Streeterville & Navy Pier
The lake, the pier and big hotels with room to breathe.
Streeterville sits between the Magnificent Mile and Lake Michigan, with Navy Pier, a beach and the lakefront trail on its doorstep. It is the best base for families and anyone who wants a calmer, more spacious stay near the water, with larger rooms than the Loop and restaurants a short walk away. The trade is a slightly sterile, hotel-and-mall feel, and the Pier itself is tourist-oriented.
What works
- Lakefront trail, beach and Navy Pier
- Larger rooms and family facilities
- Calmer nights than River North
What doesn’t
- Touristy near the Pier
- Fewer cheap, local restaurants
- Hotel-corridor feel
One local move
Use the lakefront trail in the morning, before the heat and crowds, and eat away from Navy Pier for better food. The Chicago River architecture tour is a good rainy-day option from here.
Getting around
Red Line stations at Grand and Chicago, plus buses along Michigan Avenue and the lakefront. Navy Pier is a 15–20 minute walk from Michigan Avenue, or a short bus ride.
Safety
Safe and well lit, with heavy traffic on Lake Shore Drive. Watch for cyclists on the lakefront trail and keep children close near the water.
4 picks in Streeterville & Navy Pier
One strong pick per tier. All prices are sample ranges, not live quotes.
Four Seasons Hotel Chicago
A polished hotel above Michigan Avenue with large rooms, a spa and a pool; excellent for families and a short walk from the lake.
Loews Chicago Hotel
A modern, comfortable hotel near Navy Pier with larger-than-average rooms and a pool; a good family choice.
Aloft Chicago Mag Mile
A compact, modern hotel near the Magnificent Mile; practical, well located and one of the cheaper options in the area.
The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel
An Art Deco-inspired hotel with a rooftop terrace and a strong design identity; central, romantic and less corporate than its neighbours.
Nightly ranges are sample estimates in USD for a standard double room. They move with season, events and how early you book.
Eat & drink nearby
The Purple Pig
Mediterranean
A lively restaurant for shared plates of pork, cheese and vegetables; no reservations for small groups, so go early.
Pizzeria Uno
Deep-dish pizza
One of the original deep-dish pizzerias; touristy and slow to bake, but a classic Chicago experience worth doing once.
Shanghai Terrace
Chinese fine dining
An elegant Chinese restaurant in The Peninsula with skyline views; expensive, refined and best for a special dinner.