Where to Stay in Chicago with Kids
Every year, Chicago breaks its own record for the number of tourists to visit the Windy City. The good news is there are plenty of rooms for all of these tourists. The bad? Finding the best hotel for families in Chicago can be tricky.
The Chicago Loop, Gold Coast, River North and Wicker Park neighborhoods all offer great experiences of this ever-popular city. So where do you stay?
Here are some of the top hotels in Chicago that will guarantee you see the city in style.
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Table of Contents
Best Chicago Hotels for Families
Four Seasons Chicago
This hotel sets the standard when it comes to family friendly Chicago hotels. Located within the 900 North Michigan shopping center, families can find everything they need without leaving the building. Just steps from Michigan Avenue shops and restaurants, it is the perfect home base for exploring the Windy City.
If your family can manage to tear themselves away from the lake view and city view rooms, they will find a property made for families. With an on-staff ice cream man who delivers to your room, skip the line passes for local museums, and a Kids Club on the 32nd floor, your kids will never want to leave.
When you are ready to explore the streets of Chicago, the excellent Concierge team will make reservations and find you VIP tickets to the best attractions Chicago has to offer!
BOOK YOUR STAY AT FOUR SEASONS CHICAGO HERE
Embassy Suites
There are two Embassy Suites properties in downtown Chicago. The first one is Embassy Suites Chicago Downtown and the other is Embassy Suites Chicago Magnificent Mile. Structurally, both are the same, but there are a couple of reasons to choose each one.
Embassy Suites Downtown is your traditional property, with two-room suites, free breakfast, and complimentary evening happy hour. There’s a pool, and the location is a quick walk to Michigan Avenue, Chicago pizza, and other River North restaurants.
Embassy Suites Magnificent Mile is a AAA 4 Diamond property. It has a Sky Garden in its atrium where they grow fresh herbs to use in the food they prepare. The location is close to Navy Pier, an AMC movie theater, and a bowling alley.
We stayed at both properties during different spring breaks. We found the Downtown property was not as crowded and chaotic as the Magnificent Mile property.
BOOK YOUR EMBASSY SUITES STAY HERE
The Blackstone Hotel
The king of experiences, The Blackstone Hotel has something for everyone. This hotel deserves a place in the top hotels in Chicago.
Located on the southern end, known as the ‘cultural mile’ of Michigan Avenue, lake view rooms boast a view of Lake Michigan and Grant Park, and bathrooms of white marble and La Bottega amenities.
Walking the corridors you will be walking in the footsteps of legends, cards located around the hotel provide interesting insights into the famous faces who have stayed at the hotel, including several heads of state, Marilyn Monroe and Al Capone.
The Blackstone, part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, features an elegant mix of historic architecture and luxury design. It is both family and pet friendly and has the perfect location for walking to Maggie Daley Park and Millennium Park (home of The Bean).
Maggie Daley offers a skating ribbon in winter, playgrounds, and climbing walls, as well as seasonal events. It’s the perfect location for families who want to explore and have downtime in the city.
BOOK YOUR STAY AT THE BLACKSTONE HERE
InterContinental Chicago
This world-renowned hotel brand can always be relied on for high standards and great service. InterContinental Chicago dates back to 1929, and celebrates its history in its decor and architecture, winning it several awards, and the admiration of many famous faces.
Before you venture out into the Magnificent Mile, take an iPod tour of the live-in masterpiece. Learn about the 12,000-pound crystal chandelier in the magnificent ballrooms, the terra-cotta fountains, and the hidden stained glass windows. Steeped in such history and glamour, you can see why this is one of the top hotels in Chicago.
The rooms have large windows that boast views of the Wrigley Clock Tower and the Tribune Tower. And you must eat at the Michael Jordan Steak Bar, and be sure to indulge in its signature dish, a 23 layer chocolate cake. It is divine.
The hotel offers Dive-In movies for kids on Saturdays, complete with popcorn and family friendly movies. Milk & Cookie turndown service is available daily. InterContinental Chicago has a fabulous location with plenty of restaurants, Navy Pier, Dylan’s Candy Bar, and the Nutella café nearby.
BOOK YOUR STAY AT THE INTERCONTINENTAL HERE
The Ritz-Carlton
Another well-known luxury hotel brand that prides itself on service and experience is the Ritz. The Ritz-Carlton in Chicago offers picture-perfect views of Lake Michigan and the city.
Attached to Water Tower Place, this hotel is perfect for those looking for retail therapy. Stores such as LEGO, American Girl Place, and babyGAP are just outside the hotel, and if that’s not enough, the retail heaven that is Michigan Avenue is just outside.
For those looking to explore further afield, or need help planning at heir trip. The hotel offers plenty of insider knowledge of the local area, with suggested itineraries for those with different interests and tastes.
A perfect hotel for the family, The Ritz Kids programming offers bathrobes and toiletries for kids, as well as a friendly red wagon welcome where kids get to choose a souvenir to take home.
They will also love the Candy Cart, which shows up at their door with sweet delights. Each hotel restaurant offers a coloring book as well as healthy menus for the kids. Every guest will love the Ritz-Carlton.
BOOK YOUR STAY AT THE RITZ-CARLTON CHICAGO HERE
Loews Chicago
Loews Chicago is one of our favorite hotels in Chicago. From the moment kids walk in the door, they are treated like special guests. The hotel is located in the Streeterville neighborhood with good access to dining, Michigan Avenue, and Navy Pier.
Rooms are spacious, with floor-to-ceiling windows with stunning city views. Kids will be mesmerized watching the cars below. The hotel motto is “Loews Loves Families”, and it shows. There’s a local activity guide, board games, baby bath amenities, and even e-gaming systems for older kids.
Our favorite spot is the rooftop bar, Streeterville Social. During the summer, kids can be upstairs until just before dark and this area has games of corn hole, giant Jenga, and plenty of places to explore. It also has great views of Chicago and delicious cocktails too.
BOOK YOUR STAY AT LOEWS CHICAGO
Swissôtel
After a long day of travel with kids, Swissôtel is a dream place to stay. Located just steps from Michigan Avenue, the property overlooks both Lake Michigan and the Chicago River.
Swissôtel offers Kids’ Suites, where the kids can stay in a room adjacent to the parents. These rooms include DVDs or digital games, a play space, special amenities and bathrobes for kids. The offer also includes a complimentary in-room movie, welcome amenity, and complimentary breakfast for two adults and up to two children. It’s the perfect way to keep everyone in the family happy.
After a day of exploring, you will be happy to know you are returning to one of the most comfortable beds in the city.
BOOK YOUR STAY AT SWISSÔTEL CHICAGO
The Peninsula
The Peninsula ensures its guests have the best stay possible. Not only does it provide a welcome second home, but it also offers a wide range of experiences. It is one of the best luxury hotels in Chicago. Guests can make the most of their stay through its “Academy” programs.
From a boot camp class with a former Navy Seal to a pastry class for young chefs with the Pastry Kitchen, The Peninsula really pulls out all stops. Guests can also take river and helicopter tours, and attend Broadway shows with amazing seats.
The location is perfect with Michigan Avenue on its doorstep. The Museum of Contemporary Art is close by, and it is easy to explore Water Tower shops as well.
The hotel caters to families, offering toys, Playstation consoles, Wii games and adjoining rooms. They even offer children’s high tea and spa treatments!
BOOK YOUR STAY AT THE PENINSULA CHICAGO HERE
LondonHouse
LondonHouse has one of our favorite locations in downtown Chicago, overlooking the Chicago River at the corner of Wacker Drive and Michigan Avenue. The property is within walking distance of Maggie Daley Park, Millennium Park, and the Art Institute.
Rooms in this historic building are spacious and comfortable. We had a corner room with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the river. Suites are also available through connecting rooms.
Don’t miss the rooftop bar, LH on 22, with the most stunning views of the Chicago skyline. Go up before it gets dark, so kids can have a look too.
Now you know the top hotels in Chicago! Not only can you find somewhere to stay in ultimate comfort, but you can experience the best adventures the city has to offer.
Don’t miss these related posts: Romantic Weekend Getaways near Chicago, Best Things to Do in Chicago with Kids, and What to Do with Teens in Chicago.
