The 15 most romantic hotels in Chicago

Situated inside a 110-year-old historic building, the Publishing House is one of the most unique boutique hotels in Chicago. Choose from 11 different rooms, which vary in size from cozy to XL, then prepare to relax. Guests are encouraged to take advantage of the funky common spaces, like the quiet reading nook and the beautifully appointed main dining room. Come morning, a from-scratch breakfast awaits in the kitchen upstairs.

If you're looking to hole up for the weekend, check in at Soho House Chicago, a sophisticated boutique hotel in the West Loop. The rooms here are outfitted with luxury linens, stocked fridges, Cowshed bath products and thoughtful design touches. Big bedrooms even include freestanding tubs and a dining table for two. Opt to order room service in your robe or check out the hotel's dining and drinking options. Psst: Check your mini-fridge for delicious handcrafted cocktails.

Nestled in the heart of downtown Chicago, the Peninsula offers five-star accommodations for those who want to splurge on a very special night away. There are plenty of rooms and suites available, from the 531-square-foot Superior Room to the 3,645-square-foot Peninsula Suite. Once you've secured a room, check out the spa offerings, which include treatments like a hot stone therapy massage, manicures and pedicures and a men's purifying facial. Reunite and relax together at the stunning 19th-floor indoor pool.

Most Chicagoans probably don't realize that there's a six-room inn perched above award-winning Logan Square restaurant Longman & Eagle. With rooms starting at $95 a night, it's a great option for couples who are looking for something off the beaten path. The finishes here are laid-back but thoughtful and inviting. Perhaps the most romantic room of the bunch is #55, the largest space of the bunch that's outfitted with a king-size bed and a standalone tub—ideal for lazing around with your favorite human.

Nestled in the heart of Chicago's Gold Coast neighborhood, the Viceroy is equal parts sleek and sexy. The blue-hued glass tower houses 180 rooms spread across 18 floors, including a variety of splurge-worthy suites. But even the standard rooms offer a romantic backdrop for a downtown staycation—complete with floor-to-ceiling windows, chic gold accents and comfy furniture. Make a dinner reservation downstairs at Somerset before heading upstairs to take in the views and sip cocktails at rooftop bar Devereaux.

Creative-type couples will feel right at home at the Hoxton, a London import that's decked out in handsome furniture, locally sourced art and clever design touches. The 182 guest rooms range from snug to roomy and are equipped with floor-to-ceiling windows and modern bathrooms. When indoor dining is permitted, in-house restaurants Cira and Cabra are excellent backdrops for date night. And there's no better spot for a cozy nightcap than basement bar Lazy Bird, one of the finest watering holes in all of Chicago.

With views of the Chicago River and Lake Michigan, a top-notch restaurant, a massive ballroom and 316 spacious rooms and suites, it's not surprising that The Langham is often recognized as one of the best hotels in the country. Even more enticing? This five-star hotel offers all the high-end comforts you could imagine for a romantic staycation or getaway. Take a dip in the 67-foot swimming pool, heat things up in the hydrotherapy Jacuzzi or book a specialized spa treatment in the world-class Chuan Spa.

Those who’d rather not penny-pinch on their next staycation can go all out at this Gold Coast hotel, where the guest rooms average 890 square feet. It’s all about the finer things in life here, so expect marble bathrooms with soaking tubs, vanities with inset LCD televisions, beds covered with 460-thread count sheets, furnished terraces and cozy fireplaces in each room. Elsewhere in the hotel, you’ll find the Spa & Health Club, featuring traditional spa services like facials and massages, and a mosaic-tiled, saline-water-filled lap pool.

Spend the weekend in Hyde Park when you secure a room at Sophy Hotel, which is sandwiched between Lake Michigan and Washington Park, offering full access to one of Chicago's best neighborhoods. Every room inside this boutique property is outfitted with beautiful hardwood floors, a marble-tiled bathroom and eye-catching art. The digs are cozy enough that you might be tempted to while away the day in bed (fine by us), but in-house restaurant Mesler Kitchen offers an outdoor dining area for dinnertime if you change your mind.

As you'd expect of Hilton's most luxurious range of hotels—named after the founder Conrad Hilton, no less—this Chicago branch is exceptionally high-end. Style oozes from every inch: it's in the carefully selected earthy tones, the geometric patterned carpets and the mid-mod inspired furniture. There are plenty of drop-dead gorgeous suites to choose from should you opt to upgrade. The Conrad is also perfectly placed for culture vultures, who'll have a field day exploring Michigan Avenue and nearby museums.

Most Chicagoans know Hotel Lincoln for its swanky rooftop bar, the J. Parker, but have you ever considered spending the night at this 12-story stunner in the heart of Lincoln Park? The rooms here lean more comfy than stuffy, with plush beds, funky artwork and practical technology. When indoor dining and drinking are permitted, guests have their choice of three in-house restaurants that range from fun-loving neighborhood joint the Kennison to the uber-exclusive Sushi Suite 202. As for the aforementioned rooftop bar? Nothing says romance like a round of cocktails with a side of skyline views.

Freehand Chicago squeezes itself into a relatively slim space in the heart of River North, and, as with every other property in this brand’s collection, transforms it into an utterly gorgeous hotel that’ll leave you with enough interior design inspiration to last a lifetime. The rooms here feature plenty of mid-century furniture, jazzy wall hangings and lush, green-tiled bathrooms, creating a comfortable, chic vibe that’s echoed elsewhere in the building, including the hotel’s bar, The Broken Shaker. Plus, with rooms starting under $100 a night, it's a budget-friendly option for couples who want to get away without paying a second mortgage.

Striking the right balance between boutique vibes and big-name comforts, the Gwen is a posh place to lay your head in River North. The art deco-inspired common spaces feel very old Hollywood, while the serene guest rooms make it easy to unwind with your special someone. The super-lux Frette linens make it hard to leave the room, but a stunning outdoor patio (Upstairs at the Gwen) and top-notch restaurant (Kostali) beacon when the sun goes down.

Celeb-adored boutique hotel chain Nobu makes its Chicago debut with a 11-story, 115-room tower in the West Loop. Design firm Studio K is responsible for blending the hotel's Japanese aesthetic with industrial touches that have become synonymous with the neighborhood. The accommodations range from a 360-square-foot Deluxe room to the 1,950-square-foot two-bedroom Villa City View suite. Upgraded features include soaking tubs, steam showers, room service and yoga mats, but guests can also explore the property's fitness center and indoor serenity pool. Of course, one of the hotel's main draws is the in-house restaurant by the same name, a sushi haven helmed by chef Nobu Matsuhisa, as well as a sophisticated rooftop bar.

Themed hotels almost always feel overlycheesy, but Hotel EMC2 in Streeterville manages to pull it off in style. Billed as "the intersection of art and science," the boutique accommodations are high-tech and futuristic while still maintaining a sleek feel. Cozy up under a surrealist painting and have room service robots Cleo and Leo fetch anything you and your sweetheart might need. A gorgeous rain shower offers a peek straight into the bedroom, but there's also a curtain if you prefer privacy.

The best hotels in Chicago run the gamut, whether you want plush surroundings with incredible rooftop bars or prefer to spend the night in an boutique hotel with unique touches.