The 21 Best Hotels In The World According To Real Travelers On Tripadvisor

Imagine sipping Champagne above a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, or indulging in a heavenly spa treatment with the Manhattan skyline in view. Even if your wallet can't quite stretch to a full-blown luxury getaway, sprinkling a touch of luxe into your travels can turn an ordinary trip into a memorable adventure. That idea sparked our new series, Flights of Fancy, where we take you along for a trip to the luxury experiences around the cities we adore.

Chicago is the U.S.’s third-biggest city, and one of its most exciting. While the city is undoubtedly the financial and cultural center of the Midwest, Chicago shouldn’t be relegated to a regional hub. A true global city, this diverse and sprawling metro has a lengthy history of influence in architecture, music, design, and the culinary arts, not to mention comedy and theater.

One of the benefits of taking a trip to Chicago is that it doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. Sure, it’s not going to be super cheap to visit any major city, but in comparison to the U.S.’s coastal hotspots, Chicago is a fantastic deal. If you’re particularly intrigued by the Windy City’s emphasis on architecture and design, you shouldn’t miss The Robey hotel.

Located in one of Chicago’s hippest and most bustling neighborhoods — Wicker Park — The Robey stands out for its mid-century modern design, many amenities, and fantastic location for exploring the local shops, eats, and nightlife.

About the Neighborhood

One of the biggest benefits of The Robey is its surrounding scene. Wicker Park has made countless lists of the coolest neighborhoods in the country, and for good reason — from the art murals adorning its historic buildings to the many thrift shops, speakeasies, and gourmet bakeries gracing its streets, it has all the makings of a hipster oasis, even if it’s a little more established these days. Ukrainian Village also borders Wicker Park to the South along Division Street, and has its own share of incredible shops, restaurants and bars.

Here’s how to get the most out of visiting this iconic hotel, no matter your budget. Plus, what to do in the neighborhood!

Stay At The Robey (Budget: $160+)

Booking a room at The Robey can be pretty reasonable. You can score the best deal by booking in the off season, staying Sunday through Monday, and springing for a Queen-sized room. Even The Robey’s most modest rooms are stunning design-wise, boasting decor that looks straight out of a West Elm catalog.

The main draw of every room at The Robey may be the decor, but a close second is the Wicker Park neighborhood’s buzzing energy. You’ll get to view the city lights through your window and revel in all the neighborhood has to offer once you step outside The Robey’s doors.

Every room comes with full access to the hotel’s amenities, which include rooftop pool (open seasonally), personal care items from Le Labo (like we said, this place doesn’t mess around when it comes to good branding), and complementary bikes you can use to traverse the bike-friendly near northwest side of Chicago. You’ll be right on Milwaukee Ave., a busy corridor that has a bike lane connecting the fashionable neighborhoods of Wicker Park, Logan Square, and Avondale.

Dine At The Robey (Budget: $50+)

If a stay at The Robey isn’t in your budget, consider checking out the hotel via Cafe Robey. Chef Michael Elliott serves up comfort food with a seasonal twist, and get this — you can get brunch at any time of day. Dreams really do come true.

If The Robey’s all-day brunch is what you’re craving, spring for the Duck Hash, Biscuits and Gravy, or the Chilaquiles, accompanied by refined yet indulgent sides like the Maple Glazed Pork Belly or the Whipped Ricotta with cherry pepper jam, honey, and sea salt.

More in the mood for dinner fare? We can’t recommend the Roasted Chicken enough, but if you’re more in the mood for something carby, the Ricotta Gnocchi is where it’s at. Wash whatever you choose down with Cafe Robey’s curated wine list or one of their many carefully crafted cocktail options.

Grab Drinks At The Robey (Budget: $20+)

If your budget is pretty limited but you still want a little bit of the Robey experience, head to one of the hotel’s three stunning bars. You could stay ground-level and check out Clever Coyote, a ‘90s inspired nostalgia bar that serves up tiki-style drinks and delicious bar food, all while letting you people watch from a cozy table in a gorgeous environment.

Got your sights set a little higher? Take the elevator up to the Up Room, The Robey’s 13th-floor lounge that allows you to take in the city skyline for miles and miles. The building is the tallest in the area, so nothing will block your view of the endless city lights.

Somewhere in the middle (more specifically, on the 6th floor) is the Cabana Club, which offers some great views that are a little more down-to-earth, though just as exciting. Take in all the sights and sounds of the city, from the El train passing by to views of the iconic John Hancock tower. This is also where the rooftop pool is located — and it’s open to all during the summer months!

Spend The Day In Wicker Park

Sure, you’ll find mainstay shopping destinations like Lululemon, Aesop, Free People, and Yeti along the corridors, but you’ll also discover some amazing and unique shops. Head to Una Mae’s for stylish clothing and gifts, or Kokoroko for curated vintage finds and kitsch items straight out of decades past.

Some must-visit culinary destinations include Big Star (seriously, the world’s best craft tacos and margaritas), Ina Mae tavern, and Folklore, an Argentine grill just steps away on Division. Oh, and cap off the evening with drinks at Violet Hour, the neighborhood’s famed speakeasy, or The Rainbo Club, an infamous dive bar that’s been in business since 1933.

In addition to all the shopping and eating you can do, there are plenty of opportunities to simply people-watch and spend time outdoors, too. Check out the neighborhood's eponymous Wicker Park, located right in the heart of the neighborhood. Sprawl out and admire the brick Chicago-style homes that line the street, or take a quick walk up to the 606, an old El train line that’s since been converted into a walking path and greenspace-boasting connecting corridor between many of the city’s neighborhoods.

With all that just outside your doorstep, it might be easy to forget the incredible scenery and culinary pleasures that await you when you return to your hotel for the night.

Main Photo: The Robey

Follow along for all your summer travel needs with our Flights of Fancy series and Jetset Journeys series.

With a policy that states "any pet that can fit through the door" is welcome, you know your pets will feel right at home here. What sets it apart from other pet-friendly hotels is that there are so many open spaces that allow your pets to explore and feel like they're on vacation, too! The hotel makes sure that its pet guests are well-taken care of by offering pet beds, food and water, treats, and waste bags.

The Asbury Hotel allows pups into every one of their 110 rooms! Guests have convenient access to a dog beach and are able to participate in a Yappy Hour at The Wonder Bar down the street! Plus, The Asbury donates half of its $100 pet fee to local animal charity, Rescue Ridge.

Does this resort remind anyone else of the one from High School Musical 2? Give your pet the ultimate Sharpay experience at this luxurious hotel that is very pet-friendly. There are certain rooms that allow for dogs and cats, as well as hikes and outdoor activities *specifically* designed for furry friends.

You might not expect a pet-friendly hotel to scream "luxury," but this one certainly does. Not only is it very bougie for the human guests, but also for the pet ones. The hotel has its very own doggie ambassador (who you can follow on Instagram) and provides its four-legged guests with access to a "biscuit bar." There is an additional package called the "Fairmont Furiend" which gives pets an even more elevated experience, including a biscuit box, local discount cards, a list of dog-friendly spots, and more.

Dogs are welcome almost everywhere on The Landing Hotel — the only exception is the pool! They can go on the provided shuttle, and with so much open space to run around and play around the property, your dog will have the time of their life.

Spoil your pets in the 90210! Two pets, dog or cat, are allowed in the hotel for a fee of $150 per pet. There is a "Pampered Puppy" room service menu that allows you to treat your pets like royalty with options like filet mignon. Bone appetite! 😉

A trip to Hawaii can only be made better by bringing along your furry friend. The Surfjack Hotel has their own resident dog named Jack (here's his Instagram if you want some cuteness overload) that your pup can play with! There's a drop-off doggie daycare and even the opportunity for your dog to learn to surf with you. It's giving Lilo & Stitch in the *best* of ways.

This quaint little hotel feels straight out of the pages of a whimsical book. Located in Cape May, New Jersey, part of what makes this hotel so ideal for dogs is that it is just a quick drive away from Cape May's most popular dog beach. It seems like the entire town is set up for doggie fun, with dog-friendly wineries and restaurants. The hotel writes the names of each dog guest in the lobby, and they make sure that there is a treat waiting for them when they check in!

This luxurious hotel welcomes dogs of all shapes and sizes, plus they have a number of amenities designed to provide you and your pup with the ultimate experience. These include pet sitting, dog walking, and a pet spa! What really sets this hotel apart is that there are no additional pet fees, making it a more budget-friendly option.

While a lot pet-friendly hotels only welcome dogs through the door, the Hewing Hotel allows cats as well! There's a big grassy area where pets can roam free and enjoy themselves, and there are treats available for them to indulge in when they return.

This picturesque hotel makes for the perfect getaway for you and your pet. It has all the bells and whistles, including doggie bags filled with treats, puppy turndown service, a pet-friendly spa, and a multi-course dog food menu!

Located on the beautiful Oak Creek, this hotel is a great getaway for dogs and their owners. The hotel provides everything you need, including dog beds, leashes, bowls, treats, toys, and clean-up bags. There are a number of walking trails nearby that allow you and your pup to explore.

This luxury downtown Portland hotel allows for two of your pets to join in the fun! There is a park right by the hotel for your pup to explore and dog beds and bowls are provided.

This boutique hotel in the heart of downtown Tennessee boasts the best for your four-legged friend. There is a dog in-residence named Harry who greets guests when they enter. There is a dog park within walking distance and pups are welcome in the in-house cafe. The best part is that the hotel helps raise funds for the Nashville Humane Association!

The Line (Washington, DC)

All pets are welcome at The Line in Washington, DC. An added benefit is that there are no extra fees and no weight limits! Complimentary cleanup bags, water bowls, and treats are provided, and there are additional hotels in Austin, LA, and San Francisco that have the same pet policies!

It's all in the details at The Chatwal! It's located in Manhattan's theater district and provides the ultimate doggie NYC experience. They provide a yellow cab plushy, a pet bed, Chatwal-themed food bowls and tag, and a dog food menu that looks like a playbill.

Both dogs and cats are welcome at the Bristol Hotel! Guests are provided with pet beds, food, water bowls, treats, and toys for a very fun and comfortable time! There is also a grassy relief area and places for pets to meander.

Djerf Avenue Summer Field Top

How could we talk about Scandi summer style and not mention the Scandinavian style icon herself, Matilda Djerf? She's the queen of the effortlessly cool style that we're talking about. This top is one of their new pieces, and it's just perfect to throw on with a pair of shorts and ballet flats for the summer. I've purchased so many items from this brand, and every single piece is so high quality! It'll definitely make you feel like a Scandi cool girl in no time. 100/10 for me!

Djerf Avenue Airy Midi Dress

Another amazing Djerf Avenue find! It's currently number 1 on my wishlist for Scandinavian girl summer given how versatile it is! I love the flowy, effortlessness of the dress, especially styled with dainty flats like above! This will make for the easiest outfit combo to throw on when you're in a hurry, but still want to look chic.

Pink Stripe Linen Shorts

Striped linen shorts are the #1 essential of mastering Scandinavian style! They're in practically every Scandinavian cool-girl's closet, and can be worn in a multitude of ways. With flats and a sweater, a matching set with Birkenstocks, the list goes on and on. A versatile essential for the summertime!

Havaiana Flip Flops

These flip flops are not only one of the most popular Scandi-girl shoes, but they're also insanely affordable! You may think, "But these are just basic flip flops?" And while yes that is true, they're also just the perfect casual statement to add to a fancier look. Scandi girl aesthetic is all about comfort and looking effortlessly cool, so if you're wearing something traditionally more fancy like a maxi dress, then throw these on to add the signature Scandinavian style to it!

Topshop Linen Button Down

Another incredibly versatile piece is a linen button down. You can throw it over so many outfit options like a dress or linen pants or even as a cover-up like above! This is a staple to take an outfit to the next level, adding an additional layer or dimension to an otherwise simple look.

Birkenstock Boston Clogs

You may think that these are more of a fall and winter shoe, but scandi girls love these for the summer! I have to say that I agree as well. I wear these everywhere in the summer. I wear them with matching shorts and button down sets, or to the beach, or even sometimes with denim skirts! They're also insanely comfortable so definitely add this to your "minimalist wishlist."

Abercrombie Linen Pant

Pajama style is seriously taking off right alongside the rise of Scandi style — and that's because they were the ones to revolutionize it! Really though, pajama sets in public are so in, and I'm here for it! I love these exactly styled how they are above with a white tank (another Scandi basic), flip flops, and a straw bag!

Canvas Tote Bag

Scandi girls are always on the go, so they're always carrying a classic, tote bag to carry everything they need! I love this stylish option from Amazon for under $20. You can use it as an everyday accessory, or as a beach bag, in typical Scandi fashion.

Oval Sunglasses

The perfect accessory to every Scandinavian outfit? You guessed it, oval sunglasses. These ones from Amazon are so affordable so you can get the Scandi girl look on a budget. They come in black and — my favorite — brown leopard!

Petal & Pup Linen Set

Scandi girl summer is all about linen. It's breezy, easy, and so comfortable. Bonus points if it comes in a matching set like this one does! You can pair this cute set with your oval sunglasses, tote, and Birkenstock clogs!