Art Deco Hotels in Chicago: Historic Buildings Worth Staying In
Chicago's architectural heritage is not confined to museums, skyscrapers, and guided walking tours. Some of its most memorable buildings have become hotels, giving travelers the opportunity to experience the city's history from the moment they arrive. Among them are striking examples of Art Deco architecture, where geometric ornament, elaborate materials, and the optimism of the Jazz Age remain part of the urban landscape.
For travelers searching for art deco hotels chicago has a particularly interesting collection of historic accommodations. From a gold-crowned Michigan Avenue landmark to a former automobile club with a remarkable mural, these properties offer more than distinctive interiors. They connect contemporary hospitality with the architectural ambitions of 1920s Chicago.
But not every hotel built during the 1920s is an Art Deco hotel. Understanding that distinction makes choosing the right property considerably more rewarding.
What Makes a Hotel an Art Deco Hotel?
An Art Deco hotel occupies a building designed in the Art Deco architectural style or incorporates authentic Art Deco architectural features as a defining part of its identity. The movement became prominent during the 1920s and 1930s, emphasizing geometric ornament, stylized decoration, vertical compositions, and carefully selected materials.
In Chicago, these characteristics are particularly visible in the city's historic commercial towers and former institutional buildings.
Common features include:
Geometric ornamentation: Repeated patterns, stepped forms, chevrons, and symmetrical compositions.
Decorative terra cotta: Glazed architectural elements that add texture and color to building facades.
Metal detailing: Bronze, steel, and other metals used in entrances, elevators, railings, and decorative features.
Vertical emphasis: Strong upward lines that accentuate the height and proportions of skyscrapers.
Contrasting materials: Combinations of polished stone, marble, granite, glass, and metal.
Stylized reliefs: Sculptural panels and decorative motifs inspired by modern industry, movement, and progress.
An important distinction is that a hotel does not automatically qualify as Art Deco simply because its building dates from the 1920s. Chicago's historic properties also represent Beaux-Arts, Classical Revival, Georgian Revival, and other architectural traditions.
For an architecture-focused hotel search, the original building design matters more than its construction date alone.
Which Art Deco Hotels in Chicago Are Worth Discovering?
Several Chicago hotels provide particularly compelling opportunities to experience authentic Art Deco architecture. Three standouts are Pendry Chicago, Hampton Inn Chicago Downtown/N Loop/Michigan Ave in the former Chicago Motor Club building, and Hyatt Centric The Loop Chicago. Each occupies a documented Art Deco building, but each offers a different architectural and accommodation experience.
1. Pendry Chicago – The Glamour of the Carbide & Carbon Building
Pendry Chicago occupies one of Chicago's most recognizable Art Deco skyscrapers: the 1929 Carbide & Carbon Building. Designed by Burnham Brothers, the building originally served as the regional headquarters of Union Carbide and Carbon Company. Its distinctive dark granite base, green terra cotta exterior, and gold-leaf crown make it an especially memorable example of Jazz Age commercial architecture.
The building's champagne-bottle resemblance has become part of its popular architectural story. Its dark and green exterior rises toward a gold-colored crown, creating a dramatic silhouette against the downtown skyline.
The interior also deserves attention. The original design incorporated Belgian marble, polished black granite, bronze detailing, and decorative glass elements.
Today, Pendry Chicago combines contemporary boutique hospitality with the architectural identity of the historic structure. Its guestrooms, dining spaces, and modern amenities provide a different experience from the building's original commercial purpose.
Why consider staying here?
A genuine 1929 Art Deco skyscraper.
A prominent Michigan Avenue location.
Contemporary luxury accommodations.
Easy access to Millennium Park and the Chicago River.
A distinctive setting for architecture enthusiasts and couples.
The hotel is particularly appealing to travelers who want a luxury stay inside an architecturally significant Chicago landmark.
2. Hampton Inn Chicago Downtown/N Loop/Michigan Ave – The Former Chicago Motor Club
The former Chicago Motor Club building offers one of downtown Chicago's most interesting historic hotel experiences. Designed by Holabird & Root and opened in 1928, the building originally served an organization dedicated to automobile travel. Its Art Deco identity is particularly visible in its terra-cotta and limestone facade, decorative metalwork, and impressive historic lobby.
Perhaps its most remarkable feature is the monumental hand-painted mural by Chicago artist John W. Norton. The mural depicts major American automobile routes, reflecting the building's original connection with the emerging culture of road travel.
The restored lobby also features a vintage Ford Model A, adding another layer to the building's motoring heritage.
The former Chicago Motor Club was subsequently adapted into a Hampton Inn, preserving significant architectural elements while accommodating contemporary hotel operations.
Why consider staying here?
Authentic 1928 Art Deco architecture.
A remarkable historic automotive mural.
A location close to Michigan Avenue and the Chicago River.
A distinctive connection to American road-travel history.
An interesting option for heritage travelers seeking something beyond conventional hotel design.
For visitors interested in preservation and adaptive reuse, this building demonstrates how an important piece of Chicago's architectural history can remain part of everyday city life.
3. Hyatt Centric The Loop Chicago – A 1927 Art Deco Office Building Reimagined
Hyatt Centric The Loop Chicago occupies a 22-story Art Deco office building completed in 1927 and designed by architect Frank Chase. Located at 100 West Monroe Street, the building has been adapted into a contemporary hotel while retaining elements of its historic architectural character.
Its significance lies in the relationship between its original commercial architecture and its present-day hospitality function.
Unlike a hotel originally designed for accommodation, this property demonstrates how a historic office building can find a new purpose without losing its connection to the city's architectural past.
Its central location also makes it convenient for exploring the Loop, including Millennium Park, the Art Institute of Chicago, State Street, and the surrounding financial district.
Why consider staying here?
An authentic 1927 Art Deco office building.
A central downtown location.
Contemporary rooms and hotel facilities.
Access to major cultural and architectural attractions.
A practical option for combining business travel with architectural exploration.
For travelers who prioritize location alongside historic character, Hyatt Centric provides a particularly useful starting point for discovering downtown Chicago.
How Do These Chicago Art Deco Hotels Compare?
The three properties share a connection to Chicago's 1920s architectural development, but they differ in their historical purpose, atmosphere, and accommodation experience. Comparing their original identities is a useful way to decide which building best matches your interests and travel plans.
Hotel | Original building | Architectural identity | Best suited for |
Pendry Chicago | Carbide & Carbon Building | Art Deco skyscraper | Luxury and architecture |
Hampton Inn Chicago | Chicago Motor Club | Art Deco landmark | History and automotive heritage |
Hyatt Centric The Loop | 1927 office building | Art Deco | Downtown convenience and architecture |
One distinction is worth remembering: these are not interchangeable hotel experiences. Pendry offers a particularly elaborate architectural setting, the former Motor Club building has a strong historical connection with automobile travel, and Hyatt Centric illustrates the conversion of a commercial office building into a hotel.
The best choice depends on whether you prioritize architectural spectacle, historical interpretation, contemporary amenities, or location.
Where Can You Find Art Deco Hotels in Chicago?
The Chicago Loop is an excellent starting point for discovering Chicago Art Deco hotels. Several significant buildings are located within this central district, making it possible to combine a historic hotel stay with architectural sightseeing, shopping, museums, and cultural attractions.
The Chicago Loop
The Loop is particularly appealing for architecture enthusiasts. Pendry Chicago, Hampton Inn in the former Chicago Motor Club building, and Hyatt Centric The Loop are all located in this district.
Nearby attractions include:
Millennium Park and Cloud Gate.
The Art Institute of Chicago.
The Chicago Riverwalk.
Historic Michigan Avenue buildings.
The Chicago Theatre and State Street.
The city's celebrated architectural landmarks.
Michigan Avenue
Michigan Avenue offers an especially rewarding architectural setting. The Carbide & Carbon Building stands out for its distinctive green and gold exterior, while the surrounding streets contain numerous historic commercial buildings.
Travelers interested in architectural photography will find plenty to explore without having to travel far from downtown accommodations.
Beyond Downtown
Chicago's architectural heritage extends well beyond the Loop. River North, the Near North Side, Wicker Park, and other historic neighborhoods offer additional opportunities to explore architecturally significant buildings.
However, remember that a historic hotel in one of these neighborhoods may represent a different architectural tradition. Beaux-Arts, Classical Revival, and Georgian Revival buildings should not be classified as Art Deco simply because they date from the same period.
How Did Chicago's Art Deco Buildings Become Modern Hotels?
Many historic Chicago hotels are examples of adaptive reuse: the process of giving an existing building a new function while retaining important elements of its architectural identity.
This approach is particularly interesting in Chicago because several buildings now used for hospitality were originally designed for commercial, institutional, or recreational purposes.
Consider three examples:
Carbide & Carbon Building: Originally a corporate headquarters, it became home to Pendry Chicago.
Chicago Motor Club: Originally an automobile organization's headquarters, it was transformed into a Hampton Inn.
Hyatt Centric The Loop: Originally a 1927 office building, it was adapted into a contemporary hotel.
These transformations illustrate how historic architecture can remain useful in a changing city.
Preservation does not necessarily mean that every original room, fixture, or interior arrangement survives. Hotel conversions often require new infrastructure, updated services, accessibility improvements, and modern building systems.
The more meaningful question is which architectural features remain, how they have been treated, and whether the building's historical identity is still legible.
What Should You Consider Before Booking an Art Deco Hotel?
Choosing an Art Deco hotel requires looking beyond attractive photographs. Travelers should consider the authenticity of the building, the features that remain, the hotel's location, and whether its accommodation style suits their needs.
Before making a reservation, consider these five factors:
Architectural authenticity: Confirm that the building itself has a documented Art Deco identity rather than simply featuring contemporary vintage-inspired decoration.
Preserved features: Look for original facades, decorative lobbies, murals, metalwork, and other surviving architectural elements.
Modern amenities: Historic buildings may have different room layouts and interior configurations from purpose-built contemporary hotels.
Location: Consider walking distances to museums, restaurants, public transportation, and the attractions on your itinerary.
Overall value: Compare room rates, included amenities, location, and the experience offered by the building.
A useful booking habit is to examine both exterior and interior photographs. A striking historic facade does not automatically mean that every guestroom retains original architectural details.
Likewise, a carefully modernized interior does not diminish the historical importance of a building. It simply means the architectural experience may be concentrated in its exterior and public spaces.
How Can You Explore Chicago's Art Deco Heritage During Your Stay?
A historic hotel can become the starting point for a much broader architectural experience. Rather than visiting individual buildings without context, travelers can organize their Chicago itinerary around the city's development during the early twentieth century.
A rewarding architecture-focused day might include:
Morning: Explore the Carbide & Carbon Building and the surrounding Michigan Avenue architecture.
Late morning: Walk toward Millennium Park and examine the historic buildings along the Loop's major streets.
Afternoon: Visit the Art Institute of Chicago and explore the nearby cultural attractions.
Evening: Return to your hotel and enjoy its historic setting, contemporary dining, or rooftop experience.
For a more comprehensive understanding, consider a Chicago River architecture cruise. Seeing the city's skyscrapers from the water offers a different perspective on their proportions, decorative facades, and relationship with the urban landscape.
This combination of accommodation and architectural exploration makes heritage travel particularly rewarding.
Discover Chicago's Historic Art Deco Hotels
Chicago's Art Deco buildings represent an important chapter in the city's architectural history. Their geometric ornament, elaborate materials, vertical compositions, and connections with the Jazz Age offer travelers a distinctive alternative to conventional accommodation.
Whether it is the dramatic Carbide & Carbon Building, the automotive heritage of the former Chicago Motor Club, or the adaptive reuse of a 1927 office building, each property offers a different perspective on the city's architectural evolution.
Finding the right hotel means understanding not only where you will sleep, but also what the building represents.
Chicago Historic Hotels, an independent heritage-travel guide and initiative of Preservation Chicago, helps travelers discover architecturally significant accommodations through carefully curated historic hotel collections. Its Jazz Age and Art Deco collection provides another starting point for exploring Chicago's historic buildings and the stories behind them.
For travelers who believe that a destination should be experienced as much as visited, choosing an Art Deco hotel can make the architecture part of the journey itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the best Art Deco hotels in Chicago?
Three particularly noteworthy options are Pendry Chicago in the Carbide & Carbon Building, Hampton Inn Chicago Downtown/N Loop/Michigan Ave in the former Chicago Motor Club, and Hyatt Centric The Loop Chicago. All occupy documented Art Deco buildings, although their original purposes and present-day hotel experiences differ.
2. Is Pendry Chicago located in a historic building?
Yes. Pendry Chicago occupies the 1929 Carbide & Carbon Building, designed by Burnham Brothers. The building is a designated Chicago Landmark and is recognized for its green terra cotta exterior, gold-leaf crown, and distinctive Art Deco architecture.
3. Where can I see authentic Art Deco architecture in downtown Chicago?
The Chicago Loop is an excellent place to explore Art Deco architecture. Notable examples include the Carbide & Carbon Building, the former Chicago Motor Club, and the 1927 office building occupied by Hyatt Centric The Loop Chicago.
4. Is the Chicago Motor Club building now a hotel?
Yes. The former Chicago Motor Club building at 68 East Wacker Place operates as Hampton Inn Chicago Downtown/N Loop/Michigan Ave. Its restored historic lobby, monumental automobile-route mural, and decorative architectural details preserve important elements of its original identity.
5. What is the difference between Art Deco and Jazz Age architecture?
Jazz Age refers broadly to the cultural period associated with the 1920s, while Art Deco is an architectural and decorative style that flourished during that era and continued into the 1930s. They are closely associated, but not every building from the Jazz Age is Art Deco.
6. Are all 1920s Chicago hotels Art Deco?
No. Chicago's historic hotels represent several architectural styles, including Art Deco, Beaux-Arts, Classical Revival, and Georgian Revival. A building's construction date alone does not establish its architectural classification. Examining its documented design and original features is essential.
7. Are Chicago's Art Deco hotels suitable for luxury travelers?
Yes. Pendry Chicago is a particularly relevant option for travelers seeking contemporary luxury within an authentic Art Deco landmark. Other historic properties offer different combinations of architectural character, modern amenities, location, and accommodation styles.
8. What architectural details should I photograph in an Art Deco hotel?
Look for geometric facade patterns, decorative metalwork, terra cotta, marble surfaces, elevator detailing, sculptural reliefs, and original lobby features. The former Chicago Motor Club is especially interesting for its monumental historic mural, while the Carbide & Carbon Building offers a distinctive exterior composition.
9. What is adaptive reuse in historic hotel architecture?
Adaptive reuse involves converting an existing building to serve a new purpose while retaining significant aspects of its architectural character. Chicago's former corporate headquarters, automobile club buildings, and historic office towers demonstrate how older structures can accommodate contemporary hotel operations.
10. How can I find more historic hotels in Chicago?
Explore curated historic hotel collections that organize properties by architectural style, historical period, and neighborhood. Chicago Historic Hotels provides a dedicated Jazz Age and Art Deco collection alongside other architectural and heritage-focused hotel categories.
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