Sometimes when you’re traveling, you want a place that’s unique to the destination. While Chicago has all the big chains, there are also several boutique hotels in downtown Chicago.
If you’re planning a vacation or staycation, you’ve got tons of options. Even when you’re staying in River North, the Loop, or the Magnificent Mile, there are more intimate accommodations from which to choose.
These downtown Chicago boutique hotels suit different tastes, all within steps of the city’s most popular attractions. You’re sure to find one that’s perfect for your stay in the Windy City.
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Boutique Hotels in Downtown Chicago
ACME Hotel Company Chicago
Not only is this one of the more affordable hotel options in downtown Chicago, it’s also one of the coolest. There are glow-in-the-dark red lip-prints on the bathroom mirror, beach balls in the hot tub, chalkboards on the door so you can leave your own Do Not Disturb – or any other – message.
Coffee is free and brought to your room in a thermos from one of the best bakeries in Chicago, which just happens to be downstairs. Wifi is also free, and fast. Their hotel bar, The Berkshire Room, has more locals than tourists sipping its craft cocktails.
If you prefer to cocktail upstairs, there’s a DIY kit in your room, complete with a take-home mason jar shaker, for only $18.
Plus, it’s ACME – Wile E. Coyote, anyone?
Location: 15 E Ohio St
Make Reservations
As you’re planning your trip, check out these tips on visiting Chicago on a budget.
Eurostars Magnificent Mile Hotel
Industrial chic meets efficient and affordable at this River North high-rise hotel a couple of blocks off the Magnificent Mile.
The room decor is hardwood floors and floor-to-ceiling windows, and the amenities include an in-room wine rack holding bottles that aren’t quadruple retail rate. Translation: you can open these and not feel guilty about it.
Location: 660 N State St
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Hotel Julian Chicago
Hotel Julian is a true boutique hotel in a prime location with luxurious amenities. If you’re looking for a unique place to stay in downtown Chicago with a touch of history and reasonable rates, this one fits the bill.
Speaking of history, learn the story behind the building in Living Landmarks of Chicago
Each room is equipped with a Nespresso maker, in-room safe, refrigerator that only turns on when you put something in it, 300-count Frette linen and robes, Panpuri bath products, a hand-held steamer, and an alarm clock radio with wireless charging.
Bottled water and hi-speed wifi are free, and valet parking (extra charge) comes with in-and-out privileges, which is practically unheard of in downtown Chicago. Comfortable beds are topped with just-right pillows.
Location: 168 N. Michigan Ave
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IVY Hotel
This intimate boutique hotel in downtown Chicago is steps from the Magnificent Mile. It may only have 63 rooms, but it offers the services of much larger hotels. Room service will deliver craft cocktails and small plates to your room. The fitness center is off-site, but you can get spa services in your room.
The bathrooms feature Italian marble and custom toiletries. There’s a seasonal rooftop bar and you can get breakfast in bed for just $15 a person.
Location: 233 E Ontario St
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Talbott Hotel
For old-world charm and new-world comfort, the Talbott Hotel is a delightful respite from the surrounding chaos. Built in 1927, the European-style hotel is an opulent jewel with impeccable service.
Don’t let those buzz-words fool you, though – the rooms and the bathrooms are large with plenty of space. They’re also very pet friendly and the rooms are surprisingly spacious. The lobby is especially inviting during the holidays with their elegant decorations. The Talbott is the perfect example of why you’ll want to stay in one of these boutique hotels in downtown Chicago.
Location: 20 E Delaware Pl
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Thompson Chicago
Located in the heart of the Gold Coast, Thompson Chicago is one of the best boutique hotels in Chicago.
It’s just a couple of blocks from Oak Street Beach and the Magnificent Mile.
When you’re here you’ll want to make reservations at on-site Nico Osteria, an excellent Italian-inspired seafood restaurant.
Location: 21 E Bellevue Pl
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Warwick Allerton Hotel
With the Tip Top Tap sign on the top of this Chicago landmark, The Allerton Hotel is one of the most recognizable buildings in the city.
Although the bar has been closed for years, the sign remains as a reminder of years past.
The Magnificent Mile boutique hotel originally opened in 1924 as a club hotel, and while most of the rooms are now in-line with today’s size expectations, they offer a few “Petite Classic” rooms that are a bit more cozy.
Location: 701 N. Michigan Ave
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