10 Best Hotels Outside of Chicago Downtown (By a Local)
Seeking the best hotels outside of Chicago?
Are you planning a visit to Chicago? Chicago is one of the most popular cities of all in the US. And for me, it’s also the city I call home! Chicago is a top travel destination for globe-trotters taking short breaks or longer vacations. With so much to see and do, you’ll want to make the most of every single moment you spend here!
The pick of the best hotels outside of Chicago downtown is the gorgeous Guesthouse Hotel. It offers spacious, luxurious suites a couple of miles north of Wrigley Field.
Booking a hotel outside of the Magnificent Mile means your money can go further during a vacation to the Windy City. There are some great hotels in the broader Chicago area to choose from. So without further ado, let’s showcase the top 10 places to stay outside of Chicago downtown.
Top 3 Picks: Best Hotels Outside of Chicago
#1 TOP PICK
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Guesthouse Hotel
✔️ Spacious suites
✔️ Luxurious, colorful decor
✔️ Near Wrigley Field and Melrose Beach
#2 PICK
Harvey House Bed and Breakfast
✔️ Individually styled suites
✔️ 5 minutes’ walk from Ridgeland station
#3 PICK
10 Best Hotels Outside of Chicago Downtown
Whether you’re looking for affordable yet convenient hotels outside of Chicago, or simply seeking a reprieve in a quieter area these recommendations have you covered:
1. The Guesthouse Hotel
⭐ Rating: 9.6 /10 | 🏨 View on Booking.com
The Guesthouse Hotel really does have the wow factor, and is also located just a couple of miles from Melrose Beach on Lake Michigan. It’s north of Wrigley Field as well as the city center.
There’s nothing dull about the decor at this suburban hotel. Expect rich, jewel hues contrasting against cool shades of teal and turquoise, with glossy flooring and glass shelving adding a sense of spaciousness and luxury.
Room recommendation: Pick a one, two or three bedroom suite depending on the size of your party. All come with at least 700 square feet of space, a balcony and a kitchen – and every one exudes modern elegance.
The Guesthouse Hotel has a sociable shared lounge where you can mingle with other residents. Its location is convenient for both DePaul University and Wrigley Field, and the staff extend a warm welcome to every guest.
Several local eateries are close by, and the Chicago lakeside trail is under a mile from the Guesthouse Hotel.
“Wow! The Guesthouse is such a lovely place to stay. The staff are friendly and helpful and the apartment we stayed in was spacious, comfortable and stylish. It had everything we could possibly need for our 4 day stay with a well equipped kitchen, lots of white fluffy towels, lovely bathroom products and super comfy beds. It is really easy to get downtown from the hotel – just hop on the 22 bus that stops outside or take a short walk to the nearest ‘El’ train station Argyle. We absolutely loved it and will definitely stay here again if we come back to Chicago.”
– CAMILLA (READ ALL REVIEWS)
Top amenities include:
- Fitness center
- Luxurious style
- Near Montrose Beach
- Large 1, 2 or 3 bedroom suites
- Close to the Chicago lakeside trail
- Convenient for Argyle station and bus routes
- Around 2 miles from DePaul University and Wrigley Field
2. Harvey House Bed and Breakfast
⭐ Rating: 9.4 /10 | 🏨View on Booking.com
Oak Park lies to the west of Chicago city center, and here you can discover Harvey House. This character-packed property is run by a lovely hostess. It’s also situated just five minutes on foot from Ridgeland station.
Harvey House Bed and Breakfast has a range of one-off suites to choose from. Each offers spacious, air conditioned accommodation, and some have a spa bath or fireplace. Whichever you pick, a yummy homemade breakfast is included with the room rate.
Room recommendation: Spend only a little more to snap up the king suite with a spa bath for 550 square feet of space. The Jimmy Stewart Suite also offers a sofa, cozy fireplace and cable TV.
If you appreciate personal service and spending the night among unique interior decor, then Harvey House is the one for you. Free parking and WiFi is also available at this boutique-style guest house.
Several cafes and restaurants can be found within 500 yards, and Ridge Park metro station is 350 yards away. O’Hare airport is also only seven miles distant. Luxury hotels outside of Chicago don’t come much more affordable than this, either.
“Breakfast was great & healthy choices, coffee delicious. Rooms were so cozy & the owner was friendly. Great location to the city.”
– RHONDA (READ ALL REVIEWS)
Top amenities include:
- Free parking
- Unique rooms
- Warm and welcoming host
- 5 minutes’ walk from the metro
- Cozy guest lounge with fireplace
- Some rooms with fireplace and/or spa bath
- Breakfast features healthy, local and organic produce
3. Hampton Inn and Suites Chicago North Shore
⭐ Rating: 8.7 /10 | 🏨 View on Booking.com
Skokie is one of the best areas for those seeking budget or luxury hotels in the Chicago suburbs, and it’s here you’ll find the Hampton Inn and Suites Chicago North Shore. This highly rated property is one of the most popular hotels in the northwest suburbs of Chicago.
There’s plenty of local amenities in this neighborhood, including a Westfield mall, as well as access downtown via public transit. In fact, I used to commute into downtown Chicago from the Skokie train station for years while living in the northwest suburbs.
When you want to indulge in some down-time, this hotel offers some first-class facilities. These include an indoor pool and a fitness center. Free on-site parking is also a real perk for drivers.
You’ll also find microwaves, coffee machines and fridges in each room, so you can prepare drinks and snacks during your stay.
Room recommendation: Treat yourself to the ultimate in relaxation by booking one of the king suites with a spa bath. Imagine having a lingering, luxurious soak after each busy day discovering all that Chicago has to offer, before unwinding in 600 square feet of space.
Whatever room category you go for, additional pluses to staying here include heating and air-conditioning, a 24-hour reception desk, luggage storage and accessible facilities. A range of family-friendly rooms are also available.
The style of this squeaky-clean hotel is slick and modern, with pops of color to spice things up. Beds are super comfortable, and you can expect a peaceful night’s sleep here. A delicious breakfast selection completes the picture.
“Friendly staff and great location, room service was prompt and very helpful. Breakfast was also high quality. I was impressed with this hotel, and will be visiting again”
– BILAL (READ ALL REVIEWS)
Top amenities include:
- Great breakfast
- Disabled facilities
- Free on-site parking
- Indoor swimming pool
- In-room fridge and microwave
- Stylish, modern rooms with pops of color
- Close to local amenities and public transit
4. Hyatt House Chicago Evanston
⭐ Rating: 8.6 /10 | 🏨 View on Booking.com
Another of the areas highly recommended for your stay in Chicago is Evanston. This neighborhood also lies north of the city center, and is also convenient for Northwestern University. If you crave outdoor space when staying in urban areas, then you’ll love the fact that this one has a garden complete with barbecue facilities!
Hyatt House is also convenient for Clark Street and Greenwood beaches, both of which are within 700 yards. A purple line metro station is 500 yards away, and you can find local eateries within just 50 yards. The Mary and Leigh Block Museum of Art is also half a mile from the property.
Room recommendation: For more space and self-catering facilities, book a king studio suite. It’s got a sofa bed, a workstation with a comfortable chair and a kitchenette with a stovetop, dishwasher, microwave and fridge, plus a large walk-in shower.
Hyatt House offers accessible rooms, plus a range of accommodations suitable for families. Some rooms offer city views for a real sense of place, and pets are welcomed if you want to bring a furry friend along.
The breakfast served here is top quality, complete with an omelet bar. Other useful amenities include a business center, a mini-mart, in-room media-to-TV adapters and H Bar serving premium snacks and drinks, including cocktails.
“The staff members were terrific! Location great! The room was big and the beds comfy!”
– HELENE (READ ALL REVIEWS)
Top amenities include:
- Pets permitted
- Good breakfast with omelet bar
- Local restaurants right by the hotel
- Garden with patio and barbecue area
- H Bar for snacks, drinks and cocktails
- Convenient for Northwestern University
- Close to Clark Street and Greenwood beaches
5. Courtyard Chicago Highland Park & Northbrook
⭐ Rating: 8.7 /10 | 🏨 View on Booking.com
Just over a mile north of the Chicago Botanical Gardens is the Courtyard Chicago Highland Park. This property is positioned between the popular areas of Northbrook and Highland Park. The Ravinia train stations are just over a mile from the front door, and the hotel also offers a free shuttle service.
Courtyard Chicago Highland Park and Northbrook offers a 24-hour guest gym, pay-per-view movies in all accommodations, and even an indoor pool so you won’t get bored when staying in the suburbs. There’s also a restaurant and a laundry on site.
Room recommendation: The two room suites with two double beds also have a separate seating area, so there’s plenty of space. Guests also get a flatscreen TV with streaming services, air conditioning and a fridge.
This low-rise property is located in a quiet suburban spot to the north of Chicago city center. The indoor swimming pool and bistro are real pluses when staying here, and free parking makes it the perfect pick for those who are driving.
Past guests cannot praise the helpful staff here enough, and room rates offer some serious bang for your buck.
“I will stay here anytime I’m in the area. The location was perfect, the staff was awesome, and the room was amazing and clean.”
– DWAYNE (READ ALL REVIEWS)
Top amenities include:
- 24-hour gym
- Very helpful staff
- Free shuttle service
- Indoor swimming pool
- Pay-per-view movies in all rooms
- Close to Chicago Botanical Gardens
- Bistro Restaurant serving food, coffee and drinks
6. TownePlace Suites by Marriott Chicago Schaumburg
⭐ Rating: 8.7/10 | 🏨 View on Booking.com
Whether you’re driving or want to stay close to Chicago O’Hare, TownePlace Suites by Marriott Chicago Schaumburg is one of those really nice hotels outside of Chicago offering exceptional amenities and value for money. With a gym, free bike rental and an indoor pool, it’s also ideal for anyone who loves staying active.
You’ll find some good shared spaces at this hotel, including a communal lounge and a barbecue area. Parking is available on site, and O’Hare is only seven miles away.
Room recommendation: The one bedroom Queen suites offer flexible accommodation for families, small groups, couples and solo travelers alike. There’s a good workstation and a compact, well-equipped kitchenette.
Stay at TownePlace Suites by Marriott Chicago Schaumburg and you can enjoy spacious accommodation and a delicious and filling breakfast served daily. There’s also a shopping mall close by.
You can find several local eateries within a few hundred yards of the property, plus a bar on site.
“Wonderful, I would definitely recommend. Very clean, beds comfortable, great breakfast”
– ANN (READ ALL REVIEWS)
Top amenities include:
- On-site bar
- Indoor pool
- Free parking
- Guest lounge
- Spacious rooms
- Barbecue facilities
- Complimentary bike rental
7. Holiday Inn Express and Suites Lockport
⭐ Rating: 9.1/10 | 🏨 View on Booking.com
If you’d prefer to stay in Chicago’s southwestern suburbs, Lockport is a nice choice. The local Holiday Inn Express and Suites is the best of the bunch here. This property has an indoor pool, plus a shared lounge and outdoor terrace.
For those with cars, free on-site parking is a real bonus, or it’s 2.6 miles to Lockport station. Local amenities include several restaurants within 500 yards, while the Bob Trantina Farm Park just over a mile away is ideal for families. Various museums and historical sites are also located in the Lockport area.
Room recommendation: Premium rooms offer 400 square feet of accommodation with laundry and kitchen facilities in addition to a desk and a lounge area. There’s either one extra large double bed, or two standard ones.
A delicious breakfast, welcoming staff and the cleanliness help to make sure your stay here really stands out. You can bring your pet along with you, too.
The Holiday Inn Express and Suites Lockport also offers facilities for disabled guests, and a range of rooms that can sleep up to seven or even ten people.
“The staff was excellent! Front desk was very polite and welcoming. Awesome hospitality goes a long way. The beds and pillows were very comfortable. Breakfast in the morning is amazing, coffee 24/7 is something I didn’t know I was missing until we stayed here. Overall a wonderful experience.”
– NATALIE (READ ALL REVIEWS)
Top amenities include:
- Very clean
- Indoor pool
- Helpful staff
- Parking on site
- Pet-friendly property
- Snack bar, shared lounge and terrace
- Close to local amenities and attractions
8. The Robey
⭐ Rating: 8.7 /10 | 🏨 View on Booking.com
The Robey is a four star member of Design Hotels in the city’s Wicker Park area. This is to the west of downtown and Wrigley Field, with the former to the southeast and latter to the northeast. So while this is a fairly central area, it’s quieter than the Magnificent Mile and River North, which are around three miles away.
If you hanker after 5 star hotels in Chicago suburbs, just book this one. Rates are competitive, yet you get 5 restaurants, an outdoor pool, a bar, a 24-hour front desk and slick, industrial-style decor.
Room recommendation: Stay in a high floor Queen with bunk loft for a different vibe plus panoramic city views. A flat screen TV with cable and an iPod dock supply entertainment, and you also get a work desk and seating area.
The Robey oozes sophistication, and is housed within a historic Wicker Park building. Expect boutique touches like wooden flooring, high thread count linens and bluetooth sound systems.
French-American Cafe Robey, a rooftop lounge bar and an outdoor pool only add to the appeal of this contemporary west Chicago property.
“The location is super convenient and surrounded by interesting shops and restaurants. The staff was exceptionally friendly and accommodating, in an authentic way.”
– JANET (READ ALL REVIEWS)
Top amenities include:
- Rooftop bar
- Outdoor pool
- 5 restaurants
- Historic building
- Wicker Park location
- Lots of boutique touches
- 3 miles from the Magnificent Mile
9. Nobu Hotel Chicago
⭐ Rating: 9 /10 | 🏨 View on Booking.com
Are you seeking the best resorts near Chicago attractions with a five star rating? Then you might like to check into Nobu Hotel Chicago. It’s in the West Loop area, a hotspot for shopping, dining and life after dark.
Union Station is around a mile from the property, and the Magnificent Mile lies to the east. There are lots of on-site facilities, including a gym, an indoor swimming pool, a sauna, a couple of restaurants and a bar.
This property offers so much more, though, including an irresistible scent throughout, opulent-meets-industrial style and uber comfortable beds.
Room recommendation: Go for a Zen Suite or Zen Deluxe Suite for added space without the eye-watering cost of more expensive suites. Expect luxuries like a Japanese toilet, underfloor heating, a Dyson hairdryer and premium in-room beverages.
Nobu Hotel Chicago is just a mile or two from many of Chicago’s major tourist sights, as well as Oak and Ohio Street beaches. Morgan is the nearest Metro station, and is around 250 yards from the property.
The restaurants at Nobu serve Japanese fare, and the rooftop eatery also offers other Asian cuisine. With full soundproofing, rooms here offer a peaceful, relaxing ambience in a hip location with easy access to downtown Chicago.
“Loved the staff here! So friendly and willing to go above and beyond. Location is perfect. Room is spacious and clean. Would definitely stay again.”
– LISA (READ ALL REVIEWS)
Top amenities include:
- Deluxe finish
- Five star facilities
- Fully soundproofed
- Super comfortable beds
- West Loop neighborhood
- Indoor swimming pool and sauna
- 250 yards from Morgan metro station
10. Sophy Hyde Park
⭐ Rating: 8.9 /10 | 🏨 View on Booking.com
Head south of Chicago downtown and you’ll hit Hyde Park, where the Obamas once kept a home. This part of town also makes a refreshing change from the Magnificent Mile and other central areas. It’s a neighborhood rich in the arts, science and culture.
The Sophy Hyde Park offers elegant, upmarket four star accommodation. There are polished wood floors, marble bathrooms and local artworks throughout. Deluxe toiletries, comfortable seating areas and city views are offered with all rooms.
Room recommendation: Deluxe double or king rooms are similar in size, but differ in whether they offer one extra large bed or two doubles. Both come with air conditioning, coffee machine, flat screen TV, blackout drapes, a sofa and colorful artworks.
Stay at The Sophy in Chicago and you can spin the tunes on your vinyl deck, watch TV on a 55-inch screen and set your bluetooth alarm for the morning. You can also unwind in the lobby lounge, visit the well-stocked library or dine and drink in the bar and restaurant.
This luxury hotel is under 500 yards from 51st / 53rd Street (Hyde Park) station, and less than a mile from 57th Street Beach. Central Chicago places of interest are around six miles from the property, and there are local cafes and restaurants in the immediate vicinity.
“Great place to stay and very comfortable. Food was amazing and I enjoyed the location.”
– APRIL (READ ALL REVIEWS)
Top amenities include:
- Luxury finish
- City view rooms
- Arty design hotel
- Bar and restaurant
- Paid parking close by
- Seating area in all rooms
- Cultural Hyde Park neighborhood
Final Thoughts: Best Hotels Outside of Chicago Downtown
There you go. Whether you were searching for the best budget, luxury family or romantic hotels in the Chicago suburbs, I hope this post has inspired you. My home city is well worth at least a long weekend of your precious time, I promise!
