StayAreas

The Loop

Chicago

Chicago's downtown, ringed by the elevated 'L' tracks, with Millennium Park and the Bean, the Art Institute, the theatre district and the Riverwalk.

Best for First visit · Business

Transport
5/5
Sights
5/5
Value
3/5
Quiet
3/5
Food
4/5

Typical mid-range hotel ~$240/night · 5 min to the Loop

See hotels in The Loop

The Loop on the map

Why stay here

  • Walk to Millennium Park, the Art Institute and theatres
  • Every 'L' line, with the Blue Line to O'Hare
  • Close to the Riverwalk and Museum Campus

Who should stay here

  • First-time visitors
  • Culture and theatre lovers
  • Business travellers

Not ideal if…

  • You want lively streets late at night
  • You want a residential feel
  • You want boutique-heavy streets

What it's like

The Loop is the heart of Chicago: the 'Bean' and the fountains of Millennium Park, the Art Institute of Chicago, Willis Tower's Skydeck, landmark skyscrapers and the Broadway-style theatres around State and Randolph streets. The Riverwalk and the architecture boat tours start on its northern edge, and Grant Park leads to the Museum Campus.

It's the best base for a first visit, with every 'L' line meeting here and the Blue Line straight to O'Hare. Hotels are mostly business-oriented, and some streets go quiet at night and at weekends once the office workers leave.

Best streets and sub-areas

  • Michigan Avenue (south)

    Facing Millennium Park and the Art Institute.

  • State Street

    Department stores and the Chicago Theatre.

  • Chicago Riverwalk

    Waterside path of bars and boat-tour docks.

Getting around

Nearest stations
All 'L' lines meet in the Loop; the Blue Line runs straight to O'Hare and the Orange Line to Midway.
To the Loop
About 5 minutes
From O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
About 45 minutes: CTA Blue Line direct from O'Hare to the Loop.

Nearby attractions

  • Millennium Park

    Cloud Gate, Crown Fountain and free summer concerts.

  • Art Institute of Chicago

    One of the world's great art museums.

  • Chicago Architecture Center river cruise

    The classic boat tour of the skyline.

  • Skydeck at Willis Tower

    Glass ledges 103 floors up.

Where to eat and drink

  • Chicago Riverwalk

    Wine bars and terraces by the water.

  • Theatre District

    Pre-theatre restaurants around Randolph Street.

Where to stay in The Loop

A few hotels we'd book in this area, at different budgets.

Luxury pick

Pendry Chicago

Why we like it: Hotel in the gold-topped Art Deco Carbide & Carbon Building.

Typical luxury rate in The Loop: ~$480/night

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Boutique pick

Chicago Athletic Association

Why we like it: 1890s gentlemen's club turned hotel, facing Millennium Park.

Typical mid-range rate in The Loop: ~$240/night

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Boutique pick

LondonHouse Chicago, Curio Collection by Hilton

Why we like it: Rooftop bar with river and skyline views.

Typical mid-range rate in The Loop: ~$240/night

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Hotels in The LoopMid-range from ~$240/night

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