The Best Hotels in Chicago in 2016

Chicago is packed with things to do all year round. Spring is a great time to enjoy the 606, a rail line­-turned walking and biking trail; summer is ideal for exploring the outdoor parks (or avoiding the heat at the spectacular art museums); and fall is the season to visit the city’s top tourist attractions, like the Willis Tower and the Bean. The winter cold is a great excuse to hide out in the city’s restaurants, like Duck Duck Goat, a new Chinese-inspired spot from Top Chef winner Stephanie Izard, and secret bars, like Three Dots and A Dash. It’s little wonder that Chicago has received record numbers of tourists in the past few years — and that its hotel scene has been expanding. Some of the city’s new additions have made a major splash: the Langham, the Thompson, the ACME, and the Godfrey all opened in the last five years, and are among Travel + Leisure’s Best Hotels in Chicago. 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 lines, spas, airlines, and more. In the hotels category, readers rated properties on their rooms and facilities, location, service, food and drink, and overall value. The winners in the Chicago hotels category were all commended for their well-appointed rooms, great locations (many are right on the Magnificent Mile), and the restaurant and bar offerings. The No. 1 winner, the Langham, was praised for its “stunning views and stunning rooms.” The upscale hotel opened in 2013, and has floor-to-ceiling windows that allow guests to take in views of the Chicago River and the skyline. The newly renovated Peninsula Chicago received high marks as well. All the rooms are now done in shades of cream, with sleek navy-and-black detailing. One subscriber highlighted its pampering services, saying “the spa was a magnificent way to wind down after a day of shopping and sightseeing.” Read on for the full list.