For many visitors to the United States, Chicago — and not New York — is the quintessential city, praised for its civility, cosmopolitan atmosphere, and architectural beauty. The West Loop area, a once-gritty neighborhood that was originally anchored by Harpo Studios, is now a hip neighborhood with many affordable hotel options. No matter where you stay, you’ll find yourself within striking distance of some of the best restaurants.
Many claim that there are more mouth-watering, world-class restaurants in Chicago than in New York. If you’re interested in staying in central Chicago and you enjoy sampling food in new places, here are a few hotels in Chicago’s West and Central Loop from which to choose.
Central Loop Hotels

Image via Flickr by Jason Lander
Adjectives like chic, luxury, and cozy best describe the Kimpton Hotel Allegro. Its convenient location enables you to dine at the Girl and the Goat, a trendy West Randolph Street restaurant. It’s owned by the Stephanie Izard group. Izard was a “Top Chef winner” and her food is guaranteed to surprise your palate.
This Kimpton Hotel Allegro is a modern venue with a youthful charm that retains some of his historic flair, recalling the luxury of old. Amenities include in-room fitness equipment, hosted evening wine hours, concierge cleaning, and specialty rooms and suites. You’ll find the Hancock Observatory, House of Blues and the Art Institute nearby.
The Hotel Monaco is on Wabash near Millenium Park and is an old hat factory that the owners converted into a sophisticated art deco hotel. You could eat in the 312 Chicago, where Chef Luca Corrazina creates modern takes on Italian dishes from the old country where he was born and bred. Diners know him by his philosophy: “For fine cuisine, use the best available ingredients.”
West Loop
If you are staying along Chicago’s Magnificent Mile in the heart of Chicago’s business district, you’ll have a large selection of foodie favorites. Make time to visit Avec Restaurant. Chef Perry Hendrix’s menu features Midwest ingredients from valued local purveyors. The meals are not to be forgotten, taking their cue “from the sun-drenched wine regions of Southwestern Europe.” This is a tiny place that embraces tapas-style fine dining at the hands of James Beard-level chefs. You’ll enjoy your meal in a communal, unhurried way.
Choose a West Loop hotel within walking distance of the Financial District, Willis Tower, and the University of Illinois-Chicago. The McCormick Center and the UIC-Halsted Blue Line are nearby. Try the RM Champagne Salon for dinner one night during your stay. Guests love its awesome patio and great atmosphere, both inside and out. The place is unmarked, though, so look for it behind Nellcote and GEB at 116 North Green Street. Don’t forget to order the champagne.
The Athena Greek Restaurant rounds out this foodie travel primer for Chicago’s West and Central Loop. This restaurant serves delicious Greek cuisine in an old-world setting with fine Greek architecture and art, comfortable seating, and warm fireplaces.
Now that you know where to stay and eat in Chicago, you can start planning your itinerary for your next visit.
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