Chicago is the biggest city in the American Midwest, with a population of over 2.6 million people and more than 50 million yearly visitors. The metropolitan area hasn’t always been so crowded though.
Miami, Fox, Sauk, and Potawatomi tribes were among the first people to call the area home, and the landscape was defined by wild wetlands for centuries.
The modern-day Chicago area forever changed when settlements and a military base were installed in the 1830s. The region started looking like a city in 1848 when its first railroad was built and telegraph service started up. By the 1850s, the city was home to about 30,000 people.
Today, Chicago is a bustling city filled with people. The area is home to more than 40,000 hotel rooms in the central business district alone, and that number keeps growing.
With this list, we’ll look at the most expensive hotels in Chicago based on data from a city-wide survey. Keep reading to learn more!
8. The Ritz-Carlton Chicago – Luxury Suites
Unique Feature: Views of Lake Michigan
Guest Room Size: 1,000 square feet
Hotel Amenities: Private dining and marble bathrooms
photo source: ritzcarlton.com
Up first is a big name in luxury hotels: The Ritz-Carlton. The hotel offers a variety of luxury suites in downtown Chicago, like the Lakeside Suite featuring 1,000 square feet of living space, private dining, and huge picture windows.
Other luxury suites at The Ritz-Carlton include The Executive, a well-appointed and exclusive space with picturesque views of the Chicago skyline.
The Ritz-Carlton says its selection of large suites blends “elegant design with modern convenience, delivering an experience that transcends the ordinary.”
When it comes to prices, the cost of a night at The Ritz-Carlton depends on which suite you choose.
Bigger suites, like the two-bedroom Navy Pier, cost thousands, while smaller options are still expensive thanks to roof-top views and marble bathrooms. Overall, a night here costs about $1,400.
Did you know?
This hotel offers rooms with views of the Navy Pier.
7. The Drake – Princess Diana Suite
Unique Feature: Princess Diana-themed design and amenities
Guest Room Size: Unreported
Hotel Amenities: Afternoon tea service and private luxury dining
photo source: insider.com
photo source: insider.com
At number seven is a luxury hotel suite by The Drake. The space was used by Princess Diana herself during her trip to Chicago in 1996. Guests enjoy a variety of amenities based on her time at the hotel, including the same interior design Diana experienced all those years ago.
The suite itself is appointed with amenities based on Diana’s stay, with her favorite flower adorning side tables and her favorite mineral water available alongside other refreshments. Through the special “Crowning a Lady” package, guests enjoy the same meal eaten by Princess Diana during her stay, which included “a fresh salad, king salmon, and a cinnamon biscotti soufflé.”
They’re also treated to afternoon tea service and a chance to see Diana’s signature in The Drake’s guest book.
A standard night at the Princess Diana Suite costs $2,000. However, those seeking the “Crowning a Lady” package face a much higher price: $32,000 for a two-night stay.
Did you know?
Through the “Crowning a Lady” package, guests enjoy access to “the official photo book of Abba, [Diana’s] favorite band; and a bottle of Quelques Fleurs by Houbigant Paris, her favorite perfume.”
6. Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile – Presidential Suite
Unique Feature: Views of Chicago from the 32nd floor
Guest Room Size: 1,253 square feet
Hotel Amenities: A luxury bathtub and Hermès bath amenities
photo source: sofitel-chicago.com
photo source: sofitel-chicago.com
The sprawling Presidential Suite at Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile offers over 1,200 square feet of living space, five bedrooms, and amazing views of the Chicago skyline.
The well-appointed space provides tons of natural light thanks to huge windows, while details like Hermès bath amenities amp up the luxury.
According to the hotel, the Presidential Suite was designed by Parisian architects who “studied contemporary urban penthouses for inspiration.” The well-designed space costs about $2,000 per night, making it Chicago’s sixth most expensive hotel.
Did you know?
This hotel offers views of Lake Michigan and easy access to downtown shopping.
5. Thompson Chicago – Penthouse Suites
Unique Feature: Spiral staircase
Guest Room Size: 655 square feet
Hotel Amenities: A rainfall shower and floor-to-ceiling windows
photo source: hyatt.com
Thompson Chicago by Hyatt is a luxury hotel offering a variety of spacious suites. The hotel’s most expensive suites are both called Penthouse, with the more expensive one offering a private terrace. Both Penthouses include a bi-level setup and a spiral staircase alongside floor-to-ceiling windows.
Guests enjoy a rainfall shower, plush bedding, and a beautiful living room space complete with modern furniture.
Beyond the Penthouse, guests at Thompson Chicago are treated to luxury services like an in-hotel bar, a fine-dining restaurant, and several meeting spaces.
They also get easy access to walkable tree-lined streets and nearby attractions, including Lake Michigan and high-end shopping. All that and more comes at a price of about $2,500 per night!
Did you know?
Penthouse suites at Thompson Chicago include individually controlled heating and AC.
4. Waldorf Astoria – Presidential Suite
Unique Feature: Two private terraces
Guest Room Size: 2,400 square feet
Hotel Amenities: Floor-to-ceiling windows and a fireplace
photo source: waldorfastoriachicagohotel.com
The luxurious Presidential Suite at Waldorf Astoria offers incredible panoramic views of Chicago and 2,400 square feet of living space. The guest suite is filled with natural light thanks to large windows, and each king-sized bedroom includes a private terrace.
For long-term stays, this hotel suite includes a fully equipped kitchen and a spacious pantry. High-profile guests have access to a dedicated media room and discrete private entrances.
An executive desk makes traveling for business a breeze, while a private media room with game consoles keeps everyone entertained.
Overall, the Presidential Suite and Waldorf Astoria Chicago costs about $5,000 per night.
Did you know?
Guests at this hotel are treated to a complimentary high-speed internet connection.
3. The Langham – Infinity Suite
Unique Feature: Grand piano in the living room
Guest Room Size: 2,700 square feet
Hotel Amenities: Marble bathrooms and private butler services
photo source: langhamhotels.com
Coming in at number three is The Langham’s Infinity Suite, a stunning guest room featuring 2,700 square feet of living space and private butler services. The huge suite offers a custom-painted grand piano in the living room, a fully stocked private bar, beautiful views of the Chicago skyline, and much more.
Guests at The Langham enjoy a wide variety of amenities, including marble bathrooms, towel warmers, and valet service. Those in the Infinity Suite enjoy views of the Chicago River and Lake Michigan alongside exclusive access to The Langham Club’s luxury services.
A single night at The Langham’s Infinity Suite costs about $8,000 — would you stay here?
Did you know?
This hotel suite includes a 10-person dining table in a private dining room.
2. Four Seasons Hotel – Presidential Suite
Unique Feature: Custom design by Rottet Studio
Guest Room Size: 2,700 square feet
Hotel Amenities: Private fitness room and a private bar
photo source: fourseasons.com
photo source: fourseasons.com
Four Seasons is one of the biggest names in luxury hotels. The company is known for incredible amenities and top-tier guest rooms, but the Presidential Suite in Chicago is truly jaw-dropping. The massive space was custom-designed by Rottet Studio for the discerning traveler.
A private fitness room is coupled with a personal bar for convenience at every level, while large guest rooms with plush beds keep everyone relaxed and comfortable. The space can remain closed or connect to nearby guest rooms to form an even bigger top-floor experience.
Overall, the Presidential Suite at Four Seasons Chicago costs about $9,000 per night.
Did you know?
Four Seasons says this suite is decorated with contemporary furnishings and welcoming interior design. Guests have access to a full kitchen as well as a dining room, and the suite’s large living room is ideal for business meetings and relaxation alike.
1. The Peninsula Chicago – Peninsula Suite
Unique Feature: Dedicated luggage area
Guest Room Size: 3,645 square feet
Hotel Amenities: Complimentary shoe shining and a heated indoor pool
photo source: peninsula.com
photo source: peninsula.com
The Peninsula Chicago – Peninsula Suite is the most expensive hotel in Chicago.
At number one is the Peninsula Suite, a 3,645 square-foot mega-sized hotel room 18 stories above Michigan Avenue. The impressive space offers everything you need for a hotel stay and more, including a dining room, a sprawling wrap-around terrace, and even a dedicated luggage storage area.
This huge hotel suite is really more of a luxury apartment, and the price reflects that. The Peninsula Suite costs about $10,000 per night, easily making it the most expensive hotel in all of Chicago.
Did you know?
The Peninsula Suite has large windows with views of Lake Michigan.
