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Chicago’s hotel scene just scored another major bragging right. According to the newly released U.S. News & World Report 2026 Best Hotels rankings, one of the city’s most luxurious local properties has officially been named the third best hotel in the United States, placing Chicago alongside perennial luxury heavyweights in Hawaii and New York.
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The Langham, Chicago, now sits just behind the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai in Hawaii, which took the top spot for the second year in a row, and Four Seasons Resort Lanai, which ranked number two. The Langham outranked major coastal competitors, including Mandarin Oriental, New York (number four) and Mandarin Oriental, Boston (number five), underscoring Chicago’s growing reputation as a luxury travel destination.
The annual rankings are no small undertaking. U.S. News evaluated more than 31,000 hotels across more than 400 destinations worldwide, combining expert travel reviews, hotel star ratings, and aggregated guest satisfaction scores to determine its results. The goal, according to the publication, is to help travelers identify standout properties delivering consistently exceptional experiences.
The Langham’s ranking reflects strong traveler feedback and continued demand for luxury stays in Chicago's downtown core, particularly along the Chicago River. The recognition also signals that Chicago can compete with resort-driven destinations typically dominating national hotel rankings.
The timing is especially notable as Chicago continues to market itself as a year-round destination rather than just a summer or convention-season stop. Luxury hospitality accolades like this can drive both leisure and international travel, particularly among high-spend visitors who plan trips around specific properties rather than destinations alone.
Beyond tourism economics, these rankings help shape broader travel trends. U.S. News’ methodology places heavy weight on real guest experience, which rewards properties that maintain consistency across service, amenities and design. For travelers, that can turn one standout hotel into a deciding factor when choosing between cities.
For now, Chicago can celebrate beating Manhattan at something. With The Langham landing firmly in the top three nationwide, the city has secured a place in the upper tier of U.S. luxury hospitality, all while giving travelers yet another reason to book a stay along the river.
The 5 best hotels in the U.S.:
1. Four Seasons Resort Hualalai on Big Island, Hawaii
2. Four Seasons Resort Lanai in Lanai City, Hawaii
3. The Langham Chicago in Chicago, Illinois
4. Mandarin Oriental in New York City, New York
5. Mandarin Oriental in Boston, Massachusetts