Best Design Hotels in Chicago

The LaSalle Hotel in Chicago is the latest addition to Marriott’s Autograph Collection. Located in the heart of Chicago’s financial district, the hotel is a perfect choice for the sophisticated business traveller. The hotel occupies the top five floors of a historically iconic landmark from famed Chicago architect Daniel Burnham and offers guests plush and spacious guest rooms and suites – with a classic Art Deco style and club-like vibe running throughout the hotel. The hotel’s signature restaurant, Grill on 21, offers a modern twist on a classic American grill and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Guests can make use of a great range of wellness facilities including guided yoga, meditation and priority access to the spa at the JW Marriott just below the hotel.

Once a hat factory, this 14 storey building dates back to 1912. The sleek Kimpton brand has retained its heritage with vintage accents. Wingback seats, velvets, marble, grandiose curtains and bold patterns create a homely, yet smart vibe. Monaco Chicago has 191 rooms (feel free to bring your dog for the stay, it’s a Kimpton policy) an upscale take on a Midwest eatery, fitness suite and bar. Treatments are available in-room and if you’ve forgotten something be sure to ask the front desk, they’re stocked with everything you’re likely to need during your stay.

An international go-to brand, Hilton occupies a city landmark in Chicago, with this beautifully restored 1920s hotel. It’s close to the DuSable Bridge, offering centrality and many rooms with river views. The three-level rooftop lounge – a new addition during the 2016 refurb – is where the best panoramic vistas are to be enjoyed and is a very popular spot for marriage proposals. A 22 storey glass tower was also added during the overhaul when the interiors received a contemporary facelift. Londonhouse also has two restaurants, a full-service spa and a fitness centre.

Located in River North and overlooking the Chicago River, is Ludwig Mies van der Rohe’s Bauhaus style 1970s architectural triumph. Steel, expanses of glass and fine art create a trendy yet opulent airy feel. The Chuan Spa is a haven of tranquillity, with a peaceful pool area, saunas and steam room. Chef Ricardo Jarquin serves American-Italian dishes at Travelle Kitchen + Bar, while club level guests enjoy access to an exclusive 12th-floor lounge. Families are welcome and can even bring up to two dogs and a cat, making it one of the most pet-friendly places in the city.

Built in the 1920s, the Viceroy’s terracotta and brick exterior has remained. But an entirely new 18 storey glass building has been erected behind, filled with mid-century furnishings, all imagined and created by Goettsch Partners and TAL Studio. It’s an arty design hotel, slightly high-brow – the grand lobby even sports a poetry wall. A rooftop pool offers summer swims, plus there’s a fitness centre, ample meeting facilities for business travellers and a rooftop lounge, Devereaux. A seasonally changing menu from chef Lee Wolen can be found at the in-house restaurant Somerset, with the option of sharing family meals, as well as fine cuisine.

Named after Chicago’s own Gwen Lux, a pioneering female sculptor of the 20th century, this Mariott property is found in the McGraw-Hill building. Glamorous art deco interiors reflect the building’s origins with 311 rooms in taupe and gold palettes. Upstairs at the Gwen is the hotel’s vibrant rooftop bar, but the alfresco facilities aren’t limited to libation. In summer, guests can experience unique urban glamping on the hotel’s 16th-floor terrace. Sleep in a queen-sized Black Pearl bed in a lavishly furnished huge bohemian Lotus Belle tent. Meanwhile back indoors, the hotel’s restaurant, Kostali, serves delicious North African/European cuisine.