Chicago, from the river to the Gold Coast
Chicago built the first skyscraper and has been refining the idea ever since.
Chicago built the first skyscraper and has been refining the idea ever since. Mies van der Rohe's last office tower stands on the north bank of the river, and Michigan Avenue runs north from the bridge to the Gold Coast. The two addresses here sit within a mile of one another, so the choice is one of temperament rather than distance: a Shanghai terrace beside the Water Tower, or Mies's last tower with the river at its feet. We kept only the hotels where the service holds up to the architecture. Both hold five-star standing. Two made the cut.
Five-star hotels in Chicago
2 hotels
Good to know
Which are the five-star hotels in Chicago?
Two. Every hotel we list in Chicago holds five-star standing: The Peninsula Chicago and The Langham, Chicago. Each has its own page, reached from the list above, with a concierge behind every stay.
Where should I stay in Chicago?
Both addresses are downtown, within a mile of one another, so the choice is about mood more than distance. The Peninsula stands beside the Water Tower on the Magnificent Mile – the shops of Michigan Avenue at the door, the Gold Coast and Oak Street a few blocks north, the lake fifteen minutes on foot. The Langham is on the river, on the north bank at Wabash Avenue, with the Loop across the bridges.
When is the best season for Chicago?
Late spring through early fall is Chicago outdoors – the lakefront path, the rooftop bars, the architecture boats on the river – with June to September the warmest and fullest months. October brings clear, cool days and the marathon; winter is cold and honest, with Michigan Avenue lit for the holidays and an ice rink on the Peninsula's spa terrace.
Which hotels are on the river?
One of the two. The Langham occupies the lower floors of Mies van der Rohe's former IBM Building at 330 North Wabash, on the north bank with the water and the bridges in view. The Peninsula sits north along Michigan Avenue, beside the Water Tower, ten to fifteen minutes on foot from the river.
How do I reserve a stay?
Search your dates on the hotel's page to see reference rates, then send the concierge a request. The concierge confirms exact rates and availability with you before anything is booked, and any payment and its timing are set out before you confirm.
