Best Hotels near Grant Park and Buckingham Fountain

Travelers have a favorite word for The Blackstone, Autograph Collection: comfortable. With its long history (the hotel dates back to 1910), this South Loop property could easily garner a stuffy atmosphere, but recent guests attest the Renaissance Blackstone maintains its landmark status while embracing a luxuriously modern ambiance. The hotel offers 332 well-appointed guest rooms and suites, each boasting modern decor, minifridges, coffee makers and, on the upper floors, Lake Michigan and Magnificent Mile vistas. Recent visitors also rave about the hotel's convenient setting across the street from Chicago's Grant Park. On the other hand, travelers were disappointed they had to pay for in-room Internet access, and some noted room walls were thin so it was easy to hear hallway conversations and the passing "L" train. When it comes to dining, the on-site restaurant, Mercat a la Planxa, serves tapas and Catalan-inspired cocktails. If you want more culinary variety, Michigan Avenue's acclaimed eateries are close by. And keep in mind, members of the Marriott Bonvoy program can can earn or cash in points at this Autograph Collection property.

What recent visitors appreciate most about the Chicago Athletic Association hotel is its distinct point of view. The hotel is housed in the building that was once home to the Chicago Athletic Association, and its Venetian Gothic architecture dates back to the 1890s. Staying true to its athletic heritage, the hotel's designers repurposed elements of the original club into the property's vintage look. For instance, a pommel horse is used as a bench and nightstands feature tennis racquet leather grips for legs. Beyond the interesting aesthetics, rooms also offer boxing-style robes, complimentary Wi-Fi access, C.O. Bigelow toiletries and bedside tables with USB flash drive outlets. Aside from the unique interiors, travelers also rave about the rooftop restaurant, Cindy's. Housed within a vaulted glass and steel atrium, the space offers views of Millennium Park (situated across the street from the hotel), the Art Institute of Chicago and Lake Michigan. Equally impressive are the hotel's five other bars and eateries, ranging from an on-site Shake Shack to a more formal farm-to-table restaurant. Reviewers particularly liked the Game Room bar, which is located in the original billiards room of the athletic club and features games like shuffleboard and bocce ball. It should come as no surprise that the hotel also features a 24-hour fitness center with complimentary, trainer-led group runs along Lake Michigan every Saturday at 8 a.m. You can also get your workout in riding around the Windy City on the hotel's complimentary bikes (available seasonally).

If this hotel's title of "North America's longest continually operating hotel" means anything, it's that the Palmer House knows how to keep its guests coming back time and again. Welcoming Chicago visitors since 1873, this iconic downtown mainstay is a favorite among travelers who want to experience a bit of bygone glamour. The Gilded Age lobby – and lobby bar – is opulent, and guests say it exudes Old World charm. The guest rooms, on the other hand, are not as grand. Guests report the lodgings are a little small compared to other Chicago hotels, but they do come equipped with creature comforts like flat-screen TVs, high-speed Internet access (for a fee) and, of course, the Hilton brand's signature Serenity beds. The Palmer House also boasts a fitness center and an indoor pool (an especially popular feature among those who stayed here with kids). When it's time for a meal, you can find a hearty menu of American cuisine at the Lockwood Restaurant. If you're a Hilton Honors member, you can collect or cash in points by staying here.

The Hilton Chicago has an interesting history: The 1968 Democratic Convention riots took place at its front door, and the presidential suite has hosted a plethora of U.S. presidents. Yet despite its relevance in American history, the Hilton Chicago fails to impress some of its visitors. Recent guests say this property is a bit of a letdown compared to other Hilton outposts, citing subpar service and tired guest room decor. Still, the spacious accommodations — many of which have two bathrooms and all of which house flat-screen TVs, Wi-Fi access (for a fee) and touch-panel concierge services – are popular with recent guests. The Hilton Chicago also features an indoor pool and easy access to the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium and Grant Park, not to mention a business center and ample meeting space. And whether you're here on business or for pleasure, many visitors recommend the 720 South Bar & Grill as a good spot to grab a meal and drinks after a long day. Members of the Hilton Honors program can accrue or redeem points here.