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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.
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!
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
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.
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 in room 2001 at Sentral Michigan Avenue was an absolute highlight of my trip to Chicago! The view from the window was breathtaking—perfectly capturing the city skyline, especially at night. The staff went above and beyond to make me feel welcome, offering genuine care and attention throughout my stay. From check-in to checkout, they were friendly, helpful, and always ready to assist. The apartment itself was well-equipped with everything I needed: a fully functional kitchenette, high-quality bedding, a powerful coffee maker, and even a steamer for clothes. It felt like home away from home. The location is unbeatable—just steps from public transit and surrounded by great dining options. I highly recommend this place for anyone visiting Chicago. I’ll definitely be back!
Staying at The Sono Chicago in downtown Chicago was an absolute delight. Unlike typical hotels, this place is a charming, private villa with its own entrance—feeling more like a home away from home. You need to call ahead to gain access, which adds a nice touch of security and exclusivity. The free parking in the heart of the city is incredibly rare and a huge plus for travelers driving in. Breakfast was generous and delicious—fresh pastries, hot dishes, juice, and a variety of snacks and drinks. It’s not just convenient; it’s thoughtful. Located steps away from major attractions, everything is easily accessible by foot or public transit. The atmosphere is quiet yet central, offering comfort without sacrificing location. Highly recommend for anyone seeking a unique, hassle-free stay in Chicago.
Staying at Found Hotel Chicago River North was a great experience overall. The room featured bunk beds, which worked well for us since we didn’t bring much luggage—space felt more than adequate despite the compact size. What really stood out was the staff: friendly, helpful, and always ready to assist with any request. Their warm hospitality made a big difference. The location is excellent too—just steps from the metro, making it super easy to explore downtown Chicago. Great value, highly recommend for travelers looking for comfort and convenience in a vibrant neighborhood.
I completely disagree with some of the negative reviews—this place is better than expected! We stayed in a spacious, recently renovated room with a ceiling fan and air conditioning, making it super comfortable. The staff were friendly and helpful, and the interior design has a modern, stylish vibe. There's also a shared kitchen available for guests, which is great if you want to prepare your own meals. Plus, the Magnificent Mile is just a 5-minute walk away—perfect for shopping and dining. Overall, the location, cleanliness, and value make this a solid choice for travelers looking for a convenient and pleasant stay in Chicago.
I couldn't have asked for a better stay! Chicago Getaway Hostel exceeded all my expectations. The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful from check-in to checkout—always smiling and ready to assist. The room was spotless, well-maintained, and cozy, with clean linens and a peaceful atmosphere perfect for a good night's sleep. Breakfast was a real highlight: fresh fruit, hot coffee, and a variety of options that made starting the day feel special. Located just steps away from public transit, getting around downtown Chicago was super easy. For the price, this place offers unbeatable value. I’ll definitely be back next time I visit Chicago!
Our stay at Chicago Parthenon Hostel was absolutely fantastic! The restroom facilities were spotless, and having three showers and two toilets in the women’s area made mornings so much smoother—no long lines or rush. The shared room was perfectly sized for our group of four: cozy yet comfortable, with just enough space to move around without feeling cramped. We really enjoyed hanging out in the common area—it had a welcoming vibe and was a great place to unwind after a day of exploring. The staff were incredibly friendly and always ready to assist with any questions or requests. From the cleanliness to the warm atmosphere, everything about this hostel felt well thought out and cared for. I’d highly recommend it to anyone looking for a reliable, clean, and social place to stay in Chicago.
This was hands down one of the best hostel experiences I’ve ever had—especially as a solo female traveler. From the moment I arrived, I felt completely safe and welcomed. The staff were friendly and helpful, and the hostel regularly hosts fun events like walking tours, which I joined and found incredibly informative and social. I ended up making great connections with fellow travelers from around the world. The common areas are spacious, clean, and well-equipped, perfect for relaxing or meeting people. The location is unbeatable—right in the heart of Chicago, just steps away from public transit and major attractions. If I ever return to the city, this will be my first choice. A truly memorable stay at an amazing value.
The value for money here is absolutely outstanding. Located just a short walk from the subway, it’s incredibly convenient to get around downtown Chicago. The rooms are simple but clean and well-maintained, with comfortable beds and good sound insulation—perfect for a restful night’s sleep. What really stands out is the price: you’d be hard-pressed to find a better deal in this area. The staff are friendly and helpful throughout check-in and check-out, making the whole experience smooth and stress-free. If you're visiting Chicago on a budget but still want a great stay without compromising on comfort or location, this hostel is a top pick.
I can't recommend this Holiday Inn Express Chicago - Magnificent Mile enough. The location is unbeatable—right across from Trader Joe's, so grocery shopping is a breeze. It's just a 7-8 minute walk to Trump Tower, and less than 20 minutes to Millennium Park. From there, it's only a few more minutes to the shores of Lake Michigan—perfect for a relaxing evening stroll. The front desk staff were incredibly friendly and helpful. We arrived at 10 AM, and even though check-in wasn't available yet, they gladly stored our luggage at no extra cost. When we returned around 2:30 PM, we were told to wait about 25 minutes. But instead of leaving us waiting in limbo, the staff actually came to check on us—and discovered a room was already ready! They apologized and made sure we were taken care of right away. While the amenities aren't flashy, the rooms are clean, comfortable, and well-maintained. For the price and convenience, this place offers outstanding value. I’ll definitely be back if I ever visit Chicago again.
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.
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