5 Best Chicago Hotels with Balcony for a Room with a View

Last Updated on August 25, 2026 by Ioana

There’s something about having a balcony when you’re traveling that makes a hotel room feel so much more special.

Instead of just looking out a window at the city, you can actually step outside with your morning coffee, enjoy a glass of wine in the evening, or simply take in the energy of Chicago from your own little piece of exterior space.

And Chicago is a particularly good city for it. Between the skyline, Lake Michigan, the Chicago River and all the activity happening below, there are plenty of amazing views to enjoy.

The problem? Chicago hotels with balcony are surprisingly hard to find. Many hotels have floor-to-ceiling windows and stunning city views, but very few actually offer private outdoor space.

So if a private balcony or terrace is a sought-after feature for your trip, I’ve rounded up some of the best places. This blog post contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase I may get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Find out more here.

Radisson Blu Aqua Chicago: Best for a Downtown Hotel with Iconic Balconies

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ • 7.9/10 (1,511 reviews)
💲 Mid-range • 👉 Check current prices here

If having a balcony is the main reason you’re searching for Chicago hotels with balconies, Radisson Blu Aqua Chicago is one of the first places I would look.

The hotel is located in the center of Chicago, close to Millennium Park, the Chicago River and the excitement of downtown. But what makes it particularly interesting is the building itself.

The Aqua Tower is famous for its curving balconies, which give the exterior a distinctive, almost wave-like appearance inspired by Lake Michigan.

And yes, you can actually book rooms with balconies here.

That makes this a particularly good choice if you want the outdoor space to be part of the experience rather than something you only get if you splurge on a top-level suite.

You’ll also have plenty to do nearby. Millennium Park, the Art Institute of Chicago and the Chicago Riverwalk are all within walking distance, while Navy Pier and the Magnificent Mile are also easy to reach.

The hotel itself has plenty of amenities, including a swimming pool and fitness facilities, so you can easily spend some time enjoying the property before heading out to experience Chicago.

Why I’d choose it: You want a real downtown Chicago location, a distinctive hotel, and a balcony without necessarily booking one of the most expensive 5-star hotels in the city.

Thompson Chicago: Best for Stylish Rooms and Lake Views

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ • 9.0/10 (331 reviews)
💲 Mid-range • 👉 Check current prices here

If you want something a little more boutique and design-focused, Thompson Chicago is one of my favorite options on this list.

Located in the Gold Coast, the hotel is a short walk from North Michigan Avenue and the Magnificent Mile, with plenty of great food, shopping and city life right outside the door.

The hotel has stylish rooms with mid-century modern design elements, jewel-toned furniture and large windows.

Select rooms and suites also offer balconies, while some of the higher-end suites have private balcony terraces.

One of the most impressive options is the Skyline Loft Suite with Terrace, which has floor-to-ceiling windows, a separate living room and a private balcony terrace overlooking the city.

There’s even a dining table for four, so the terrace becomes much more than somewhere to stand for five minutes and take a photo.

The Penthouse Suite with Terrace takes it even further, with a bi-level layout, a large plush sofa and a balcony terrace with downtown views.

Even if you don’t book one of the terrace suites, the hotel’s location makes it a great base for exploring the Windy City.

You’re close to Lake Michigan, the Magnificent Mile and some of the best places to eat and shop in Chicago.

Why I’d choose it: You want a boutique hotel feel, stylish rooms, a great location and the option to upgrade to a balcony or private terrace with amazing views.

Park Hyatt Chicago: Best for a Luxury Stay with a Private Terrace

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ • 9.2/10 (89 reviews)
💲 Luxury • 👉 Check current prices here

If you’re looking for a more luxurious option, Park Hyatt Chicago is a beautiful choice. Especially if you’re willing to book one of the terrace rooms.

The hotel is located near Water Tower Place and the Magnificent Mile, putting you in one of the best areas of Chicago for shopping, restaurants and sightseeing.

And while the hotel has plenty of beautiful rooms with city and lake views, the standout for this particular list is the 1 King Water Tower Terrace.

This 475-square-foot room has an outdoor terrace overlooking downtown Chicago, complete with seating for two. So you can actually sit outside and enjoy the city rather than simply looking at it through a window.

I especially love the idea of ordering morning coffee and taking it outside on the terrace before heading out for the day.

The hotel also has the kind of world-class amenities you’d expect from a luxury property, along with beautifully designed interiors and easy access to some of the city’s best attractions.

You’re within walking distance of the Magnificent Mile and not far from Millennium Park, the Art Institute of Chicago and the lakefront.

Why I’d choose it: You want a luxury stay with upscale amenities and a private outdoor space, and you don’t mind paying more for one of the best rooms.

Waldorf Astoria Chicago: Best for a Romantic Luxury Escape

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ • 9.4/10 (141 reviews)
💲 Luxury • 👉 Check current prices here

For a truly indulgent stay, it’s hard to beat the Waldorf Astoria Chicago.

This 5-star hotel in the Gold Coast is already known for its elegant rooms, fireplaces and residential feel, but if you specifically want outdoor space, you’ll want to look at the terrace suites.

The Waldorf Astoria has several suites with private terraces, including the One-Bedroom Terrace Suite, Corner One-Bedroom Terrace Suite and Gold Coast Terrace Suite.

The largest of these has a 120-square-foot terrace with panoramic downtown views.

That is exactly the kind of hotel room where I’d happily spend an evening in.

Imagine getting dressed for dinner, grabbing a classic cocktail or a glass of wine, and then stepping outside to look at the city skyline before heading out.

The suites also have separate living areas, fireplaces and floor-to-ceiling windows, so you get a perfect blend of comfort and that classic luxury-hotel feeling.

The location is another major plus. You’re in the Gold Coast, close to North Michigan Avenue and the Magnificent Mile, with restaurants, shopping and nightlife all around you.

Why I’d choose it: You’re looking for a luxury stay, a spacious suite and a private terrace that feels like part of the hotel experience.

AC Hotel Chicago Downtown: Best for a More Affordable Balcony Stay

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ • 8.2/10 (331 reviews)
💲 Mid-range • 👉 Check current prices here

If the average price of the luxury hotels above is a little too much for your trip, take a look at AC Hotel Chicago Downtown.

This 4-star hotel is in River North, close to the Magnificent Mile and within walking distance of plenty of restaurants, shops and attractions.

And, importantly for this list, the hotel does offer balcony rooms. The hotel specifically describes its balcony rooms as a place to take in skyline views and unwind outdoors.

That makes it a great option if you want the balcony experience without automatically jumping to the price of a luxury suite at the Waldorf Astoria or Park Hyatt.

The location is also really convenient for a first trip to Chicago. You can easily explore the Magnificent Mile, walk toward the Chicago River, visit Millennium Park and make your way toward Navy Pier.

The hotel has a modern feel and the rooms are comfortable rather than overly formal, making it a good choice for a city break when you’ll probably spend most of your day exploring anyway.

Why I’d choose it: You want a private balcony and a central location without paying luxury-hotel prices.

How to Choose the Best Chicago Hotel with a Balcony

When booking a hotel with a balcony in Chicago, there’s one thing I would pay close attention to: the balcony is often only available with specific room categories.

In other words, don’t assume that booking the hotel automatically means you’ll get a balcony.

For example, Thompson Chicago has specific balcony and terrace suites, while Park Hyatt Chicago has particular terrace room categories. The Waldorf Astoria’s private terraces are also attached to specific suites.

So always check the exact room type before booking.

If you want the best views, I’d prioritize a higher floor and look for rooms specifically mentioning city, skyline or lake views.

If you want a romantic stay, I’d splurge on one of the Waldorf Astoria terrace suites.

For a stylish boutique hotel, Thompson Chicago is a perfect choice.

For a central downtown location, Radisson Blu Aqua is hard to beat.

And if you’re trying to keep the average price a little more reasonable, AC Hotel Chicago Downtown gives you a good combination of location, comfort and balcony access.

Either way, there’s something pretty special about waking up in Chicago, opening the French doors and stepping outside to see the city skyline.