Tourists from all around the world come to Chicago for its delectable food scene, sport, iconic architecture, awe-inspiring waterfronts, award-winning theatre productions and beautiful parks and attractions. Situated on the southwestern shore of Lake Michigan where blue waters meet urban charm and the famous Chicago skyline, the ‘Windy City’ will be sure to sweep you off your feet.
The locals, famous for being friendly and welcoming, delight in sharing their passion for the city. Chicago is a great spot for foodies, so bring your appetite and sample Chicago’s famous cuisine, including the famous mouth-watering Deep-Dish Pizza.
For the thrill-seekers, the TILT at 360 CHICAGO is the first attraction of its kind in the world, with brave riders gripping handlebars aside large glass panels, which tilt down and out and over Chicago, offering incredible, exhilarating downward-facing views from over 1000 feet.
Spoiled for choice with fascinating museums, don’t miss a trip to the Field Museum, where you will stand in awe, inches away from a 102-million-year-old Tyrannosaur in the great hall – the largest dinosaur that ever lived.
Wondering where to stay in Chicago on a budget? Great hotels that give you all you need without breaking the bank can make all the difference to a great vacation. Below, we look at some of the best cheap hotels in Chicago.
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1. The Chicago Hotel Collection River North Mag Mile
One of the absolutely best cheap hotels in Chicago, the Chicago Hotel Collection River North Mag Mile is a pet-friendly 4-star boutique hotel, perfect for a hassle-free arrival with contactless check-in and room keys via your smartphone, allowing you to go straight to your room when you arrive and take a load off.
Rooms and suites are available with city views and boast plush beds with fluffy pillows for a truly luxurious night’s rest. Some suites offer bunkbeds which is a great, fun touch for both kids and parents alike. Pets are welcome, and there is a dog park opposite the hotel.
Free WiFi is available throughout the hotel, as well as a snack bar, a coffee shop and a games room.
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2. Hampton Inn Majestic Chicago Theatre District
Located in downtown Chicago, the Hampton Inn Majectic Chicago Theatre District is a fabulous choice for the theatre-lovers as it is set inside the historic CIBC Theatre in the heart of Chicago’s theatre district.
This boutique style hotel boasts a stylish blend of historic Chicago and a cosmopolitan elegance. Spacious, comfortable rooms with city views and friendly, welcoming staff to help you throughout your visit make this a great budget hotel in Chicago which is sure to meet all your needs.
Start your day with the complimentary breakfast serving a choice of eggs, bacon and sausage, make your own fresh waffles, grab some cereal, fruit, freshly brewed coffee and more. Willis Tower Skydeck, Millennium Park, and Art Institute of Chicago are all within 10 minutes’ walk from the hotel.
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3. Fairfield Inn and Suites Chicago Downtown/Magnificent Mile
From check-in to check-out, experience convenience and comfort at the Fairfield Inn and Suites Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile. This is an excellent choice if you are looking for the perfect hotel on a budget in Chicago, with a complimentary breakfast, free WiFi, on-site mini market and ATM machine available.
The extended-stay hotel offers spacious rooms and suites with flat-screen TV and free WiFi. Warm, inviting service from start to finish – the concierge will go the extra mile to ensure you are completely satisfied with your stay.
Just 5 minutes’ walk from the John Hancock Observatory, this hotel is ideally located near to many main attractions, restaurants and boutiques.
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4. Homewood Suites Chicago Downtown – Magnificent Mile
Ideal for longer stays on a budget, Homewood Suites Chicago Downtown – Magnificent Mile provides self-catering suites, saving you from spending money on pricy restaurants every day and giving you more to spend on fun activities in Chicago. Kitchens feature 2-burner stove tops, refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, and dishwashers.
Suites are pet-friendly and include a dining table and seating area with sofa bed, workstation, and a coffee/welcome caddy. A complimentary breakfast and self-laundry facilities are also available. Express check-in and check-out are offered, and there is an ATM machine on site.
This hotel is ideally located close to Magnificent Mile just steps away from Chicago’s top shopping and entertainment. The beach at Lake Michigan is just a 15 minutes’ walk.
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5. Best Western Plus Hawthorne Terrace Hotel
The Best Western Plus Hawthorne Terrace Hotel situated in Lakeview is a quaint, historic hotel adorned in greenery with boutique-style suites and rooms and is just 10 minutes’ walk from and Belmont Harbor and the Lakefront Trail.
Kick back and relax in your comfortable room in front of the 42-inch flat screen TV or take a soak in the glass-enclosed hot tub in the fitness center, complete with sauna. Rooms also include refrigerator with free bottled water, a microwave and coffee maker.
Fuel up for the day ahead with the complimentary continental breakfast. The interior courtyard of the hotel also provides a beautiful place for guests to unwind. The hotel is close to the Red Line train to downtown Chicago, and 2 miles from the Lincoln Park Zoo.
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6. Found Hotel Chicago River North
Take a step back in time at the stylish Found Hotel Chicago River North, set in a 1920s cast iron-building boasting vintage décor with heavy cedar wood accents and a shared lounge complete with 70s board games.
Shared separate male and female dorms are offered, as well as a shared kitchen, making this a great budget hotel in Chicago and a chance to meet and befriend fellow travelers. Private rooms are also available, and all rooms have a flat-screen TV and desk. Grab a coffee at the on-site Mason & Mason coffee bar and a bite to eat at the snack bar or restaurant and end the night with some singing at the Blind Dragon karaoke lounge.
Found Hotel Chicago River North is just 13 minutes’ walk from Chicago Museum of Contemporary Art, and 10 minutes from famous landmark Chicago Water Tower.
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