Chicago hotels and event spaces for business and play

With 77 neighborhoods, 580 parks, 73,000 restaurants, and over 65 craft breweries, Chicago is a city that practically begs to be explored. From towering historic architecture to mouthwatering cuisine, the Windy City has a little bit of everything, and staying in the heart of downtown puts it all within reach. Top hotels double as cultural hubs, offering everything from neo-gothic meeting spaces to tucked-away bars and restaurants where business and pleasure mix effortlessly.

First stop: Magnificent Mile

Chicago downtown Marriott Magnificent Mile

Nestled in the heart of Chicago’s iconic Magnificent Mile, the Chicago Downtown Marriott Magnificent Mile is the perfect jumping-off point for adventure and meetings alike. Surrounding the hotel, more than 450 shops, from flagship department stores to chic boutiques, await eager shoppers. With 170 restaurants and 138 bars within an eight-block radius, guests can snack, sip, and savor their way through the city. Don’t miss a slice (or three) of Chicago’s famous deep-dish pizza before a short stroll to cultural gems like The Art Institute of Chicago or the reflective Cloud Gate sculpture, affectionately known as “The Bean.”

The great update

The hotel received a chic makeover in 2019, updating the Great Room lobby and adding the contemporary Reviver Bar. Think coffered ceilings, glass globe pendants, and glossy white marble floors. The Club Lounge is currently getting a refresh too, set to reopen with a fresh new look by the end of June 2022.

Next stop: Millennium Park

The Chicago Athletic Association Hotel

Once an exclusive men’s club, the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel dates back to 1893 and remains a stunning architectural landmark. Converted into a boutique hotel in 2015, the property is now an urban playground filled with artful design, history, and plenty of quirky touches. Old-world details are everywhere—even the elevators are lined with flooring from the building’s original squash court. Guests can shoot hoops in the historic gym, join roller skate nights, or host events that mix the past and present in style.

360-degree fun

The Chicago Athletic Association Hotel is contemporary luxury with historic flair. Head to the 13th floor to visit Cindy’s, a rooftop restaurant and bar with vaulted glass ceilings and steel terraces offering panoramic views of Millennium Park, Lake Michigan, and beyond. Locals and guests alike flock here to sip cocktails and take in the skyline. For a more intimate evening, the hotel’s Prohibition-era speakeasy, Milk Room, offers just eight seats and a carefully curated menu of rare and vintage spirits. Game lovers will want to check out The Game Room, a reimagined billiards hall serving as an adult playground complete with classic games and a lively bar.

Whether you’re planning a business meeting or a city adventure, Chicago’s hotels offer a mix of history, culture, and play that makes every stay feel just a little more magical. Cohera’s team knows how to take advantage of these spaces to create events that are as vibrant as the city itself.