Hotels in the Loop

The Loop is Chicago’s central business district. Bordered by the el tracks and the Chicago River, it is the area south of the Chicago River, north of Congress, west of the Lake and east of the River. One of the most popular places to stay in the city, the Loop offers a wide range of accommodation choices. Hotels here are close to the major attractions of downtown, very close to public transportation (buses and a variety of el lines) and offer easy access to dining and drinking, shopping, and theaters.

The downside of staying in the Loop is that after about 6pm and on weekends, it can seem like a ghost town compared to other areas of downtown.There’s not much actually in the Loop  in terms of drinking and dining options, as most places cater to the lunch crowd and tourists. But, you’ll find plenty of places to eat and drink a short cab or el ride (or 10-15 minute walk) to the north.

Near Grant Park between Congress and Roosevelt, technically in the South Loop, there are also several nice hotels that offer excellent proximity to the Museum Campus.

Staypineapple, An Iconic Hotel, The Loop

Located in the heart of the Loop, close to Millennium Park, the former Hotel Burnham is now run by Staypineapple and still offers its rooms in a National Historic Landmark, the 1895 Reliance Building. The guestrooms keep the building’s original office doors, complete with vintage knobs and mail slots.

The Blackstone, Autograph Collection

The South Loop’s Blackstone Hotel has been welcoming movie stars, sports legends, royalty and presidents since 1910. The onsite restuarant, Mercat a la Planxa, regularly earns raves for it’s inventive tapas.

The Allegro Royal Sonesta Hotel Chicago Loop

The Allegro, now a Royal Sonesta hotel, is set just south of the River, on the north side of the Loop, close to the theater district. The pet-friendly hotel has an onsite fitness center and the Legato Lounge for coffee and cocktails.

The Palmer House Hilton

The beautiful Palmer House Hilton is a historic icon on downtown Chicago. The first Palmer House opened in 1870 and burned down a year later in the 1871 Great Chicago Fire. Potter Palmer had started building a second one 13 days before the fire, and when it opened in 1875 it advertised itself as “the world’s only fire proof hotel.” The current building dates from 1925. Located on State Street, close to great shopping and steps from Millennium Park and public transport, it offers a fitness room, pool, and several dining options.