If you are looking for family hotels in Chicago, Illinois, here are some of the top kid-welcoming places to crash in style.
A Video Showdown between the Loews and the Swissotel
Loews Hotel Chicago
455 North Park Drive
Chicago, Il 60611
312/840-6600; 844/204-5639
Like its sister boutique style hotels in the Loews chain, the Loews Chicago family hotel has kid-welcoming and pet-welcoming amenities that make all guests feel comfortable. Located downtown just north of the Chicago River, in an area undergoing rapid development, it’s a classy choice for families — especially those with older kids who will enjoy the 15-minute walk to Navy Pier or Millennium Park. Although kids under 16 have to be accompanied by an adult, the 3rd floor fitness center and 75-foot lap pool are way above average. Rooms are luxurious and spacious, restaurants are very good and the new cafe has developed a tapas small plates menu that makes dining in or on the very trendy outdoor terrace a fun night out.
Swissotel Chicago
323 East Upper Wacker Drive
Chicago, Il 60601-9722
312/565-0565; 800/637-9477
Located on the Chicago River’s south shore, it’s near the very central Michigan Avenue and a 10-minute walk to the Green Line El. You won’t have to brave the winter cold as this Chicago family hotel is built atop a commercial, undergound mall with shops and restaurants that leads right into the Illinois Center. The towering 42nd floor fitness facilities include a lap pool open to families with adult supervision; plus a hot tub and a sauna for ages 17+. We love the “vitality” and wellness vibe of this hotel which has guided jogs and loaner fitness equipment in guest rooms. Double rooms have both a tub and a shower. There’s a minimart in the lobby, and two very good restaurants. For a real treat, book the colorful, two-room Swissotel Kids Suite. It’s packed with loaner toys, books and games. Enjoy a free in-room movie night and breakfast for four.
More Affordable Chicago Family Friendly Hotels That Love Kids
Embassy Suites Hotel Chicago-Downtown
600 North State Street
Chicago, Il 60654
312/943-3800
This place has all the great features of the Embassy Suites brand (one of 3 Embassy Suites in the city.) It’s well located near the Loews, a few blocks off the Maginificent Mile Michigan Avenue shopping stretch and not far from trendy bars and restaurants. The all-suites Chicago family-friendly hotel gives everyone a little breathing room. Plus, kids 18-years-old and under stay free on a sofabed in their parent’s suite. The accommodations are clean, spacious and modern. Relax in the 11-story atrium with its soothing waterfall, visit the health club or enjoy the indoor pool and whirlpool after a long shopping day. Enjoy free cooked-to-order breakfast and evening drinks at the nightly Manager’s Reception, which are great perks. The attentive staff makes you want to extend your stay.
Hampton Inn & Suites Downtown
33 West Illinois
Chicago, IL 60654
312/832-0330
Located in the River North neighborhood, this kid-friendly Chicago hotel has 230 rooms in the heart of shops and restaurants near Michigan and State Streets, and a reasonable price. The Hampton offers free hot breakfast, WiFi, use of the fitness center as well as an indoor pool. With so many Hilton brand specials, be sure to check their site to see which one has the best deal.
More Helpful Resources for Chicago Family Hotels
Lodging Resources: We don’t need to tell anyone about Airbnb.com but many visitors are surprised to see the city has a long history of home sharing. You’ll find these services helpful if a big Chicago family hotel is not your family’s thing. Check out Chicago furnished rentals from Booking.com and save on luxury hotels with apartment-style suites at Travelocity.com.
To save money on your hotel choice, please note that Chicago is a bustling city and the Midwest’s financial hub. Listen up!
- Hotels are substantially cheaper over weekend nights than during the week. This is especially true during winter in the Windy City. (Families flock to toasty Chicago all summer long.)
- Location matters, so review hotel mapping sites. Decide whether you’d rather be “Northside,” which is north of the river and closer to shops, Wrigley Field and Oak Park for Frank Lloyd Wright fans. This area has more public transportation and is considered more upscale. Alternatively, stay “Southside,” near the Chicago River or south of it, which is closer to the Navy Pier, Millennium Park, Art Institute and other attractions. Most Southies have a car to get around, it’s a bit more local in feeling, and restaurants may be cheaper.
- The helpful Choose Chicago, the city’s tourist office provides good orientation information.
- Bonus tip: Save more money on Chicago family attractions with a CityPASS ticket booklet for the best values.
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