For an out-of-towner, it can be hard to suss out where to stay in Chicago for an overnight getaway. The Windy City comprises dozens of neighborhoods that span from Evanston to Oak Park to the Indiana border, each with its own distinct personality and destinations. So, where's the best place to stay in Chicago? Where's the best area to stay in Chicago? It all depends on your goals and budget! As a former Chicagoan, whatever you do, I recommend making time to visit Lake Michigan — anywhere in the city and any time of year. We browsed through tons of listings, accommodations, and reviews from travelers and the experts at Expedia to come up with a list of the best hotels in Chicago for every price range.

Let's take a look!

1. The Peninsula Chicago — Downtown

Just steps from the Magnificent Mile's famous shopping, The Peninsula Hotel is one of the highest-rated accommodations in Chicago, earning both a 9.8 out of 10 and a 5-star rating from more than 1,000 reviews on Expedia. Not only is its location fantastic — it takes just 13 minutes to walk to the Chicago Riverwalk and 17 to walk to Millennium Park — but it exudes luxury at every turn.

With an indoor spa, a rooftop terrace with breathtaking views, on-site shopping, a cafe, an indoor pool, limo and town car service, dry cleaning and laundry services, and two in-house restaurants, The Peninsula offers the best of the best for an upscale stay in the Windy City.

The hotel features 339 rooms in a number of suites and configurations, all with hypo-allergenic bedding, city views, designer toiletries, separate showers and tubs, coffee makers, and 55-inch LED TVs with DVD players. Even Fido can get the treatment here — the hotel is pet-friendly for up to two pets 30 pounds and under with an additional fee.

For this elegant stay, expect to pay around $650+ per night on weekends. It's a sophisticated stay for the less budget-conscious traveler looking to indulge in the finer things.

2. Hotel Zachary Chicago — Wrigleyville

Heading up to the North Side, the Hotel Zachary Chicago, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, is another top-rated option for those whose focus is on a unique, deluxe experience. Located right next to historic Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs, the Hotel Zachary is revered by guests for its cleanliness, friendly staff, and comfortable rooms. For baseball lovers, it's ideally situated within just a few minutes walk of iconic spots like Murphy's Bleachers, Sluggers World Class Sports Bar, and The Cubby Bear.

With a modern take on a classic Midcentury vintage aesthetic, the Hotel Zachary is warm and fresh, with all the amenities you'd expect in a 4-star hotel. Its inviting lobby features a fireplace and the Alma at Hotel Zachary is great for a drink or light bite to eat. Plus, grab a workout at the gym or breakfast at the daily buffet.

Each of its 173 exceptional rooms features bathrobes, 55-in LED TVs with cable, spacious desks, spa-like bathrooms, and views of the surrounding Wrigleyville neighborhood — many of the "Friendly Confines" itself. Rooms come in a variety of options, from partitioned suites with a living room area to classic comfy kings and double queens.

The Hotel Zachary is another luxury option, with beautiful finishes and details galore. It's in a prime location just near the Red Line CTA train, which will take you north to Lincoln Park, downtown, Millennium Park, Soldier Field, the Field Museum, Guaranteed Rate Field, and more. Again, expect to pay about $600 and up for this lovely getaway.

3. The Hotel at Midtown — Bucktown

In the Northwest Side neighborhood of Bucktown, you'll find The Hotel at Midtown — a 55-room upscale option perfect for families, though at a more medium price point. The building features a cafe, a rooftop terrace, a bar, a driving range, a spa, a health club with yoga and Pilates, basketball, and both indoor and outdoor pools. In the morning, grab a cooked-to-order breakfast before hitting up one of the 15 indoor tennis courts. Not a pro yet? Take advantage of the on-site lessons!

Just a block away, get out some aggression at Kanya Axe Throwing & Rage Room Lounge, or take in some amazing city views from the Damen Avenue Bridge going over the North Branch of the Chicago River. The neighborhood is also full of phenomenal restaurants and international food, and because it's situated next to the Kennedy Expressway (I-90), you can easily jump on the highway to get anywhere in the city.

The boutique hotel showcases spacious and bright rooms with laptop-compatible safes and high-end, hypo-allergenic bedding. Guests rave about the clean state of the rooms here, which also feature rainfall showers, designer toiletries, 55-in LED TVs with cable, coffee makers, and refrigerators.

For a deluxe room, expect to pay about $369+. The rooms and grounds offer an elegant stay with generous amenities, but with a little more space away from the hustle and bustle of the Loop.

4. The Emily Hotel — West Loop

In the trendy West Loop is The Emily Hotel, a sleek, 159-room stay rated "excellent" by travelers on Expedia, who point out the building's clean rooms, friendly staff, and extra-comfy beds. The Cadillac Palace Theatre, United Center, and Willis Tower (aka, the Sears Tower), are all located within a 5-minute drive, making it a great home base for catching a show or just enjoying a self-guided sightseeing tour. If you're in the area of the United Center, I suggest stopping by the famous Billy Goat Tavern to get a double cheeseburger!

Guests are privy to dry cleaning and laundry services, a cafe, a warm fireplace, a bar, an outdoor entertainment area, and delicious meals at the on-site restaurant, Selva. Guests can gain extra perks by joining the Emily's VIP Access tiers, which offer extras like room upgrades, food and drink extras, free breakfast, parking credits, and more.

Rooms are individually and thoughtfully furnished with touches of wood, metal, and linen, with bright airy windows. Rooms come with laptop-friendly desks, showers, flat-screen TVs, and spacious wardrobes. Starting at around $280 a night for a standard King room, the Emily is a beautiful overnight option in a neighborhood known for its restaurants and entertainment.

5. Chicago Athletic Association Hotel — Downtown/Michigan Avenue

One of my favorite buildings in Chicago, the Chicago Athletic Association, a Hyatt Hotel, is a fabulous place to stay — something I would absolutely add to any Windy City bucket list! Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars and a 9/10 on Expedia, this gorgeous building is right in the heart of Michigan Avenue, just steps from Millennium Park, Grant Park, the Art Institute, and within just a short walk to museums and some of the city's best architecture, the Chicago Athletic Association is a masterclass in luxury. With a marble grand staircases, chandeliers, a gorgeous lounge, an arcade, a cafe, two restaurants, a ballroom, and a rooftop terrace, this spot has it all and more.

Have breakfast cooked fresh just for you, take out one of the hotel's free bicycles, and enjoy the ease of this ideally located, ornate building.

Though the historic hotel boasts 240 rooms, each is outfitted with modern details that pay homage to its storied past. Amenities include round-the-clock room service, premium bedding, bathrobes, pillow top mattresses, fluffy down comforters, 42-inch flat-screen TVs, and temperature control.

The hotel offers a number of suits and upgrades, but you should expect to spend at least about $250 for a room here.

6. Sophy Hyde Park — Hyde Park

Heading now to the stunning South Side, the Sophy Hyde Park offers a bright and inviting stay with pops of color that earn it extra points among art lovers. Located near the McCormick Center, the Sophy Hyde Park showcases a warm atmosphere with its fireplace lobby, onsite restaurant, Mesler, and lighting. With a gym, 24-hour business center, a computer station, and ease of walking to a number of nearby businesses, restaurants, and parks, guests give high marks here for the Sophy's location.

The boutique hotel features 98 rooms with laptop-friendly workplaces, temperature control, bathrobes, premium hypo-allergenic bedding, flat-screen TVs, desks, and coffee makers. Rooms also highlight beautiful art on their walls, from large murals to smaller framed pieces. Tastefully mixing patterns with colors and materials puts a fun twist on these cozy rooms.

Offering both deluxe and standard rooms, the Sophy has a mix of availability suited for families, groups, and couples. Either way, expect to spend about $239 and up here per night.

7. Marriott Marquis Chicago — South Loop

Despite its status as a chain hotel, the Marriott Marquis Chicago stands tall above any preconceived notions both figuratively and literally. Rated as a 9/10 by travelers, the sleek, tall building offers sweeping views of the city and Lake Michigan, the Marriott Marquis is located next to the Wintrust Arena and McCormick Place, making it an ideal home base when visiting for a sports game, concert, or convention.

Enjoy the convenience of an on-site grocery store, coffee shop, and laundry services, or grab a meal at one of the hotel's nine restaurants. Grab a workout anytime at the 24-hour gym, and make sure to grab a memento from the gift shop before you leave. When you're ready to step out on the town, travelers rave about the Marriott Marquis' walkable location.

The massive hotel holds a whopping 1,205 rooms, all noted for their cleanliness. Rooms come equipped with 24-hour room service, safes, pillow top mattresses, 55-inch LCD TVs with Netflix and other streaming services, and temperature control.

Everything from a standard room to executive suites is available here, but plan to spend about $229+ a night during your stay.

8. Kimpton Gray Hotel — Downtown

One of the most popular hotels in the city is the Kimpton Gray, an IHG Hotel, located in the heart of downtown just steps from Willis Tower, still known to locals as the Sears Tower. This upscale hotel is praised for its clean and comfortable rooms, as well as its friendly staff. With fantastic amenities like a hair salon, dry cleaning, a bar, an all-hours gym, a conference center, and an on-site Argentinean restaurant, the Kimpton Gray offers exceptional service from head to toe.

Explore the city with the hotel's free bicycle rentals, use high-speed Wi-Fi for work or streaming, and enjoy the luxurious, tranquil atmosphere as the streets buzz right outside the large windows.

Its 293 rooms offer high-end bedding, space to work on a laptop, bathrobes, temperature control, and flat-screen TVs. The helpful cleaning staff uses eco-friendly products to keep rooms looking top-notch, and can even accommodate extra needs, like infant beds, microwaves, and coffee makers.

The Kimpton Gray offers a range of room types, from standard to premium to suites. Expect to pay at least around $199+ per night for a stay here.

9. Hotel Lincoln — Lincoln Park

Though I've never stayed overnight at the Lincoln Hotel, part of JdV by Hyatt, I recently attended an engagement party there on its incredible rooftop and got to spend some time relaxing in its cutely decorated lobby. Excellently located in Lincoln Park near the Chicago History Museum, Lincoln Park Zoo, Green City Market, Second City, and DuSable Lake Shore Drive, the Lincoln Hotel is a hidden gem that steals the hearts of its guests. In addition to its rooftop terrace, which offers inspiring views of the lake, Lincoln Park, and downtown skyscrapers, the hotel also has its own cafe, three bars, and a restaurant with happy hour specials.

Its collection of 184 rooms makes it a great small-to-mid-size option, while still getting all the unique decor, amenities, and great service you'd expect at an upscale boutique hotel. Plus, with a multilingual staff, it's a worthy option for international travelers. Bedrooms offer temperature control, workspaces, hypo-allergenic bedding, complimentary toiletries, 37-inch HDTVs with a wide range of channels, coffee makers, and recycling.

The Lincoln Hotel offers both standard rooms and suites, most with city or lake views. For the pleasure, expect to spend at least $181 and up a night during your stay.

Ready to book your stay at one of the best hotels in Chicago? Choose your favorite spot here, and while you're in town, try to make time for one of Chicago's famous architecture tours!