The Absolute Best Cheap Hotel in Chicago [Updated 2024]

Having personally reviewed 12 different budget-friendly accommodations, I’ve gathered insights that I’m eager to share.

Whether you’re visiting for business, leisure, or just a spontaneous getaway, finding a reliable place to stay doesn’t have to break the bank.

Chicago boasts a diverse array of affordable hotels that provide comfort, convenience, and a taste of the city’s vibrant culture.

In this article, I’ll reveal my top pick along with tips to ensure you get the best value for your money during your stay.

Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel Chicago

Highlights
Vintage building with charm
Friendly and helpful staff
Comfortable and clean rooms
Convenient AC in rooms
Suite upgrades available

Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel Chicago: A Hidden Gem

Nestled in the heart of Chicago, the Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel is a delightful blend of vintage glamour and modern comfort. As I entered this charming establishment, I couldn’t help but feel transported to a bygone era—its grand architecture exuding an irresistible charm. What truly stood out during my stay was the friendly and helpful staff, who made me feel right at home from the moment I walked through the door.

My room was nothing short of a cozy haven, featuring a comfortable mattress and pristine cleanliness that immediately put my mind at ease. I appreciated the thoughtful addition of air conditioning, which provided a refreshing escape from the bustling city streets.

One perk that caught my attention was the option to upgrade to a suite, inviting you to indulge in a bit of extra luxury without breaking the bank.

If you’re searching for a budget-friendly stay that doesn’t skimp on style and service, look no further than the Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel Chicago. This vivid gem offers an unforgettable lodging experience without emptying your wallet—what more could you ask for?

You might also want to check out the best romantic things to do in Chicago.

Travelodge by Wyndham Downtown Chicago

Highlights
Convenient location
Excellent service
Clean and spacious rooms
Friendly and helpful staff
Amazing value for the price

When it comes to finding an affordable stay in the Windy City, Travelodge by Wyndham Downtown Chicago is a delightful surprise. Nestled in a convenient location, I was able to explore iconic spots like the Magnificent Mile and Grant Park without the hassle of long commutes.

Upon arrival, I was greeted by a staff that felt like old friends—friendly and helpful, they made check-in a breeze. The rooms? Spotless! I was pleasantly surprised by their clean and spacious design, which provided a cozy retreat after a day of adventure. Not only did I enjoy the comfort of a well-kept room, but the value for the price was simply unbeatable.

Every detail of my stay felt well thought-out, and I left feeling like I had discovered a hidden gem among Chicago's bustling offerings. If you're on a budget but still desire a quality experience, this hotel is a fantastic choice. Travelodge isn't just a place to lay your head; it’s a gateway to dive headfirst into the vibrant culture of Chicago without breaking the bank! Enjoy your stay!

You might also want to check out the best indoor things to do in Chicago.

The Chicago Hotel Collection Magnificent Mile Hotel & Suites

Highlights
Location is amazing
Friendly and helpful staff
Clean, nice artwork & decor
Walking distance to shops and restaurants

First off, the location is absolutely amazing! I felt like a queen being able to walk out of the hotel and have access to all the shops and restaurants on Magnificent Mile. Plus, it's close to public transportation for those who want to explore further.

The staff was also incredibly friendly and helpful, making me feel right at home. They even gave me some great recommendations for where to grab deep-dish pizza (because let's be real, that's a must-try in Chicago).

As someone who values cleanliness, I was pleasantly surprised by how well-maintained the hotel was. The artwork and decor added a nice touch, giving it a modern vibe while still feeling cozy.

And did I mention the walking distance to shops and restaurants? It's worth mentioning twice because it really made my stay that much more enjoyable.

Overall, if you're looking for a cheap hotel in Chicago that doesn't sacrifice quality or location, then The Chicago Hotel Collection Magnificent Mile Hotel & Suites is definitely worth checking out.

You might also want to check out the best things to do in Schaumburg.

McCormick Place Guest House

Highlights
Beautiful & clean
Spacious rooms
Attentive staff
Home-like feeling
Luxurious bathroom

Let's start with the beautiful and clean atmosphere of the guest house. As soon as I walked in, I noticed how well-maintained and tidy everything was. I felt like I had just entered a five-star hotel!

The spacious rooms were another highlight. It was great to have enough room to stretch out and not feel cramped or crowded. The bed was super comfortable, so much so that I almost missed my morning meeting.

But what really stood out to me was the attentive staff. They were incredibly friendly and helpful, always greeting me with a smile and making sure I had everything I needed. Their attention to detail made my stay even more enjoyable.

One thing that made McCormick Place Guest House stand out from other hotels was the home-like feeling it gave me. It truly felt like a cozy little apartment rather than a standard hotel room.

And last but not least, let's talk about the luxurious bathroom. The shower alone was worth writing home about - it had amazing water pressure and felt like a spa experience.

Overall, my stay at McCormick Place Guest House exceeded all expectations for a cheap hotel in Chicago. From the beautiful decor to the attentive staff to the luxurious bathroom, this guest house is definitely worth checking out if you're looking for an affordable yet upscale place to stay in Chicago.

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Warwick Allerton - Chicago

Highlights
Central location
Reasonably priced rooms
Excellent overall value
Clean and comfortable room
Helpful staff

First of all, the location is unbeatable. It's right in the heart of Chicago, so you're a short walk away from all the attractions and nightlife that this city has to offer. Plus, with reasonably priced rooms, you won't need to break the bank to stay in such a prime location.

But don't let the low prices fool you - this hotel offers excellent overall value. The room was clean and comfortable, with all the amenities you'd expect from a more expensive hotel. And if you need anything, just ask their helpful staff who were always ready to assist me.

One thing I appreciated about Warwick Allerton - Chicago was how they didn't skimp on style or charm despite being a budget-friendly option. The lobby was elegant and sophisticated, making me feel like I was staying at a much fancier hotel than what I paid for.

Overall, if you're looking for an affordable yet enjoyable stay in Chicago, Warwick Allerton - Chicago should be at the top of your list. Don't let anyone tell you that cheap can't mean quality - this hotel proves otherwise!

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The Chicago Hotel Collection River North

Highlights
Convenient location
Friendly and helpful staff
Clean and comfortable rooms
Complimentary care package
Efficient and pleasant service

First off, the location of this hotel is unbeatable. It's conveniently situated in the lively River North neighborhood, surrounded by countless restaurants and bars. The best part? You won't need to break the bank to stay here.

But what really stood out during my stay was the friendly and helpful staff. They went above and beyond to ensure my comfort and satisfaction. From providing recommendations for local hotspots to promptly fulfilling any requests I had, they truly made me feel at home.

The rooms were also impressive - clean and comfortable, which is always a plus. And let's talk about the complimentary care package! This small gesture made a world of difference during my stay. It included essentials like toothpaste, lotion, and even a sewing kit - everything I needed but forgot to pack.

Lastly, I have to give kudos for their efficient and pleasant service. Every interaction with staff members was seamless and enjoyable.

Overall, if you're on a budget but still want to experience all that Chicago has to offer, The Chicago Hotel Collection River North should definitely be on your list of options. Trust me, you won't regret it!

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Rodeway Inn

Highlights
Comfortable rooms
Helpful staff
Good value for the price
Homey room set-up
Tasty breakfast

Let me start by saying that I was pleasantly surprised by this hotel. The rooms were surprisingly comfortable and well-maintained. I was greeted by a polite and helpful staff that made me feel right at home.

One of the things I really appreciated about Rodeway Inn is the value for the price. It's not often you come across a hotel with such affordable rates that also offers such great amenities. The room set-up was also very homey, which made me feel more relaxed during my stay.

As someone who loves breakfast, I can confidently say that the morning meal provided at Rodeway Inn was quite tasty. It was a nice touch to have hot coffee available throughout the day as well.

Overall, if you're looking for an affordable yet comfortable place to stay in Chicago, I highly recommend checking out Rodeway Inn. With its helpful staff, good value for the price, and tasty breakfast options, it's definitely a strong contender for the title of best cheap hotel in Chicago.

You might also want to check out the best hotels in Oak Park.

Holiday Inn & Suites Chicago North Shore (Skokie), an IHG Hotel

Highlights
Modern and Clean Rooms
Free Parking
Fresh and Hot Breakfast
Polite and Friendly Staff
Affordable Prices

First of all, I was pleasantly surprised by the modern and clean rooms. As someone who has stayed in their fair share of budget hotels, I've learned to lower my expectations when it comes to cleanliness, but this hotel exceeded them. The room was spotless and even had a mini-fridge for my leftover deep-dish pizza.

Something else that made my stay more enjoyable was the free parking. If you've ever visited Chicago, you know how hard it can be to find affordable parking. But at this hotel, I didn't have to worry about shelling out a small fortune just to keep my car nearby.

Now let's talk about breakfast - the most important meal of the day! And lucky for me, Holiday Inn & Suites Chicago North Shore (Skokie) offers a fresh and hot breakfast every morning. There were plenty of options to choose from including eggs, bacon, toast, cereal, and more.

But what really stood out during my stay was the polite and friendly staff. Everyone from the front desk clerk to the housekeeping staff went above and beyond to make sure I had a comfortable stay.

And last but not least, let's talk about price. As someone who is always on the hunt for a good deal, I was thrilled with how affordable this hotel was compared to other options in Chicago.

Overall, if you're looking for a cheap hotel in Chicago that still offers great amenities and service then look no further than Holiday Inn & Suites Chicago North Shore (Skokie).

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Hotel Saint Clair - Magnificent Mile

Highlights
Comfortable beds
Convenient location
Very clean rooms
Professional staff

First of all, let me start with the location. This hotel is situated in the heart of Chicago's Magnificent Mile, which means you're surrounded by shopping, dining, and entertainment galore. It's like being a kid in a candy store - except the candy is deep-dish pizza and hot dogs.

But let's talk about what really matters: the room. I was pleasantly surprised by how spacious it was. And the bed? Oh, so comfortable! It felt like I was sleeping on a cloud made of marshmallows. Plus, everything was very clean and well-maintained. It's always nice to see that someone cares about hygiene as much as I do.

Now, let me tell you about the staff. They were true professionals who went above and beyond to make my stay enjoyable. From check-in to check-out, they were friendly and accommodating. Even when I accidentally spilled coffee all over myself (don't ask), they came to my aid with towels and kind words.

Overall, I would highly recommend Hotel Saint Clair - Magnificent Mile for anyone looking for a cheap hotel in Chicago that doesn't skimp on comfort or cleanliness. Trust me, your wallet (and your back) will thank you later.

You might also want to check out the best romantic things to do in Chicago.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Chicago North Shore - Niles, an IHG Hotel

Highlights
Helpful front desk staff
Nice hotel in the area
Friendly and patient employees

First and foremost, the front desk staff at this hotel were beyond helpful. As soon as I walked in, they greeted me with a warm smile and made sure I had everything I needed for my stay. They even gave me some great recommendations for local restaurants and attractions.

The hotel itself was quite nice for the price point. The decor was modern and sleek, and my room was clean and spacious. I appreciated the little touches like the complimentary breakfast each morning and the high-speed Wi-Fi that allowed me to stay connected during my travels.

But what really stood out to me were the employees - they were all incredibly friendly and patient. No matter what questions or requests I had, they always went above and beyond to ensure my satisfaction. It's clear that they take pride in their work and genuinely care about their guests.

All in all, if you're looking for a budget-friendly option that doesn't sacrifice quality or hospitality, then I highly recommend Holiday Inn Express & Suites Chicago North Shore - Niles. Trust me, your wallet (and your stress levels) will thank you!

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Hotel Felix

Highlights
Hospitable staff
Cozy and comfortable rooms
Central location
Accommodating and friendly service

Firstly, the staff at Hotel Felix were incredibly hospitable and friendly. They went above and beyond to make sure I was comfortable and had everything I needed during my stay.

The rooms were cozy and comfortable, with all the necessary amenities. The bed was especially comfortable, which is important for a good night's sleep!

But what really stood out to me about Hotel Felix was its central location in downtown Chicago. It was within walking distance of some of the city's most famous landmarks, such as Millennium Park and the Magnificent Mile. This made it easy for me to explore the city without having to spend money on transportation.

Moreover, the service at this hotel was very accommodating and friendly. The staff helped me plan my day by recommending some great local spots to visit.

Overall, I highly recommend Hotel Felix to anyone looking for a cheap yet high-quality hotel in Chicago. With its hospitable staff, cozy rooms, central location, and accommodating service, this hotel truly stands out among its competitors.

You might also want to check out the best indoor things to do in Chicago.

The Shamrock

Highlights
Clean
Friendly staff
Remodeled
Safe parking lot
Convenient location

First of all, let me tell you that I was pleasantly surprised by how clean and well-maintained this hotel was, especially considering its affordable prices. The rooms were spotless and the remodeled decor gave the place a fresh and modern feel. As someone who appreciates a nice ambiance, I was impressed.

The staff at The Shamrock were also incredibly friendly and accommodating. They went above and beyond to make sure my stay was comfortable and enjoyable. It's always nice to feel welcomed when staying at a hotel, even if it's a budget-friendly one.

One of the things that made me feel particularly safe during my stay was the secure parking lot. As someone who travels with their own car, having a safe place to park is essential. It's also very convenient to be able to access your car easily if you need something from it or if you plan on exploring more of Chicago by car.

Speaking of convenience, The Shamrock is located in a prime location that makes it easy to explore all that Chicago has to offer without breaking the bank on expensive accommodations. Whether you're looking for great restaurants or exciting attractions, you won't have to travel far from this hotel.

Overall, I highly recommend The Shamrock as an excellent choice for those looking for an affordable yet high-quality hotel experience in Chicago.

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