The Best Budget Hotels in Chicago
Sure, the Midwest’s largest city is packed to the gills with glam, pricey hotels but in recent years the tide has turned to welcome affordable options that may not have all the frills but are perfect for a long weekend in comfort. The great news is that locations for these budget-friendly properties aren’t compromised—many are in the heart of River North (Chicago’s bar and restaurant district) or a quick stroll from the Lake Michigan shoreline in a hip North Side ‘hood.
Hotel Felix
Why it made the list
Off the radar of most Chicago travelers, probably because it doesn’t host a restaurant or any other splashy amenity, this hotel is in River North and earned a LEED Silver rating for its eco-friendly mantras. There’s a spa on site—unique for a hotel at this price point—that uses chemical-free products in treatments whenever possible. Free coffee and tea in the lobby lounge and the small fitness center (just three machines) are other amenities included in room rates that all add up a good value. There are three room categories—one Queen, two Full and one King—that don’t vary too much in price from one another and all feature white and tan décor that’s been modernized and updated.
ACME Hotel Company
Why it made the list
In the heart of River North, within a few blocks of art galleries and trending restaurants, this boutique hotel--open since 2012--attracts guests who want to get out and explore...not lounge back at the hotel. Rooms are small, but stylish and clean, with pops of orange to perk up your day, and some have city views. Hardwood floors are a nice touch and ergo-friendly desk chairs help while working on the road.
Hotel Versey
Why it made the list
This is a great example of a North Side hotel that does it right, in case you’re in town for a Cubs game or want to hang with friends and family who live in nearby Lincoln Park. Open since 2017, this former Days Inn packs Midcentury Modern furnishings in the lobby and Wrigley Field murals above the rooms’ beds. (Plus, it’s worth noting that its sister hotels are the costlier LondonHouse Chicago and The Godfrey Hotel Chicago.) There’s no restaurant or gym on the property but with hip eateries just outside the front door and the lakefront a few blocks away, (guests also get access to a local LA Fitness), who needs those amenities anyway?
Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel
Why it made the list
Tucked into the tony Gold Coast neighborhood, a half-block off North Michigan Avenue, this hotel born out of a late 1920s-building and once housed celebs like JFK and the Rolling Stones. It rubs elbows with five-star properties like The Drake, Four Seasons Chicago and The Peninsula Chicago. Grab a drink in the 1920s-themed Martini Bar or retire to your room with its khaki and raspberry-hued fabrics, with moderately priced suites an excuse to upgrade. NiX Restaurant is an easy jump-start to your day, whether it’s chicken and waffles or an egg-white scramble. Lunch is served, too.
Freehand Chicago
Why it made the list
Don’t be fooled by the hostel reference. There are private rooms, too. Décor here is swoon-worthy and could easily fill a spread in a design magazine, whether it’s the Native American inspired floor rugs, macramé wall art in the two-level Penthouse. Or the Boho-meets Tiki-vibe in the bar (Broken Shaker). For a hotel at this price point to have two f&b venues is also a rarity. Not only can you sip cocktails at Broken Shaker, Café Integral’s avocado toast, Cuban sandwich and more are served until 3 p.m., with espresso drinks lingering on the menu until 6 p.m.
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