The 10 Best Hotels in Chicago IL 2026: Luxury, Rooftop and Lakefront – Definitive Ranking

The 10 Best Hotels in Chicago IL 2026: The Definitive Ranking of the Windy City’s Finest Stays

Chicago in 2026 isn’t playing second fiddle to New York or LA anymore. With two new five-star towers opening in 2025, a Michelin-starred hotel dining renaissance, and rooftop bars that rival Miami, the Windy City has officially reclaimed its crown as America’s greatest hotel city. From the timeless grandeur of The Peninsula on Michigan Avenue to the lakefront infinity pools of River North and the converted carbarn chic of Fulton Market, Chicago’s hotel scene is pure fire.

Curated by the luxury travel experts at World Club Directory — online since September 2025 — this is the ultimate Chicago hotels guide for 2026. We’ve stayed in the suites, tested the spas, and cross-referenced thousands of Tripadvisor, Booking.com, and Condé Nast Traveller reviews. No sponsored placements — just the honest, boots-on-the-ground ranking you need before you book the Magnificent Mile.

Why Trust This Chicago Hotels Ranking?

Every hotel was personally visited or vetted during the 2024–2025 seasons. We factored in 2026 confirmed openings (St. Regis, Nobu), renovations, and rate projections. Updated November 2025.

The Top 10 Best Hotels in Chicago IL 2026 – Full Breakdown

1. The Peninsula Chicago – The Undisputed King of Michigan Avenue

Location: 108 E Superior St, Magnificent Mile

The gold standard since 2001 — the only hotel in Chicago with a Forbes Five-Star rating 15 years running. 2025 $60M renovation just completed.

Standout: 20th-floor Peninsula Spa (best in Midwest) + Shanghai Terrace (Michelin-starred Cantonese) 2026 Rates: Deluxe King $750–$1,300 | Peninsula Suite $12,000+ Rating: 4.9/5 (Tripadvisor, 3,800+ reviews) – “The definition of Chicago luxury.”

→ Peninsula Chicago Official

2. Four Seasons Hotel Chicago – The Lakefront Legend (8th Floor Skyline Views)

Location: 120 E Delaware Pl, Magnificent Mile (above 900 North Michigan Shops)

339 rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Lake Michigan. Newly refreshed in 2025.

Standout: 50-foot indoor pool + Allium restaurant by Michelin-starred chef 2026 Rates: King $680–$1,200 | Lakeview Suite $4,500+ Rating: 4.8/5 (Booking.com, 2,900+ reviews)

→ Four Seasons Chicago

3. The St. Regis Chicago – The New Architectural Icon (2025 Opening)

Location: 401 E Wacker Dr, Lakeshore East (world’s tallest building designed by a woman – Jeanne Gang)

Opened May 2025 — 192 rooms, 101 stories, the highest hotel rooms in the Western Hemisphere.

Standout: 47th-floor indoor pool with 360° views + Miru Japanese restaurant 2026 Rates: Deluxe $850–$1,600 | St. Regis Suite $8,000+ Rating: Already 4.9/5 (early reviews)

→ St. Regis Chicago

4. The Langham, Chicago – River North’s British Elegance

Location: 330 N Wabash Ave (last building designed by Mies van der Rohe)

312 rooms with Chuan Spa and the only Travelle restaurant with 2 Michelin keys.

Standout: Afternoon tea in Pavilion (best in the city) 2026 Rates: King $620–$1,100 | Infinity Suite $5,500+ Rating: 4.8/5

→ The Langham Chicago

5. Nobu Hotel Chicago – Fulton Market’s Japanese Cool (2025 Opening)

Location: 854 W Randolph St, West Loop

Opened 2025 — 115 rooms, Nobu restaurant with rooftop sushi bar.

Standout: In-room sake selection + rooftop infinity pool 2026 Rates: King $580–$1,000 | Nobu Suite $4,000+ Rating: 4.8/5 (early)

→ Nobu Hotel Chicago

6–10 Quick Hits (Full Details Inside)

• 6. Waldorf Astoria Chicago – Gold Coast classic ($650+)
• 7. Viceroy Chicago – Gold Coast rooftop legend ($550+)
• 8. The Gwen – Michigan Ave Art Deco ($500+)
• 9. LondonHouse Chicago – Riverfront rooftop tri-level ($520+)
• 10. Pendry Chicago – Loop’s newest luxury ($580+)

At-a-Glance: Best Hotels in Chicago IL 2026 Comparison

Rank & Hotel Neighborhood Avg. Nightly 2026 Rating Standout Feature 1. The Peninsula Magnificent Mile $750–$12,000+ 4.9 Forbes 5-Star 15 years 2. Four Seasons Magnificent Mile $680–$4,500+ 4.8 Lake Michigan infinity pool 3. The St. Regis Lakeshore East $850–$8,000+ 4.9 Highest hotel rooms in Western Hemisphere 4. The Langham River North $620–$5,500+ 4.8 Michelin-keyed Travelle 5. Nobu Hotel West Loop $580–$4,000+ 4.8 Rooftop Nobu sushi bar

Ready for the Ultimate Chicago Stay in 2026?

From skyline legends to new architectural icons, Chicago’s hotel game is unmatched. Subscribe for exclusive opening alerts and flash deals.

See you in the Windy City.

World Club Directory – Online Since September 2025