Chicago is a vibrant city that truly has it all, from art and culture to tasty cuisine and even glorious views. With the cityscape flanked by Lake Michigan, there are multiple hotels that offer gorgeous lake views, providing the best way to enjoy it all whether you’re inside or out. These options in particular are well worth booking for anyone who appreciates a good view.
The Langham
The Langham offers fantastic skyline views of the lake, the river and the Magnificent Mile that can be enjoyed from floor-to-ceiling windows. Romantic and well-appointed, the spacious rooms and suites have a Zen-like feel and also include marble bathrooms with rain showers and soaking tubs. Inventive cocktails can be enjoyed in the midcentury-modern lounge that overlooks the Chicago River, while Travelle is highly acclaimed for its Mediterranean-focused menu, boasting some of the city’s most coveted tables. Plus, there’s an indoor pool, fitness center, and spa that offers the benefits of traditional Chinese Medicine.
The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago
Boasting a central location along the Magnificent Mile, the Ritz-Carlton, Chicago offers stunning views of the city and the lake, with the one-bedroom suites providing some of the best of all, perfect for a romantic stay. There’s also a plush rooftop lounge, a fitness center overlooking the skyline, and a lavish spa where you can book decadent treatments or indulge in a massage. Enjoy swimming in the four-lane lap pool, workouts in the well-equipped fitness center, and a wellness-focused menu with organic, vegan, and gluten-free food options.
W Chicago – Lakeshore
W Chicago’s name says it all. It sits on North Lake Shore Drive providing spectacular Lake Michigan views. It also boasts views of Navy Pier, Milton Lee Olive Park, and Ohio Street Beach. From the rooftop terrace, enjoy particularly impressive views and some fresh air. Other notable features include an indoor pool and on-site spa aptly named Bliss which offers a variety of treatments and beauty services like manicures. The Current Restaurant and the Living Room lobby bar draw visitors and locals alike. Rooms are stylish and include up-to-date technology and soft featherbeds. Some come with extensive seating to relax while admiring the stunning views.
Thompson Chicago
This contemporary high-rise hotel offers a great Gold Coast location for exploring the Northside, fabulous views, and plenty of sophistication. Often named the top-rated boutique hotel in Chicago, many rooms showcase beautiful views of Lake Michigan, while others overlook the city. All have marble bathrooms with large walk-in rainfall showers, robes and slippers. All of the suites and many rooms come with separate soaking tubs too. The on-site Nico Osteria Italian and seafood fine-dining restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and has an open kitchen.
Four Seasons Hotel Chicago
The Four Seasons offers an ideal location on the Magnificent Mile and a variety of views. For views of the lake, book a room between the 32nd and 46th floors. For a special celebration, the Lake-View Executive Suite is the ultimate pick and includes a separate living area and bedroom. All are extra-spacious providing plenty of room to stretch out. Enjoy the beautiful indoor pool and hot tub, a luxurious spa, fitness center, and even free car service within a two-mile radius.
Hyatt Regency Chicago
Enjoy spectacular views of downtown, the Chicago River, and Lake Michigan from the Hyatt Regency Chicago. It’s near the Magnificent Mile and features modern rooms with all the usual comforts, including coffee makers and minibars – some come with views of the lake or the river. Multiple dining options include the BIG Bar which serves light bites, draft Chicago-brewed beers, and cocktails. The atrium bar and restaurant offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and there’s a steak and sushi restaurant too. It’s easy to keep up with workouts here at the modern fitness center which has elliptical machines and treadmills with private LCD screens and headphones.
Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile
A chic four-star Marriott, this hotel offers outstanding lake and city views while being within walking distance of many attractions. It’s easy to walk around the Magnificent Mile area as well as reach the Shedd Aquarium, Navy Pier, and Wrigley Field. There’s a restaurant serving farm-to-table cuisine on-site, with other notable features including gardens, a 9,000-square-foot gym that hosts a variety of classes, and the rooftop beehives. There are barber and beauty shops on-site too, along with a 24-hour pantry, lobby bar, and fitness center.
Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile
Located two blocks from the Magnificent Mile, Sofitel Chicago offers views of the John Hancock Building and other iconic landmarks along with some lake-view rooms. All are bright, spacious, and come with large windows, 32″ flat-screen TVs that include premium channels, Keurig coffee makers, minibars, Bose alarm clocks, and free Wi-Fi. Restaurants are French-inspired, including Cafe des Architectes, which serves contemporary cuisine made with local ingredients, while Le Bar has a short menu of comfort fare that can be paired with an excellent selection of French and international wines. Enjoy in-room spa treatments and a 24-hour fitness center too.
The Drake Hotel
The Drake is one of the most popular hotels in Chicago, offering beautiful lake views and Old World charms with historic character thanks to its 1920 construction. It’s located where the ritzy Gold Coast begins, three blocks from the Oak Street Beach, and features luxurious rooms with picture-perfect views of Lake Michigan. All come with flat-screen HDTVs, Bose docking stations, and Wi-Fi. It also hosts an on-site convenience store, shops, and the Coq D’Or is ideal for history enthusiasts looking for a good cocktail as one of the first establishments in the city to serve alcohol after the repeal of Prohibition.
The Blackstone, Autograph Collection
The Blackstone first opened its doors in 1910 and has hosted many famous guests over the decades. Located close to Grant Park and Millennium Park on the “Cultural Mile” of Michigan Avenue, some of the bright, modern rooms feature fabulous views of Lake Michigan. All have 32″ flat-screen TVs with premium cable access and marble bathrooms. The on-site tapas eaterie is popular among guests and locals alike, and you’ll find a well-equipped 24-hour fitness center with cardio machines, weight training equipment, exercise balls, stretching mats, and free weights.
Embassy Suites Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile
The Embassy Suites Chicago Downtown offers fantastic lake views and an appealing home-away-from-home feel. Some of the rooms come with picturesque views of Lake Michigan or the Chicago skyline. All are spacious, with separate living rooms and multiple TVs. The property offers a long list of amenities like a free breakfast with made-to-order omelets served in the open-air courtyard that has a 75-foot eco wall with flowing water. There are evening receptions with complimentary appetizers and alcoholic beverages as well as an on-site restaurant and bar, a divine heated indoor lap pool, a whirlpool, and a sauna. Guests can also take advantage of the fitness center with cardio equipment and free weights.
Hotel Lincoln
Located away from the busy Navy Pier in a quiet area close to Lincoln Park Zoo, Hotel Lincoln offers fabulous views of Lake Michigan and the city in a more serene setting. A trendy landmark with rooms adorned with artwork created by local artists and vintage photos of the Chicago World’s Fair, it has a fun vibe. There are even alligator leather trunks used as nightstands. The 13th-floor rooftop bar, J. Parker, is a great place to be for enjoying views with a signature cocktail. The 24/7 fitness center has several Precor cardio machines and free weights, while concierge services include valet dry cleaning and laundry.
Loews Chicago Hotel
Loews Chicago Hotel is considered one of the best when it comes to lake views in Chicago. Unwind, indulge, and take advantage of being in the heart of it all when it comes to all the action. Every room has a lake or city view along with a unique Chicago design, Julien Farel toiletries, a one-cup coffeemaker with gourmet coffee pods, and free Wi-Fi. Notable facilities include the indoor pool, a 24/7 state-of-the-art fitness center, and a spa with an extensive menu of facial treatments and rejuvenating massages. The ETA Restaurant + Bar is highly acclaimed for its American fare, while the rooftop lounge offers a menu of light bites and sweeping vistas.
Swissotel Chicago
Set within an alluring all-glass triangular structure, Swissotel Chicago is an attention-grabbing award-winning hotel designed by famous Chicago architect Harry Weese. It offers magnificent wrap-around views of Lake Michigan stretching from Millenial Park to the Navy Pier along with oversized rooms that have large comfy beds and a generous list of amenities. If you like to work out, you’ll love the fitness center which sits on the 42nd floor providing jaw-dropping panoramic views.
