The 11 best boutique hotels in Chicago

In a landscape filled with mega-hotels and Airbnb rentals galore, there’s something extra special about a good old bed and breakfast. Especially one as good as this. The quaint but impressive Publishing House has 11 unique rooms (from cozy to XL) that are kitted out in cowhide rugs, clawfoot tubs, and funky vintage furniture. Each room is wildly different, giving guests an excuse to return for more again and again. As much as you won’t want to leave your room in the morning, one whiff of breakfast will surely draw you out of bed (it’s very good here).

Mood? Sustainable luxury. 
Location perks? In West Loop, within easy walking distance of most attractions.
Budget range? Mid-range.

To say the Chicago Athletic Association is beautiful is, to put it mildly. The gorgeously restored and revamped hotel, opened in 2015, boasts over 200 luxury boutique rooms. It also sports plenty of features to make it a favorite of Chicago residents, from the unparalleled view of Millennium Park and Lake Michigan at Cindy’s rooftop restaurant to more great food and drink at Cherry Circle Room (with its private alley entrance) and even a Shake Shack. You’ll also love the Game Room, with bocce, shuffleboard, and billiards to supplement its terrific cocktails; for a special occasion, book in advance for the eight-seat Milk Room bar stocked with ultra-rare spirits.

Mood? Landmark living. 
Location perks? Rooftop views overlooking Lake Michigan. 
Budget range? Surprisingly affordable. 

Staying at the Freehand is like crashing at your uber-cool friend's very stylish pad. The rooms at this hybrid hotel-hostel are cozy and highly designed with funky textiles and bunk beds in the shared rooms. Downstairs, guests can enjoy excellent craft cocktails and indulgent bites at the lobby bar Broken Shaker. Because the hotel is located in the heart of River North, you'll be a stone's throw from major tourist attractions and some of the best restaurants and bars the city has to offer.

Mood? Utopian delight.
Location perks? Located on Chicago's River North. 
Budget range? An absolute steal.

Whenever loved ones are visiting (or you just need a quick staycation), the Guesthouse Hotel is a really charming base for some exploration of Andersonville or the north side. Each room is a two- or three-bedroom suite with a kitchen (stocked with cookware and glasses, naturally), a balcony with a grill, and a washer-dryer. While the hotel is located within a few blocks of some of the city’s finest restaurants and bars, you can also have ingredients delivered to cook yourself in the kitchen or order-in meals from local spots. Sounds good to us.

Mood? Eclectic vibes.
Location perks? Located between Lincoln Square and Uptown. 
Budget range? Mid to high-end.

The complete overhaul of this 12-story Lincoln Park hotel (formerly a Days Inn) is Joie de Vivre’s first in Chicago. It offers 184 guest rooms, clever artwork (quirky paintings on the lobby wall were sourced from Lincoln Park yard sales), an omakase sushi restaurant, and a coffee shop, Elaine's Coffee Call, featuring La Colombe java. The hotel’s rooftop bar, The J. Parker, is a lively hot spot, offering views of the park and skyline.

Mood? Cozy convenience. 
Location perks? Lincoln Park views all round.
Budget range? Cheap and cheerful.

This Loop hotel in the Reliance Building, built in 1895 and now on the National Register of Historic Places, was known as the Hotel Burnham from 1999 to 2016 when it was bought by a small West Coast boutique chain called Pineapple Hospitality. Today, it's known as Staypineapple, matching another property the company owns in San Francisco. Designed by famed architect Daniel Burnham, along with Charles Atwood and John Root, the building still features the original ornate grillwork on the elevators. The ground-floor restaurant, Atwood, serves cocktails and seasonal American fare in an 'old-world meets modern' setting. Perfect for visiting architecture buffs.

Mood? Bespoke design. 
Location perks? Certain suites offer Lake Michigan views.
Budget range? A great deal.

This extremely modern Chicago hotspot is filled with tons of tech amenities, like the 42" flat-screen TVs. Some rooms even feature a separate living room. It's located near North Side, putting you in the heart of Chicago should you decide to stay here. This boutique hotel is also just steps from the Magnificent Mile. If you feel like dining and drinking here, you can take a seat on their sky terrace rooftop lounge and have a small bite to eat or make the most of their happy hour.

Mood? Boutique chic. 
Location perks? Two blocks from Magnificent Mile. Magnificent indeed.
Budget range? Great offering. 

The newly redesigned Talbott hotel – transformed from an old-school hideaway to a bright, modern city escape – is the perfect place for a staycation. It's in the center of the Gold Coast, just a stone's throw away from the nightlife, shopping, and dining. In your room, you'll find a flat-screen TV with HD channels and free Wi-Fi. Some suites are even equipped with a living area and sofa for ultimate relaxation. Plus, the hotel has its very own restaurant, where you can find elevated American bistro classics for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Mood? Super glamourous.
Location perks? Situated downtown, within walking distance from Magnificent Mile. 
Budget range? Extremely good value. 

This crafty boutique hotel celebrates art and artists. Every corner of the place is covered in unique murals and paintings, from the floor-to-ceiling colourful abstract paintings behind the beds or the arts and crafts style doodle-strewn ceiling in the bar. Hit up the swanky bar and restaurant for locally sourced plates, or head to the alfresco terrace festooned with string lights for post-dinner drinks. 

Mood? Eclectic luxury.
Location perks? Tucked away in the Hyde Park neighbourhood, less than a mile away from The University of Chicago and the Museum of Science and Industry. 
Budget range? Good value. 

Aiming to bring a new lease of life to historic buildings, The Neighborhood Hotel Group is charming travelers with apartment-style stays that will look great on your Instagram grid. Live like a local with trendy rooms that feel like home, designed with color, modern style and functionality in mind. Each of the 14 suites have a full kitchen, Smart TV, washer-dryer and more amenities to ensure all your needs are met, making it perfect for extended stays (30+ night bookings are available at a special price). 

Mood? Fresh and fun. 
Location perks? Walking distance from Fullerton Beach and Lincoln Park Zoo. 
Budget range? Average.