. A location that minimizes walking time and maximizes opportunities, kid-friendly amenities, and a place you can not only sleep but relax and enjoy is essential. No matter what you choose, you can’t go wrong with these hotels.
If you want even more recommendations, as well as tips and tricks for restaurants, activities, and more, check out the Bébé Voyage Chicago Travel Guide, an invaluable resource for those looking to make the most of their time in the city.
Be sure to check out our Traveling with Toddlers Chicago Destination Guide.
Here’s a sample of what it covers:
