The Best Gay Hotels in Chicago: The best gay hotels in Chicago are found in Northalsted (previously known as Boystown) and Andersonville. Chicago is one of the most gay friendly cities in America, so it should come as no surprise that you will find many gay-friendly hotel options.
From my experience you can rest assured that wherever you stay in Chicago, you will be openly welcomed – the midwest is known for it’s hospitality after all!
That is perhaps the reason why, unlike other places like Miami (see my gay guide to Miami) or Puerto Rico (see my gay guide to Puerto Rico), there are currently no exclusively gay hotels in Chicago akin to hotel chains like Axel.
My best advice for finding a gay hotel in Chicago is:
- Focus on area: check out these gay areas in Chicago as a guide.
- Focus on the reputation and the brand: Some hotels such as Hilton and Kimpton are well known globally for the work and effort they go to to support the LGBTQ community
- This Gay Hotels in Chicago Guide: Take some inspiration from my shortlist of gay hotels in Chicago below!
For a complete and detailed plan for your trip to Chicago, check out my Gay Chicago Travel Guide.
Where to Stay in Chicago for Gay Travellers
The main gay area in Chicago is Northalsted (previously known as Boystown), located in Lakeview. Second to this, is Andersonville, another very gay popular area.
These areas are where you will find the highest concentration of gay bars in Chicago, nightlife and LGBTQ+ venues and the areas I would recommend gay travellers stay in Chicago.
Other popular areas worth looking at include Downtown (The Loop), which is where I stayed on my last visit. I was minutes away from Lake Michigan and a short bus ride north to the best gay beach in Chicago.
Gay Hotels in Chicago
Chicago does not have dedicated gay hotels, but there are many great gay-friendly options across the city.
Kimpton The Gray
Best for: A luxury stay in Downtown Chicago (The Loop), great if you want to be close to major attractions while still within easy reach of Northalsted.
This was the first hotel I stayed at in Chicago and I loved it.
The service was excellent, the style was luxurious, trendy and modern and the location ideal for exploring the city. I also loved the fact it was a pet friendly hotel for those of you who want to bring your furry friend!
I highly recommend this hotel based on my own experience. You can check rates and book here:
LondonHouse Chicago, Curio Collection by Hilton
Best for: Treating yourself in Downtown Chicago (The Loop), great for first time tourists wanting to see the sights and be on the river.
If you want a brand known worldwide for its inclusivity, check out any of the Hilton options including this one.
, LondonHouse features Chicago’s only tri-level is less than 10 minutes’ walk from Millennium Park (where you can find the iconic bean).
Other points of interest nearby include Navy Pier and the Art Institute of Chicago.
The rooms have all the mod cons, are spacious and some include Chicago skyline and historic landmark .
The Guesthouse Hotel
Best for: If you want to stay in an LGBTQ+-friendly neighbourhood (Andersonville), and have a relaxed, community-focused experience.
Ranked within the top ten hotels in Chicago on Tripadvisor and in one of the gay neighbourhoods, Andersonville, The Guesthouse Hotel is a family owned boutique style hotel for both short and extended stays.
They offer: one, two and three-bedroom suites including gourmet kitchens, inviting living and dining areas, private balconies, elegantly decorated bedrooms, spa-like master bathrooms and a fitness room.
I think we could easily live here!
Hilton Chicago/Magnificent Mile Suites
Best for: A comfortable, mid-range stay near the Magnificent Mile, again good for the tourist attractions and within easy reach of Chicago’s gay nightlife.
This hotel is well located for many tourist attractions such as the Water Tower Place, the Lakefront Trail, Navy Pier and ‘The Bean’ at Millennium Park.
They have a top-floor indoor pool and fitness center with views of Lake Michigan.
Best Western Grant Park
Best for: Travellers on a budget wanting to stay in Downtown Chicago, close to attractions like Grant Park and museums, with public transport access to Northalsted.
If you are on more of a budget, consider the Best Western. It is an older hotel, simple in design and its main selling point is its location right next to many popular attractions including the Field Museum.
You can see more and book here.
Best Western Plus Hawthorne Terrace
Best for: An affordable stay in Northalsted.
As above, a good affordable option. The main pro with this hotel is that it is located in Boystown so there is no need for expensive taxi journeys if you are in Chicago for the gay nightlife (check out these gay bars in Chicago)!
Book here.
City Suites Hotel
Best for: Another budget friendly option, near Boystown, with easy access to gay nightlife.
This hotel is in Lakeview/Boystown so perfectly located for a night out. It’s a small Art Deco style hotel, gets excellent reviews and TripAdvisor and is next door to the ‘L’ train which is very convenient.
Take a look and book here.
The amount of gay friendly hotels in Chicago is a little overwhelming with Chicago being such a large and bustling city. The likelihood is that you will often be out seeing all the sights and enjoying what Chicago has to offer, so our final advice would be location, location, location!
To find out more about what Chicago has to offer and to get familiar with the city check out our Complete Gay Guide to Chicago.
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