Budget Hotels in Downtown / River North, Chicago — Real Prices
$108/night
Avg Price
0.0 mi
To Downtown
Yes
Walkable
Excellent
Nightlife
Paid
Parking
Downtown Chicago and River North form the walkable core of the city, home to the Magnificent Mile, Navy Pier, and world-class dining. It's the most convenient area for visitors but also the priciest — Chicago's 17.4% hotel tax hits hardest here. Budget hotels are scarce downtown, but you're steps from everything.
Pros
Cons
🛡️ Safety: Generally safe. River North is well-patrolled. Avoid Lower Wacker Drive area at night.
HI Chicago Hostel
0.5 mi from Magnificent Mile
Cheapest clean option downtown. Shared rooms. Kitchen access saves on meals. Great location.
via Booking.com
Also available:
Freehand Chicago
0.2 mi from Magnificent Mile
Boutique hostel-hotel hybrid. Private rooms available. Excellent bar. Steps from Michigan Ave.
Congress Plaza Hotel
1.0 mi from Magnificent Mile
Historic landmark hotel. Grand lobby, dated rooms. $30 in hidden fees feels excessive for the condition.
Best Western River North
0.3 mi from Magnificent Mile
Premium location in River North. Rooms are standard chain quality. $24 in fees for the location tax.
Landmarks in Downtown / River North
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This site contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission when you book through our links, at no extra cost to you. Prices shown were last verified on 2026-02-13 and may have changed.