Best Luxury Hotels in River North, Chicago

This 339-room Trump is one of the top luxury hotels in Chicago, located in a modern glass tower right on the Chicago river and within easy walking distance of the Magnificent Mile. The sleek, glossy decor is subdued and tasteful, and every amenity -- from the Michelin-rated restaurant, to the big indoor pool, to bright fitness center, to the spa -- is first-rate. The huge, tasteful rooms have limestone bathrooms with soaking tubs and floor-to-ceiling windows (often with phenomenal views). Only The Peninsula and The Waldorf can compare.

The luxurious 415-room Sofitel Chicago, two blocks from the Magnificent Mile, is noteworthy for its big, bright rooms; excellent service; and sleek French restaurant and wine/cocktail bar. It's a haven for business travelers, with plush white beds, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and coffeemakers in the rooms, and several facilities -- fitness center, business center, and room service -- available around-the-clock. For a nearby business hotel that's a notch less luxurious but notably more modern, there's the Hyatt Chicago Magnificent Mile, which was extensively renovated in 2015. 

The 261-room Hotel Palomar is one of the best Kimpton hotels in the city, and the only one in River North, near the Magnificent Mile. Its lovely indoor pool with a sundeck and its free nightly wine hour are both highlights, and the big, stylish rooms are equipped with iPod docks, 37-inch flat-screen TVs, and Etro bath toiletries. All in all, it's a great pick for the price.

This 216-room hotel is an urban retreat with zen decor, a spa, a stylish restaurant, and popular lounge, located three blocks from the Magnificent Mile. The hotel's serene vibe continues into the luxurious rooms, which feature hardwood floors, large, spa-inspired showers, plush beds, and floor-to-ceiling windows or balconies. It's one of Chicago's most luxurious boutiques.

The James is one of Chicago's top luxury hotels, and is located in River North, a block from the Magnificent Mile. The public spaces are modern and sometimes quirky, while the 297 rooms are crisp and clean. They're minimally decorated without being stark, and some have clever design to maximize space, as well as big flat-screen TVs, impressively stocked minibars, and comfortable beds. Bathrooms are modern and minimalist too, but not all have tubs and some are on the small side. In addition to a well-equipped fitness room, the James also has two art galleries along with art and sculpture present throughout the lobby. The hotel is also home to the excellent restaurant, David Burke's Primehouse, and the Primehouse Bar. Appealing hotel extras include a free car service, which can come in handy as parking is quite pricey.

Sophisticated and upscale, the 354-room Hotel Chicago Downtown, Autograph Collection is located in the trendy River North area, across from the House of Blues. A business center, 10,000 square feet of meeting space, and a 24-hour modern gym attract conference organizers. With black-and-white stylish designs, rooms and suites have minibars, coffeemakers, and floor-to-ceiling windows that offer river views in some. In-room massages are provided, but this hotel doesn’t have a pool or spa like the costlier Hotel Palomar Chicago.

The flagship for the Godfrey brand, the upscale Godfrey Hotel Chicago is located in the River North neighborhood, an eight-minute walk from the Magnificent Mile. Completed in 2014, the hotel is hip and sexy. It offers a dizzying array of modern luxuries: a sleek all-white marble-clad circular lobby with contemporary seating, stress-reducing in-house spa, an ultra-modern rooftop lounge with a restaurant, two bars, and a hip nightclub when night descends. The hotel’s 221 rooms are just as eye-catching as the common areas, with decor that manages to be contemporary without being stark. The party vibe isn't for everyone and there are extra fees for parking and breakfast. It's worth checking rates at the nearby Hotel Felix Chicago for their French restaurant and quieter nights. 

The 424-room Westin Chicago River North -- a modern property right on the water -- may lack individual character, but it does have a few things that take it a step beyond your typical upscale chain hotel, including handsome contemporary rooms, spectacular river views, and a popular on-site restaurant (Kamehachi, a Chicago staple specializing in Japanese fare). There are sleek function facilities, too, as well as a spacious gym which gets lots of natural light from its floor-to-ceiling windows and a seasonal patio bar overlooking the river. If you like brand names yet prefer a more historic setting, the four-pearl Palmer House Hilton makes a memorable alternative.

Chicago's first hotel built to meet Silver LEED certifications for its eco-friendly practices, Hotel Felix merges upscale amenities with renewable furnishings and energy efficiency. It's just off the busy thoroughfares, making it a relaxing spot to stay (with a spa), while it's still an easy walk to the action on the Magnificent Mile, and all of River North's nightlife. The environmentally-conscious will likely appreciate just how thoroughly green this hotel is, if they don't mind small rooms. While it's a central location for tourists, the Felix caters to business travelers, with its comfortable, if somewhat cramped, work spaces, and stylish meeting rooms. The nearby Dana Hotel and Spa doesn't share the sustainable pedigree, but it has similar amenities with larger rooms.