Hotels in Chicago

Like all American megacities, Chicago offers a wide variety of hotels. Some are legendary, such as the Hilton, located in the historic Palmer House, whose foundations were laid at the end of the 19th century. Budget travelers will be wary of the generally high prices. So don't overlook lodging, which will undoubtedly make up the bulk of your Chicago travel budget.

As a general rule, aim for the downtown area, nicknamed "The Loop" and bounded by Chicago's aerial subway system, which will be a great help in connecting the various attractions.

If you're not much of a wanderer, keep in mind that downtown Chicago, with all its major attractions, is still very human-scale and can be explored on foot (with a few short hops on the aerial tram for the best views).

Rush Street and its many bars and patios that occupy the wide sidewalks. The neighborhood is also home to several art galleries.

Near Grant and Millennium Parks, on the shores of Lake Michigan, close to major cultural attractions and institutions.

On the Magnificent Mile, the chic stretch of Michigan Avenue between the Chicago River and Oak Street. It's home to luxurious boutiques, prestigious restaurants and hotels, and huge shopping malls.

On the shores of Lake Michigan and the Chicago River, protected by some of the city's tallest skyscrapers, such as one of the 339 rooms at Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago in Trump Tower, one of the ten tallest buildings in the world.

In the sophisticated décor of some of the city's historic landmarks, such as the Hilton's Palmer House or the Hard Rock Hotel Chicago's Carbide & Carbon Building, an Art Deco icon is topped by a giant champagne bottle covered in real gold.