Chicago is divided into several neighborhoods, and each one offers a different atmosphere and experience. If you want to be in the middle of the hustle and bustle, you should stay downtown in the central district, known as The Loop. Hotels here put you in walking distance of many of the main Chicago attractions and offer breathtaking views of the city skyline.

It's best to choose your hotel in Chicago based on the neighborhood you want to explore, not based on its proximity to an airport. There are two airports that service Chicago: O'Hare International Airport and Midway Airport. Fortunately, both are conveniently located just 15 miles and 10 miles from downtown, respectively. Though Midway Airport is closer to The Loop,

O'Hare is bigger and offers more options for mass public transportation.

If you're looking for a more luxurious, quieter place to stay, book a hotel located in the Gold Coast district. Though a mostly residential area, you can still find some nice hotels with lakefront views.

The Magnificent Mile is one of the most renowned neighborhoods in Chicago. This glitzy, high-end district has some of the fanciest hotels in Chicago. If you choose to stay here, you're saying yes to fabulous shopping in department stores and boutiques full of lively crowds of tourists.

You'll also be close to Oak Street Beach, one of Chicago's 24 lakefront beaches, a popular spot for both tourists and locals.

River North is the place to stay if you're looking for nightlife, and it has become increasingly popular among tourists. There are a variety of hotels to choose from for every budget, including cheap but nice, to more glamorous hotels. In this district, the restaurants stay open late, and you won't be hard pressed to find bars and clubs.

FAQs when booking a hotel in Chicago

KAYAK users have found double rooms in Chicago for as cheap as $19 in the last 3 days. The average price is $347.

In the last 72 hours, users have found Chicago hotels for tonight for as low as $39. Users have also found 3-star hotels from $43 and 4-star hotels from $127.

Search here to find similar prices.

In the last 72 hours, users have found Chicago hotels for this weekend for as low as $37 per night. Users have also found 3-star hotels from $86 and 4-star hotels from $119.

Search here to find similar prices.

Hotels in Lake View, West Town and Lincoln Park have the most searches on KAYAK. For more information about Chicago's different neighborhoods, check out our Chicago's City Guide.

Take a look at our extensive hotel Heatmaps to find the best hotels near you.

In Chicago, many hotels offer valet parking or pay-by-the-day parking; however, hotels with free parking are usually outside of the city center and closer to the airports. Hotels that have some limited free parking include the Chicago South Loop Hotel and The Best Western River North Hotel.

There are a few great options with pools and spa amenities, including the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago and The Peninsula Chicago.

The Loop is an ideal place for families to stay. You'll be within walking distance of some of the most popular museums and cultural hotspots, the lake, and Grant Park. Additionally, this neighborhood tends to be quieter at night due to its lack of late-night bars and clubs.

Many hotels located in The Loop offer views of the city, such as The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel, which has views of the Hancock Tower. For views of the lake, pick a hotel on the waterfront, such as the Hilton Chicago. Staying on the river also promises some stunning views of both the city and the water.

If you're interested in a peaceful stay in Chicago – a quiet honeymoon, perhaps – book a hotel in the historic Gold Coast neighborhood. More interested in easy access to all of your favorite museums? Stay in The Loop. If you're ready to bar hop and go clubbing, head over to River North.