46. Hotel Felix
City: Chicago, IL
Category: Accommodations
Telephone: (877) 848-4040, (312) 447-3440
Address: 111 W. Huron St.
Description: Reduce your carbon travel-print at this eco-friendly, 12-story boutique hotel, a sleek, modern contrast to its preserved 1926 façade. Things like recycled flooring in the fitness room, bamboo floors in the full-service spa, florescent lighting throughout, organic coffee served in the lobby, and motion-sensored heating, ventilation and air conditioning in the 225 guestrooms. Though the sepia-toned rooms are small, they offer welcome amenities like free Wi-Fi, bathrobes, and luxurious bedding. Upscale American restaurant Elate features seasonal and local produce.
City: Chicago, IL
Category: Accommodations
Address: 505 N. State St.
City: Chicago, IL
Category: Accommodations
Address: 333 N. Dearborn St.
City: Chicago, IL
Category: Accommodations
Address: 301 E. North Water St.
City: Chicago, IL
Category: Accommodations
Address: 401 N. Wabash Ave.
51. Westin Chicago River North
City: Chicago, IL
Category: Accommodations
Telephone: (312) 744-1900
Address: 320 N. Dearborn St.
Description: A decidedly ’80s exterior belies the thoroughly modern interior and resoundingly friendly guest service of this 424-room hotel close to the Loop and a hop, skip, and jump from Michigan Avenue shopping. Suites, on levels 18 through 20, offer access to the Executive Lounge, garnering complimentary extras like iMac computers and continental breakfast. Three in-house restaurants include a branch of Chicago’s beloved Kamehachi Sushi Bar, surrounded by the Japanese-inspired Hana Lounge.
52. Aloft Chicago O’hare
City: Chicago, IL
Category: Accommodations
Telephone: (847) 671-4444
Address: 9700 Balmoral Ave.
Description: Way more than just an airport hotel, this affordable stay punches things up with vibrant colors and alternative soundtrack, as well as 9-foot ceilings and huge windows in the 251 uncluttered, urban-inspired rooms. A quick shuttle ride from O’Hare and within walking distance of the Stephens Convention Center, it also offers free Wi-Fi, 42-inch TVs, and Bliss Spa products. The airy lobby encompasses Re:mix lounge with its hipster vibe and pool table; Re:fuel where you can grab from the “snack-attack” menu; and the W xyz bar for signature drinks like the Razzle Dazzle and the Rock & Republic. The natural light–filled indoor pool area connects to the 24-hour fitness facility (you can download a portable workout program before you get there).
53. Chicago Marriott O’hare
City: Chicago, IL
Category: Accommodations
Telephone: (773) 693-4444
Address: 8535 W. Higgins Rd.
Description: Expect upstanding Marriott service at this no-frills business- and event-friendly hotel just a block from the Blue Line El station. Sound-resistant, floor-to-ceiling windows in the 681 guestrooms keep airport noise at a minimum, while bonus features include an indoor-outdoor pool, free O’Hare shuttle, modern fitness room, and inexpensive breakfasts.
54. Crowne Plaza Chicago O’hare Hotel & Conference Center
City: Chicago, IL
Category: Accommodations
Telephone: (866) 242-1055, (847) 671-6350
Address: 5440 N. River Rd.
Description: The 503 rooms of this airport hotel, complete with sunlit indoor pool, were recently updated to be more stylish (a little gold, a little teal), more comfortable (7 layers of bedding), and more eco-friendly (CFL light bulbs, high-efficiency plumbing). Light sleeper? Put away the pills and pick up the provided sleep mask, lavender spray, and sleepytime CD. Or check into the 10th floor, an ultimate quiet zone—don’t worry, you’ll get a guaranteed wake-up call. Roomlinx rooms are totally teched-out, and for a small upcharge, you can also take advantage of the Executive Club Lounge with complimentary continental breakfast, evening snacks and beverages, and free Wi-Fi.
City: Chicago, IL
Category: Accommodations
Address: 68 E. Cedar St.
City: Chicago, IL
Category: Accommodations
Address: 1239 N. Greenview Ave.
57. Nina’s B&B
City: Chicago, IL
Category: Accommodations
Telephone: (773) 878-1252
Address: 1303 W. Winona St.
Description: The white picket fence around this Victorian house clues you in to the homey hospitality you’ll get at this 2-room inn, tucked away along a tree-lined block in the vibrant Andersonville neighborhood. Specializing in accommodations for women, particularly lesbian visitors, Nina’s motto is “For Women by Women.” Brightly lit rooms lean toward the chic-modern side, both with private bathrooms, off-street parking, and private entrance.
58. Roscoe Village Guesthouse
City: Chicago, IL
Category: Accommodations
Telephone: (773) 633-3567
Address: 2104 W. Roscoe
Description: These beautifully decorated condo-type suites located close to El stops in Roscoe Village (as well as Lincoln Park and Old Town) create a comfortable home base to explore the city. The units can typically accommodate up to 8 guests and feature showplace-like furnishings including cherry cabinets, stainless steel kitchen appliances, granite countertops, hardwood floors, fireplaces, hot tubs, and high-end bathroom fixtures. Renting all the Roscoe Village Guesthouses means a gathering of up to 80 people can stay.
59. Wheeler Mansion
City: Chicago, IL
Category: Accommodations
Telephone: (312) 945-2020
Address: 2020 S. Calumet Ave.
Description: Gold-framed paintings, silk curtains, and antique vanities and nightstands. These are perfectly fitting for the Italianate architecture of this elegant National Landmark treasure, a survivor of the 1871 Chicago Fire named a top restoration on HGTV. After various uses, including as a distribution warehouse for the Murphy Butter and Egg Company, the mansion was narrowly saved from the wrecking ball. It opened in 1999 as this unique lodging option, just two blocks from McCormick Place. All 11 rooms (including 4 suites) include private bathrooms (suites have gas fireplaces) and come with buffet breakfast in the traditional dining room.