The best downtown Chicago hotels in the Loop

To say the Chicago Athletic Association is beautiful is to put it mildly. Stay in one of the 241 luxury boutique rooms—throwbacks to the club rooms of athletic associations long gone. Look out at Lake Michigan from Cindy’s rooftop restaurant to more great food and drink at Cherry Circle Room. You’ll also love the Game Room, with its private alley entrance and bocce, shuffleboard and billiards. Find access to everything you need and more in this wonderfully restored 1890s building.

Where is it? South Michigan Ave, with an unparalleled view of Millennium Park.

Which room? Holy Cow Suite. These aptly named accommodations are large, luxurious and likely to leave you speechless (apart from a holy cow utterance, naturally).

Time Out tip: Believe it or not, there's an onsite Shake Shack. It'd be rude not to grab a burger and shake… Absolutely irresistible.

This deluxe four-star on Monroe simply oozes historic class. As soon as you step into the glamorous Beaux Arts lobby you'll feel like you've stepped back in time, especially when gazing up at the jaw-dropping 19th-century mural on the ceiling by Louis Pierre Rigal. First built in 1871, Palmer House lasted just 13 days before burning down in the Great Chicago Fire. But, undeterred, businessman Potter Palmer got right back to work and rebuilt the hotel, launching again two years later. This time the hotel stood strong and remains in its original spot today, making it the longest continuously operating hotel in America. There's 24-hour room service, should you fancy a snack when you stumble in late at night, which, given you're right in the heart of Chicago, is easily done.

Where is it? East Monroe St, right next to the Red Line.

Which room? Happy to share a room but draw the line at buddying up in the bathroom? Book the Two-Bed, Two-Bath.

Time Out tip: Try the brownies—they're still made using a recipe invented by the hotel chef in 1893.

The Virgin Hotel is a dream for people into design and technology. There's an app to control the room temperature, lights and TV (it also doubles as your key) and a pour-over coffee setup in each room. Swish. The rooms themselves are sleek, with Smeg refrigerators, swiveling desks and a bedroom/lounge, bathroom/dressing room and, if you have a suite, an extra room with a couch and a second TV. The beds are pretty comfortable and have padded backrests at one corner of the foot of the bed. (The press release says the bed “functions as a playpen and traditional bed”. Interpret that as you will.) The rooftop lounge, Cerise, features spectacular views and occasionally hosts intimate concerts and DJ sets. There's also a hotel library, if snuggling up with a book is more your thing. Oh, and there's five onsite restaurants, and a night club.

Where is it? North Wabash Ave, just one block from Michigan Ave and the Magnificent Mile.

Which room? Want to live like a billionaire? Stay in Sir Richard's Flat. It was designed especially for the Virgin magnate and comes with its own bar, walk-in closet, claw foot spa tub and sweeping views of the city. Cor blimey.

Time Out tip: There's a Tesla on-hand to give free rides to guests. Ooh la la.

There's a reason that this London staple has not only made its way over the pond, but now has four branches across the States—outrageously great service and style. Tipped as a "home away from home", the folks here go all out to make you feel comfortable. There are three bars and restaurants, an exotic-looking rooftop pool, coffee shop, 24-hour room service, yoga studio, and a meeting and events space dubbed The Apartment. Rooms are decked out to suit all variety of patrons, with tea kettles as well as coffeemakers. Plus, they're dog-frinedly.

Where is it? North Green St, in the heart of West Loop and just a short stroll to Willis Tower.

Which room? Honestly, all these rooms are incredible, with panelled leather headboards and bedding by Chicago-based artist Cody Hudson, but the best bit is that you can check in and out whenever you like for free, so long as you book directly.

Time Out tip: For nightcaps and evening sips, head to Lazy Bird, where they often host live music.

This Loop hotel in the Reliance Building, built in 1895 and now on the National Register of Historic Places, was known as the Hotel Burnham from 1999 to 2016, when it was bought by a small West Coast boutique chain, Pineapple Hospitality, and renamed The Alise, although it's now dubbed Staypineapple, matching another property the company owns in San Francisco. Designed by famed architect Daniel Burnham, along with Charles Atwood and John Root, the building still features the original ornate grillwork on the elevators. The ground-floor restaurant, formerly the Atwood Café, is now simply called Atwood following a spiffy remodel. Perfect for visiting architecture buffs.

Where is it? West Washington, under two miles from basically all things good and great about a vacation in Chicago.

Which room? Go big or go home with the Deluxe King, which is as fancy as you can go without busting the budget.

Time Out tip: The encyclopedic Art Institute of Chicago is only a ten-minute walk down South Michigan Ave, with more than 300,000 artworks and artifacts from all over the world.

Kimpton’s latest entry onto the Chicago hotel scene is also its most elegant. The property seamlessly melds historical design elements, such as a grand lobby clad in opulent gray marble and a richly-paneled bar presided over by vintage encyclopedias unearthed during renovations, with amenities for the new millennium, like lifestyle coaching and a 15th-floor restaurant (the South American-leaning Boleo) topped with a retractable glass roof. In a nod to the surrounding neighborhood’s legacy as a major national financial engine, rooms take a cue from men’s tailoring, a conceit realized in details like wallpaper that resembles gray suiting.

Where is it? West Monroe, in the landmark 1894 New York Life Insurance Building.

Which room? In need of a little extra leg space? Book a 'Tall' room—ideal, as The Kimpton puts it, for "vertically privileged guests".

Time Out tip: Stay in for the evening wine hour, but head out after that—you're walking distance from some of the city's top spots.

This 27-story hotel, which completed a $32 million renovation in 2016, features 553 rooms, including 40 sprawling suites that are bigger than many condos. The location is within stumbling distance of many a fine eateries, but those who prefer to eat in are well served by the contemporary take on Chicago's street food in Staytion Market & Bar; Raised, the third-floor indoor-outdoor terrace lounge, is one of our favorite rooftop bars in the city. Michigan Avenue and Navy Pier are both a 10-minute walk away, but we wouldn't blame you for doing sweet nothing and soaking in this boutique hotel's wonderful ambience.

Where is it? West Wacker Drive, perfect for the Loop, Magnificent Mile and restaurants of River North.

Which room? A river view would be nice, wouldn't it? Just as well you can specify upon booking your room (availability willing).

Time Out tip: less than ten minutes from the northwest corner of Milennium Park, where you'll find the Frank Gehry-designed Jay Pritzker Pavilion—home to some of the city's biggest outdoor concerts and festivals.

Chicago's Hyatt opened the city’s first Centric, a boutique imprint aimed at millennial travelers, in this converted 1927 office block in 2015. The 257-room hotel incorporates some of the building’s original Art Deco design touches, and features French brasserie Bandol Brasserie & Raw Bar at street level as well as a rooftop bar, AIRE, atop the 22-story structure. A lovely spot then.

Where is it? West Monroe St, less than ten minutes' walk from Bank of America Theatre, Willis Tower and Millennium Park.

Which room? Live like a king—or head of state—in the Presidential Suite, which features sumptuous dark-wood-paneled walls, individual climate control and a Keurig coffeemaker.

Time Out tip: Stop by The Corner before you head out for a day of exploring for complimentary coffee and snacks.

The Blake is housed in the renovated former 19th-century headquarters of the Morton Salt Company, the historic exterior of which belies the chic, contemporary digs that live within its walls. A 24-hour complimentary business center and fitness room are just a few of the attractions. If you're here for fun, you're in luck. There's an onsite restaurant, and you're super close to some of the trendiest parts of the city.

Where is it? South Dearborn St, in the heart of Printers Row.

Which room? Relax in bubbles in the Jacuzzi-style bathtub when you book out the One King Parlor Suite.

Time Out tip: Walk east for ten minutes until you hit the beautiful spectacle that is Buckingham Fountain. Built in 1927, it features four Art Deco seahorses and Georgia pink marble, plus a holiday light and music show.

This stunning Beaux Arts building, which started out as a private men’s club in 1929, has been transformed into one of Starwood’s sleek W hotels. Here you can request just about anything (legal) you desire from W’s signature Whatever/Whenever service, which once reportedly hired a helicopter to fetch a guest’s wedding cake. Very snazzy royal-levels of treatment here, then.

Where is it? West Adams St, right by a wealth of nightlife, Magnificent Mile and Lake Michigan.

Which room? W provides their own signature beds, finished off with pillow-top mattresses, so you're sure to rest easy in any one of the 369 rooms here.

Time Out tip: Destress in the laziest way possible by taking advantage of W's in-room shiatsu massage service.

A feeling of refined romance pervades in these cushy digs: oversized bathroom, separate dressing rooms, fluffy robes and a full-service spa. At the end of the evening, settle down in the lobby’s wine, cocktail and small-plates lounge, The Bar, for a nightcap. Lovely stuff. You can also make use of the 24-hour gym. Bliss.

Where is it? North Columbus, just a block from Millennium Park and Navy Pier.

Which room? From standards to suites, all 687 rooms offer ample space and an organic, modern feel, but if you sign up for the Gold floor, you’ll also gain access to a private lobby.

Time Out tip: A ten-minute walk west will land you outside the glittering doors of the Loop’s 5,000-seat Chicago Theatre—built in 1921 and home to outstanding shows, from Eddie Vedder to Coco O'Brien.

Much of the appeal of this upscale chain hotel comes from its location: occupying 18 of the 82 floors of Jeanne Gang’s stunning Aqua skyscraper, perhaps the most impactful entrant in Chicago’s Loop skyline of the 21st century so far. One of the hotel’s most attractive features is an 80,000-square-foot, third-floor green roof that boasts a scattering of fire pits. Some rooms come with private access to Gang’s unique, undulating concrete balconies, too. Oooh.

Where is it? North Columbus Drive, a (very) short walk to Millenium Park, Magnificent Mile and more.

Which room? Corner Room with a balcony—you'll likely get a view of Lakeshore East Park, as well as the city.

Time Out tip: Into fitness? Don't forget to visit the green roof. There's a running track and junior Olympic-sized pool up there. Wowzer.

This 144-room boutique hotel on Jewelers Row keeps a lower profile than others, but it’s an architectural gem. The late-19th-century Arts and Crafts style is evident outside and in, with wrought-iron pieces adding accents to the comfortable (if slightly dated—let's call it vintage) decorations in each room. There's also room service from 7am-11pm and a 24-hour gym.

Where is it? South Wabash Ave, just a four minute walk from Millenium Park.

Which room? Breathe easy in a Pure Wellness Room, the air of which has undergone a rigorous (seven steps no less) purification process.

Time Out tip: Design nerds will delight in the nearby Chicago Architecture Foundation, which is worth a visit if only to marvel at its highly accurate model of Chicago, featuring 1,000 buildings in 400 city blocks glowing under simulated sunshine.

This gorgeous hotel, first opened in 1910, has had an intriguing run so far. Many U.S. Presidents have stayed there (including Teddy Roosevelt), it was a favorite hangout of Al Capone and his cronies, and Maharishi Yogi, the Beatles’ personal guru, once owned the building. Zen. Now part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection boutique imprint, it’s simply one of the most beautiful hotels in the Loop and a favorite for bands playing at the nearby Lollapalooza music festival in August. Don’t miss the attached Spanish small-plates restaurant, Mercat a la Planxa. There's a 24-hour gym, if that's your vibe. There's also a small walk to the Art Institute of Chicago, Magnificent Mile's shops and much more. So as nice as the hotel is, you can be sure time outside won't be anything less than great.

Where is it? South Michigan Avenue, right on the Magnificent Mile.

Which room? Like marble bathrooms, artwork by local artists and massive beds? You'll like any one of the 335 rooms and suites.

Time Out tip: Chicago Bears fan in your midst? The Blackstone is walking distance to Soldier Field.

There was quite a hubbub when LondonHouse finally opened in 2016. The historic landmark building is part beautiful hotel and part high-end restaurant. Guest rooms are spacious and include free WiFi, large work stations and, of course, large flat-screen TVs. Many rooms also have unbeatable views of the city skyline. If you'd like, there's a 24-hour fitness center, but we'd likely just stroll around Millennium Park, which is ten minutes away.

Where is it? East Wacker Drive, just off Michigan Avenue and overlooking the Chicago River.

Which room? The Peloton Wellness Room is perfect for those who rate exercise high on their list. There's also a Therabody Theragun Elite and Wave Roller, plus a yoga mat.

Time Out tip: If the idea of a great height doesn't set your teeth a-chattering, then you'll love LondonHouse's rooftop bar—the only tri-level one in the city.

Built in 1928, this historic Chicago hotel now features all the mod-cons of the 21st century, like free Wi-Fi throughout and in-room iPod docking stations and coffee facilities. There's also an onsite gym and laundry facilities. The Club Room offers free newspapers, which will go well with those morning coffees, and there are also games and three computer stations.

Where is it? East Wacker Drive, inside Mather Tower and overlooking the Chicago River.

Which room? Want to save some pennies? Book the cozy Club Room. Don't mind upping the budget? Blow it on a Revier View Room.

Time Out tip: Hop onthe Red Line south for a day in Grant Park. Known as Chicago's "front yard", this lakefront acreage is filled with notable landmarks and, in the summer, plays host to festivals like Lollapalooza.

The lobby of this luxury Loop hotel is a stunner—all black and white marble and dramatic, curving staircases. The rooms are just as gorgeous and the spa, Valeo, is a must-visit. If you want to stay in the hotel, then, fair enough really—there's 24-hour room service. Soak it in.

Where is it? West Adams, in the heart of the city.

Which room? Don't fancy looking out at a load of other guest rooms? Be sure to book an Exterior View room.

Time Out tip: Navy Pier is a short stroll—a miniature amusement park, launching point for boat tours, massive food court and home to one of the best movie theaters in town.