I am a lifelong resident of Chicago, but I have had the unique opportunity to stay at many of these excellent hotels in downtown. I personally have enjoyed each and every hotel that I have stayed in. I have also visited many other hotels in the city, but (except for the unique Sofitel), I will confine my reviews to hotels where I have actually stayed.
Quick Tips:
The immediate downtown area includes about 70 full-fledged hotels, with a smattering of properties on the north side (Lakeview and Lincoln Park) and McCormick Place. The tax rate for all Chicago hotels is a robust 14.9 percent.
Any hotel in downtown is within walking distance of zillions of attractions and restaurants. I am always asked if walking in downtown is "safe". Indeed, the big bad city may intimidate the untrained visitor with its urban attitude. However, I always say that as long as you use common sense (for example, do not count your stash of cash in the middle of a busy street), you should have no problems wandering about Chicago.
Best Way To Get Around:
I complain about the CTA (public transportation system of buses and "L" trains), but I still ride it every day. While I may unfairly compare it to exemplary public transportation systems elsewhere in the world, the CTA is on the whole a reliable and comprehensive system. If you are hanging around downtown, there are many useful bus and L routes that you can use. Get a CTA transit card that is good for all-day travel for one to five days. There are also various downtown trolley services (some free, some part of a tour) that are geared to tourists.
If you enjoyed my reviews on Chicago accommodations, please take a look at my accompanying articles: "Bill at home in CHICAGO - Activities" and "...Dining" Note that some of my hotel choices will also have descriptions of restaurants connected to them.
I would like to thank my good friend, Chicago architect Marius Ronnett, for sharing many of these wonderful images of my hometown.