The Emily Hotel

The Emily Hotel Overview

First Impressions

Walking into The Emily Hotel feels like discovering one of those places locals have been quietly keeping to themselves. This four-star boutique property sits right in the heart of Chicago’s West Loop, and honestly, the location alone makes it worth considering. The lobby has this understated elegance — not trying too hard, but you can tell someone put real thought into every detail. What struck me immediately was how the staff seemed to actually know what they were doing, which isn’t always a given these days.

The West Loop Advantage

You know what’s great about staying here? You’re literally in the middle of one of Chicago’s hottest neighborhoods without feeling like you’re trapped in a tourist bubble. The West Loop has transformed into this incredible food scene — I mean, some of the city’s best restaurants are within a few blocks. Couples especially seem to get this location (they rate it 9.6, which is pretty impressive), and I can see why. You can walk to dinner at Girl & the Goat or Au Cheval, then stroll back without dealing with cabs or rideshares. Plus, there’s actual parking at the hotel, which anyone who’s tried to park in Chicago will tell you is basically a miracle.

The Room Experience

The room I stayed in had this modern, clean aesthetic that felt fresh without being cold. Large windows let in plenty of natural light, and the bed was honestly one of the more comfortable ones I’ve encountered in a boutique hotel. What I appreciated was the attention to practical details — good lighting for reading, enough outlets where you actually need them, and a bathroom that doesn’t make you feel like you’re playing Tetris every time you turn around. The design feels distinctly Chicago somehow, though I can’t quite put my finger on why.

Dining and Amenities

The hotel’s restaurant serves up solid American fare with a local twist, and while it’s not going to blow your mind, it’s definitely reliable for those nights when you just want to stay in. Room service was prompt the one time I used it, which is more than I can say for some places. The fitness center is compact but well-equipped, and there’s something refreshing about a hotel that doesn’t oversell what it offers. They keep things simple and do them well, which actually feels pretty sophisticated in its own way.

Why Guests Love It

What really sets The Emily apart is how it manages to feel both polished and approachable. The 8.5 guest rating reflects what I experienced — this isn’t a place that’s trying to be the flashiest option in town, but it consistently delivers on the things that actually matter. The location gets a 9.4 from recent guests, and after spending time in the area, I totally get it. You’re close enough to downtown for business meetings or tourist stuff, but you’re also in a neighborhood that feels alive and authentic. It’s the kind of place where you might actually want to hang out in the lobby with a drink, watching the West Loop buzz by outside.

The Emily Hotel Accommodations

Reviews of The Emily Hotel

• Ivan from United Kingdom (9/10)

  Great location near the city centre, restaurants and bars. Bed was super comfortable, great gym, rooftop cinema and bars in the actual hotel. Great value for money.

• Bozena from Ireland (9/10)

  Excellent room, service and location.

• Katie from United States (9/10)

  Great location and beautifully decorated, nice size rooms

• Giovanni from Italy (9/10)

  great contemporary design
  nice coffee bar open since early morning

• Jessica from Canada (8/10)

  The staff were incredibly kind and it was definitely the best part of my stay. I hope they all get raises, especially the night crew. The pillows were really comfortable and fluffy too.
  The rooms are really lovely and the amenities available, like having an umbrella to use and malin + goetz shampoo, conditioner and body wash were really good. It really came in handy, as I was extending my stay last minute and had run out of some essentials. They also let me check in early which was really great!
  They were kind enough to give me a bunch of extra makeup remover wipes as one wasn’t enough to take off my waterproof/smudge proof stuff. There is also a steamer in the closet which was really handy.

• Barbara from United States (8/10)

  Great location. Nice front desk staff. Good food on patio. Nice coffee bar.

• Gordon from United States (8/10)

  Good location, Attractive lobby and fun restaurant/bar, accommodating and friendly staff, spacious and attractive room.

• Paris from United States (9/10)

  Staff was very friendly and helpful. Room was amazing very clean and put together.

• Janice from United States (9/10)

  Staff was great. Always tried to be helpful.

• Babak from United States (7/10)

  The location and the staff were great

Facilities