The Top 10 Hotels in Chicago in 2018

By John Scarpinato
July 10, 2018
Credit: Courtesy of The Langham, Chicago
Past and present collide beautifully at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel, voted one of the top properties in Chicago by T+L readers for the second year in a row. Housed in an 1893 landmark — with a Venetian Gothic façade inspired by the Doge’s Palace, no less — the hotel was once a sporting club for the city’s elite. Today the 241-room property still features the original chandeliers and floor-to-ceiling fireplaces, but it also has a new game room where guests can play bocce and billiards. “There’s no need to ever leave the building — stunning restoration and original architecture,” said one reader. Added another: “This is a very sexy hotel.”

Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Hotels were rated on their facilities, location, service, food, and overall value. Properties were classified as city or resort based on their locations and amenities.

Related: The 2018 World's Best Awards

Many of the properties that our readers chose as their favorite Chicago stays impress with their unique architectural details. The Ritz-Carlton, for example, just unveiled a $100 million restoration. The expanded lobby bar now hums with energy, and a magnificent, suspended glass sculpture, Flying Wave, anchors the lobby space. Respondents also applauded the Blackstone, which joined Marriott’s Autograph Collection in 2017, for its $12 million refresh. The original crown molding and brass elevators sit well with the new art collection displaying more than 1,600 pieces by local artists.

Another property new to the list in 2018 is the Talbott Hotel. Similar to the Blackstone, this historic space also recently underwent a complete makeover —think marble-accented bathrooms, champagne-colored metal bed frames, and waterfall showers. Readers love the convenient location in the Gold Coast and rave about the service. “We stayed with the whole family for our first trip to Chicago, and it was one of the best experiences we have ever had together,” said one reader. “The concierge was extremely helpful, and the location was absolutely perfect.”

But the Langham, Chicago, which is set inside Mies van der Rohe’s 52-story IBM Building, came out on top this year. For more on why this property resonated with our audience — and to see this year’s full list of winners — read on.
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10. Acme Hotel Company

Credit: Courtesy of ACME Hotel Company

Score: 85.77

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9. The Blackstone

Credit: Courtesy of The Blackstone

Score: 87.15

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8. Four Seasons Hotel

Credit: Courtesy of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts

Score: 87.41

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7. Ritz-Carlton

Credit: Courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago

Score: 87.73

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6. Waldorf Astoria

Credit: Courtesy of Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts

Score: 88.04

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5. Chicago Athletic Association Hotel

Credit: Thomas Hart Shelby/Courtesy of Chicago Athletic Association Hotel

Score: 89.26

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4. Talbott Hotel

Credit: Courtesy of The Talbott Hotel

Score: 90.24

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3. The Thompson

Credit: Courtesy of Thompson Chicago

Score: 90.92

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2. The Peninsula

Credit: Courtesy of The Peninsula Chicago

Score: 92.71

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1. The Langham

Credit: Courtesy of The Langham, Chicago

Score: 92.84

T+L readers love the Langham — and for good reason. The five-year-old property offers unbeatable service and a top-notch spa and pool in the heart of the city. Each of the 316 rooms has floor-to-ceiling windows, and many provide stellar views of the skyline and river. Those staying on the top-floor Club level enjoy butler service and a 3,000-square-foot private lounge where refreshments and hors d’oeuvres are served daily. It doesn’t get more luxurious than that.

See all of our readers' favorite hotels, airlines, cruise lines, and more in the World's Best Awards for 2018.

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By John Scarpinato