10 Best Hotels in East Side, Chicago for 2026

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Where to stay in East Side

Find the best East Side areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about East Side

A busy city street with tall buildings, a bus, and cars.

Downtown Chicago

The heart of the Midwest’s glittering metropolis has many offerings, from shopping and dining to parks, museums and exciting contemporary public art.

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A historic castle-like building with intricate stonework and a paved walkway.

Magnificent Mile

Upscale shopping district with luxury department stores, boutiques, and acclaimed restaurants, featuring landmarks like the Wrigley Building and Chicago Water Tower. The Magnificent Mile is easily accessible by public transit and seasonal trolley service.

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A river with yellow boats, a bridge, and tall buildings.

The Loop

Chicago's central business district boasts numerous global businesses, retail establishments, and theaters. Explore the Loop Retail Historic District, Chicago Landmark Historic Michigan Boulevard District, and visit iconic attractions like the Art Institute of Chicago.

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A city street with a train passing overhead, cars, pedestrians, and a red brick building.

River North

Artistic spirit thrives here, with art galleries and a design district featuring luxury interior furnishings. Explore Kingsbury Park, enjoy vibrant nightlife on Hubbard Street, and visit the iconic Contemporaine Building.

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A river with a city skyline in the background, surrounded by green trees and grass.

Lincoln Park

Upscale national retailers, boutiques, and bookstores abound in this affluent area, alongside numerous restaurants and coffee shops. Must-see attractions include Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago History Museum, and North Avenue Beach. Easily accessible via CTA transit and major roads.

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Top East Side Hotel Reviews

The Chicago Hotel Collection - Magnificent Mile

8/10 Good

"Average at best—outdated and plagued by communication issues I would rate this hotel as average at best. It’s clear they are trying to maintain the reputation of a high-end, "nice" hotel, but the property itself feels incredibly outdated. The check-in process was a bit of a mixed bag. While the front desk staff seemed friendly enough, the operation felt disorganized, which led to a clunky start to the stay. What really missed the mark, however, was the communication. I was bombarded with a multitude of automated messages, many of which contained misleading or conflicting information. It was far from a grand experience, and they really need to streamline their guest communication and invest in some modern updates."

Omni Chicago Hotel

10/10 Excellent

"This hotel is a steal- wasn’t sure what to expect bc the price was such a good deal but we Loved it. Amazing location, great restaurant on site, our whole family all slept well in the room. 2 beds plus a pullout. Such comfortable and luxury bedding too. Would def come back and highly recommend. Staff was super friendly and kind too!"

The Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown

10/10 Excellent

"This hotel is located in the heart of downtown Chicago. The river walk is directly across the street. If you don’t mind a 15 minute walk, you can also walk to Navy Pier. This hotel is also steps away from Hello Kitty Cafe, Michigan Ave, and plenty of restaurants and stores. If you’re u want to go to grab a cup of coffee at the World’s largest Starbucks, stay here because it’s a short walk to pretty much everything. The train station is about a 10 minute walk and Spot Hero is the best option if you have a car. The hotel is spotless and employees are nice. I would definitely recommend this hotel to friends and family."

River Hotel

10/10 Excellent

"Super-friendly helpful staff! This hotel is in a great location by the river walk and the newly-opened Hello Kitty Cafe. The rates were lower than others, and it was great it didn't cost extra for my pet. The room was very clean, and the temperature was good, but I do wish it could've gotten cooler. They offer valet parking, but the garage for self-parking is a short walk away. It's best to use public transportation as much as you can in this area. Overall, a great price compared to other hotels, a fantastic location, and amazing staff. Thank you for a great stay!"

Freehand Chicago

8/10 Good

"We enjoyed out short stay at the Freehand in Chicago. We were originally placed in a room on the 17th floor. However, the air conditioning wasn't working so they quickly moved us to another quad room on the 4th floor. The space worked great for my family of 4 adults. We also enjoyed talking with Selma at the bar while watching World Cup games."

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to go to East Side?

The best time to visit East Side, Illinois is typically during the late spring (May to early June) or early autumn (September to October) when the weather is most pleasant.

During these months, you'll find comfortable temperatures, generally ranging from 15°C to 25°C, which are ideal for exploring the area's outdoor attractions and enjoying local events without the extreme heat of summer or the chill of winter. The foliage in autumn can be quite lovely, adding to the scenic appeal.

For those interested in outdoor activities like hiking or cycling along the Mississippi River, these seasons offer the most agreeable conditions.

Can I cancel my hotel reservation on Expedia?

Many Expedia hotel reservations are refundable, provided that you cancel before the hotel's cancellation deadline – this is often within 24-48 hours of your scheduled arrival. If you have a non-refundable booking, it might still be possible to receive a refund if you cancel it within 24 hours of booking. Be sure to check your booking confirmation for the exact cancellation policy. For maximum flexibility, use our "Fully refundable property" filter during your search to find the right East Side hotel for you.

How can I save on a East Side hotel booking with Expedia?

With Expedia, you'll unlock our lowest prices by becoming a member. It's free and easy to join, and you can even access member perks too. Just remember to sign in to get our best prices on East Side hotels. Another way to save is by booking your hotel and flights together on Expedia, where bundling can lead to significant savings.

How much is the nightly rate at a East Side hotel?

Hotel prices in East Side often vary, but you can find a great deal on Expedia. Different factors affect nightly hotel rates, such as the time of year or the days of the week you want to book. To find the best deals for your stay, be flexible with your dates, and sort search results by "Price: low to high" for our cheapest rates.

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Things to do in Chicago

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Hotels in East Side, Chicago

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Our top choices for East Side hotels

Sable at Navy Pier Chicago, Curio Collection by Hilton

Hyatt Regency Chicago

L7 Chicago by LOTTE

Omni Chicago Hotel

River Hotel

Aloft by Marriott Chicago Mag Mile

The Wade

Palmer House a Hilton Hotel

Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile

Hyatt Centric The Loop Chicago

LondonHouse Chicago, Curio Collection by Hilton

The Chicago Hotel Collection Ambassador Gold Coast

Silversmith Hotel Chicago Downtown

Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk

Congress Plaza Hotel

Arlo Chicago

Fairfield Inn & Suites Chicago Downtown / Magnificent Mile

Eurostars Magnificent Mile

Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Downtown Riverwalk

Residence Inn Chicago Downtown/Loop

Where to stay in East Side

Downtown Chicago

Magnificent Mile

The Loop

River North

Lincoln Park

Top East Side Hotel Reviews

The Chicago Hotel Collection - Magnificent Mile

Frequently asked questions

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