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.
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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♥ Lakefront—Lake Michigan
♥ Rooftop restaurant
♥ Waterview rooms
♥ Only one mile to a gay venue
♥ 10-minute walk to Boystown gayborhood
♥ Half a block from the harbor
♥ Boutique hotel only 52 rooms
♥ Sports fans will love it
♥ Budget accommodation
♥ Only half a mile from Boystown gayborhood
♥ Outdoor lounge and BBQ deck
♥ Five-star luxury
♥ Indoor heated pool
♥ Central CBD location
♥ Italian restaurant
♥ 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.
♥ CBD location two blocks from the river
♥ Rooftop cocktail lounge and nightclub
♥ One block from the metro
♥ 25th-floor fitness center
♥ Located on the lake and beach
♥ Indoor heated pool
♥ Half a mile to a gay bar
♥ Lake view rooms
♥ 5-star luxury
♥ Half a mile to the beach
♥ 600 ft from a gay bar
♥ French-style afternoon tea
♥ 5-star luxury
♥ 10-minute stroll to the beach
♥ 120-year-old landmark building.
♥ Lakeview rooms
♥ Less than a mile to Boystown
♥ Iconic location next to Wrigley Field—for the baseball fans
♥ Mediterranean restaurant
♥ Pets stay free
♥ Downtown location one block from the river
♥ Rooftop bar
♥ 5-star service from many reviewers
♥ Lake view rooms
♥ CBD location half a block from the river and lake
♥ Heated rooftop pool
♥ Outdoor running track
♥ Balcony rooms with city or park views
♥ 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
♥ One block to gay venues in Boystown
♥ Boutique hotel, 83 rooms and suites
♥ Whirlpool and dry sauna
♥ Breakfast in the outdoor patio
♥ 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
Destinations
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