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Feel the heartbeat of blues at Chess Records, the legendary label that shaped music history. Once home to icons like Etta James and Muddy Waters, this iconic spot still hums with soulful energy. Stand where legends recorded their voices—every wall echoes with raw emotion, making it a must-visit pilgrimage for any true music lover.
Everything you need to know about Chess Records
Near the iconic Chess Records in Chicago's South Side, The Langham, Chicago stands out as a top choice. This boutique hotel is just a short walk from the legendary recording studio and features blues-themed rooms and art installations inspired by the label’s musical legacy. Guests can enjoy curated blues playlists in the hotel’s private listening lounge, immersing themselves in the sounds of legends like Muddy Waters and Etta James.
Located within walking distance of the South Loop Cultural District, the hotel offers easy access to live blues performances, street art murals, and local jazz venues. Complimentary shuttle service runs to downtown Chicago, while CTA buses 26 and 47 provide direct transit options. The Langham also hosts exclusive "Blues Nights" guided tours, offering deep insights into Chess Records’ pivotal role in shaping American music history.
The most convenient way to reach Chess Records in Chicago is via CTA Bus Route 26 or 47, both stopping just a few minutes' walk from the historic studio at 2120 S. Michigan Ave. Alternatively, take the Orange Line to 35th Street Station, then transfer to a free shuttle or walk approximately 15 minutes.
For greater convenience, especially if traveling without a car, consider using Uber or Lyft for direct door-to-door service, which ensures precise drop-off at the venue entrance. Many nearby hotels, such as The Langham, Chicago, offer complimentary shuttles that stop directly at Chess Records, saving time and effort.
For an immersive experience, book a local tour like the "Blues Heritage Tour," which includes transportation, expert-guided walking tours, and tickets to live blues performances—perfect for music lovers seeking authenticity and ease.
Near Chess Records, visitors can join the "Blues Legacy Tour", a guided experience featuring a walkthrough of the original studio building, rare audio playback sessions, and a simulated 1950s recording booth where guests can step into the shoes of legends like Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf.
Every Friday night, the B.L.U.E.S. Club hosts "South Side Blues Night", a lively live performance series featuring local blues musicians playing authentic roots blues. It’s a must-attend event for true music enthusiasts.
Another highlight is the "Improv Blues Workshop", led by veteran musicians who teach basic blues guitar techniques and lyric writing, culminating in guests recording their own short blues track in a replica studio. These hands-on activities blend education with creativity, offering a deep dive into the cultural heart of American blues.
All experiences are reservation-based, and some are included in hotel packages—ideal for travelers eager to engage with the soul of blues music.
See what other travelers say about Chess Records
This was an absolutely fantastic stay! I’d definitely come back to this hotel on my next trip to Chicago. The rooms are spacious, clean, and incredibly comfortable—perfect for a family getaway. The location is ideal: just minutes from downtown via public transit, making it super easy to explore the city. The breakfast buffet is outstanding—huge variety and fresh, delicious options that everyone in the family loved. But what really made the kids happy was the pool area; they spent hours splashing around and having fun every evening. It’s such a great place to unwind after a day of sightseeing. Highly recommend this hotel for families or anyone looking for comfort, convenience, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Arrived late at night only to be told there was no room available despite having booked two months in advance. The manager mentioned they tried contacting me during the day, but I never received any call. After some back-and-forth, I was offered a single-bed room instead of the twin-bed one I originally reserved — not ideal, especially after such a long wait. However, after discussing with the platform, I was able to get the first night’s stay waived as compensation. Overall, the hotel’s location is excellent — right in the heart of Magnificent Mile, walking distance to shopping, dining, and attractions. The lounge on the 15th floor is a nice spot to unwind with drinks or a light meal. The room itself is spacious, the bed is comfortable, and the bathtub makes for a relaxing end to the day. Despite the initial check-in hiccup, the staff were polite and responsive. It’s a solid choice if you’re looking for convenience and a good base in downtown Chicago.
Staying at the Courtyard Chicago Downtown/River North was an absolutely delightful experience. The hotel facilities are top-notch, clean, and well-maintained, with a modern touch that makes you feel right at home. The staff went above and beyond—friendly, professional, and always ready to help. We were a group of three sharing one room, and there was plenty of space; no feeling of crowding at all. The bed was super comfortable, and we slept like babies. Location-wise, it's unbeatable—just steps away from restaurants, shops, and public transit. Getting around downtown Chicago was a breeze. For the price, this is a fantastic value, and I’d definitely book here again on my next trip to Chicago. Highly recommend!
Absolutely fantastic stay at Villa d'Citta! The location is perfect—nestled in a charming neighborhood of Chicago, just a short walk or transit ride from the city’s main attractions. While parking nearby can be tricky, we found a spot after a bit of patience, and overall, we were lucky to stay close to the hotel. The building itself is beautifully designed with a rustic-chic aesthetic that feels both warm and sophisticated. When we first arrived, we were surprised not to find a private bathroom inside our room—but upon contacting the host, we learned it was actually located on the hallway level, spacious and clean. The room itself was cozy and comfortable, with a great bed that made for a restful night’s sleep. Breakfast was outstanding—freshly prepared each morning with homemade pastries, fresh fruit, coffee, and more. It felt like a personal touch, not just a standard offering. Everything about this place felt thoughtfully curated. Highly recommend Villa d'Citta for travelers who value charm, comfort, and authenticity in their Chicago experience.
Staying at the Aloft Chicago Mag Mile was an absolute delight! The location is unbeatable—everything is within walking distance, from shopping and dining to iconic attractions. I loved how vibrant and modern the hotel feels, with a cool, energetic vibe that makes it perfect for both business and leisure travelers. The staff were friendly and helpful, and the room was clean, spacious, and well-equipped. With so many restaurants and cafes right outside the door, I never had to go far for a good meal. Highly recommend this spot for anyone visiting Chicago—it’s a true gem in the heart of the city.
Staying at the Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Downtown/Magnificent Mile was an absolute delight, especially for someone who loves walking. The location is unbeatable—everything I wanted to see, from the Magnificent Mile to Millennium Park, was within a 3-kilometer radius and easily reachable on foot. That’s a dream for a walking enthusiast like me. Right across the street is a massive supermarket with everything you could need—groceries, snacks, toiletries—and it stays open until well past 11 PM, which is perfect for late-night essentials. On the ground floor, there’s an UNO’s Pizza that’s always packed, open until 11 PM too, and just a short 3-minute walk away is a fantastic seafood restaurant—delicious food, though a bit pricey, but totally worth it. The Red Line subway is literally right outside the hotel entrance, making travel to Midway Airport super convenient. Just transfer once to the Orange Line, then walk five minutes—entirely indoors, so no worries about rain or bad weather. The room itself was spacious, clean, and modernly decorated, typical of U.S. hotels where space isn’t an issue like in Southeast Asia. Room amenities were excellent: coffee maker, safe, mini-fridge (though keep in mind it only makes ice—my milk and yogurt froze solid! 😂), microwave, and even a full ironing board. I took advantage of that to press all my clothes before heading home—huge plus. Housekeeping comes every other day, which is standard, but any request via phone gets handled quickly. The only thing to note: if you’re sensitive to noise, bring earplugs—there are occasional late-night sirens from patrol cars, but nothing disruptive. Overall, this hotel delivers incredible value, great convenience, and a comfortable stay in the heart of downtown Chicago. If I ever return to the city, I’d absolutely book here again.
Staying at the SpringHill Suites Chicago Chinatown was a fantastic experience! The room was spacious, clean, and well-maintained—perfect for both business and leisure travelers. Breakfast was simple but satisfying, offering enough options to start the day right. What stood out most was how quiet the neighborhood is; I slept really well every night without any disturbances. Plus, being just steps away from public transit made exploring downtown a breeze. For the price, this hotel delivers excellent value and comfort. I’d highly recommend it to anyone visiting Chicago—great location, friendly staff, and a solid stay overall.
The location is absolutely unbeatable—right next to a bus stop, making it super easy to get to the theater for a show of Les Misérables in just five minutes. The room comes with a small kitchenette, so cooking your own meals is convenient and cost-effective. Breakfast is solid—fresh, varied, and satisfying. Parking is a bit pricey, but considering the central Chicago location and how hard it is to find parking downtown, it’s totally worth it. I’ve already planned my next trip here—this place offers comfort, convenience, and great value. Definitely a top pick if you’re visiting the Loop area.
Staying here for three nights was a great experience overall. The location is excellent—just a short walk from Michigan Lake and convenient for getting around downtown Chicago via public transit. My room had a side view of the lake, which was absolutely beautiful, especially in the morning light. While the hotel is established with older-style decor, it’s well-maintained and spotlessly clean. The double-bed room was surprisingly spacious—perfect for four people without feeling cramped. The staff were friendly and helpful, and the value for money was excellent. Despite its vintage charm, the comfort and convenience make it a standout choice. I’d definitely stay here again when visiting Chicago.
This place exceeded all my expectations! The location is perfect—right in the heart of Fulton Market, with easy access to downtown Chicago via public transit. The rooms are spacious, spotlessly clean, and thoughtfully designed with modern amenities that make you feel right at home. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I booked, but I’d stay here again in a heartbeat. From the welcoming staff to the quiet, comfortable atmosphere, every detail feels intentional. It’s rare to find such a great balance between comfort, convenience, and value. Highly recommend for anyone visiting Chicago—this is definitely a top choice.
Staying at this hotel was a fantastic experience from start to finish. The vibe is effortlessly cool—modern, sleek, and full of personality. Right in the heart of River North, it’s just steps away from great restaurants, shopping, and nightlife. The room was clean, stylish, and super comfortable, with a cozy bed that made for a perfect night’s sleep. The staff went above and beyond to make us feel welcome. I especially loved how quiet the rooms were despite being in such a lively neighborhood. It’s rare to find such a chic, well-located place with excellent service. Definitely coming back next time I’m in Chicago.
Staying at this Hampton Inn was an absolute delight! The location is unbeatable—just a 5- to 6-minute walk to McCormick Place, making it super convenient for conferences or events. Right on the ground floor, there’s a cozy Italian restaurant and even a Haidilao hot pot spot—perfect for a quick bite or a fun meal without leaving the building. Across the street is a convenience store, so grabbing snacks or essentials is never an issue. It’s also just a 15-minute stroll to Chinatown, ideal if you want to explore local food or shops. What really stood out was the valet parking service—so helpful, especially when arriving by car. The room isn’t huge, but it’s well-designed, clean, and comfortable with everything you need. Overall, the value and convenience here are outstanding. I’d definitely stay again and recommend this hotel to anyone visiting Chicago.
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