Chicago/iO Top Hotel Picks
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| # | Hotel | Stars | Rating | Reviews | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Hotel & Athletic Club at Midtown | ★★★★ | 4.5 | - | 3.06 km |
| 2 | Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, Chicago | ★★★★ | 4.1 | 1 | 7.31 km |
| 3 | Level Chicago - Old Town | ★★★★ | 4.4 | - | 5.13 km |
This hotel is a perfect choice for family vacations! Located in Chicago's Bucktown neighborhood, it's just a 5-minute drive to Lake Michigan and Wrigley Field. Packed with family-friendly amenities like a kids' club and childcare services, you can unwind with a spa massage or hit the indoor tennis courts. Relax in the pool or hot tubs after a busy day! Modern rooms offer free WiFi and satellite TV, plus made-to-order breakfast to start your day right. Whether for family trips or business stays, this spot has it all!
Nestled in the heart of Chicago, this hotel offers the perfect blend of luxury and convenience. Just a 5-minute walk to Michigan Avenue and Millennium Park, you’ll be close to top attractions. Enjoy the 24-hour fitness club, indoor and seasonal outdoor pools, and spa services for ultimate relaxation. Business travelers will appreciate the 24-hour business center and 13 meeting rooms. With a variety of dining options, a kids’ menu, and a game room, it’s perfect for families too!
Everything you need to know about iO
The Peninsula Chicago is a top choice, located just steps from iO on Michigan Avenue. Its floor-to-ceiling windows offer breathtaking views of the Chicago River and the city skyline, especially stunning at night when the lights illuminate the architectural marvels. The hotel features a world-class spa, Michelin-starred dining, and exceptional service. With a mere 10-minute walk to iO, it combines luxury with unbeatable convenience for art enthusiasts and urban explorers.
The most convenient option is taking the CTA Blue Line train from Clark/Lake Station, a 5-minute walk to iO. Taxis or ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft take about 10–15 minutes depending on traffic. For eco-friendly travel, Divvy Bikes offer a scenic route along Michigan Avenue, allowing visitors to enjoy street art and modern architecture while riding through the vibrant urban core to iO.
Near iO, don’t miss the Chicago Improv Workshop led by local performers—perfect for experiencing spontaneous creativity firsthand. Just a short walk away, the Art Institute of Chicago offers free admission on select days, showcasing masterpieces by Monet and Van Gogh. In the evening, stroll along the Chicago Riverwalk, admire the fountains and sculptures of Millennium Park, and capture photos at Cloud Gate (The Bean)—a symbol of the city’s artistic soul blending nature and urban design.
Yes! Gibson's Restaurant & Bar, located on Michigan Avenue, offers a welcoming atmosphere with child-friendly seating and a dedicated kids’ menu. Their signature Chicago-style deep-dish pizza and prime cuts of steak are crowd-pleasers for all ages. Outdoor seating provides scenic views of Millennium Park, perfect for family meals. The restaurant also hosts regular family events like children’s art workshops and storytime sessions, turning dining into a memorable cultural experience.
While not all hotels provide free parking, The Peninsula Chicago features a private underground garage starting at $60 per night, often discounted with HopeGoo packages. For cost savings, consider using public parking lots in downtown Chicago or apps like SpotHero for reserved spots. Given iO’s central location, many hotels encourage guests to use public transit or walk—some even offer free electric bike rentals, supporting sustainable travel and reducing environmental impact.
Nightlife around iO shines! Visit Green Street Lounge, a hidden jazz bar offering live music and craft cocktails in an intimate setting. Don’t miss the nightly Millennium Park Light Show at 8 PM, when Cloud Gate and surrounding sculptures glow in vibrant colors, creating a dreamlike atmosphere. Alternatively, take a Chicago River Cruise after dark to see the city’s skyscrapers and Michigan Avenue illuminated in dazzling light displays—a romantic and visually stunning experience.
Absolutely! Cloud Gate by Anish Kapoor—shaped like a shiny bean—is a must-photograph landmark, reflecting the skyline and sky in its polished surface. Nearby, Crown Fountain in Millennium Park offers a dynamic, interactive water display perfect for creative shots. For street art lovers, explore Murphy Street off Michigan Avenue, where vibrant murals and large-scale graffiti pieces showcase bold urban creativity and youthful energy.
See what other travelers say about iO
Staying at this hotel was an absolute delight—definitely one of the best experiences I've had in Chicago. The location is unbeatable, just a short walk from downtown attractions and public transit. What really stands out? The fitness center—it's top-notch with modern equipment, open 24/7, and perfect for anyone who loves working out. I accidentally left my necklace behind in the room, and while I haven’t heard anything yet, I’m confident they’ll take care of it. The staff are professional and attentive, and the room itself was clean, spacious, and incredibly comfortable. Great value for the price, especially if you're traveling for business or pleasure. This place truly delivers on comfort, convenience, and quality. Highly recommend to anyone visiting the city.
Staying at Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel in Chicago was an excellent experience from start to finish. The location is unbeatable—right next to the river and just a short walk from downtown attractions, making it easy to explore the city on foot. The hotel itself is clean, modern, and well-maintained, with spacious rooms that are both comfortable and stylish. The staff went above and beyond with warm, friendly service—always smiling, helpful, and attentive without being intrusive. I especially appreciated how welcoming they were during check-in and checkout. Overall, this place offers great value for the quality and convenience. If you're visiting Chicago, this hotel is definitely worth considering.
Staying at Level Chicago - Old Town was an absolutely fantastic experience. The location is unbeatable—just a short walk from Old Town’s charming streets, great restaurants, and local shops. The room itself was quiet, beautifully decorated, and perfect for relaxing after a day of exploring. I especially loved strolling around the neighborhood—it felt like stepping into a cozy, authentic Chicago vibe. Check-in was a bit slow, but the staff made up for it with incredibly warm and attentive service. They went the extra mile to make sure everything was smooth. This place offers excellent value and comfort—100% recommend! I’ll definitely be back.
Staying at Waldorf Astoria Chicago was an absolute delight from start to finish. The suite featured a beautiful fireplace, and the front desk staff kindly reminded us about it—plus, a professional came to light it for us, which added such a cozy, luxurious touch. The room itself is spacious and incredibly comfortable, making it feel like a true retreat in the heart of downtown Chicago. Being just steps away from Michigan Avenue’s luxury shopping district is a major plus—everything you’d want is right outside the door, from high-end boutiques to great dining options. Public transit access is also excellent. Every staff member we interacted with went above and beyond with genuine warmth and attention to detail. It’s rare to find such exceptional service combined with elegance and convenience. I’d absolutely stay here again—and recommend it without hesitation.
Staying at Park Hyatt Chicago was an absolute delight. The room was spacious and impeccably designed, with brand-new amenities that made the experience feel luxurious and modern. The bed was incredibly comfortable—woke up feeling refreshed every morning. The bathroom was well thought out with a great shower system and smart dry-wet separation. I loved how central the location was; it's just a short walk to the train station, making downtown access super easy. There are plenty of restaurants and shops nearby, so you never run out of things to do. It’s not just about the comfort—it’s the attention to detail, the quiet elegance, and the overall vibe that makes this hotel stand out. Definitely worth every penny.
Staying at Viceroy Chicago for two nights was an absolute delight. The room size is impressive for a city hotel—spacious and well-designed, offering a comfortable retreat after a busy day of exploring. Located just steps from Michigan Avenue, everything you’d want is within walking distance: shopping, dining, and the iconic Millennium Park are literally around the corner. The nearby museums are also easy to access, making it perfect for travelers who love culture and convenience. The staff went above and beyond with warm, genuine service—always helpful and attentive without being intrusive. From the moment I arrived to the time I checked out, every detail felt thoughtfully curated. This place strikes the perfect balance between luxury, location, and comfort. Highly recommend for anyone visiting Chicago.
Staying at the Four Seasons Chicago was an absolutely wonderful experience. The location is perfect—just a short walk from downtown attractions and public transit, making it incredibly convenient for exploring the city. The room was immaculate, spacious, and offered stunning views of the skyline. The staff went above and beyond with their attention to detail and genuine hospitality. One minor note: on the night we stayed, there was quite a strong wind outside, which caused some creaking sounds from the furniture and doors. While noticeable, it didn’t detract from the overall luxury or comfort. Everything else was top-notch—from the bedding to the thoughtful amenities. This is definitely a hotel that delivers on every level, and I’d highly recommend it to anyone visiting Chicago.
The Langham Chicago is perfectly located—right across from Trump Tower, with Millennium Park, the Magnificent Mile, riverboat docks, and a wide array of restaurants all within easy walking distance. The front desk staff were exceptionally friendly and helpful. We booked two rooms—one had weak heating, making it slightly chilly; the other had a leaking toilet and water pooling in the shower area upon arrival. However, these were minor issues compared to the overall experience. The hotel’s elegant ambiance, high-quality furnishings, and attention to detail truly stand out. Despite the small setbacks, the location, service, and general luxury make this a top choice for future stays.
The Peninsula Chicago truly lives up to its reputation as one of the finest hotels I've ever stayed at. From the moment I arrived, the service was exceptional—especially Jenny at the front desk, who made me feel welcome and well taken care of. I’ll admit, I usually avoid U.S. hotels because they often don’t match the standard of those in other parts of the world. But this stay completely changed my perspective. The attention to detail, the luxurious ambiance, and the level of service were on par with The Peninsula in Bangkok or Shanghai, and even surpassed the Bellagio in Shanghai in many ways. It’s rare to find a hotel in the U.S. that delivers such a high-end experience consistently. If you're looking for a memorable stay in Chicago, this is the place. A flawless experience from start to finish.
Our stay at the Trump International Hotel & Tower in Chicago was absolutely outstanding. From the moment we arrived, the warm welcome with complimentary champagne set the perfect tone—especially after a long drive from Michigan. The view from Room 2754 was breathtaking, easily surpassing our expectations and offering stunning cityscapes that made every moment special. To celebrate our 35th anniversary, the hotel provided a lovely fruit basket—a thoughtful touch that added extra joy to our trip. The location is truly unbeatable—right in the heart of downtown, with easy access to everything. Housekeeping was impeccable, and the front desk staff went above and beyond with their professionalism and friendliness. It’s clear the team takes pride in delivering exceptional service. A few small improvements could enhance the experience further: adding two barstools for rooms with kitchenettes would make mealtime much more comfortable (we ended up eating on the low coffee table). The barn-style door in the bathroom creates privacy issues due to the gap underneath—replacing it with a standard door would help. Providing non-stick cooking spray would make cleaning the cookware far easier, especially when dealing with egg residue. Also, real dishcloths instead of paper ones would be more practical and eco-friendly. Lastly, while the espresso machine is great, having a regular Keurig-style coffee maker would offer more variety for guests who prefer drip coffee. Overall, this is an incredible place to stay—luxurious, convenient, and well-managed. We’ll definitely return and highly recommend it to others.
After checking out a few options, I’m so glad I chose The St. Regis Chicago—it absolutely exceeded my expectations. The location is perfect, just a short walk from downtown attractions and easily accessible via the metro. The room was spacious and beautifully designed with elegant touches throughout. The bed was incredibly comfortable, making for a restful night’s sleep. Staff were attentive and friendly—every interaction felt personal and genuine. Breakfast was outstanding, with a wide variety of fresh, high-quality options. I especially loved the handmade croissants. It’s clear this hotel puts effort into every detail. Overall, the experience was exceptional, and I’d definitely stay here again on my next visit to Chicago.
Staying at The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago was an absolute highlight of my trip. From the moment I stepped into the elegant lobby, I was greeted with warm, attentive service and a sense of refined luxury. The room was spacious, impeccably clean, and beautifully designed—perfect for relaxing after a long day exploring the city. The bed was incredibly comfortable, and the view from the window showcased stunning views of the Chicago skyline, making every morning feel like a scene from a movie. The breakfast spread was exceptional—fresh, diverse, and delicious, with coffee that tasted like it was brewed just for me. Location-wise, it’s unbeatable: just a short walk to public transit, and surrounded by great dining options and shopping. For the level of comfort, service, and overall experience, this place offers incredible value. I’d stay here again in a heartbeat and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a memorable stay in Chicago.
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