Walking up to the Hilton Chicago, it’s impossible not to feel a little awe-struck. Huge, historic, and undeniably imposing, the hotel makes its presence felt even before you step inside. Once you do, a renovated lobby welcomes you with grand marble floors, soaring ceilings and chandeliers that speak to a bygone era. The original lifts, slightly creaky, slightly stained, are a reminder that this building first opened its doors in 1927.
Hilton Chicago is as much a hotel as it is a piece of the city’s history. Originally opening as the Stevens Hotel in 1927, it was briefly the largest hotel in the world, boasting 3,000 guest rooms, a barber shop, a pharmacy, a candy shop, a bowling alley, a 1,200-seat movie theatre, and even an 18-hole miniature golf course on the roof. Over the decades, it’s hosted presidents, celebrities, and countless landmark events, earning its place as one of Chicago’s most iconic addresses.
Today, the Hilton Chicago has been renovated to preserve the magnificence of its early 20th-century style while incorporating all the 21st-century conveniences that modern travellers expect. From the history corridor walk, which chronicles the hotel’s storied past, to the thoughtful touches in each room, it’s a place where you can feel the weight of history without sacrificing comfort.
Why stay at Hilton Chicago
Even if you aren't a history buff, Hilton Chicago delivers. Situated on Michigan Avenue, the hotel offers sweeping views of Grant Park, Lake Michigan and Museum Campus. You’re within walking distance of Soldier Field for game days or concerts, which let's face it, is a huge part of why people visit the Windy City. It's also a short walk away Art Institute of Chicago, one of the best things to do in Chicago and the Pilsen neighbourhood, which boasts some of the city’s most vibrant bars and restaurants. For both leisure and business travellers, it’s a superbly connected base from which to explore Chicago’s downtown energy and lakefront calm in equal measure.
What are the rooms like at Hilton Chicago?
Hilton Chicago has 1,544 rooms and suites, ranging from cozy standard rooms to expansive hospitality suites. Standard rooms, starting at $255 a night, offer a comfortable double bed and are also pet-friendly.
We stayed in one of the hotel’s 13 residentially inspired hospitality suites, designed for entertaining, private meetings, or just stretching out in style. The Chicago Suite is impressive in scale, spanning 785sqft. The bedroom is normal-sized, tucked off to the side of the long corridor that opens out into the massive living and dining area perfect for hosting up to 45 guests. There’s a pantry area, two bathrooms (one outside the bedroom, one en suite), and modern touches throughout. Last renovated in 2017, the rooms still feel fresh and clean, with tasteful simplicity that keeps the focus on the incredible Lake Michigan views.
There are a few quirks: the bedroom has no closet, which is instead located in the living area. It makes sense if you're hosting people and need an easy access cloak room, but not as much if you're looking to make a quick change after a shower. Speaking of, the bathroom is also compact relative to the suite’s size and doesn't have a bathtub. So while the suite is ideal for meetings or entertaining, it’s perhaps less suited for a long-term luxury retreat.
What are the restaurants like at Hilton Chicago?
Herb n’ Kitchen serves hearty breakfast sandwiches, artisan bites, local craft beers, and freshly brewed Starbucks® coffee, perfect for a quick start to the day or casual lunch.
Then there’s Kitty O’Sheas, the hotel’s legendary Irish pub. After a $180 million renovation in 1986, Hilton Chicago recreated an authentic Irish bar experience by bringing over 13 staff members from Ireland to handle front-of-house positions. Kitty O’Sheas has retained its charm over 35 years, with a menu that has a mix of Irish comfort food like potato leek soup and shamrock sausage rolls as well as Chicago classics like a Chicago-style hotdog and Italian beef sandwiches.
For a slightly more upscale, modern Midwest-inspired menu, 720 South Grill & Bar serves à la carte breakfast and lunch using seasonal, local ingredients.
What’s the service like at Hilton Chicago?
The staff at Hilton Chicago are consistently warm and accommodating. Check-in is friendly and efficient, with flexibility for early arrivals. We found them happy to offer room upgrades if available, often at reasonable rates. The professionalism we observed in the lobby seemed standard throughout the hotel, giving the impression of a well-run, guest-focused operation.
What’s the gym and facilities like at Hilton Chicago?
With 234,000 sq. ft. of versatile meeting space, the hotel is ideal for conferences, corporate events, or weddings. Leisure facilities are equally impressive: a fully equipped fitness centre, indoor lap pool, seasonal sun deck, whirlpool spas, and dry saunas. Peloton bikes allow guests to burn calories while earning Hilton Honors points, and the indoor 1/18th-mile track makes walking or jogging convenient, rain or shine.
The Athletic Club is kitted out with LifeFitness Discover cardio equipment, including treadmills, bikes, elliptical trainers, and rowing machines, alongside 20 single-station strength machines. The pool and hot tub are serene escapes in the heart of the city, with towels provided and a 1 hour 45 minute limit during busy periods to ensure everyone gets a chance to enjoy the facilities.
What’s the area like near Hilton Chicago?
The hotel’s location is hard to beat. Michigan Avenue puts you right in the thick of the city’s shopping, dining, and cultural hubs. Nearby public transport, buses, trains, and taxis, makes it easy to explore further afield, whether you’re hitting museums, attending a festival at Grant Park, or venturing to the lakeshore.
Why you should book a stay at Hilton Chicago
Hilton Chicago delivers a rare combination: historic grandeur, central convenience, and modern comfort. It’s perfect for travellers who want to feel a connection to the city’s history while staying somewhere practical for work or play. From the sprawling suites and lake views to legendary Kitty O’Sheas and versatile event spaces, the hotel is a true Chicago institution, ideal for both short trips and special occasions.
Address: 720 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60605, USA
Price per night: From $255
Closest transport link: El: Red to Harrison. Bus: 2, 3, 4, 6, 10.
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