Chicago Family Hotels – Tips and Recommendations
- The Magnificent Mile is known as Chicago’s premier shopping district. It is conveniently located downtown and features many high-end stores along with restaurants and hotels. Stay here if you want to be close to beaches and Navy Pier. Hotels located here will have incredible views of the lake and One Magnificent Mile, one of the tallest buildings in the world.
- On the North side of Chicago is River North, known for its art galleries, nightlife, and restaurants. Stay here for easy access to the Chicago Children’s Museum and great views of the river. You’ll also be perfectly located to visit Willis Tower or explore further afield.
- Those who arrive by air and do not want to rent a car can travel between the city and the airport by train. The Chicago Transit Authority train can get you to O’Hare in approximately 45 minutes while Midway is just 25 minutes away. Fares are affordable for trains but if you want door-to-door service, opt for the Continental Airport Express shuttle.
- Booking.com usually has the best hotel deals. It’s one of the trusted hotel booking sites out there, and the one with the best deals. Note: we do earn a small commission when you book through them. We display prices usually for a family with two adults and one child, to make pricing more realistic. The actual price you pay might be higher or lower of course based on your family size.
Check out our updated Chicago – Family Travel Guide.
The 9 Best Hotels for Families in Chicago, Illinois
Chicago Lake Shore Hotel Park, budget
This affordable option is located near the Field Museum and is only 10 minutes from downtown Chicago. The Standard Double Rooms are large enough to accommodate up to five guests when you add a roll-away bed or crib so it is perfect for larger families.
You will also receive free parking which will save you even more. When venturing out to see the sights, you also won’t have to worry about parking or traffic because they provide complimentary shuttle service to nearby attractions.
Although this hotel is not as flashy as some, it has everything you need, is very clean, and will be the perfect place to rest between adventures throughout the city.
Best Western Plus River North, budget
Staying in this hotel will put you just a mile west of Navy Pier and a mile north of Willis Tower so you will be perfectly poised to explore all the famous landmarks. Enjoy the indoor pool, rooftop deck, and an on-site restaurant which features deep dish pizza and weekday lunch specials.
Discounted parking means you can spend more on excursions and the rooms can sleep five or six people in their two-bedroom suites. The airport isn’t far away and the shuttle makes it easy to get around if you don’t have a car.
Homewood Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown, mid-range
Experience the convenience and ease of apartment-style living at a hotel. With one and two-bedroom suites available, the spacious rooms provide everything your family could possibly need. The kitchen features a full-size refrigerator so you don’t have to worry about space for food, leftovers, and snacks.
There is also a microwave and stove top to prepare meals and a dishwasher for easy clean up. The free grocery shopping service allows you to order any necessities without leaving the comfort of your room.
You can request cribs and high chairs, and a hot breakfast is included with your stay. In the evening, adults can attend the complementary social with free wine, beer, and snacks. Then relax and unwind with a few laps in the indoor swimming pool.
This unique hotel was inspired by Albert Einstein and seamlessly blends art and science to make for a memorable stay. Children will be thrilled to be greeted by the two robot concierge named Cleo and Leo who will be at your service during your entire stay.
Each room is also equipped with an Amazon Alexa and the elevators are enhanced with video screens. Add a crib or play yard for your little one and get great rest on beds outfitted with sateen weave bedding and plush pillows.
The on-site luxury restaurant is there for special meals while the grab-and-go breakfast feature is perfect for mornings when you’re in a rush to get somewhere. You can even get dinner delivered from local restaurants so you can try Chicago cuisine.
Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago, mid-range
Enjoy the views from this award-winning hotel with modern design that makes it hard to miss amid the Chicago skyline. You’ll have incredible views out the window of your room and from the rooftop pool while parents can enjoy the surrounding terrace while the kids swim.
Another draw for families is the Kids Kamping Package which brings the outdoors to you with an in-room tent and s’mores kit for memorable evenings. There’s free tea and coffee in the lobby to help you wake up in the morning and cots are available upon request. Energetic children can hit the running trails around the hotel as an easy way to be active without going further afield.
Your entire family will be in for a treat with a stay at the luxurious Four Seasons Hotel in Chicago. Parents will love the spa services and in-room martinis from the resident Martini Man while children can opt for sundaes from the on-call ice cream cart.
The complimentary Kids Club on the 32nd floor features video games, crafts, books, toys, and movies sure to entertain for hours. A swim in the 50-foot indoor pool with turquoise water, white columns, and a domed glass ceiling is fun for the entire family with pool toys and floaties provided.
Children also get the chance to choose a toy from a treasure chest when checking in and they can even get their shoes shined and returned with new laces. The hotel provides babysitting services and gives kids a stuffed animal in their room so they feel right at home.
Indulge during your stay in Chicago in true 5-star accommodations at the Ritz Carlton, a hotel known for luxury and service. The extra-large picture windows give stunning views of the city and nearby lake.
During the summer, take advantage of the Beach All Day kit which provides accommodations at a nearby beach along with a sun survival kit and spa credits to help you relax. Fans of the American Girls can purchase this package which provides milk and cookies and a take home doll with a travel bed.
Families can take advantage of the rooms which can sleep up to 4 people with the addition of rollaway beds, cribs, or by booking a suite with a sofa bed. The on-site restaurant serves lunch and dinner with a special children’s menu and there’s a playground right across the street.
The Gwen A Luxury Collection Hotel Chicago, luxury
This boutique hotel in the River North area of the city gives you easy access to luxury shopping and popular attractions like the Chicago Riverwalk and Navy Pier. The spacious rooms and suites have private terraces and you can even glamp outdoors under the stars during warm weather in the Gwen Lux Suite with a luxury tent.
It has two restaurants and a rooftop terrace for incredible views. They even have a children’s menu and large umbrellas to shade young ones from the sun while dining al fresco. Each room has a deep tub and bath salts to help you unwind and relax after an exciting day.
The Peninsula Chicago brings Asian service to the Midwest and is known for its international flavor with their highly-rated Chinese restaurant. The rooftop lounge brings the city to your fingertips and house cars chauffeur guests anywhere within two miles of the hotel while those who book a suite can get a three-hour tour of the city in a Mini Cooper.
The hotels costumed character, Peter Bear, greets and welcomes young guests and brings treats and toys during holidays and other festive occasions. Afternoon tea is served in the lobby along with scones and sandwiches so you can retreat here to relax and rest before heading out for the evening.
Peninsula Academy provides guests with the chance to explore the city through unique experiences like a helicopter tour or cooking class and tea ceremony. Children will love swimming in the indoor pool which has 20-foot windows looking out on the lake and city.
