Chicago hotels in July

Question

Traveling to Chicago first time with husband and 10 year old end of July for 4 days.

Would love your input on hotel that is safe to walk in morning and night as we will not be renting a car . Currently I’m torn between 3 hotels but am open to suggestions. We would use either public transit or rideshare. Ideal hotel would be walking distance to millenium park, riverfront, and walkable to transit to get to the beach/navy pier . Our budget is below or at 400/night.

I guess I’m also worried about protests or construction that might be going on at or around the hotel. I like that the lotte checks all the boxes as far as location but I do realize it’s right across from trump tower and probably the spot to protest ? We were also leaning towards Radisson because it has a pool. Although , during the summer , is it crowded with locals with a resort pass?

I’m from San Diego and I know during the summer the hotels with the rooftop pools are usually filled with the party crowd so if the Radisson has that vibe , please let me know.

I appreciate the advice/ input.

The 3 hotels :

1. l7 by lotte

2. Radisson blu

3. Renaissance

Possible

1. Sheraton

2. London house

3. Fairmont

Answer

Hi there! It sounds like you're planning an exciting trip to Chicago with your family! Below are some thoughts on the hotels you're considering, as well as some general recommendations to help you choose the best fit for your needs.

1. L7 by Lotte: This hotel has a great location near the Chicago River and is within walking distance to Millennium Park, the riverfront, and the Loop. It’s also well-served by public transit, which makes getting to Navy Pier and the beach easy. However, as you mentioned, the hotel is located across from Trump Tower, which is sometimes a location for protests. That said, while protests do occasionally happen in the area, they generally don't cause disruptions beyond the immediate vicinity, and the hotel staff is well-prepared for such events. L7 by Lotte offers a trendy and modern vibe, and the location is very safe for walking around day or night, but it’s always good to stay aware of your surroundings, especially in busy urban areas. As for construction, Chicago does have ongoing projects, but it’s unlikely that this hotel would be too affected by any significant disruptions.

2. Radisson Blu: The Radisson Blu is also a good choice, with its central location close to public transit, the riverfront, and Millennium Park. If you're looking for a pool, this one has an indoor pool, which could be a great option for your family, especially in the summer. Regarding crowds, during the summer, it’s possible that the hotel pool could attract a lively crowd, especially locals who buy a resort pass. If you're concerned about a party vibe, I would recommend calling ahead to ask about the crowd during your specific stay. The Radisson is a solid option with a more relaxed atmosphere compared to L7 by Lotte, but it’s still a centrally located hotel with easy access to all the main attractions.

3. Renaissance Chicago: This hotel offers a convenient location and is also close to Millennium Park and public transit, but it’s a bit further from the riverfront and Navy Pier compared to the other two options. The Renaissance offers a great value in terms of location and comfort, and it’s usually quieter, which might be an advantage for families who are looking for a more relaxed stay. It’s a good option if you want to avoid the crowds of tourists around Navy Pier and the Riverwalk. However, the downside is that it's a little farther from some of the major attractions, so you may have to take a quick transit or rideshare to get to those spots.

Possible Options:

Sheraton Grand Chicago: The Sheraton is a reliable choice with a great location right on the riverfront, and it’s only a short walk to Navy Pier and Millennium Park. It offers spacious rooms and good amenities, including a pool and fitness center. The location is safe and walkable, and it's a solid family-friendly option. However, it can get crowded, especially during peak tourist season, so be aware of possible higher traffic in public spaces.
LondonHouse Chicago: This is another trendy hotel that boasts a fantastic rooftop bar with stunning views of the city. However, if you're concerned about party crowds, the rooftop bar could be a factor, as it can get busy in the evenings, particularly on weekends. The location, though, is fantastic, with easy access to Millennium Park, the riverfront, and public transit. If you're okay with a potentially lively atmosphere, it’s a great spot to stay.
Fairmont Chicago: The Fairmont is a classic, elegant hotel with a quieter, upscale vibe. It’s located near Grant Park and is within walking distance to the lakefront and Millennium Park. It’s less trendy than some of the other options but offers great service and is known for its comfort and luxury. This could be a good option if you’re looking for a more traditional hotel experience with easy access to public transit, but not the crowds associated with more modern, party-centric hotels.

General Considerations:

Safety and Walking Distance: All the hotels you're considering are located in safe areas with plenty of public amenities, making it easy to walk around even at night. However, as with any major city, always stay aware of your surroundings and stick to well-lit, populated areas at night.
Transportation: Since you won’t be renting a car, all these hotels are well-served by public transit and rideshare options. Chicago's CTA system is a convenient and affordable way to get to Navy Pier, the beach, and other attractions. Uber and Lyft are also widely available, though public transit should suffice for most of your needs.
Protests/Construction: While protests can happen in the downtown area, especially near government buildings like Trump Tower, it’s unlikely they will cause significant disruptions. Construction is a common issue in Chicago, but it typically doesn’t affect the hotels directly. It’s always a good idea to check with the hotel about any construction or events during your stay.

In summary, for a balance of safety, location, and amenities, both the L7 by Lotte and Radisson Blu are solid choices. If you're looking for a more relaxed, family-friendly vibe with fewer crowds, the Renaissance or Fairmont might be better suited to your needs. Each of these hotels is centrally located, offering easy access to transit and key attractions like Millennium Park, the Riverwalk, and Navy Pier.

I hope this helps! Enjoy your trip to Chicago, and have a great time exploring the city with your family!