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Featured Hotels Near Chicago River
The Chicago River isn’t just a waterway—it’s the city’s living canvas. From sunrise reflections on skyscrapers to golden evening glows, its ever-changing beauty unfolds with time. Whether walking, boating, or snapping photos, you’ll find yourself mesmerized by its timeless rhythm.
JW Marriott Chicago
This luxurious hotel in downtown Chicago is just a 15-minute walk to Millennium Park and Michigan Avenue, offering unbeatable convenience. Relax in the indoor pool, sauna, or treat yourself to a spa massage. Enjoy Italian cuisine at the on-site restaurant or unwind at the bar. Business travelers will appreciate the meeting rooms and business center, while families can take advantage of childcare services. With 610 rooms featuring smart TVs and premium bedding, comfort is guaranteed. Whether for business or leisure, this hotel is your perfect choice!
Waldorf Astoria Chicago
This luxury hotel is perfect for both families and business travelers! Located in the heart of Chicago, just steps away from Michigan Avenue, it’s ideal for shopping and dining. With childcare services and a kids’ play area, parents can relax at the spa or hit the gym. Enjoy the indoor pool, sauna, free WiFi, and shuttle service. The on-site restaurant serves delicious American cuisine, and rooms feature 55-inch smart TVs and premium toiletries for a truly comfortable stay.
Park Hyatt Chicago
This luxury hotel is right in the heart of Chicago, just steps away from the Chicago Water Tower—perfect for exploring the city! Whether you want to unwind with a spa massage, relax in the indoor pool, or let the kids have fun at the children's play area, this place has it all. Rooms feature minibars, premium bedding, and 65-inch TVs, making you feel right at home. Planning an event or wedding? Their meeting spaces and wedding services are top-notch. A truly unforgettable stay!
Viceroy Chicago
This hotel is the ultimate luxury choice in downtown Chicago! Just a few minutes' walk to State Street and Michigan Avenue, making shopping and sightseeing a breeze. The hotel offers seasonal outdoor pool, fitness center, and even a kids' play area with babysitting services, perfect for families. Rooms are spacious and cozy, featuring Egyptian cotton linens and designer toiletries, plus a minibar and espresso machine—it’s like a home away from home! Business travelers will appreciate the meeting spaces and 24-hour front desk, making it ideal for both leisure and work trips.
Four Seasons Chicago
The Langham Chicago
This hotel is a gem in downtown Chicago! Just a short walk to Michigan Avenue and Millennium Park, it's incredibly convenient. Whether you want to unwind with a luxurious spa massage or relax by the indoor pool, this place has it all. Enjoy Mediterranean cuisine at the on-site restaurant or unwind with a drink at the bar. Families will love the kids' club and children's meals, ensuring fun for the little ones. Business travelers are covered too, with meeting rooms and a business center. Rooms come with minibars and free WiFi, making your stay comfortable and hassle-free!
The Peninsula Chicago
Looking for a luxurious stay in the heart of Chicago? This is the perfect choice for you! Located in a prime spot, just steps away from Michigan Avenue and a short walk to the Chicago Riverwalk. Enjoy top-notch spa treatments and a stunning indoor pool to unwind. With two exquisite dining options, including authentic Chinese cuisine, you’ll never go hungry. Rooms are equipped with iPod docks, minibars, and 55-inch LED TVs, plus ultra-comfy plush bedding. Whether for business or leisure, this hotel has it all, with Chinese-friendly services to make you feel right at home!
Trump International Hotel & Tower® Chicago
Nestled in the heart of Chicago, this luxury hotel is perfect for both business and leisure! Just a short walk to the Chicago Riverwalk and Magnificent Mile, convenience at its best. Unwind with a spa massage or take a dip in the indoor pool, and enjoy top-notch amenities like the fitness center and sauna. Rooms are equipped with minibars and espresso machines, plus designer toiletries for a home-away-from-home feel. Enjoy 24-hour room service or dine at Terrace 16 for delicious American cuisine. Whether for work or play, this is the ultimate choice!
The St. Regis Chicago
Nestled in the heart of Chicago, just a 10-minute walk from Grant Park and Michigan Avenue, this luxurious hotel is the perfect choice. Whether it's spa treatments, the indoor pool, or the 24-hour fitness center, you'll find plenty of ways to unwind. With childcare services and kids' meals, it's also ideal for families. Two restaurants and 24-hour room service ensure you're never far from a delicious meal, while the bar/lounge is perfect for evening drinks. Added conveniences like valet parking and dry cleaning make your stay even more seamless.
The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago
This luxurious hotel is nestled in the heart of Chicago, just steps away from Michigan Avenue and Water Tower Place. Unwind at the spa with massages and treatments, or take a dip in the indoor pool. Stay active at the fitness center or join a yoga class. Dining options include the Italian-steakhouse Torali and a cozy café, with a bar perfect for evening relaxation. Rooms are equipped with minibars and smart TVs, plus plush premium bedding for ultimate comfort. With concierge services and express check-in, it’s ideal for both business and leisure travelers.
InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile
Nestled in the heart of Chicago's Magnificent Mile, this luxurious hotel seamlessly blends historic charm with modern elegance. Housed in the former Medinah Athletic Club from 1929, every detail exudes sophistication. Sip fine wines at ENO, unwind by the gold-leaf walls, or take a dip in the legendary pool once used by actor Johnny Weissmuller. The surrounding area is equally captivating, with Navy Pier, Shedd Aquarium, and Oak Street Beach just minutes away. Whether for business meetings or romantic weddings, this hotel offers everything you need for an unforgettable stay.
Art Villa
This art-deco styled apartment hotel is a hidden gem in the heart of Chicago! Treat yourself to a full-service spa and unwind in your private rooftop hot tub. Enjoy free WiFi and 24-hour airport shuttle for ultimate convenience. Each room features memory foam mattresses, a private furnished terrace, and a fully-equipped kitchen. Located just minutes from United Center and Chicago Riverwalk, it’s perfect for exploring the city. Don’t miss the picnic area for a relaxing afternoon. Book now for a luxurious getaway!
The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Michigan Avenue Chicago
This hotel is a gem in downtown Chicago! Just steps away from Michigan Avenue and an 8-minute walk to the Chicago Riverwalk, the location couldn't be better. Unwind at the rooftop terrace and garden with stunning city views – pure bliss! The spacious rooms feature separate bathtubs and showers, making you feel right at home. Don't miss the Mediterranean cuisine at their restaurant, or enjoy 24-hour room service when cravings strike. Business travelers will appreciate the 24-hour business center and 14 meeting rooms, perfect for seamless work sessions. With luxury amenities and top-notch service, your stay here will be unforgettable!
Nobu Hotel Chicago
East Lincoln Park Gem: Spacious 4BR apartment with 2,5 Bathroom
AC Hotel Chicago Downtown
This hotel is perfect for both family trips and business travel! Its prime location is just steps away from Michigan Avenue and State Street, with attractions like the Chicago Riverwalk and Water Tower nearby. The hotel boasts fantastic amenities including an indoor pool, fitness center, and spa services, with a dedicated kids' pool and children's meals for little ones. Rooms are equipped with smart TVs and free WiFi, plus premium toiletries for a cozy stay. Need to host an event? Their business center and banquet facilities make it ideal for both work and leisure!
Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile
Looking for a luxurious stay in downtown Chicago? This is the perfect choice! Located in the heart of Magnificent Mile, it’s just minutes away from The Art Institute of Chicago and Navy Pier. Enjoy cozy plush bedding and premium linens in your room. Relax at the 24-hour fitness center, spa, or the rooftop terrace and garden. Whether for business or leisure, the meeting spaces, kids’ play area, and diverse dining options (including an American restaurant and café) cater to all your needs. Don’t miss out on this amazing experience!
Hyatt Regency McCormick Place Chicago
This hotel is a dream for both families and business travelers! Luxury rooms feature Hyatt’s plush Grand Bed and dedicated charging ports for your devices, with stunning views of downtown Chicago and Lake Michigan. With childcare services and a kids’ playground, little ones will have a blast while you unwind at the golf course or try sailing. The location is unbeatable—just steps away from Shedd Aquarium and Field Museum, and you can cap off your day with cocktails at M/X Lounge. Whether for work or play, this spot has it all!
Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile
This luxury hotel in downtown Chicago is a true gem! Designed by French architect Jean-Paul Viguier, the 32-story glass tower blends modern aesthetics with classic architectural touches. Just minutes away from Lake Michigan, Navy Pier, and Millennium Park, it's perfect for exploring the city. With fitness center, tennis courts, and childcare services, it caters to both families and business travelers. Enjoy valet parking and EV charging stations for hassle-free stays. Rated 4.5 stars, it's a top choice for your Chicago adventure!
L7 Chicago
This hotel is a perfect choice in the heart of Chicago! Just a short walk to the Chicago Riverwalk and Chicago Theatre, with Millennium Park and Art Institute of Chicago nearby. Enjoy top-notch amenities like a 24-hour fitness center, free WiFi, and concierge services, plus wedding services and a cozy lobby fireplace. Dine at Perilla Steak for delicious Korean cuisine or unwind at the bar/lounge. Rooms feature Italian Frette linens and luxury toiletries for ultimate comfort!
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Chicago River
The Peninsula Chicago is a top choice, located just steps from the Chicago River with floor-to-ceiling windows offering panoramic views of the city skyline and illuminated riverbanks. The hotel provides complimentary access to riverboat tours, allowing guests to experience iconic landmarks like Millennium Park and the Cloud Gate sculpture from the water, blending luxury with immersive urban scenery.
The Chicago River at Grant Park is just a 500-meter walk (7 minutes) from Michigan Avenue. Stroll along the scenic Michigan Avenue Promenade, passing cultural icons like Millennium Park, Cloud Gate, and the Art Institute of Chicago. Multiple CTA bus routes and the Blue Line elevated train stop directly near the river, operating 24/7 for seamless access to downtown shopping and entertainment hubs.
Try Chicago Riverwalk Boat Tours, a 1-hour scenic cruise highlighting architectural gems like Chicago Spire, Renaissance Center, and Union Station. Professional guides narrate the city’s history while passengers enjoy views of the riverfront skyline. Optional stops allow dining at Riverwalk restaurants. Nighttime lighting cruises illuminate the buildings in vibrant hues, perfect for photography and romantic evening experiences.
The Peninsula Chicago is a top choice, located at the intersection of Michigan Avenue and the Chicago River, offering floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows with stunning views of the river cruise boats and skyline. The hotel also provides complimentary walking tours along the Riverwalk, showcasing the city’s blend of history and modernity.
Another excellent option is Kimpton Hotel Monaco Chicago, known for its artistic ambiance and walkable access to the riverfront in just 5 minutes. It frequently hosts summer concerts and local markets along the Riverwalk, making it ideal for travelers seeking authentic Chicago experiences.
The Chicago River offers excellent connectivity: Chicago Riverboat Cruises depart hourly, providing direct access to key destinations like Millennium Park, Willis Tower, and Michigan Avenue shopping district. Alternatively, the Blue Line L train stops at Chicago River Station, reaching Union Station in just 3 minutes for easy transfers across the city.
On foot, the Riverwalk Trail spans 1.5 km and links multiple cultural landmarks, featuring cafes and public art installations. For a scenic and efficient journey, consider using the Divvy bike-sharing system—riding along the river allows quick, enjoyable access between major attractions while enjoying the urban landscape.
Every evening at 8 PM, the Chicago River bridges light up with vibrant colors, creating a mesmerizing display mirrored on the water—perfect for photography and leisurely strolls. The Riverwalk hosts nighttime live music performances and outdoor bar events, with venues like Café Ba-Ba-Reeba! and Bavette's Bar & Boilery offering riverside seating for drinks and dining.
For a deeper experience, book a nighttime river cruise with expert guides who narrate architectural highlights and historical stories as you glide past Gothic buildings, skyscrapers, and old wharves. Some cruises feature live jazz music, adding a sophisticated touch to the serene, illuminated journey down the city’s iconic waterway.
Yes, many riverfront hotels provide family-friendly facilities. Hyatt Regency Chicago features a kids’ play zone by the river and family suites, plus regular interactive workshops such as "Exploring Chicago River Ecology" and "Paper Boat Building Contest".
The Langham, Chicago offers a Kids Club with supervised childcare, allowing parents to enjoy riverfront yoga or dining events. All these hotels are within walking distance of the Children's Museum of Chicago and Millennium Park’s interactive fountains, perfect for full-day family outings. Many also provide complimentary kids’ breakfasts and baby crib rentals, enhancing comfort for traveling families.
The Chicago Riverfront boasts a vibrant culinary scene centered on local ingredients and innovative cuisine. Bavette's Bar & Boilery is renowned for its Chicago-style steaks and seafood boils, with outdoor terraces facing the river—especially magical at night under glowing lights.
Café Ba-Ba-Reeba! specializes in Mexican-Chicago fusion dishes, including signature items like smoked beef tacos and riverfront cocktails. The Riverwalk Market features diverse street food stalls serving artisanal ice cream, grilled corn, and cheeseburgers—ideal for casual bites on the go.
Many restaurants also offer riverside patios, making them perfect for dinner or afternoon tea with scenic views of passing boats and city skylines.
The Chicago River offers diverse water activities. The most popular is the Chicago River Sightseeing Cruise, a 45-minute tour passing beneath five drawbridges, offering panoramic views of Gothic architecture and skyscrapers with multilingual audio commentary.
For adventure seekers, paddleboarding and kayaking tours are available through certified providers, suitable for beginners and enthusiasts alike. These allow close encounters with wildlife and riverside greenery. During summer, lights and jazz cruises combine live jazz music with illuminated river scenes, creating a romantic evening experience.
Some tours include photo services and commemorative souvenirs, adding lasting memories to your journey down this iconic urban waterway.
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