When I was looking for hotels for my first trip to Chicago, I turned to social media, and one popped up again and again: theWit.
It’s a four-star Hilton hotel in downtown Chicago where quirky meets modern luxury. Its fun yet elevated design style stood out to me. The hotel was also named one of Chicago’s top hotels in the Condé Nast Traveler’s 2025 Reader’s Choice Awards.
So I stopped scrolling and booked a one-night stay for $240. I was truly in awe of how swanky my room was for the price.
TheWit looks much like other buildings in downtown Chicago — save for the bright-green glass zig-zagging the facade.
The glass strip is technically chartreuse, according to KOO, the architecture firm that gave theWit a makeover in 2023.
The firm said this defining exterior feature is meant to resemble the nearby “L” train tracks.
Entering the lobby felt like stepping into Wonderland.
The lobby was so whimsical, it looked like a scene straight out of “Alice in Wonderland.” Cartoonish pillars showcasing a variety of colors, textures, and patterns reminded me of the Hundertwasser House in Vienna (if you know, you know). The curved, striped couch was reminiscent of the funky knee socks I wore growing up.
The playful design also felt modern and luxurious, from the cozy, organically shaped seating to the marble check-in counter.
While I waited for my room to be ready, I poured myself what I thought was a cup of coffee from a self-service counter, but it turned out to be hot chocolate — how fun.
A staircase in the lobby led to a sunlit mezzanine and a library.
The hotel also has a spa, a gym, and a restaurant, State and Lake Chicago Tavern. There’s a rooftop bar, too, though it was closed for a private event the night of my stay.
After checking in, I headed up to my corner room on the 16th floor.
I booked a King Bed Spa Guestroom, a 445-square-foot corner room with a king bed, a pull-out couch, and all-around views of the bustling downtown streets.
Across from the bed was a TV on a spacious dresser and a desk facing floor-to-ceiling windows. I thought the furniture looked modern and felt high-end.
Mismatched furniture pieces made the room feel unique.
I never would have put those nightstands in the same room. They were different shapes, colors, and materials. Still, I loved how they looked together.
Maybe it was because the bed was simple enough to let them shine, or maybe it was the equally odd pairing of lamps on either side, but somehow it worked.
I saw a similar pattern on the far side of the room. The furniture was understated, and the light fixtures, in varying shapes and sizes, added playful pops of color to the space.
The bathroom felt like a mini spa.
I was thrilled that the floor-to-ceiling windows continued into the bathroom. I spotted layers of buildings reflected in the giant, vibrant, and back-lit asymmetrical mirror above a marble sink.
Across from the mirror was a large soaking tub and a standing shower with products from the boutique toiletry brand Five Wits.
There were high-end amenities, like plush robes and a smart mini-fridge.
The bathrobe was one of the softest and most comfortable I’ve ever experienced at a hotel.
My room at theWit Chicago made me feel immersed in the city while wrapped in luxury.
To me, the ultimate luxury of a room like this is seeing your destination surround you without sacrificing comfort or privacy.
I’ve paid up to $1,000 for similar rooms sitting in high corners with windowed walls. So I was pleasantly surprised that I could get such a high-end experience on a budget at theWit.
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