The Langham Chicago

The Langham Chicago, a Michelin Two-Keys property, consistently garners high praise for its luxurious offerings, impeccable service, and prime location. It is frequently cited as one of the best hotels in Chicago and even the United States.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The overall sentiment for The Langham Chicago is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing their stays as "exceptional" and "perfect." Review platforms consistently show high ratings, often in the 9.4 to 9.7 out of 10 range for aspects like cleanliness, staff, comfort, and location. In 2026, it was notably ranked as the third-best hotel in the United States by U.S. News & World Report.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud The Langham Chicago for several standout features:

• Exceptional Service: The staff's attentiveness and professionalism are frequently highlighted as a major draw.
• Prime Location: Overlooking the Chicago River, its downtown position offers unparalleled convenience to major attractions.
• Elegant Design: The hotel blends urban sophistication with refined luxury, housed within a landmark Mies van der Rohe-designed building.
• Resort-Style Amenities: The Chuan Spa, a 67-foot indoor pool, and a well-equipped fitness center provide a relaxing retreat.
• The Langham Club Lounge: This exclusive lounge offers all-day refreshments, including breakfast, afternoon tea, evening hors d'oeuvres, and cocktail service, greatly enhancing the guest experience for those with access.
• Afternoon Tea: The signature "Afternoon Tea with Wedgwood" in the Pavilion is a cherished tradition, often themed and featuring delightful culinary creations.
• Spacious Rooms: Starting at 516 square feet, the rooms are among the largest in the city.

3. Room Quality

The rooms and suites at The Langham Chicago are celebrated for their spaciousness, comfort, and sophisticated design. They are richly styled with midcentury-inspired furnishings and art, exuding a polished, European aesthetic. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer expansive views of the city or Chicago River, creating a sense of immersion in the urban landscape.

Key room features include deep soaking tubs, soothing rain showers, and high-quality in-house Chuan Spa amenities. Guests appreciate electronic controls for room functions, including blackout drapes and sheer curtains, and comfortable beds with a variety of pillow options. Many bathrooms feature a "wet room" style, combining the shower and a large bathtub behind a glass panel, sometimes with privacy glass that can be frosted with a button. Complimentary Wi-Fi and Nespresso coffee makers are standard. Some suites also include a separate makeup vanity and dressing area, enhancing the luxurious feel.

4. Dining Experience

The Langham Chicago offers distinctive culinary experiences:

• Travelle Kitchen + Bar: The hotel's main restaurant serves a contemporary take on seasonal American cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Its lounge is popular for superb cocktails and light bites.
• The Pavilion: This serene space hosts the renowned "Afternoon Tea with Wedgwood," a highlight for many guests, featuring petite sandwiches, homemade pies, scones, and proprietary tea selections.
• The Langham Club Lounge: For Club-level guests, the lounge provides an extensive all-day offering, including a breakfast buffet (with a la carte options like omelets and avocado toast), afternoon tea, evening hors d'oeuvres, and wine/cocktail service. It also features fresh, cold-pressed juices and a delightful candy bar with Garrett's Popcorn in the evenings.
• Room Service: Guests commend the quality of room service, with items like the shrimp pasta and BLT receiving positive mentions.

5. Service & Staff

The service at The Langham Chicago is consistently rated as exceptional and a major contributing factor to guest satisfaction. Staff members are described as attentive, friendly, and professional, often going above and beyond to make guests feel "honored and treasured." Many guests note that staff members remember their names, adding a personalized touch to their stay. From doormen and bellmen assisting with bags to proactively refilling drinks in the lounge, the hospitality is frequently highlighted. The hotel is known for implementing high Asian service standards.

6. Location & Accessibility

The Langham Chicago boasts a prime downtown location on Wabash Avenue, offering stunning views of the Chicago River. It is ideally situated within easy walking distance to many of Chicago's premier attractions, including the Magnificent Mile for shopping, Millennium Park, the Chicago Riverwalk, and the Loop.

Housed in the first 12 floors of a 52-story landmark building designed by modernist architect Mies van der Rohe, the hotel itself is an architectural marvel. Accessibility is a strong point, with all public spaces being wheelchair accessible, including a step-free main entrance and accessible elevators. Designated accessible parking spots and a chairlift for the pool are also available, and even entry-level rooms are designed for wheelchair maneuverability. The hotel is conveniently located for access to both O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Midway International Airport (MDW), with taxi or ride-hailing services typically taking 45-90 minutes depending on traffic. Public transport options, including the Red and Blue lines, are also easily accessible.

7. Value & Pricing

The Langham Chicago is considered a luxury property and, while a "splurge," is widely regarded as worth the cost for the opulent experience it provides. Entry-level Deluxe rooms typically start from $363 to $460 per night, with rates often exceeding $600. Suites, such as Junior Suites, begin around $674 per night, and larger One Bedroom Lakeview suites can exceed $1,164 per night.

Guests often find the added perks of Club-level accommodations, including access to the Langham Club Lounge with its extensive food and beverage offerings, to significantly enhance the value. Guest reviews reflect a good value for money, with an average rating of 8.6-8.7 out of 10.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, some recurring issues or criticisms have been noted:

• Lobby Location: The lobby being on the second floor means there isn't an immediate sense of "walk-in grandeur" directly from the street.
• Pool Crowding: The indoor swimming pool can become quite busy on weekends, occasionally leading to a scarcity of seating.
• Housekeeping Awareness: Some guests have mentioned minor instances of housekeeping knocking on their door when they were in the room, suggesting a slight lapse in staff awareness compared to some other top-tier hotels.
• City Noise: Despite the high-quality construction, expansive windows on lower floors can sometimes allow city noise, particularly sirens, to be noticeable.
• In-Room Technology: Some reviews indicate that the in-room televisions may not offer the most modern smart TV capabilities like streaming or AirPlay. Additionally, complex lighting controls can be a bit confusing for some guests.
• Spa Experience Variability: While generally highly praised, one reviewer found a specific massage at the Chuan Spa to be rushed and not up to their expectations.
• Dining Seating: Dinner in Travelle's lounge area, with its low seats and tables, might feel a bit awkward for a traditional dinner setting.
• Towel Quantity: A minor complaint mentioned was the initial limited number of towels provided in the bathroom.

Sources

1. glenntedja.com
2. timeout.com
3. kayak.com
4. agoda.com
5. booking.com
6. booking.com
7. hotels.com
8. timeout.com
9. theluxurytravelexpert.com
10. inspirato.com
11. thepointsguy.com
12. alhi.com
13. michelin.com
14. cosmopolitan.com
15. choosechicago.com
16. luxlifelondon.com
17. reddit.com
18. momondo.com
19. hotelscombined.com
20. youtube.com