Chicago is known as both a cultural and arts hub: one of world-class museums, stunning architecture and a lively restaurant scene. The Windy City is also home to plenty of dog-friendly hotels and places to visit, whether you’re stopping by O’Hare or walking up and down the Magnificent Mile.
Like many other cities, the most affordable time to visit Chicago is during the off-season, in winter. Chicago is well-known for its brutal winters, which may be too cold for your pups and you to visit. Fortunately, spring and fall are still more than pleasant enough to enjoy—and cheaper than the summer season.
Our ten favorite pet-friendly Chicago hotels are organized based on most affordable to most expensive.You’ll see below that we rate the costs of each hotel with dollar signs that range from $ to $$$$. We offer short explanations for each, but typically $ represents stays below $150 per night and $$$$ is anything above $500 per night.
Motel 6 – Elk Grove Village, IL
1000 W Devon Ave,
Elk Grove Village, IL 60007
For a budget-friendly, no-frills hotel that’s pet-friendly and just a six-mile drive from the bustling Chicago O’Hare Airport, this Motel 6 location may be a good option. Pirates Cove Theme Park is a 5-minute ride away and several golf courses and dog-friendly parks are nearby.
Cost rating: $
The cheapest hotel on this list, prices typically run from $50 to $100 per night, before taxes.
Cancellation Policy: Guests must cancel their reservation by their designated check-in time.
Pet allowances and restrictions
Two pets—either dogs or cats—are welcome to stay with no additional pet fee. There are no size limits listed on their website, so pet parents may want to inquire at the time of booking their reservation.
There’s a pet relief area on the hotel’s property, along with waste stations.
Guest perks and restrictions
Motel 6 guests can look forward to free coffee in the mornings, free WiFi and an in-room flat-panel TV.
Motel 6 is an incredibly budget-friendly hotel, which means that guest experiences vary greatly. The hotel has 4.4 stars on Google, but a 3 out of 5 on TripAdvisor, so guests should take that into consideration when considering their lodging needs. Book Motel 6.
The Claridge House
1244 N. Dearborn Pkwy
Chicago, IL 60610
The Claridge House is an intimate hotel found in Chicago’s Gold Coast, just steps away from Magnificent Mile and Oak Street’s Boutique Row. Available to all hotel guests is the Gold Coast spa, a sushi restaurant, cocktail bar, breakfast bar, and daily wine hour. Claridge House houses 165 newly renovated and sophisticated rooms that feature plush, pillowtop beds and spa-style showers.
Cost rating: $-$$
Claridge House guests can expect to typically pay between $150 and $250 per night. There’s also a $25 daily urban fee to cover amenities and discounts.
Cancellation policy: The Claridge House asks that guests cancel their reservations at least 24 hours ahead of time.
Pet allowances and restrictions
There are no pet fees for guests, and Claridge House does not list any restrictions on their website. Other curating sites list weight limits at Claridge House, but all include different numbers. Potential guests may want to call and inquire.
There are no pet relief areas on the property, but guests can take their dogs to nearby Lincoln Park (7-minute walk), Washington Square Park (10-minute walk), and Seward Park (10-minute walk).
Guest perks and restrictions
There are several amenities available to Claridge House guests, including but not limited to:
- 24-hour fitness center
- spa
- WiFi
- 10% off services at the onsite spa
- 15% off at Boutique Bar
- 15% off at Sushi by Bou Gold Coast
Claridge House will also set your canine companions up with plenty of amenities including treats, waste bags, and bowls. If you book the Pampered Pups package at the luxurious and sophisticated hotel, you receive a complimentary late 2 p.m. checkout, dog treat, Claridge House bandana and PAWsome gift-bag at check-in.
Guests reported overall positive experience at the Claridge House, though some with large dogs expressed discomfort in smaller-than-expected rooms. Pet parents with large breeds should consider booking a larger, more spacious room with a king size bed. Book The Claridge House
The Ambassador
1301 N. State Parkway
Chicago, IL 60610
Originally opened in 1926, the pet-friendly Ambassador Chicago is located in the city’s historic Gold Coast location. The luxury hotel overlooks Lake Michigan and features a magnificent lobby complete with glass chandeliers, contemporary and elegant guest rooms, and two on-restaurants, including the Food Gallery. Former guests include Hollywood icons like Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, and Frank Sinatra.
Guests will find plenty of things to do nearby—the hotel is situated just steps from the Magnificent Mile and Michigan Avenue.
Cost rating: $$-$$$
Rates at the Ambassador vary throughout the year, but guests can typically expect to spend at least $160, and may spend upwards of $350. These prices do not include the $17 daily destination fee or any pet fees (non-refundable $75).
Cancellation policy: The Ambassador asks that guests cancel reservations at least 48 hours before their reservation.
Pet allowances and restrictions
Guests may bring up to two dogs with a combined weight of no more than 50 pounds.
It’s unclear if the hotel has a pet relief area, but guests expressed satisfaction with the walkability of the neighborhood surrounding The Ambassador.
Guest perks and restrictions
Guests of the Ambassador can expect many amenities during their stay, including:
- free WiFi
- on-site restaurant
- 24-hour fitness center
- concierge
- meeting facilities
- museum discounts
- dry cleaning and laundry services
- bicycle rentals
Canine guests of the Ambassador can experience the good life with a PAWsome Experience package. Your pet can enjoy a custom dog treat, dog toy from local pet boutique Tails in the City, an Ambassador-branded food and water bowl, and a “Pet in Room” door hanger. The hotel also provides waste disposal bags and a map featuring pet-friendly restaurants in the neighborhood.
The Ambassador is a nice place to stay for both pet and human amenities, but pet parents with large dogs should look elsewhere, due to the weight limit. Book Ambassador Chicago
W Chicago – Lakeshore
644 N Lake Shore Dr,
Chicago, IL 60611
Nestled in Chicago’s Gold Coast along the picturesque Lake Shore Drive waterfront, the pet-friendly W Chicago – Lakeshore Hotel offers an indoor wet deck, restaurant, a bar and outdoor patio. Have a cocktails just steps away from Lake Michigan!
The hotel is located along the 18-mile Lakefront Trail, which offers easy access to many different parks and beaches. There are plenty of restaurants nearby and Magnificent Mile is just a 10-minute walk from the hotel.
Cost rating: $$-$$$
Costs are average at W Chicago – Lakeshore, with prices often falling between $200-$300 per night. This does not include any pet fees.
Cancellation policy: Cancellation policies vary based on reservation.
Pet allowances and restrictions
A maximum of two pets—dogs or cats—are welcome at the hotel, each pet not to exceed 40 pounds. Guests will have to pay a $100 deep cleaning fee, as well as $25 nightly fee, per pet.
The hotel does not have its own pet relief area, but grassy patches are nearby. Additionally, Bennett Park is located just a 10-minute walk away and features lots of grass and a couple of dog runs. Pups are also welcome at Lake Shore Park—a 5-minute walk—where they can play, walk through the gardens, and enjoy water fountains.
Guest perks and restrictions
W Hotel guests can expect plenty of amenities to enjoy during their stay, including but not limited to:
- fitness center
- indoor pool
- convenience store
- room service
- free WiFi
- wake-up calls
W Chicago also provides a few perks for pets, like treats, dog bowls, a bed, and dog food on the room service menu.
Reviews for this location are a mixed bag due to guests complaining of up-charging for certain amenities, as well as noise. Pet parents may want to take a look at sites like TripAdvisor to look at feedback from most recent guests before they book. Book W Chicago – Lakeshore Hotel
Virgin Hotels Chicago
203 N. Wabash Ave.
Chicago, IL 60601
Modern, pet-friendly Virgin Hotels Chicago features a rooftop bar and restaurant, coffee bar, and a modern American restaurant, Miss Ricky’s, which allows pet parents to dine with their pets! Modern guest rooms feature separate living and sleeping areas and city views. The hotel is located in the famous Chicago Loop, near a variety of eateries, shops, theaters, and other attractions, including Millennium Park and Art Institute of Chicago.
Cost rating: $$-$$$
Prices at Virgin Hotels Chicago are middle-of-the-road, with pricing typically fluctuating between $200-$400 per night. Guests must also pay a daily $25 amenity fee.
Cancellation policy: Guests must cancel at least 24 hours ahead of their reservation or else there will be a charge of one night of your reservation rate, plus tax.
Pet allowances and restrictions
Pets stay here for free in pet-friendly rooms and there are no size or breed restrictions. Both cats and dogs are welcome.
Although there is no pet relief area on the Virgin Hotels property, Lakeshore East Dog Park is a 15-minute walk from the hotel and grass patches by the Riverwalk are a 10-minute walk. Guests should note that nearby Millennium Park is not dog-friendly.
Guest perks and restrictions
Virgin Hotels guests will have access to several different amenities, including:
- high-speed WiFi
- 24/7 access to health club
- complimentary in-room coffee and tea
- weekly curated local experiences across the property
Virgin Hotels will provide your pet with a bed, food and water dishes, treats, and a bandanna.
This hotel may be a great place for pets who may otherwise struggle to find a place to stay, such as cats and large dogs. It’s in a central city location and is generally more affordable compared to other hotels in the area. Book Virgin Hotels Chicago
Hyatt Place Chicago / Wicker Park
1551 W North Ave Ashland
Chicago, IL 60622
Highly-rated three-star hotel Hyatt Place Chicago / Wicker Park is located in an energetic, bustling neighborhood near Bucktown. Guests can find many coffee shops and cute boutiques nearby, along with both fun, casual eateries and gourmet restaurants. Those with pets may also enjoy the Bloomingdale Trail, a 2.7-mile hiking path located less than half a mile from the hotel.
Cost rating: $$-$$$
Hotel prices fluctuate, but typically start around $200, not including any fees or taxes.
Cancellation policy: Cancellation policies vary according to room type.
Pet allowances and restrictions
Up to two dogs are permitted to accompany Hyatt Place guests. If just one dog, it must be 50 pounds or less; if two dogs, their combined weight can’t exceed 75 pounds. There’s a $75 pet fee for stays up to six nights long. For longer stays, there’s also a $100 deep-cleaning fee.
The hotel doesn’t list any pet relief areas on its website, but dog-friendly Walsh (John) Park is just a 7-minute walk away.
Guest perks and restrictions
In addition to its rooftop restaurant and bar, Hyatt Place offers several other amenities for guests to utilize during their stay:
- business services
- free breakfast at The Breakfast Bar
- grab ‘n go dining options
- fitness center
- meeting facilities
- free WiFi
- dry cleaning and laundry services.
While the Hyatt could be a great place for pet parents with small-to-medium pups, those with large dog breeds should look at one of the other hotels on our list that have no size restrictions. Book Hyatt Place Chicago / Wicker Park
Thompson Chicago (By Hyatt)
21 East Bellevue Place
Chicago, IL 60611
Four-star luxury hotel Thompson Chicago is situated on the Gold Coast, a short walk away from trendy shops on Oak Street, Magnificent Mile, and Oak Street Beach. Guests can enjoy in-room dining, grab ‘n go options, and mid-century modern suites with 400-thread count sheets. The hotel also typically offers a restaurant and bar, but they’re temporarily closed for renovations until sometime in summer 2024.
Cost rating: $$-$$$$
Prices vary throughout the year and according to room type, but the minimum is typically at least $200. There’s also a $17 daily amenity fee.
Cancellation policy: Cancellation policies vary according to room type.
Pet allowances and restrictions
One dog of any size is welcome at the hotel with no additional pet fees. There’s no pet relief area on the property, but there’s a small park across the street and Washington Square Park is an easy 8-minute walk from the hotel.
Guest perks and restrictions
There are a few amenities available to Thompson Chicago guests, including:
- dry cleaning and laundry services
- free WiFi
- business center access
- fitness center access
Pets may receive water bowls, treats, a pet store coupon, waste bags, and a bed upon request.
If you have more than one pet, or an onsite restaurant is important to you, you may want to look elsewhere—at least until the hotel’s renovations are complete. Book Thompson Chicago
Guesthouse Hotel
4872 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60640
Courtesy of The Guesthouse
The 25-unit boutique Guesthouse Hotel offers an extensive library, roof deck that’s open seasonally, and airy suites that feature kitchenettes, balconies, glass showers and city views. Located in Andersonville, the Guesthouse offers a vibrant neighborhood that you can explore with your pet, including a dog-friendly restaurant! The hotel is also just a few minutes’ walk away from specialty shops, craft breweries, restaurants, and other neighborhood entertainment.
Cost rating: $$-$$$$
As this hotel only offers suites, prices are typically on the higher end. During low peak times, it’s possible to get a rate for a one-bedroom that’s around $200, but a three-bedroom suite during peak times could cost upwards of $500. This does not include the 17% Chicago Hotel and Occupancy Tax that’s added on to the nightly rate.
Cancellation policy: Guests should cancel their reservations at least 48 hours in advance. Those that are canceled with less than two days’ notice will be subject to a one-night room charge, plus tax.
Pet allowances and restrictions
The Guesthouse Hotel welcomes two dogs of any shape or size at no extra fee.
It’s unclear if the hotel has any pet relief areas, but Chase Park is dog-friendly and located just a 7-minute walk away from the hotel. Although there are other parks and grassy areas closer, guests and their pups may also enjoy Montrose Dog Park, located along the beach 1.5 miles away from the hotel.
Guest perks and restrictions
In addition to the above hotel features, guests can also expect the following amenities and perks in the hotel or their suite:
- 24-hour fitness center, featuring Peloton bikes, treadmills, rowing machines, and yoga mats
- Linens and kitchen supplies
- Coffee and tea
- Washer and dryer in suite
- Private balcony with gas grill and patio furniture
- Breakfast bar and gourmet kitchen with appliances
Pets are offered complimentary beds, food and water bowls, and baggies upon request.
Rated #9 out of 207 hotels in Chicago on TripAdvisor, Guesthouse Hotel has been a big hit with guests that have pets. They loved how their pet was treated, and the suites offered plenty of room for their dogs to be comfortable. Book Guesthouse Hotel
Hotel Zachary
3630 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60613
Located in lively Wrigleyville, right by the stadium that the Cubs call home, Hotel Zachary is decorated with subtle nods to Chicago’s rich baseball history. You can expect pinstripe floors, ivy-green headboards and luxury amenities, such as rainfall shower heads and bathrobes, with your stay.
The hotel is situated in the Lakeview neighborhood, near more than 30 theaters, numerous restaurants, art galleries, and museums—not to mention, the miles of beach that stretch along the lakefront near it.
Cost rating: $$-$$$$
It’s possible to stay at Hotel Zachary for less than $300 a night, but prices typically exceed $500 a night.
Cancellation policy: Guests of Hotel Zachary must cancel their reservations at least 48 hours in advance.
Pet allowances and restrictions
The hotel allows a maximum of two pets per room, but there’s no size limit or any pet fees.
While it’s unclear if the hotel has any pet relief areas, Hotel Zachary is just a short 15-minute walk from dog-friendly Gill (Joseph) Park and a 30-minute walk to Belmont Harbor Dog Beach, a small, fenced-in beach for pups to enjoy.
Guest perks and restrictions
Hotel Zachary’s human guests can expect amenities such as:
- Bar and lounge
- High-speed WiFi
- Access to streaming content
- 24-hour fitness center
- In-room safe
- 24-hour business center services
The hotel states that pet amenities are available upon request, but doesn’t explicitly say what they are. However, former guests said their pups were treated “like royalty,” and received swag bags with tennis balls, cookies, frisbees, dog bowls, bandannas, and poop bags.
Hotel Zachary is best suited for baseball fans or guests who prioritize location—it’s situated near many entertainment attractions, which may make the steep price worth it to some. Book Hotel Zachary
The Langham
330 N. Wabash Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611
The Langham, is a luxurious pet-friendly hotel that offers Chicago skyline views, afternoon tea, a cinema suite, a kid’s suite, and onsite restaurants and lounges, and a spa. It’s located along the Chicago River and just a short walk away from dog-friendly Millennium Park, Grant Park—which offers more than 300 acres of green space—and Magnificent Mile, which boasts three major shopping centers with more than 450 stores.
Cost rating: $$$$
The #10 rated out of 207 Chicago hotels on Tripadvisor can be very expensive. While prices vary depending on your stay, they typically start around $500.
Cancellation policy: Call for information about cancellations for your specific trip dates.
Pet allowances and restrictions
The Langham allows two pets that weigh 35 pounds or less. They’re welcomed in the common areas if they’re leashed, but are not permitted in restaurants, lounge, spa, fitness studio, or pool areas. The hotel charges a $150 non-refundable room cleaning fee for short stays, and $300 for visits that are 7 days or more.
There are no grassy pet relief areas on the hotel’s property, but there is a river walk across the bridge.
Guest perks and restrictions
The Langham offers an array of wellness treatments at their spa, as well as:
- an indoor swimming pool
- hydrotherapy hot tub
- state-of-the-art fitness center
- complimentary WiFi
- in-room coffee and tea
Dogs are provided with their own complimentary bowls and bed.
The Langham is best for guests who want a luxurious city experience and don’t mind the fact that there are no pet relief areas directly onsite. The Chicago Riverwalk and Millennium Park are both within 15-minute walks away from the hotel, however. Book The Langham
Dog-Friendly Activities in Chicago
Pet parents can look forward to stellar dog-friendly Chicago restaurants and dog beaches in Chi-town. Run around Montrose Dog Beach, go for a walk on the Riverwalk, or sit outside on a dog-friendly outdoor patio while you sip a cocktail.
Need to leave your pup behind to hit up a museum, like the Art Institute of Chicago, or take advantage of free admission at the Lincoln Park Zoo? Check out affordable dog-walking and dog-sitting rates through local Rover pet sitters in Chicago.
Tips to Make Your Chicago Stay Better
Hotel prices vary greatly throughout the year, so staying flexible with your vacation dates is the best way to ensure your stay is more affordable. If you decide to visit in the winter, it may be too cold to go on adventures with your dog, who may be better off with a pet-sitter back in the hotel or in a Chicago-based doggy daycare.
Being away from home can be difficult, so bring familiar items for your pet to make them more comfortable staying in a hotel. Items like toys, blankets, and treats may help keep them at ease. You should also expect to keep your dog leashed while out and about in public areas, so having their favorite collar, harness, and leash available makes it easiest for everyone.
If you’re looking for even more to do, check out how to spend a day out with your dog in Chicago.
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