Chicago O'Hare International Airport: where to stay, areas and…

O'Hare is among the big hubs with the simplest connection: the Blue Line starts at the airport, runs 24 hours a day and reaches the Loop in about 45 minutes. That is why anyone with time in Chicago can sleep in the city without much trouble, even with a mid-morning flight. Staying near the terminals makes sense with one-night connections, with departures before dawn and on bad-weather days, when those sleeping in the city risk a longer journey. Halfway there is Rosemont, with shuttle hotels, or Wicker Park, easy to reach on the same line.

At the airport

The Hilton Chicago O'Hare Airport is on the Terminal 2 forecourt: a covered underground passage of about five minutes on foot links terminals 1, 2 and 3 and the Blue Line station.

Best for: One-night layovers and flights before 7, even in bad weather, when every extra transfer weighs.

Pros

From bed to terminals 1, 2 and 3 on foot, sheltered from the cold
The Blue Line to the Loop can be reached without going outdoors
Soundproofed windows and blackout curtains, useful for sleeping by day

Cons

Only terminals and roads around, no evening life
To reach Chicago you need 45 minutes of Blue Line
The hotel is dated: many reviews mention interiors in need of renovation

Recommended hotels in this area

Hilton Chicago O'Hare Airport: The only hotel inside the airport, with a covered passage to terminals 1, 2 and 3 and the Blue Line; soundproofed windows and blackout curtains.

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Rosemont

Airport area · About 1.5 miles from the airport, with a free shuttle running round the clock (for example at the Embassy Suites); the Rosemont Blue Line station is close.

Best for: Late arrivals and morning departures in an area with more choice and restaurants than the terminal.

Pros

Free shuttle to the terminal, even at night
The Rosemont Blue Line station lets you get to Chicago
More chains to choose from than in the terminal

Cons

An area of offices and conventions, with a business-trip feel rather than a holiday one
The Blue Line ride to the Loop is still about three quarters of an hour
To see Chicago you still have to take the Blue Line

Recommended hotels in this area

Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago O'Hare/Rosemont: Suites with breakfast, indoor pool and a free round-the-clock shuttle to the airport; two blocks from the Rosemont Blue Line station.

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The Loop

Near the airport link · Blue Line directly from the airport to the Loop stops in about 45 minutes, 24 hours a day; by taxi or app 30-45 minutes depending on traffic.

Best for: Those visiting Chicago for several days who want museums, Millennium Park and Michigan Avenue on foot.

Pros

The Blue Line takes you from the airport to the Loop with no changes, at any hour
Millennium Park and the Art Institute can be reached on foot
A wide choice of historic and chain hotels

Cons

The Blue Line takes about 45 minutes with luggage
In bad weather the taxi ride to O'Hare can take over an hour
For departures before 7 the margin is thin

Recommended hotels in this area

Chicago Athletic Association: A building from 1890 on Michigan Avenue, opposite Millennium Park and the Art Institute; rooftop terrace, restaurants and a gym open around the clock.

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Wicker Park

Neighbourhood · Blue Line directly from the airport to Damen, a few steps from the listed hotel; the stop comes before the Loop and the service runs 24 hours a day.

Best for: Those who want a lively neighbourhood, with bars and shops, but to stay on the Blue Line.

Pros

Blue Line with no changes between the airport and Damen, day and night
Bars, restaurants and independent shops on foot
A small design hotel in an Art Deco building

Cons

The Loop museums are further away, you need the Blue Line
Rooms at the junction of three busy streets: better to ask for a high floor
Fewer hotels to choose from than in the Loop

Recommended hotels in this area

The Robey: An Art Deco building from 1929 converted into a hotel in 2016, 89 rooms, at the junction of Damen, North and Milwaukee, near the Damen Blue Line stop.

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