Gay Hotel Chicago

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21 Best Gay Hotels in Chicago

Most Chicago hotels, including our selection of the 21 best gay-friendly hotels in Chicago, are located in the downtown area known as The Loop. It’s close to the Chicago River and along the shore of Lake Michigan, one of the USA’s most iconic bodies of water, and just about 5km from the main gayborhood of Boystown.

From the 5-star luxury of the JW Marriott or the beachfront location of the W Chicago Lakeshore to more economical 1-star hostels in a 10-bed dorm, there’s a gay hotel Chicago option for every traveler.

Like New York, Chicago hotels aren’t typically known for having pools; only three of our 21 chosen properties feature them. These are indoor, heated, and open year-round. Fitness centers are almost universally present, or in the few cases they’re not, the hotels have partnerships with nearby gyms. Only the hostels are exempt from this amenity.

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There aren’t any gay-owned and operated properties in Chicago, but gay travelers are welcomed everywhere, making every hotel a potential gay hotel Chicago option. You’ll never have a staff member raise an eyebrow when two of you want to share a bed.

Gay travelers who prefer to be in the heart of the action needn’t worry; there are a few hotels in the Boystown gayborhood perfect for dancing the night away, then stumbling home. These spots cater to those who want to be close to vibrant nightlife and the welcoming vibe of the community.

Boystown is the official gay area of Chicago. In fact, it was the first officially recognized gay village in the United States. It’s in the suburb of Northalsted, and there are 11 gay venues in a small area, making for excellent bar hopping.

Near these vibrant spots, a few hotels serve as perfect gay hotel Chicago options, some close enough to stumble home after a fun night out. The highest concentration, though, is in The Loop. For gay travelers staying in those CBD hotels, there’s one gay bar, Second Story, in the Magnificent Mile area, directly across the river from The Loop.

The second gayborhood of Chicago is called Andersonville. It’s north of the city, around 3 miles from Boystown. It’s a chilled-out hub with antique shops, a bear bar, and a go-go bar. As it’s not that far from many hotels on our list, it’s absolutely worth a visit if you have two or more nights in the city.

Chicago has the advantage of being right on Lake Michigan, and many tourist attractions are lake-based, including Navy Pier, which stretches right out into the lake and has a range of restaurants and bars.

Millennium Park is another famous Chicago tourist attraction. It is in The Loop, where the bulk of the kids’ hotels are. Sightseeing from your Chicago hotel is best done on foot. The Art Institute is situated next to Millenium Park.

Baseball fans must visit Wrigley Field, the home of the Chicago Cubs. It’s conveniently located next to Boystown.

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Why we love it

♥ Lakefront—Lake Michigan
♥ Rooftop restaurant
♥ Waterview rooms
♥ Only one mile to a gay venue

Sable At Navy Pier Chicago is one of the only city hotels on Lake Michigan at Navy Pier. It is one of the most booked gay-friendly hotels in Chicago. The hotel is five miles from Boystown, but Second Story is only one mile away for an even closer gay bar.

The 24-hour fitness center contains cardio equipment and free weights. Lirica restaurant combines Spanish, Portuguese, and Caribbean food. For the best view on the pier, head upstairs to Offshore Rooftop.

As a Hilton property, guests can expect the signature Serenity beds in every room and suite. The nautical theme, based on location, includes blue and white carpets and lake views.

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Why we love it

♥ 10-minute walk to Boystown gayborhood
♥ Half a block from the harbor
♥ Boutique hotel only 52 rooms
♥ Sports fans will love it

The Majestic Hotel is in an old art-deco building just next to the Boystown, and it is one of the most booked budget gay-friendly hotels in Chicago gayborhood. The gay venues are a 10-minute stroll away on N Halsted Road. The hotel is half a block from Belmont Harbor. Cross the park, and you’ll be at Lake Michigan.

The sports memorabilia in the communal areas will delight sports fans, especially baseball ones. Apart from tea and coffee-making options in the lobby, the hotel does not have facilities. It doesn’t matter, as restaurants and cafes are a block away on N Broadway.

The Majestic Hotel has only 52 rooms and suites, making for a more intimate stay. The guest rooms are described as cozy, which means they’re on the smaller side. It’s worth upgrading to one of the suites with separate living areas. The design is simple and classic.

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Why we love it

♥ Budget accommodation
♥ Only half a mile from Boystown gayborhood
♥ Outdoor lounge and BBQ deck

For budget accommodation right next to the Boystown gayborhood, Wrigley Hostel is the ideal choice. It’s one block from the famous Wrigley Field, the home of the Chicago Cubs baseball team, and half a mile from gay venues.

Wrigley Hostel offers a self-catering kitchen, computer room, and communal lounge area with a pool table and shuffleboard. Accommodation is in the form of 4, or 8-10-bed dorms or private rooms.

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4.5/5

Why we love it

♥ Five-star luxury
♥ Indoor heated pool
♥ Central CBD location
♥ Italian restaurant

Five-star gay travelers are fond of JW Marriott properties, and the Chicago branch doesn’t disappoint. Conveniently located in the CBD, it’s half a mile from the river and 1 mile from Lake Michigan. The Boystown gayborhood is 20 minutes to the north by taxi. The Quincy metro stop is on the doorstep. JW Marriott Chicago is one of the most popular luxury gay hotels in Chicago.

The wellness area contains a spa, a 24-hour fitness center, and an indoor heated swimming pool—perfect no matter what time of the year you visit. The Florentine Italian restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

The JW Marriott Chicago has 610 spacious rooms and suites, with lead-in rooms beginning at 40sqm. As you’d expect from this chain, all rooms have plush featherbeds, fixtures, and furnishings at the 5-star level. Why not burn some Marriot Bonvoy points and upgrade to an executive room?

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Why we love it

♥ CBD location one block from Chicago River
♥ Popular hotel chain for gay travelers.
♥ 24/7 snacks and drinks canteen
♥ Easy to book one room type only.

citizenM is a popular hotel chain for gay travelers, and the Chicago Downtown branch fits the bill. It’s only one block from the river and five miles from Boystown gayborhood. citizenM is one of the most booked gay-popular hotels in Chicago.

canteenM serves breakfast from 6 am to 10 am and cold food, snacks, drinks, and coffee 24/7. For lunch and dinner, check its mobile app for that day’s menu. citizenM Chicago Downtown also has a 24/7 gym.

Like the citizenM hotels in London, Los Angeles, and Rome, Chicago Downtown offers one room type. This makes bookings exceptionally easy. All rooms feature an XL bed, self-proclaimed world’s fluffiest pillows, and jungle-like power showers,

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Why we love it

♥ CBD location two blocks from the river
♥ Rooftop cocktail lounge and nightclub
♥ One block from the metro
♥ 25th-floor fitness center

Virgin Hotels Chicago is one of the most gay-popular hotels in the city. It’s a CBD hotel two blocks from the river and one mile from Lake Michigan. The State/Lake metro stop is a block away, and the Boystown gayborhood is only 5 miles away—13 minutes by taxi.

Cerise Rooftop on the 26th floor opens late afternoon and serves bar snacks, beer, wine, and cocktails. Later, it transforms into a nightclub. Miss Ricky’s is an Italian restaurant open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Feel like a workout with a view? The 24-hour fitness center on the 25th floor has park and city views.

The rooms, called Chambers, are split in two with a privacy partition, making them feel more like home than a hotel stay. The suites have lavish lounge areas and spa-sized baths. Pets are welcome at Virgin Hotels Chicago.

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Why we love it

♥ Located on the lake and beach
♥ Indoor heated pool
♥ Half a mile to a gay bar
♥ Lake view rooms

W Chicago has one of the best locations of any city hotel. It’s right on Lake Michigan, next to Ohio Street Beach, and a few minutes walk from Navy Pier. The nearest gay venue is only half a mile away, and the Boystown gayborhood is five miles to the north. W Chicago – Lakeshore is one of the most booked luxury gay-friendly hotels in Chicago.

After a workout at the 24/7 fitness center, swim in the WET®, heated indoor pool.
CURRENT serves traditional American food with a modern twist for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

The room designs are urban cool combined with modern luxury. The W Signature bed and all the latest tech gadgets are included. Unique artwork is in every room and suite. With its prime location, we recommend upgrading to a lake-view room. Pets are welcome at W Chicago Lakeview.

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4.5/5

Why we love it

♥ 5-star luxury
♥ Half a mile to the beach
♥ 600 ft from a gay bar
♥ French-style afternoon tea

Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile is situated in the Gold Coast Historic District. It’s a 10-minute walk to Oak Street Beach on Lake Michigan. Boystown gayborhood is 10 minutes away by taxi; however, the Second Story Bar is only 600 feet away.

The spa area features a 24-hour fitness center. Lovers of French food will enjoy dining at CDA. Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile does its own take on classic afternoon tea by elevating it to include champagne and French pastries, including macarons.

All the guest rooms and suites were renovated in 2018, and designer Pierre-Yves Rochon led the charge. The result is modern, understated luxury. Fittings include warm Beechwood walls, neutral color palettes, and custom-made furniture. Pets are also welcome at Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile.

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5/5

Why we love it

♥ 5-star luxury
♥ 10-minute stroll to the beach
♥ 120-year-old landmark building.
♥ Lakeview rooms

Viceroy Chicago is a glamorous property housed in a 120-year-old landmark building in the Magnificent Mile district, less than a mile from Oak Street Beach on Lake Michigan. The nearest gay bar, Second Story, is only a mile away, and the Boystown gayborhood is a 10-minute taxi ride north.

The fitness center is on the 5th floor and is open from 6 am to 10 pm. The hotel often hosts yoga classes on the terrace with views of Lake Michigan; check the website for dates and times.

The 5-star rooms and suites pay homage to the hub’s historic glamor but with modern touches. We recommend upgrading to the Lakeview rooms as Lake Michigan is stunning by day or night. Your pet is as welcome as you are at Viceroy Chicago.

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Why we love it

♥ Less than a mile to Boystown
♥ Iconic location next to Wrigley Field—for the baseball fans
♥ Mediterranean restaurant
♥ Pets stay free

Hotel Zachary was inspired by architect Zachary Taylor Davis, who designed Wrigley Field, the home of the Chicago Cubs baseball team, next door. Even non-sports fans will enjoy Instagramming this iconic location. The Boystown gayborhood starts a few blocks away from Wrigley Field.

Hotel Zachary has a 24-hour fitness center but no spa. Alma Restaurant on the second floor is open for breakfast and dinner. From 3 pm, signature cocktails are served and are matched with Mediterranean-infused bites.

The rooms and suites pay tribute to Wrigley Field with curated furnishings, finishes, and local original artwork. Baseball fans will love the Wrigleyville view rooms. Pets (up to two) stay free and are given an amenity on arrival.

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4/5

Why we love it

♥ Downtown location one block from the river
♥ Rooftop bar
♥ 5-star service from many reviewers
♥ Lake view rooms

Reviewer’s favorite Pendry chain’s Chicago offering is in the 1929 art deco Carbide & Carbon Building in the CBD. It’s only one block from the Chicago River and the iconic DuSable Drawbridge. It’s five miles south of the Boystown gayborhood.

Bar Pendry, situated in the lobby, reimagines the classic hotel bar. It’s dark and slightly moody, ideal for cocktails before a night out. Château Carbide on the 24th floor is the best place for afternoon drinks and to watch the sunset. The 24-hour fitness center is located on level L2.

In contrast to the historic building, the rooms and suites are modern and luxurious. We recommend staying in the tower rooms to enjoy river or lake views. Pets are welcome at Pendry Chicago.

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4.5/5

Why we love it

♥ CBD location half a block from the river and lake
♥ Heated rooftop pool
♥ Outdoor running track
♥ Balcony rooms with city or park views

Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago is in the CBD next to Lakeshore East Park, half a block from the river and Lake Michigan. It’s five miles to the Boystown gayborhood.

The heated pool on the rooftop offers spectacular city views all year round. Fitness travelers will love the 24/7 gym, half basketball court, and outdoor running track. FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar serves midwestern-style food daily from 7 am to 11 pm.

The rooms and suites are modern, contemporary style, with a light and airy decor. We recommend upgrading to a balcony room with a park view. Pets are welcome at Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago.

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4/5

Why we love it

♥ A few minutes walk to a gay venue
♥ Located in a 1920s Art Deco building
♥ Quad rooms are perfect for groups
♥ Four blocks from the river

Freehand Chicago is housed in a classic 1927 vibrant River North neighborhood building. It’s one block from the metro and four blocks from the river. It’s on the same street—a few minutes walk—from the Second Story gay venue.

Broken Shaker cocktail bar in the lobby serves specialty drinks from 4 pm. The 571-square-foot cafe is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There’s a small gym onsite with free weights and exercise machines.

The Roman and Williams-designed rooms contain custom-curated art by Bard College students and alumni. If you’re traveling with a group, go for the quad rooms, which include four twin beds, or splurge and book the two-story penthouse.

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Why we love it

♥ One block to gay venues in Boystown
♥ Boutique hotel, 83 rooms and suites
♥ Whirlpool and dry sauna
♥ Breakfast in the outdoor patio

The Best Western chain offers affordable, comfortable accommodation across the USA—the Plus properties up the comfort level. Best Western Plus Hawthorne Terrace Hotel is in the perfect location for gay partiers as the Boystown gay venues begin one block from the hotel.

The mini gym has three pieces of equipment: a stationary bicycle, a treadmill, and a strength machine. The best part is that it also has a whirlpool and a dry sauna for the ultimate in relaxation. The hotel offers continental breakfast on the outdoor patio but has no restaurant onsite. Eateries are abundant literally on the doorstep.

Best Western Plus Hawthorne Terrace has 83 rooms and suites. We love the deluxe rooms because they have whirlpool tubs in each bathroom. The king-size beds are topped with Egyptian cotton. Pets are also welcome.

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3/5

Why we love it

♥ 10-minute walk to Boystown gay bars
♥ Boutique property, 45 rooms and suites
♥ Art Deco meets urban in style
♥ Half a block to the metro

City Suites Hotel is in Lake View, only a few blocks from Boystown in Northalsted. The gay venues are a leisurely 10-minute walk to or stumble home from. The metro station is half a block away.

There aren’t any facilities at the hotel, but they have an arrangement with Number One gym, just around the corner for health enthusiasts. Restaurants and cafes are seconds from the front door.

The rooms combine Art Deco décor with a vibrant, urban-inspired aesthetic. There are only 45, making for a more intimate stay. The deluxe rooms sleep two people, and the suites sleep four.

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