The Top 6 Hotels for Business in Chicago (+ a Bonus)
Planning a business trip to Chicago?
We’re not surprised!
According to American Express Global Business Travel, Chicago is not only one of the most popular destinations for tourists; it’s also the most popular city for domestic business travel.
If your professional needs are bringing you to Chicago, we bet you’re looking forward to exploring this Lake Michigan metropolis.
Now the question — where are you going to stay??
We have you covered: check out this list of the best hotels in Chicago, and you’ll be ready to book in no time.
Table of Contents
1. Waldorf Astoria Chicago
2. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Chicago Downtown
3. Homewood Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown/Magnificent Mile
4. Motel 6 Schiller Park, IL
5. LondonHouse Chicago, Curio Collection by Hilton
6. Graduate Evanston
1. Waldorf Astoria Chicago
You might recognize Waldorf Astoria as the name behind some of the best luxury hotels the world over, and the reputation certainly holds up when it comes to this stylish, inviting Chicago property.
What’s Nearby?
From its perch on Oak Street in the sophisticated Near Northside and Gold Coast neighborhoods, Waldorf Astoria Chicago is within walking distance to the 360 Chicago skyscraper and observation tower. It’s right down the street from lush Washington Square Park, too.
Room Choices
The rooms and suites at Waldorf Astoria Chicago are about as grand as it gets. Expect well-appointed spaces that balance a classic European style with a fresh, contemporary ambiance.
Not only that, but most rooms in this five-star hotel also come equipped with terraces, fireplaces, workspaces and sparkling views of Lake Michigan.
Onsite Dining
Dining options are just as sumptuous and thoughtful as the rooms. You can enjoy breakfast, brunch, dinner and drinks here seven days a week.
The Brasserie is the hotel’s onsite restaurant, serving sophisticated American fare and equally delectable libations. In-room and private dining options are also available.
Business Perks
Business travelers at the Waldorf Astoria also enjoy complimentary perks, like in-room printing, luggage storage, clothes pressing and Hilton Honors bonus points.
Several luxe meeting spaces are available for you and your team to dazzle your clients. And let’s not forget the award-winning spa, indoor pool, and health club on the premises that make a little after-business R&R a true delight.
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2. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Chicago Downtown
La Quinta Inn & Suites in downtown Chicago offers travelers a lot of value without sacrificing service or location.
What’s Nearby?
This La Quinta’s prime setting in the Loop puts it steps away from the Chicago River and other popular attractions and potential business sites.
Plus, thanks to its ideal location in the financial district, this hotel is near popular tourist spots like the Magnificent Mile, the West Loop and the Kluczynski Federal Building, famously designed by Mies van der Rohe.
Room Choices
You can choose between standard guestrooms, deluxe rooms, suites and accessibility-friendly room options.
All rooms come well equipped with free high-speed Wi-Fi, minifridges and microwaves, workspaces and city or courtyard views. With these in-room features, La Quinta is a fantastic option for extended-stay needs.
On-site Dining
La Quinta Inn & Suites Chicago offers free daily breakfast at the onsite restaurant, which is also open for lunch and dinner.
A sundries mart is the ideal spot to pick up plenty of snacks and drinks to stock up your hotel room minifridge.
Business Perks
Aside from comfortable rooms and complimentary breakfast, the hotel has other business perks that make it ideal for busy corporate movers and shakers.
Conveniences like meeting rooms, a business center, a fitness center and mobile check-in all help to ensure a seamless experience for business travelers.
3. Homewood Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown/Magnificent Mile
Homewood Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown/Magnificent Mile appears on just about every business hotel list, and for good reason.
Its legendary amenities and superb location make it ideal for business getaways.
What’s Nearby?
Homewood Suites is in the Windy City’s business district, just off Michigan Avenue.
It’s only a ten-minute walk from popular hotels like the Park Hyatt, Ritz-Carlton, and The Peninsula Chicago with its delectable Shanghai Terrace restaurant. Even closer are the historic Water Tower building and Museum of Contemporary Art.
There are plenty of dining and nightlife options in this Magnificent Mile commercial district neighborhood.
Room Choices
At Homewood Suites, you can expect modern accommodations with accessibility options, all of which are ideal for extended-stay business trips. All rooms have their own full kitchens, free Wi-Fi, a dining area and a workspace.
You can also make use of the communal laundry facilities on the hotel grounds. A flat-screen TV graces the entertainment center in the separate living area, perfect if you have time to catch some of your favorite movies and TV series while on the road.
Onsite Dining
Though you can prepare meals in your room if you like, Homewood Suites also has an onsite restaurant. Plus, you can enjoy a complimentary hot breakfast each morning.
If you’re looking for dining suggestions, contact the concierge, who can arrange reservations for you and your team.
Business Perks
The hotel has a business center and meeting space to get your work done in comfort and privacy.
You can maintain your fitness regimen in the hotel’s fitness center. There’s an outdoor pool, too, making this a family-friendly hotel for travelers bringing their children along for the trip.
4. Motel 6 Schiller Park, IL
Motel 6 Schiller Park is conveniently located three miles west of Chicago O’Hare International Airport. Like with all other Motel 6 properties, you can expect simple yet comfortable lodging at a reasonable price.
What’s Nearby?
Located in Schiller Park, Illinois, this Motel 6 is a short drive to the third busiest airport in the U.S. It’s also near Donald E. Stephens Convention Center — ideal if you’re traveling to a conference — and Allstate Arena, home of the Chicago Wolves hockey team.
Plus, if you’re taking meetings in the city, downtown Chicago is only about a 40-minute drive away. You can also hop on the CTA Blue line, just over a mile from the motel grounds, and take that into the city.
Room Choices
Room choices at Motel 6 are basic yet suitable for most needs. You can choose a room with one queen bed or two full beds. Motel 6 offers plenty of ADA-compliant room choices.
Most rooms come equipped with minifridges, and all include free Wi-Fi access, free local calls, a flat-screen TV and a work desk.
Onsite Dining
The hotel only has vending machines; no restaurant or breakfast options.
You’ll find restaurants nearby where you can grab a quick bite or a slice of Chicago’s famous deep-dish pizza. But if you have a free day, be sure to take a drive out to Chicago proper and treat yourself to an incredible meal.
May we suggest dinner and drinks at The Gwen on North Michigan Avenue? You can enjoy its fine Mediterranean cuisine outdoors on the rooftop bar or within the charming confines of its grand Art Deco dining room.
Business Perks
This Motel 6 does not have a business center, but its onsite laundry facilities are a perk if you’re staying in town a few days or more.
Its airport location makes it a great choice for many business travelers on quicker trips. Plus, the affordable rates are ideal for those who prefer spending more on experiences than hotel rooms.
Related: How to Find the Best Hotel for the Value
5. LondonHouse Chicago, Curio Collection by Hilton
LondonHouse Chicago is a boutique hotel that’s part of the Hilton Curio Collection family. As such, you can expect modern, elegant furnishings from the lobby to the hotel rooms.
What’s Nearby?
Just across the Irv Kupcinet Bridge from River North, The Langham Chicago and the Navy Pier Observation Deck, LondonHouse is close to many of the city’s best attractions.
But we think you should actually walk a bit south if you’re looking to take in some Chicago culture in your free time.
For instance, you can head south on North Michigan Avenue and take a stroll through Millennium Park. It’s helmed by The Harris Theater for Music and Dance on one end and The Art Institute of Chicago on the other.
Room Choices
LondonHouse Chicago is home to a variety of exciting room choices.
We highly recommend the Vista Suites, which feature floor-to-ceiling windows, luxury king beds, and plenty of space to work and relax. Free Wi-Fi and Sonicast streaming are also standard.
On-site Dining
You will be spoiled for choice when it comes to dining and drink options at LondonHouse.
For starters, you can enjoy afternoon tea service at River Vista, classic steaks and seafood for dinner at Ocean Prime, and after-dinner aperitifs at the stunning LondonHouse rooftop patio.
Business Perks
The hotel offers several versatile meeting spaces that include boardrooms, ballrooms and everything in between.
The Langham, another stately hotel popular for business meetings, is just across the bridge in case your business needs take you that way.
Additionally, you can unwind at the luxury spa or 24-7 fitness center. Valet service and a digital key are also popular features for the business set.
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6. Graduate Evanston
Graduate Hotels are popular with travelers visiting college campuses in towns across the country. Situated on Lake Michigan a stone’s throw from Chicago proper, the college town of Evanston, IL is a great destination for business travelers — and offers the opportunity to stay in this stylish property.
What’s Nearby?
Aside from the university, there are a lot of things to do and see in Evanston, including the Block Museum of Art and Clark Street Beach.
But if you feel like driving south to Chicago, consider visiting the north end of the city, where Wrigley Field and Lincoln Park Conservatory are only a 25-minute drive from the hotel.
Alternatively, you can take the L train’s UP-N or the Purple and Red Lines from Davis Street in Evanston right down to the Chicago Loop in about 40 to 50 minutes.
Room Choices
Rooms at Graduate Evanston are steeped in old-school Americana style, and are sure to charm anyone who loves classic bed-and-breakfast lodgings.
You can choose from guestrooms, ADA-accessible rooms, and suites — all of which include free Wi-Fi, a safe, a minifridge and a workspace.
Some rooms also have kitchenettes and beautiful lake views.
On-site Dining
The hotel’s restaurant, The Graduate Homestead, provides you with classic American comfort food and whimsical cocktails named for John Hughes movies.
Feel like taking a drive to Chicago?
Meet your associates at Somerset, the elegant New American restaurant housed within Viceroy Chicago in the Near North Side.
Business Perks
You can host a uniquely charming business meeting at the Graduate’s vintage tea room.
Looking to host a catered business event?Reserve the hotel’s bar and restaurant for private events and tasty catering.
No matter what type of business brings you to the Windy City, one of these hotels will serve you well.
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