The Best Affordable Hotels in Chicago

Chicago is a one-of-a-kind city, home to spectacular shopping, incredible museums, gorgeous views of Lake Michigan, and some pretty impressive hotels to boot. There’s a reason this city is constantly at the top of our Readers’ Choice Awards list for the best big city in the US. When it comes to picking a place to stay, there’s no shortage of amazing choices, like the glamorous Peninsula Chicago and the Langham with its breathtaking views, and even some chic Airbnbs that will make you feel like a local in the Windy City. But visiting Chicago can be a bit tough on your budget, from booking lodging, to arranging museum tickets, to affording all the tasty food and drinks you could want. Luckily, we’ve found some of the best properties in Chicago, all with rooms for $300 a night or less, that don’t skimp on design and amenities to get you to that budget-friendly price. You can put any extra money to good use on souvenirs, river boat tickets, and delicious restaurants. No matter where you plan to stay in the city from the Loop to Hyde Park, there’s an affordable hotel that’s the perfect home-base for you.

Every hotel review on this list has been written by a Condé Nast Traveler journalist who knows the destination and has visited that property. When choosing hotels, our editors consider properties across price points that offer an authentic and insider experience of a destination, keeping design, location, service, and sustainability credentials top of mind.