Chicago

The over-the-top Peninsula is the premier lodging in town. — Lonely Planet

The Peninsula Chicago mixes an Art Deco sensibility with modern tech conveniences, but it's the public spaces that set it apart. — Frommer's

The 339 rooms at this swank Gold Coaster, aptly located next to Tiffany, are patrician and huge... Avoiding flash for understated glamour, they glow in a fitting palette of soft golds. — Concierge

No detail is overlooked... The Peninsula Spa offers a temple of serenity in the heart of the Gold Coast. — Michelin Guide

The 20-story Peninsula Chicago sits just off—yet feels distant from—the shop and tourist–congested Michigan Avenue. — Afar Magazine

Restraint trumps gilt at this next-generation Trump project guided by Donald Jr., Ivanka, and Eric Trump. — Condé Nast Traveler

New York’s favourite real estate developer has made his mark in the Windy City with this 92-storey hotel. — Rough Guide

It's hard to tell whether you're in a museum or a hotel with all the original Robert Mapplethorpe photos on the walls and sweeping architectural flourishes...which suits us just fine. — BlackBook

The Trump International Hotel & Tower attracts a crowd of power brokers, women in fur coats, and anyone else who wants top-of-the-line luxury and is ready to pay for it. — Fodor's

Bigwigs and sports stars own the highest condo aeries in this swaggering riverfront tower dominating the Chicago skyline. — Afar Magazine

Beautifully restored art-deco highrise. — Not For Tourists

The proprietors brag the Burnham has the highest guest return rates in Chicago; it’s easy to see why. — Lonely Planet

For a historic stay with a dash of flash, the Burnham is the place. — Concierge

This historic architectural treasure morphed from the Reliance Building into the Hotel Burnham. Yet a National Historic Landmark, the hotel isn't stuck in the 19th century. — Time Out

It's all very fancy, with gilded furnishings and tasseled silk canopy beds, but it's good to be king. — Michelin Guide

A downtown hotel that is both stylishly luxurious and a showcase for eclectic artwork. — Concierge

The James is one of Chicago's top luxury hotels, and is located in River North, a block from the Magnificent Mile. — Oyster

Opened in April 2006, The James marries a residential vibe to a hotel setting. — Travel + Leisure

A boutique hotel of the sleek, minimalist variety, the James is aimed at sophisticated travelers who prefer luxury with a contemporary spin. — Frommer's

Fresh from a renovation, the James Chicago hotel – the first of the iconic boutique hotel brand – doesn’t have to try to be its siblings. Gone are the days of Chicago playing second... — Mr & Mrs Smith

Though the stature and location are grand, this is the city's most discreet luxury hotel, with its lobby tucked up on the seventh and eighth floors. — Concierge

Fancy spot for business and leisure travelers is stumbling distance from the bars and shops of North Michigan Ave., Miracle Mile, and the Navy Pier. — BlackBook

Exceptional hotel offering impressive views from the 30th to 46th floors of a downtown tower complex incorporating upscale Michigan Avenue shops. — Andrew Harper

Befitting its stature as a member of one of the world's great hotel brands, this Four Seasons boasts a flower-filled lobby on the seventh floor, far above the street-level crowds on Michigan Avenue. — Gayot

An “absolutely lovely” “luxury getaway”, this veteran just steps from Michigan Avenue offers “the royal treatment” along with “exquisite rooms.”. — Zagat

Legendary, family-friendly luxury sleep atop a Magnificent Mile skyscraper. — Jetsetter

Just think of all the shopping you can do without leaving the building if you stay in one of the 32 stories above Water Tower Place. — Lonely Planet

The Ritz-Carlton has been perched on floors 15-30 of Water Tower Place since 1960. — BlackBook

Situated directly above Water Tower Place, the Ritz-Carlton has an Art Nouveau—inspired lobby with a dramatic marble fountain and wall-to-wall windows framing views of the city below. — Travel + Leisure

It just does not get any better than this... One of the city's most coveted locations. — Michelin Guide

Paris flirts with the Midwest at Sofitel’s North American flagship property. — Travel + Leisure

A dazzling jewel in the sky. — The Telegraph

The radical prism-shaped design of this 32-story building by French architect Jean-Paul Viguier is a striking addition to the Chicago skyline. — Time Out

A wonder of modern architecture, this French-owned gem is a prism-shaped structure that juts over the street and widens as it rises. — Fodor's

Inside, stylish staff members tend to stylish 30- and 40-something guests, who come here for the minimalist vibe. — Lonely Planet

The elegant roms are furnished with platinum- and champagne-color palettes and textured wallpaper; and most of the marble-covered bathrooms have a deep soaking tub. — Fodor's

"From the decor to the service, this is one of the greatest hotels I’ve stayed in.". — Condé Nast Traveler

Massive, elegantly appointed guestrooms—a good portion of which have working fireplaces. — goop

Luxurious European-style hotel in prestigious Gold Coast neighborhood. — Andrew Harper

Waldorf Astoria Chicago, which was until recently The Elysian hotel, is an Art Deco jewel inspired by the style of Coco Chanel. — Forbes Travel Guide

Acting as the right aorta in the shopping heart of Chicago, it's the only downtown hotel with a front entrance to the Magnificent Mile. — BlackBook

This building was constructed in 1929 and was returned to its original architectural grandeur by the InterContinental chain in 1990. — Gayot

Built in 1929 as a mens' club, this Michigan Avenue hotel dances the line between Chicago’s past and present. — The Telegraph

The exquisite lobby is the showpiece of the Intercontinental... Though not as grand, the accommodations are decorated in the same old-world vein. — Michelin Guide

This 790-room behemoth right on the Magnificent Mile mixes historic charm... with the lackluster contemporary decor of an upscale chain. — Oyster

If Downton Abbey was transported in time and place to Chicago, it would be The Langham, where a team of butlers awaits you if you’re a Langham Club member. — Frommer's

When it opened in London in 1865, the original Langham Hotel was considered Europe'€™s first 'grand hotel.'. — Gayot

With Mies van der Rohe’s grandson behind the transformation of the architect’s final project into the new Langham, the hotel could only be a testament to Modernism. — Travel + Leisure

It’s well equipped to host both business and leisure-minded travelers: spacious rooms, a choice of on-site restaurants, and a killer spa. — goop

Light-filled rooms, efficient staff, modern pan-Mediterranean restaurant, and location within walking distance of both the Loop and major sites suit both the business and leisure traveler. — Afar Magazine

It doesn't get more old-time Chicago than The Drake and this esteemed hotel retains its status as one of the finest in the city. — Michelin Guide

A traditional "old money" stomping ground favored by Chicago socialites and celebrities, this stately icon exudes old-school style. — Time Out

A stay at the “elegant” and “historic” Drake Hotel is “more about the experience, ambiance and history than the rooms”, which could use “a little updating.”. — Zagat

The grande dame commands a striking location at the north end of Michigan Ave, near Oak St Beach. — Lonely Planet

The grande dame of Chicago hotels, this luxurious Michigan Avenue destination still attracts luminaries from all over the world. — DK Eyewitness

The Park Hyatt is the place to stay when you want to sneak a peek at how the other half lives. — Michelin Guide

This Gold Coast star dominates the skyline high above the old Water Tower, and the views are understandably spectacular from many of the oversized room. — Fodor's

The spirit of Park Hyatt Chicago aligns with what the Windy City is known for: stunning art and design, great food and welcoming Midwestern hospitality. — Forbes Travel Guide

Little expense has been spared at this 198-room Magnificent Mile property, housed in the lower third of a slender, 67-story residential tower. — Time Out

"Right on the Magnificent Mile, this hotel represents elegance at its best, and yet the staff are not at all pretentious". — Condé Nast Traveler

What was once the slightly faded Ambassador East is now hip and sleek; the location's as stellar as always. — Fodor's

A renovated 285-room hotel in a prime Gold Coast location, a short walk from Lake Michigan and the Magnificent Mile. — Condé Nast Traveler

The arrival of Ian Schrager's latest hotel breathes new life into the Gold Coast landmark Ambassador Hotel and brings style to the masses. — Michelin Guide

The PUBLIC Chicago is a 285-room, four-pearl property on the city’s Gold Coast, in walking distance to many downtown attractions. — Oyster

Having created the monster that is boutique hotel culture, Ian Schrager has now revived Chicago's storied Ambassador East in a decisively anti-glamour manner. — BlackBook

In the heart of the Gold Coast, this design-focused property has the feel of a posh urbanite's home—its walls are lined with a slightly edgy art collection. — Fodor's

Clean mid-century design and effortless luxury in the heart of Chicago, the Thompson Hotel Chicago is a boutique centrepiece of the Gold Coast neighborhood. — Time Out

It offers a winning combination of modern-retro style, a home-away-from-home ambience, attentive service, and value for money. — Afar Magazine

Four things really stand out at the Windy City’s 247-room Thompson hotel: the superlative service, the location... the rooms... and, most of all, the restaurant. — Condé Nast Traveler

Walking into one of the all-business guest rooms might just remind you of a man’s suit... the contemporary decor is accented by Robert Mapplethorpe’s floral photos. — Lonely Planet

Monaco’s facilities and location have made it popular with business travelers, but this funky Kimpton hotel rewards those who are simply here to relax. — Time Out

A family-friendly Gold Coast haven that just wants to have fun. — Jetsetter

Following a series of updates over the past couple of years, Chicago’s Hotel Monaco has now called on designer Alison Victoria to refresh one if its largest suites. — Wallpaper

Inside, it’s typical Kimpton flair, with brocade curtains, dark walnut finishes, and, in some rooms, mirrored headboards. — Condé Nast Traveler

Hip boutique hotel run by the Kimpton Group. — Not For Tourists

Although standard rooms tend to run small, they were rejuvenated with the Palmer House's history in mind, so that each is individually decorated with turn-of-the-century details and art. — Gayot

Today the Palmer House lobby still has an ‘Oh my God’ opulence – Tiffany chandeliers, ceiling frescos – that makes a look-see imperative. — Lonely Planet

“The grande dame of Chicago hotels” is renowned for the “spectacular” decorated ceiling in its Gilded Age lobby (“worth seeing even if you’re not a guest”) but “not the rooms” so much. — Zagat

The epitome of a grande dame, this bustling and massive property in the center of the Loop has a lobby ceiling mural that wows and lots of gold, marble, and tapestry. — Fodor's

The opulent Beaux Arts lobby showcases museum-worthy frescoes and displays a mural by 19th-century artist Louis Pierre Rigal. — Time Out

Local is the theme at this boutique hotel, from the lobby art (a duct tape rendering of the city's L train) to the rooms, decorated with historic Chicago maps. — The Telegraph

The 215-room Amalfi welcomes guests by sitting them down at an individual check-in desk with an 'experience designer,' who might suggest a complimentary Amalfitini cocktail. — Time Out

The Amalfi lobby blooms like a bird of paradise: vivid oranges contrast with deep turquoise hues on thoroughly mod furnishings. — Lonely Planet

Formerly the Amalfi Hotel. — Travel + Leisure

They call their concierge staff experience designers, and it just gets better from there at this boutique hotel with sweeping views of the city. — BlackBook

Among American cities, Chicago has one of the finest architectural legacies, which is why we're so glad to see the restoration of its Daniel Burnham. — Gayot

Opened in late 2010, this upscale hotel is housed in a historic neoclassical-style building with crystal chandeliers and a grand staircase in the lobby. — Oyster

Mixing architectural elegance with a sleek modern style, this historic property has lots of gorgeous areas. — Fodor's

The J.W. Marriott exudes a sense of restrained elegance, from the marble-walled bathrooms to the rich gold carpeting and plush terry robes in the guest rooms. — Frommer's

Its location in the Loop, a block from the Board of Trade, screams “business hotel,” but this 610-room Marriott defies that categorization. — Condé Nast Traveler

Blackstone isn't just a hotel, it's a modern art gallery replete with more than 1,600 pieces of art from emerging Chicago artists. — Travel + Leisure

Reopened in 2008, it may no longer be the height of luxury, but you'll get a glimpse of the hotel's original glamour in the wood-lined lobby. — Frommer's

This downtown Chicago hotel has been a favorite of movie stars, sports legends, royalty and presidents since 1910. — Time Out

The spacious 332 guest rooms and suites feature luxurious bedding and the occasional touch of whimsy. — Gayot

Dubbed "the hotel of presidents," this South Loop mainstay on Grant Park has hosted more than a dozen leaders of the United States. — Condé Nast Traveler

The restaurant chain may not be that wonderful, but the hotel—flashy, loud, and packed with plasma TVs—has our approval. — Fodor's

. — Not For Tourists

Slick party palace with a raging music club and haute comfort fare by a celeb chef. — Jetsetter

Despite the price level, standard rooms are just that – standard, mod clean lines and all. — Lonely Planet

Now, it’s a 340-room hotel best appreciated by anyone who’s ever had a rock and roll fantasy. — Condé Nast Traveler