The 16 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.

Mood? Sustainable chic. 
Location perks? An easy drive from the airport. 
Budget range? Affordable getaway. 

Freehand Chicago transformed a relatively slim space in the heart of River North 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, it's a budget-friendly option for couples who want to get away for a night without paying a second mortgage.

Mood? Hedonistic haven.
Location perks? In the heart of River North. 
Budget range? Surprisingly budget-friendly.

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.

Mood? Boujie escape.
Location perks? A soak in the tub overlooking Chicago's skyline is pretty neat. 
Budget range? Spenny.

Themed hotels almost always feel overly cheesy, but Hotel EMC2 in Streeterville manages to pull it off with flair. 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.

Mood? Eclectic design.
Location perks? Nestled downtown, within easy walking distance to local sights. 
Budget range? Very well priced. 

Nestled in the heart of Chicago's Gold Coast neighborhood, the Viceroy is sleek and sexy. The blue-hued glass tower houses 180 rooms spread across 18 floors, including various 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 the rooftop bar, Devereaux.

Mood? Big city life.
Location perks? Steps away from Magnificent Mile, for all your shopping and dining delights. 
Budget range? Pretty pricey. 

This Loop hotel in the Reliance Building was built in 1895 and still features the original ornate grillwork on the elevators, which is a charming touch. There are also mosaic floors and marble ceilings, just to hammer home that sumptuous feeling of luxury. Enjoy the cute complimentary pineapple cookies and welcome drink upon check-in, before taking a romantic bike ride for two on the rental yellow cycles. Meanwhile in the bedrooms they promote "The Naked Experience", meaning European-style individual duvets, "sleep with me" cushions and cozy lemon-yellow robes that you'll be donning to answer the door to room service.

Mood? Bespoke design.
Location perks? Find the right suite and you'll be gazing upon beautiful views of Lake Michigan and Millennium Park. Y'know, when you can take your eyes off each other.
Budget range? A great deal.

If Covid-19 derailed your elaborate plans for a dreamy European vacation, a taste of Tuscany in the middle of Lincoln Park will at least make up for it. Sort of. The luxury Lincoln Park B&B offers seven rooms at varying price points, with enticing amenities varying from room to room, including a fireplace, an in-room wet bar, a private terrace, and a home theater with quality surround sound. No matter which room you call your own, all guests have access to the full gourmet kitchen for breakfasts or late-night paninis, an intimate private grotto, and a sun deck with a hot tub. Molto bene!

Mood? Villa vibes.
Location perks? In the heart of Lincoln Park: dining and shopping galore.
Budget range? Mid-range.

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 slick modern bathrooms. In-house restaurants Cira and Cabra are excellent backdrops for date night. And there's no better spot for a cozy nightcap than the basement bar Lazy Bird, one of the finest watering holes in all of Chicago.

Mood? Impeccable design. 
Location perks? Located in the West Loop district.
Budget range? On the pricier side.

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. Need to be enticed even further? Fine, we'll indulge you. 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 hot tub, or book a specialized spa treatment in the world-class Chuan Spa.

Mood? Luxe from start to finish. 
Location perks? Close to Magnificent Mile and views over the whole city.
Budget range? Worth the investment. 

Striking the right balance between the glamour of 1930s Chicago and all the modern comforts you could possibly need, the Gwen is an ideal 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) beckon when the sun goes down.

Mood? Elegant luxury.
Location perks? Situated downtown, overlooking Lake Michigan.
Budget range? Costlier than most.

Celeb-adored boutique hotel chain Nobu makes its Chicago debut with an 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 1,900-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 tranquility 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.

Mood? Dripping in opulence.
Location perks? Stunning views of the city from the gorgeous rooftop terrace. 
Budget range? Surprisingly affordable for Nobu.

Feel like splurging on your next couple's treat? Why not 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, and many rooms with furnished terraces and cozy fireplaces. 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.

Mood? A taste of grandeur. 
Location perks? On the Gold Coast of Chicago – in other words, a neighborhood. 
Budget range? As pricey as you'd expect. 

To say the Chicago Athletic Association is beautiful, to put it mildly. Stay in one of the 241 luxury boutique rooms – throwbacks to the club rooms of athletic associations long gone. From the unparalleled view of Millennium Park and Lake Michigan at Cindy’s rooftop restaurant to more great food and drink at Cherry Circle Room and even Shake Shack, there’s no shortage of options. You’ll also love the Game Room, with its private alley entry and bocce, shuffleboard, and billiards. Find access to everything you need and more in this wonderfully restored 1890s building.

Mood? Modern delights.
Location perks? Views over Millenium Park from the rooftop bar. Cheers. 
Budget range? Mid-range to high-end.

Just a hop, skip and a jump from downtown cultural jewels like the Art Institute of Chicago and Millennium Park, the Fairmont is ideal for two. Spend the day roaming the city before heading back to the couple’s suite, where champagne and chocolates await. The hotel offers couples massage treatments like most others, but an attractive bar gives you a chance to brush up on your role-playing skills. It could make for an intriguing scenario since the couple’s suite comes outfitted with an infinity-edge tub with soothing jets.

Mood? Glitzy glam. 
Location perks? One block away from Navy Pier and Millenium Park. 
Budget range? A great deal for what's on offer. 

The 452 rooms at this riverside downtown favorite are contemporary, clean, and comfortable for a luxe vacation or staycation, but they’re not why you’re booking a room for your person at LondonHouse. You’re here to indulge in a couples massage or one of their other unique sensory-feast spa treatments (like the “Honey Drizzle” and the “Monsoon Ritual”) and to take in the sweeping views with afternoon tea or creative cocktails on one of the best rooftops in the city. 

Mood? Riverside bliss.
Location perks? On the river – what more could you want on a sunny day?
Budget range? Well priced.

Spend the weekend in Hyde Park when you secure a room at the Sophy, which is sandwiched between Lake Michigan and Washington Park, offering full access to one of Chicago's best neighborhoods. Sophistication is the key word here as 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.

Mood? Artsy hideaway.
Location perks? Its bordered by Nichols and Spruce Parks, for the perfect romantic strolls.
Budget range? Mid-range, but affordable.