5 Unique Places to Stay in Chicago

You probably know all the iconic and classic hotels in the Windy City, like Omni and theWit, but what about all the lodging choices off the beaten path? How about the ones with unique features, unheard-of luxuries, and unforgettable views?

Don’t worry, we’ve found 10 of the most unique, unheard of, and unforgettable places to stay in Chicago and we’re willing to share the knowledge! Pack your bags, it’s time to head to Chi-Town!


Old Chicago Inn Bed and Breakfast

$ - Sheffield Avenue - Pet-Friendly

Our first pick for Unique Places to Stay in Chicago is the Old Chicago Inn, a Sheffield Avenue lodging choice that provides incredible city views, close proximity to the El train and Wrigley Stadium, and a completely quirky and quaint antique vibe to the entire Bed and Breakfast. You will get to sleep in homey rooms with 4 poster beds, wood-burning stoves, and exposed brick walls, as well as have access to the 1920s themed Speakeasy and Chicago themed library in the lobby. Vouchers to nearby restaurants, fitness centers, and on-street parking are available also!

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The Castle on Berwyn - Air BnB

$$$ - Andersonville - Minimum Two Night Stay

This Andersonville neighborhood shining gem is a literal castle, a privately owned mansion turned apartment complex that is regularly rented out through the popular lodging company, Airbnb. A safe neighborhood, cozy bedroom, access to wifi and kitchen areas, and ornate Baroque, French, and Rococo antiques and replicas will greet you here at The Castle on Berwyn, not to mention a yard and patio with salvaged Chicago building stones as accents. Outstanding architecture, astounding city history, and thorough world history in general (this place was inspired by Louis XIV and XV)  add to the overall unique aesthetic here, making this our #2 pick!


Getaway Hostel

$ - Park West - Dorm-Style

This is the absolute best choice for groups both large and small, this stylish, vibrant, and modern chic hostel set up as a dorm-style getaway haven. From personal experience we must say how accommodating and cozy this hostel truly is, not to mention really safe.  Inside you will find no-frills private and shared rooms, shared bathrooms, bunk beds to hold 4-12 people per room, a communal kitchen, pool and music rooms, free breakfast, and even free weekend BBQs on the outdoor patio. Groups, you’ve found your highly inexpensive and highly unique lodging option! Did we mention this spot is only 10 minutes from the El and 6 from Lincoln Park and DuPaul?


ACME Hotel Co.

$$ - Ohio Street - Business-Savvy

The ACME Hotel Company will provide your group with unique business savvy and modern funky hotel stay, a reasonably priced lodging choice that is just on the corner of the El and blocks away from the Magnificent Mile. The rooms here are bright and full of working-man (and woman) features such as a complimentary work desk, ergonomic chairs, wireless sound systems, and 46 inch flat screens with media hookups. Minibars and wood floors are updated in the suites, and half the rooms have amazing city views. There is free AM coffee delivery here, as well as access to a gym, business center, meeting spaces, and bakery/cafe. Enjoy, business and tech lovers!


Romantic Garden Treehouse - Schaumberg

$$ - Schaumberg - Airbnb - Treehouse

What could be more unique than staying in a treehouse for a night? So completely unique as a lodging choice that this would have been our #1 pick, however, it’s not technically located in Chicago, it’s about a half-hour away in Schaumburg. You can stay 1 night here with a small group by renting it out on Airbnb, the interior cabin cozy and the exterior gorgeously surrounded with unbeatable tree-high vistas of the winter garden and waterfall. The tree is a beautiful honeylocust, the site is kid and pet-friendly, and there is even a private entrance down below leading to a flower and bird garden with a hot tub, gas grill, and private shower. This is a true dream lodging choice but it books up fast, so let us help you plan this trip right!  

Where'd you wake up this morning? #thewifipasswordistreehouse

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Bonus Unique Chicago Feature: Not Your Momma's Bus Tour


Check out our 8 Oddest U.S Hotels blog!