The best pet-friendly hotels in Chicago

To paraphrase the philosophy at the James, pets are family members and they should be treated as such. The James has teamed with Detroit-based luxury designer Shinola and award-winning photographer Sohpie Gamand to make this animal dream a reality. Filet Mignon? Cow hooves? Just two of the specially prepared menu items (for as little as $10) provided by room service, which is also on hand to provide organic treats for pets upon arrival. Not feeling the expensive stuff? The hotel’s David Burke's Primehouse restaurant has a stash of pet-friendly food that’s waiting to be eaten.

Big, medium, small: As animals go, it’s all relative to the folks at Hotel Allegro. No fee or deposit is required, and the extent of your troubles is filling out a wavier form to cover your rear-end in case something gets chewed or scratched to bits. But the luxury of the Allegro is perhaps an underappreciated one: There’s no limit to the number of pets per guest room, as your furry friends get pampered as good as guests. There’s a pet relations staff (yep, that’s real) to welcome them by name, plus a slew of amenities like plush pet-bed loaners, a concierge list of pet-friendly parks around the neighborhood, groomers, boutiques, and courtesy doggie bags at—or rather for—your disposal.

First things first: The price is right. Situated in a charming spot in Lakeview, this North Side gem sits between the lakefront and the vibrant nexus of Boystown. Head one block south and you’ll find a notable hangout called Wiggleyville, patrolled by a gentle giant named Talos, a Bullmastiff with a heart of gold. This is as pet-friendly a neighborhood as you’ll find in the city. Pet parents frequently stroll the streets for curbside potty breaks. It’s also about as cheap as it gets for an overnight stay, around $80 per night. Pets up to 80 pounds are welcome at no extra charge. 

It helps to know your clientele. What better way to do so than by appointing one of their own to head your operation? This downtown getaway is perhaps best known for Oliver the Pomeranian, Director of Pet Experience & Barketing, who also makes a cameo in the hotel’s marketing materials. The results of such leadership speak for themselves. Oliver has stepped things up by incorporating some truly choice perks for pets. That includes a partnership with Chicago-based craft dog food and treat company Chestnut & Grace, which churns out delectable menu items like Cottage Cheese Omelettes and Celebration Cupcakes. The concierge team is happy to point out any number of local dog parks and veterinarian services, and the popular pet spa for a relaxing say.

You’ll have to open up your wallet for the Mag Mile. But if you consider that you’re in the heart of prime shopping real estate, it’s a borderline miracle that the Westin charges nothing to welcome pets up to 50 pounds for overnight stays. At an average of $175 per night, that’s a decent deal for your wallet if you’re looking to enjoy a little luxury. A nice benefit: The Lake is right around the corner for quickie walks outside.

Leave it to Sir Richard Branson and Co. to add a modicum of luxury in places where it might not be obvious. That’s ostensibly the Virgin motto and it’s no different for their guests’ four-legged companions. All breeds receive the same, if not more, coddled treatment as their parents—a bed that’s fit for a human, food and water dishes, and for kicks, a porcelain “watch dog” that patrols outside the chambers to let people know that Fido is living large and well. The hotel throws in a branded bandana for good measure to keep things stylish. Fun fact: the Virgin has played host to Instagram celebridog Porter the Golden on several occasions.