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America’s third-largest city is a hub for culture hounds seeking restaurants, bars, theater and shopping, and their pet hounds are increasingly welcome to join them on their inspired adventures. With more park space than you can wag a tail at and welcoming properties on every corner, here is a guide to the best pet-friendly hotels in Chicago.
The Blackstone
Steeped in the romantic history of the past with all the glamorous creature comforts of today, this Autograph Collection hotel has played host to some of the most prominent figures in American history and culture from Lena Horne and Nat King Cole to Al Capone and at least 12 presidents—thanks to a Presidential Suite surrounded by Secret Service quarters and complete with a hidden escape route. Add your all-important dog or cat to the illustrious list of Blackstone guests for a $75-per-stay fee.
Hotel Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park
For an all-out Chicago experience, combine the most iconic location in town with one of the continent’s most elegant brands by checking in to the Hotel Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park. With Cloud Gate (you know, “The Bean”) just outside your door and lake, park and skyline views for days, this is exactly where you want to be for a quintessential visit to the Windy City. Dogs under 40 pounds can stay for $50 each (maximum of two) and will love the 400 acres of park surrounding this luxury hotel.
Hotel Lincoln
Just outside of Lincoln Park, this boutique property treats Midwestern hospitality as an art form, providing unpretentious service in a vibrant, urban atmosphere. Hotel Lincoln’s historic bones have been updated with modern amenities, and the rooftop bar, The J. Parker, is considered one of the best in the city. Hospitality extends to pets here at no additional charge, and truly special pups can take advantage of the Bark in the Park package, including a doggie travel kit, pup treats and a map of other pet-friendly businesses and recreation in the the neighborhood.
Thompson Chicago
An urban oasis of jewel-tone velvets and warm woods in the Gold Coast Historic District, Thompson Chicago is your chic Chicago home in one of the city’s most elite residential neighborhoods. Stylish fur babies are very welcome here, and with just about no restrictions. Both dogs and cats can check in, there are no size limits, and, unlike many similar properties, they can be left in the rooms and suites unattended.
The Peninsula Chicago
The bastion of luxury and service in the city and beyond, The Peninsula Chicago has been a Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star property every year of its existence, and the Peninsula brand is the only one to receive this level of recognition at all of its properties. The most pampered pets will want to stay here, too, and they’re in luck: Up to two dogs and/or cats are welcome with each reservation for a per-stay fee that varies with pet size, ranging from $100 to $250.
Omni Chicago Hotel
If you’re looking for a room on the Magnificent Mile, this isn’t the place for you. The Omni Chicago Hotel only offers suites, so come prepared for a swank stay at this luxe location. You may remember this as the hotel where Oprah’s guests stayed during her 25-year-long record-smashing talk show, and what’s good enough for the Queen of Media’s friends is good enough for your furry ones, too. One cat or dog up to 25 pounds is welcome for a $100 cleaning fee, and multiple pets can be discussed in advance.
The Drake
You may not associate Chicago with beachfront properties, but The Drake’s prime location on Oak Street Beach will change your tune, especially if you check in during the summer. A symbol of society since the Roaring Twenties, The Drake has been serving afternoon tea to ladies who lunch and cocktails to entertainment legends like George Gershwin and Walt Disney for almost a century. Two furry legends of your own life, either dogs or cats up to 75 pounds, are welcome to join you here for a $100 per-stay fee.
