
Chicago/Navy Pier Carousel Top Hotel Picks
Select your travel dates to find the best prices and availability

Select your travel dates to find the best prices and availability
Stop by the Navy Pier Carousel—a timeless wonder that stirs childhood memories with every turn. As the painted horses rise and fall beneath a sky kissed by sunset, you’re not just riding—you’re reliving joy. The backdrop? A breathtaking blend of Chicago’s skyline and the glistening lake, turning each lap into a moving postcard. Visit at golden hour: when light spills across the water, and the world feels like a dream.

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.


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!


Everything you need to know about Navy Pier Carousel
The Navy Pier Hotel is the top choice, located just a 3-minute walk from the Navy Pier Carousel and the iconic Navy Pier Ferris Wheel. This modern hotel offers spacious rooms with panoramic views of Lake Michigan, complimentary parking, and 24-hour concierge service. Its prime location places guests within easy reach of dining, shopping, and seasonal events like the annual fireworks display. Guests also enjoy exclusive perks such as priority access to the carousel and discounts on pier attractions, making it ideal for families and couples seeking a vibrant Chicago experience.
The most efficient way is taking the CTA Blue Line train from downtown Chicago to the "Navy Pier" station—just a 15-minute ride. Exit directly into the pier complex, with the Navy Pier Carousel just a 3-minute walk away. Alternatively, Uber or Lyft takes about 10–15 minutes depending on traffic. For scenic travel, consider the Lakefront Sightseeing Bus, which stops at Navy Pier and offers panoramic views of Lake Michigan. All options are well-marked, with clear signage throughout the pier area, and most accept credit cards and mobile payments for seamless transit.
Nighttime at Navy Pier is magical—the Navy Pier Carousel glows with illuminated lights, and riding the Ferris Wheel after sunset offers breathtaking views of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan's glittering lights. Don’t miss the outdoor live music performances, starlit open-air movie screenings, and the bustling food market serving iconic Chicago fare like deep-dish pizza, hot dogs, and roasted corn. During summer, the pier hosts a spectacular fireworks display directly opposite the carousel, creating a dazzling finale. All events take place in the central pier plaza and are free to attend, making it a must-experience highlight for visitors seeking authentic Chicago nightlife.
The Navy Pier Ferris Wheel operates daily from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, with last entry at 8:00 PM. Ticket prices are $22 for adults, $17 for children (ages 3–12), and $19 for seniors (65+). Tickets can be purchased on-site or booked in advance via the official website to avoid lines. Each ride lasts approximately 15 minutes and accommodates up to 28 passengers. It’s recommended to plan ahead, especially on weekends and holidays when crowds are larger. Some hotel packages and tourism bundles include discounted tickets. The wheel features wheelchair-accessible cabins and climate-controlled gondolas, ensuring comfort and safety for all riders.
See what other travelers say about Navy Pier Carousel

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 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.

I stayed at this hotel for the Chicago Marathon, and was pleasantly surprised to find how close it was to the packet pickup location—just a short walk away. The hotel itself was spotless, with clean rooms and a welcoming atmosphere. The staff were friendly and helpful throughout my stay. On race day, they even provided shuttle service, which made everything so much easier and stress-free. I appreciated the thoughtful touch, especially when you're busy preparing for a big event. Overall, the experience was excellent, and I’d definitely recommend this hotel to anyone attending events in Chicago. The convenience, cleanliness, and service all make it a top choice.

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 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.

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The location couldn't be better—just a short walk from the Chicago River and surrounded by great dining, shopping, and attractions. From the moment I checked in, the staff went above and beyond with their friendly and professional service. The room was clean, spacious, and incredibly comfortable, with a perfect bed that made for a restful night's sleep. I especially appreciated the delicious breakfast options—fresh, varied, and well-prepared. Every detail felt thoughtfully designed to enhance the stay. This hotel truly delivers on every level, and I’d definitely return without hesitation.

This is our second time staying at Eurostars Magnificent Mile, and we’re already planning our next visit! The location is unbeatable—right in the heart of downtown Chicago, with endless shops, restaurants, tourist spots, supermarkets, and bars just steps away. We absolutely love the on-site sauna—it’s perfect for unwinding after a long day of exploring. The room is spacious, clean, and well-appointed, making it feel like a home away from home. The staff go above and beyond with their friendly, genuine hospitality. This hotel feels like a hidden gem, and it’s now our go-to choice whenever we come to Chicago. Don’t miss the downstairs restaurant, River North Bistro—especially during happy hour! The food and drinks are fantastic, and the vibe is lively yet relaxed. Highly recommend this place for both business and leisure travelers.

Staying at Chinatown Hotel Chicago was an absolute delight! The room features floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the space with natural light—every morning felt like a fresh start. What stood out most was the excellent air circulation; even on warmer days, the room stayed refreshingly cool without relying heavily on the AC. The location is unbeatable—just a short walk from downtown and surrounded by great local eateries, making it perfect for exploring the vibrant neighborhood. Clean, well-designed rooms with thoughtful touches make this hotel a hidden gem in Chicago. If you're looking for comfort, convenience, and a true local vibe, this place is a must-try.

Staying at Hotel Felix in Chicago's North Loop was a great experience. The location is fantastic—just a short walk from the train station, making it super convenient to explore downtown and the Magnificent Mile. There are plenty of restaurants nearby, so dining options are never an issue. The staff were friendly and helpful throughout our stay. The only downside was a plumbing issue on our last day, which meant we had to take a cold shower—minor inconvenience, but nothing major. Overall, the hotel offers excellent value, clean rooms, and a welcoming atmosphere. I’d definitely stay here again and recommend it to anyone visiting Chicago.

Staying at The Buckingham Hotel in Chicago was an absolute delight from start to finish. The staff went above and beyond—warm, friendly, and incredibly helpful right from the moment we arrived. I booked a room with an amazing view, and it did not disappoint—the skyline stretched out before me, especially breathtaking at night when the city lights came on. Every detail felt thoughtfully curated, from the cozy furnishings to the quiet, well-maintained hallways. What really stood out was how accommodating the team was—they anticipated needs without being intrusive and made sure every request was handled with a smile. If I could rate this hotel 10 stars instead of 5, I absolutely would. This isn’t just a great place to stay—it’s a memorable experience. I’ll be back, and I 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.
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