When it comes to new hotel openings, there have been winds of change in the Windy City over the past year, with several exciting properties added to Chicago’s hospitality landscape.
(Photo: The St. Regis Chicago)
In an encouraging sign of the post-pandemic recovery, a wide variety of brand-new hotels have been constructed across the city to cater for the large number of visitors who continue to come to Chicago every year. The new properties on offer target different budgets and tastes, adding to the choice for people who come to this magical city on Lake Michigan in Illinois, renowned for its bold architecture and world-class cultural venues. Here are some of the hotels that have opened in Chicago in 2023 and 2024.
St. Regis
Luxury hotel brand St. Regis opened its first outpost in the Midwest in mid-2023, just blocks from Millennium Park and a number of Chicago’s other major landmarks. Housed in the former Vista Tower, one of the city’s tallest and most architecturally striking buildings, the hotel features 192 guest rooms and suites across 11 floors, each offering floor-to-ceiling windows with downtown views and decor in muted shades punctuated by pops of blue, a nod to the city’s waterways. Notable amenities include a wellness floor complete with a lavish spa, a gym, a lounge and bar, an outdoor sundeck, a yoga studio and a heated indoor swimming pool overlooking Lake Michigan. There are also two on-site restaurants – one specialising in Japanese cuisine and another a steakhouse.
Level Chicago Old Town
(Photo: Level Chicago – Old Town)
This sleek high-rise city centre hotel opened towards the back end of 2023 and quickly gained popularity with its prime location and enticing facilities. Among them are an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre, a pretty terrace and spa, a rooftop sundeck, a wellness centre, a business centre and floor-to-ceiling windows with city views in each of the guest units. There’s also a table tennis table, a darts board and a barbecue available for communal use. The many quaint shops, comedy clubs, pubs, eateries, artisanal coffee shops and quirky boutiques of Chicago Old Town are all just seconds away.
The Study at the University of Chicago
Another mid-2023 opening, The Study at the University of Chicago is set within the city’s eponymous university campus in the Hyde Park neighbourhood. Guest rooms are decorated in simple style and come with a flat-screen TV, a desk and a private bathroom. Amenities include a 24-hour fitness centre, a garden and an on-site restaurant and bar. For guests arriving in their own transport there’s free private parking. Nearby attractions including the Museum of Science and Industry, 57th Street Beach and the green expanse of Jackson Park are all within easy walking distance of the hotel.
L7
(Photo: L7 Chicago by LOTTE)
One of the most recent additions to Chicago’s hotel line-up, having opened in June 2024, this chic boutique hotel is set in a converted circa-1912 hat factory in the vibrant Loop district. Guest rooms are themed around travel and come with a flat-screen TV, eclectic furnishings and stylish Italian linens. There’s a restaurant and a gym and for those seeking an indulgent treat after a hard day of sightseeing there are in-room spa treatments available. The hotel offers complimentary bike rentals as well as wine in the evenings. A nearby train station offers easy access to the rest of the city.
Residence Inn by Marriott
If you’re seeking a mid-range hotel but without comprising on location, then this newly-opened 3-star apart-hotel on the city’s iconic Magnificent Mile may well fir the bill. A popular choice with business and leisure travellers, the property features a fitness centre, meeting rooms, 24-hour front desk and a convenience store, while hot buffet breakfasts are served daily. All guest units come with a fully equipped kitchen, a dining area, a separate seating area and a large TV. The area’s array of upscale shops, luxury fashion outlets and cool restaurants are just seconds away on foot.
Hampton Inn Chicago Orland Park
(Photo: Hampton Inn Chicago Orland Park)
Another affordable option, this new mid-range hotel just outside the suburb of Orland Hills will suit those who don’t mind being a little way from the city. Located in its southern reaches, about a 40-minute drive from Chicago’s Loop district, the hotel is a great base for exploring Chicago but without being exposed to the hustle and bustle of city life. It offers a 24-hour front desk, an indoor pool, a fitness centre and a business centre. Hot American breakfasts are served daily and there’s also free private parking. Guest rooms are equipped with a TV and a private bathroom. Midway International Airport, is 26 kilometres away.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites – Oak Forest
Not a great distance away from the above hotel is another new out-of-the-city hotel, the Holiday Inn Express & Suites. On-site amenities include an indoor swimming pool, a gymnasium, a business centre, laundry services and complimentary private parking. Guest rooms are designed in contemporary style and feature a TV and an ensuite bathroom. Within a 10-minute drive of the hotel is Tinley Park Amphitheater and Convention Center, where you’ll find plenty of shops and restaurants. For a true escape from the city, the 176-acre Oak Forest Nature Reserve is also nearby
Riu Plaza
Set to open in summer 2024, the eagerly anticipated Riu Plaza promises to become one of Chicago’s premier hospitality destinations. Located in the bustling Streeterville district, close to the Magnificent Mile, the 28-story hotel’s flagship feature will undoubtedly be its stunning sky bar and glass balcony 88 metres up in the air and offering sensational views across the city. Guests will also be able to make use of a range of other on-site amenities and services including a restaurant, bars and lounges, a snack bar, a gymnasium, laundry facilities, concierge, and 24-hour front desk. Complimentary buffet breakfast will also be offered each morning.
Opening summer 2024