Searching for the best place to stay in Chicago? You’re in the right place. We spent time exploring all of the best neighborhoods to find out the best place to stay for anyone visiting. There are so many different areas in the city, and each neighborhood has its own feeling that totally determines where you choose to stay.

Our pick for staying in Chicago would have to be Wicker Park. It keeps you close to all the main spots to hit (check out our Chicago Itinerary post to see what you should do), while also having so much to offer within walking distance like bars, shopping, and restaurants. This post breaks down our choice hotels in our choice neighborhoods so you can choose where to stay in Chicago.

Let’s break down the best hotels to stay in chicago by neighborhood

Quick Answer: Where to Stay in Chicago by Neighborhood

Overall pick: Wicker Park, close to everything, plenty to do on foot
Iconic Chicago: The Loop
Nightlife and dining: River North
Traveling with family: Lincoln Park
Best food scene: West Loop
Budget-friendly: South Loop

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Best Hotels in Chicago by Category

Best luxury hotel: The Langham, Chicago. On the river, consistently ranked among the top hotels in the city.
Best mid-range hotel: Hyatt Centric The Loop Chicago. Central Loop location, walkable to Millennium Park and the Art Institute.
Best budget hotel: Logan Square SRO Hotel. A cozy 28-room stay in one of Chicago’s most local neighborhoods, with rates that undercut nearly everything downtown.
Best for families: Hotel Lincoln, sits right across from Lincoln Park, close to the free zoo and lakefront trail.
Best boutique/unique stay: The Robey, Art Deco building, rooftop bar, skyline views.

Iconic Chicago Neighborhoods

These are the neighborhoods most people picture when they think of Chicago, the skyline, the lakefront, the sights you’d feel like you missed out on if you skipped them. They’re the most convenient for getting around and seeing everything, especially if it’s your first time in the city.

A breakdown, neighborhood-by-neighborhood. We break down where to stay by neighborhood which includes a map view of all the hotels, followed by our top picks for where to stay in each Chicago neighborhood.

Where to Stay In: The Loop

This is the main ‘hub’ of it all. Right in the heart of downtown

The Loop puts you in the center of the action. You’ll be within walking distance of Millennium Park, the Art Institute of Chicago, Broadway theater shows, and the Chicago Riverfront. Plus, almost every CTA “L” train line runs through here, making public transit super easy.

There is endless opportunities for food and shopping around here to keep you constantly entertained.

Our Loop Picks:
Our pre-picked stays for you.

Where to Stay In: River North

This is where the city comes alive after dark.

River North puts you close to some of Chicago’s best restaurants, art galleries, and nightlife. You’re an easy walk from the Magnificent Mile, the Chicago Riverwalk, and Navy Pier, with several “L” stops nearby making it simple to reach any other part of downtown.
There’s no shortage of places to eat, drink, and shop here, day or night.

Our River North Picks:
Pre-picked hotel stays for you.

Where to Stay In: Lincoln Park

This is the neighborhood feel with the city still close by.

Lincoln Park puts you right next to the park itself, the free Lincoln Park Zoo, and the Lakefront Trail. It’s a quick bus or train ride into downtown, so you’re never far from the main sights even though it feels more residential.
Plenty of local restaurants and shops line the streets here, perfect for a slower-paced day.

You will find more apartment or house rentals available in Lincoln Park than you will hotels.

Our Lincoln Park Picks:
Pre-picked hotel stays for you.

Vibey, Local Chicago Neighborhoods

What we love about these neighborhoods is that you can walk to so much without being in the middle of the “bustle” happening in the areas closer to downtown. It’s an easy train ride in when you want it, but staying out here gives you a slower pace to actually enjoy the neighborhood you’re in.

Where to Stay In: Wicker Park

This is where Chicago’s local, creative side lives.

Wicker Park puts you within walking distance of independent shops, coffee spots, and some of the city’s best neighborhood restaurants. The Blue Line runs right through here, making it an easy ride into downtown whenever you want it.
Bars, boutiques, and vintage stores keep you entertained without ever needing to leave the neighborhood.

Our Wicker Park Picks:
Our pre-picked stays for you.

Where to Stay In: West Loop

This is the neighborhood for anyone who eats first, sightsees second.

West Loop puts you steps from Restaurant Row and the Fulton Market District, along with easy access to downtown and the United Center. It’s walkable to the Loop and well connected by bus and train for everything else.
The food scene here is the main draw, with new spots opening constantly.

Our West Loop Picks:
Our pre-picked stays for you.

Where to Stay In: Logan Square

This is the neighborhood for a slower, more local Chicago.

Logan Square puts you among some of the city’s best coffee shops, bars, and up-and-coming restaurants. The Blue Line connects you straight into downtown, so it’s an easy ride in when you’re ready to sightsee.
It has a laid-back, local energy that feels a step removed from the more touristy parts of the city.

Our Logan Square Picks:
Our pre-picked stays for you.

Where to Stay In: Wrigleyville

This is the neighborhood for game days and lakefront mornings.

Wrigleyville puts you right next to Wrigley Field and the Lakefront Trail, with the Red Line running straight through for an easy trip downtown. It’s lively on game days and calm the rest of the time.
Sports bars, restaurants, and shops line the streets here, giving you plenty to do on foot.

Our Wrigleyville Picks:
Our pre-picked stays for you.