Whether you’re traveling from out of town, or simply wanting to tune Chicago’s biggest art celebration ever up even louder, we’ve got you covered. Find the most artistic hotels in Chicago to stay during EXPO Art Week. Now, heads up that most of the special deals are sold out — regardless, longer stays almost always translate to a discounted late in the lovely Windy City, and these hotels will exceed your expectations with their pampering amenities, spacious and luxurious guest rooms, beautiful interiors, and delicious food and drinks on-site.
Royal Sonesta River North
505 N State St, Chicago, IL 60654
Only minutes away from Navy Pier, Royal Sonesta greets art lovers with its sophisticated space, well-appointed guest rooms, and luxury amenities. Enjoy luxury spa suites, a heated indoor pool, and a rooftop sundeck to elevate your Art EXPO experience. And you should definitely take advantage of their daylight saving specials and save as much as 30% on your stay. You may even qualify for their Bonus Nights special, where you get a free night of stay!
Traveling to EXPO: Choose from bus #2, #29, #65, and you’ll be at the Pier in as short as 10 minutes! The bus stop is right outside of the hotel, too.
Renaissance Chicago Downtown
1 W Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60601
Overlooking the Chicago River, this swanky hotel is adjacent to State/Lake El station and a mile from the Museum of Contemporary Art. Featuring daring design, contemporary hotel rooms and suites, and fantastic amenities, Renaissance Downtown will be your favorite if you enjoy modern design and a luxurious stay. For dining, check out their contemporary rooftop bar, RAISED. Right now, Renaissance Hotel is running spring break discounted rates and additional savings if you stay five or more nights. So, if you plan on staying for the full EXPO art week, Renaissance Hotel will be a great choice.
To add an additional artistic flare, Renaissance Chicago Downtown has also just launched their quarterly art series: Digital Dialogues, A Renaissance Art Exhibition as a platform for local artists to share their work with the city, helping to celebrate the Chicago community and inspire arriving visitors. Artists interested in participating can find more details here.
Traveling to EXPO: Bus #29 will be your fastest option, taking about 10 minutes. Buses #29 and #65 take about 15 minutes, but they all drop you off right at the Pier.
Aloft Chicago Mag Mile
243 E Ontario St, Chicago, IL 60611
Aloft Chicago Mag Mile occupies the site of the original location of the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA). The property’s atmosphere is infused with art and is reminiscent of the gallery shows the museum once hosted. When guests enter the lobby, a photo of the original MCA will greet them, immediately setting a vibe that this hotel is full of history. The art theme is most notably displayed in the hotel’s meeting and event spaces which are named after the contemporary exhibited artists at MCA and showcase various reproduced works from Warhol, Escher, Mondrian and Lichtenste. Guests can also observe reproductions of archival footage with mono-color enhancements throughout the corridors on floors three through 19. The 19th floor even offers an exhibit for guests to explore as a nod to the property’s origins.
Traveling to EXPO: Enjoy a short 15-minute walk or a 10-min bike ride if the weather is nice! Or take Bus #66 for a straight shot to the Pier.
Pendry Chicago
230 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60601
Pendry is righteously one of the most artistic hotels in Chicago for the fact that it has its own artist-in-reisdency program! Frankly, I cannot think of a better place to stay if you’re here for EXPO art week, because who wouldn’t enjoy some bonus art exhibition right inside their hotel?
Aside from that, Pendry is located in a 1929 art deco Carbide & Carbon Building that takes you back in time for an elevated, elegant, and enjoyable experience. And remember to head up to Bar Pendry, one of the best spots in town, for an early drink, an afternoon tea, or a chill nightcap. Seasonal offerings at Pendry include $60 daily breakfast credit at Venteux, 15% savings and $100 credit per suite stay, and 20% saving on 5 or more nights. For more offers, check out their website!
Traveling to EXPO: Bus #4 or #151 will take you straight to Navy Pier within 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can grab a rental bike and get to the Pier in 10 minutes! Pendry is also within walking distance from MCA Chicago.
ACME Hotel Company
15 E Ohio St, Chicago, IL 60611
ACME is slightly lesser-known compared to the bigger names in this list, yet it’s a delightful surprise once you get to know the place. If you’re tired of seeing cookie-cutter hotel rooms and, especially, hotel art, come to ACME for an unforgettable experience. Located two and a half blocks from the Magnificent Mile in the River North neighborhood, ACME is downtown Chicago’s lifestyle hotel alternative for the tragically hip. If you appreciate an eye or design and dig a high-tech vibe, you’ll feel right at home in this trend-setting yet approachable hotel.
Travelers will receive 15% off their best flex rate if they stay for two or more nights.
Traveling to EXPO: Buses #29, #65, #2, and #66 will all take you down to Navy Pier in 15 to 20 minutes.
The Blackstone
636 South Michigan Avenue Lobby Entrance On, E Balbo Dr, Chicago, IL 60605
The Blackstone is undoubtedly one of the most gorgeous and artistic hotels in Chicago. As a storied architectural icon rooted in the city’s legendary past, the hotel is updated with all the modern amenities and features of today, delivering a distinguished hospitality experience perfect for the discerning traveler.
As part of the Marriot Bonvoy program, travelers can save with their Spring Break specials and extended stay discount for anyone staying for more than five nights.
Traveling to EXPO: Bus #2 and #29 are the easiest direct transfer and take less than 30 minutes, and the #2 bus stop is right outside of the hotel!
The Study
1227 E 60th St, Chicago, IL 60637
The Study at the University of Chicago will be at the heart of EXPO art week’s south-side programming. Suppose you’re interested in exploring the diverse talents residing in the area or learning about the south side’s vibrant history and promising future. In that case, a stay at The Study will put you right next to the south-side exhibition partners. They’ll also host the south side kick-off reception on April 11th from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm.
Traveling to EXPO: While it is over an hour of transit to get to the Pier, The Study will be kicking off the South Side art programs on April 11th with an opening reception and are a short trip away from other participating organizations like Hyde Park Art Center and The Renaissance Society. To get to Navy Pier, the fastest route would be taking the #2 bus all the way down.
The Hoxton
200 N Green St, Chicago, IL 60607
The Hoxton, Chicago feels like a home away from home, with its comfy rooms, great food and a rooftop to soak up some rays in the heart of Fulton Market District, one of Chicago’s most creative neighborhoods. You can get $100 credit to spend in the hotel for drinks and food if you book two nights or more. For the ultimate pampering experience, book with code AIRE1 or AIRE2 and get a night at The Hox, plus The Ultimate Bath Experience at AIRE Ancient Baths with friendly rates for Hox guests only.
Traveling to EXPO: For a straight shot, take bus #65. But, if you’d rather experience our city’s brilliant L train system, take the Pink Line to State & Lake, then switch to the #2 bus.
Nobu Hotel
155 N Peoria St, Chicago, IL 60607
Nobu Chicago West Loop Hotel combines the artistic vibes of Chicago with the Iconic spirit of Nobu. Nobu Chicago West Loop hotel offers 92 rooms and 23 suites that blend old-world Japanese influences with ultra-modern luxury design. A state-of-the-art fitness center and an indoor Tranquility Pool await you. Meanwhile, the Rooftop at Nobu Hotel Chicago, complete with an indoor lounge and outdoor terrace looking out onto one of the city’s most happening places, “Restaurant Row.”
Traveling to EXPO: For buses, take #8 then transfer to #65, or walk a little to the #65 stop for a straight shot. For L-trains, take Pink or Green Line, get off at State/Lake, and transfer to #2 or #29.
Park Hyatt
800 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
With the recent opening of NOMI Gallery on-site, Park Hyatt is definitely now hot as one of the most artistic hotels in Chicago that suits the EXPO art week standard. Just steps from historic Water Tower Park and famed Michigan Avenue, Park Hyatt Chicago is a residential oasis for discerning global travelers seeking an authentic, downtown experience. A casual stroll down the lobby will expose you to the unique contemporary art collection showcased on Hyatt’s walls. If that’s not enough: Park Hyatt is also pet friendly!
Traveling to EXPO: Your best and easiest option is the #66 bus!
The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago
At Water Tower Place, 160 E Pearson St, Chicago, IL 60611
The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago has launched a new art gallery-inspired Presidential Suite, offering VIP guests the opportunity to sleep among museum-quality pieces by Warhol, Magritte, Lichtenstein, and Rosenquist – complemented by panoramic views of The Navy Pier and Lake Michigan.
The Presidential Suite boasts a collection of well-known pieces and some commissioned specifically for the space, including those by Michael Young, a Chicago-based sculptor. With the hotel’s proximity to the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, the collection reflects and appeals to Chicago’s sophisticated art community, timelessly imbuing luxury and sophistication through the juxtaposition of modern art masters with contemporary artists. Notable pieces include:
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Tseng Kwong Chi’s Andy Warhol, New York, 1986, from the series “Artists in Their Studios.”
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René Magritte’s Le Fils de l’Homme (The Son of Man), 2004, #103/300
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Roy Lichtenstein’s Modern Art II, 1996, #35/50
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James Rosenquist’s Memory Continues but the Clock Disappears, 2011, edition of 45
Traveling to EXPO: #66 bus is your fastest and easiest choice. Alternatively, you can also enjoy a beautiful bike ride to the Pier.
About Traveling for EXPO Art Week
For discounted airfare and hotel accommodations, travel arrangements can be made through Turon Travel, an agency dedicated to creating an expedient and fully accessible travel network for the global arts community. Guests may stay at EXPO CHICAGO’s partner hotels, including The Peninsula Chicago, Ambassador Chicago, Loews Chicago, Chicago Athletic Association, citizenM Chicago, 21c Museum Hotel Chicago, W Chicago Lakeshore, and Sable at Navy Pier.
To book a hotel via Turon Travel and enjoy specials, including waived daily fees, visit Turon’s EXPO hotel page. Keep in that, at this point. Most hotels are only accepting reservations on request due to the high demand. Therefore, if something caught your eye, reach out to reservations@turontravel.com ASAP!
Featured Image: The Blackstone