5 Best, Genuine Boutique Hotels in Illinois in 2026

Where Chicago’s new coolest neighborhood, Andersonville, meets Lincoln Square, Uptown and Ravenswood, lies the unassumingly titled Guesthouse Hotel. We found the place itself equally charmingly unassuming but it has some of the best, and only to be fair, boutique accommodation in the area. The Guesthouse is an aparthotel with guests staying in one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments with full kitchen facilities.   What are the rooms like? 25 individually sized apartments: ranging from 601 sq. ft. to 1800 sq. ft. One-, two-, and three-bedroom units: with full kitchens, balconies, and… > Read Our Full Review

Built for book lovers, this West Loop gem is a nice mix of homely bed and breakfast, and hip Chicago boutique hotel. We love a mom-and-pop, show-us-pictures-of-your-grandchildren BnB as much as the next person (maybe more?) but the Publishing House builds on the concept. It’s literary themed. Built in an old publishing house, each room is dedicated to a major Chicago literary figure. The Dybek Room is named after Stuart Dybek, who wrote The Coast of Chicago, for example, while the Audrey of The Audrey Room is Audrey Niffenegger, of… > Read Our Full Review

This Wicker Park boutique hotel is iconic. Sumptuous interiors aside, The Robey’s magnificent Art Deco architecture will draw you in and keep you there, Its rooms and suites are nestled in sunny corners of a sky-high structure. Snag one of these for yourself and you’ll get matchless views of the Chicago skyline from the comfort of your hotel room. We think you won”t regret a sunset cocktail or two on the rooftop bar either. The Robey isn’t just fancy cocktails and great views, however. It fills an old office building,… > Read Our Full Review

It’s fairly obvious what makes this one-of-a-kind Bucktown, Chicago boutique hotel special. No matter what type of exercise you like, love, or are curious about, you’ll find it here. Housed on a site with a decades-long history of world-class tennis clubs, the Hotel at Midtown is inside an awe-inspiring sports complex where members enjoy access to multiple pools, hours of fitness classes, and outstanding spa facilities. It’s the ideal place for an active traveler. Our favorite aspect, however, is how well the hotel caters to the other aspects of traveling…. > Read Our Full Review

From the fantastic signage to the friendly smiles of reception, this Hyde Park, Chicago boutique hotel will pamper your body and tickle your brain. Located near the University of Chicago, you’ll share the space with prospective geniuses checking out the campus and professors enjoying a post-lecture martini. Beyond the location, you’ll find bold design and comfortable luxury that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Colors are bold and varied, in rich fabrics and plenty of art. We especially loved the gallery walls in the Mesler Kitchen and the mural-style headboards.  … > Read Our Full Review