Gay Friendly Hotels Boystown Chicago

Guide to Gay Friendly Hotels in Baytown Chicago, Illinois (2024 Updated)

Search and book Lesbian and Gay friendly hotels Boystown Chicago, IL.

Lesbiangaybisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights in the United States have evolved in recent decades. However, LGBT Americans may still face some legal and many social challenges not experienced by non-LGBT residents, particularly in states with large conservative populations, such as in the Deep South; in rural areas; and in some Native American tribal nations.

U.S. federal law does not explicitly include protections against discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. In June 2020, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that sexual orientation and gender identity are included under “sex” as a prohibited ground of employment discrimination in the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Illinois is seen as one of the most progressive states in the United States in regard to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights and often viewed as one of the most liberal states in the Midwestern United States.
Home to one of the largest LGBT communities in the Midwestern U.S., Boystown is a bustling neighborhood in West Lakeview. It has hosted Chicago’s annual Pride Parade since 1971 and has charming coffee shops, cool record stores and trendy boutiques along its tree-lined streets. Known for its comedy clubs and offbeat theaters, the area also draws young, hip crowds to its vibrant cocktail bars and nightclubs
Chicago has a long history of being a  gay friendly town and in downtown we can find a few gay friendly bars as well as Sidetrack or Progress Bar Chicago are the most famous gay bars in Boystown, IL.

 Top attractions to visit in Chicago

 

Best Day tours in Chicago:

See more tours in Chicago on GetYourGuide

 

 

1. The Willows Hotel 3* – Gay Friendly Hotels Boystown Chicago

The Willows Hotel
The Willows Hotel

The Willows Hotel is nestled on a tree-lined street in Chicago’s prestigious Lakeview and Lincoln Park neighborhoods.

Free daily breakfast, 24-hour coffee & tea service, free WiFi, and cozy guest rooms featuring modern amenities are included with every stay at the Willows Hotel.

With nearby access to public transport systems, guests at the Willows can easily explore popular city center attractions, including the Steppenwolf Theater and Wrigley Field. The Lincoln Park Zoo along with the scenic Lake Michigan coastline is also only minutes away.

A European-influenced, country-chic hotel on a tree-lined Lakeview street, located a 6-minute walk to Lincoln Park and an 11-minute stroll from the nearest El train station.

The modern, upscale rooms feature flat-screen TVs, free WiFi, bathrobes and high-thread count linens. Suites add a separate living area with French doors.

Freebies include continental breakfast, afternoon cookies, gym access (off-site) and 24-hour coffee & tea service in the lobby.

With a recently renovated lobby space, the whimsy atmosphere and timeless ambiance of the Willows Hotel fits perfectly in this Lakeview and Lincoln Park neighborhood. Free daily breakfast, 24-hour coffee & tea service, free WiFi, and cozy guest rooms featuring modern amenities make every stay at the Willows Hotel comfortable and enjoyable. With nearby access to public transport systems, guests at the Willows can easily explore popular Chicago attractions, including the Steppenwolf Theatre and Wrigley Field. The Lincoln Park Zoo along with the scenic Lake Michigan coastline is also only minutes away.
The Willows was in the perfect location. We had a vehicle so the garage paid parking behind the hotel was very convenient and reasonably priced. I was underwhelmed with the room. It felt old with outdated bathroom, older carpet and dark flesh wall paint. But the room was very clean and our beds & pillows were in good condition. The hallway had a pungent smell of “weed” the entire time we were there. However, we could not smell it in our room. The lift was out of service one day but we were easily able to take the stairs. We would stay here again.
Perfect location for our visit. Wonderful boutique hotel! Great service, staff, and all amenities! The room was comfortable and clean, and quiet! Wonderful restaurants close by, Lincoln park zoo, DePaul Univ.,and Lakeview area all within walking distance of the hotel.
The staff was friendly, helpful, and very knowledgeable. We will definitely be back.
 The location is perfect as you can walk or take a bus anywhere. The hotel staff was professional and very friendly. We felt like we were coming home every evening. What topped off our amazing stay was Dan the Front Desk/Concierge/ Chicago expert!!!!! Dan was extremely professional and friendly. He gave us such great recommendations from what to do on a rainy day or what restaurants to try. We simply felt like family with Dan. If we ever come back to Chicago we will definitely stay at The Willows.
Stayed at The Willows this past weekend. Wanted to be in the Lakeview area and the hotel is in a perfect location, many restaurants close by. Tube station not far for traveling into Chicago. We had a small room, no problems there, only issue was the location of the bathroom door made it difficult to use the sink with the door open. We loved the vintage charm, each evening when we arrived back a nice fire was going in the fireplace, very homey.
Interesting pictures adorn the walls as well. Staff was super friendly, and check in was fast, even considering we arrived after 10pm, and others were checking in also. Nice continental breakfast to start the day, and snacks and drinks in the room for a very reasonable fee was a wonderful touch. Definitely will stay here again when we visit Chicago.
hotels in boystown gay Chicago
hotels in boystown gay Chicago

How much does a room costs at The Willows Hotel?

Prices start 196$/night for Small Queen. The Executive King Room is  261$/room per night with breakfast included – if coming on a honeymoon this is the perfect choice for gay couples.

This guest room features a king sized bed, WiFi access, a flat-screen TV with cable, plush bathrobes, luxury bath amenities and daily continental breakfast.

Where to book online – The Willows Hotel – Gay Hotels Chicago Boystown  – you can find the best hotels deals in Boystown Chicago during Chicago Pride which  is celebrated with much enthusiasm in Chicago IL on Booking.com or Agoda.com or Hotels.com and see more reviews on TripAdvisor.

2. BEST WESTERN PLUS Hawthorne Terrace Hotel  3* – Gay Hotels in Chicago Boystown

gay chicago hotels boystown
gay chicago hotels boystown

his historic hotel is within 10 minutes’ walk of Wrigley Field and the Red Line train to downtown Chicago. It features a glass-enclosed hot tub and contemporary rooms with free Wi-Fi.

A 42 inch flat-screen TV and laptop safe are included in each guest room at Best Western Hawthorne Terrace. A microwave, coffee maker, and refrigerator stocked with free bottled water are provided.

A selection of cardio machines is available at the Hawthrone Terrace’s on-site gym. The front desk offers concierge services 24 hours a day and a continental breakfast is served in the mornings. There is a lush and relaxing interior courtyard as well.

Located in bustling Boystown, this laid-back redbrick hotel is located 0.5 miles from the lakefront and 0.6 miles from the nearest El train station and Wrigley Field.

The casual, homey rooms feature microwaves, mini fridges, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and complimentary bottled water. Suites have hardwood floors, separate living areas with pull-out sofas, and full kitchens with dishwashers and cooktops.

A free continental breakfast buffet is offered daily. Other amenities include parking (fee), and a fitness center with hot tub and sauna.

When you stay at Hawthorne Terrace, you become a part of an amazing community – a community with great heart, culture and a passion for diverse experiences, all nestled in the vibrant Lakeview East & Boystown neighborhood of Chicago. Whether you seek adventurous dining, a vigorous run along Chicago’s lake shore, one-of-a-kind boutique shops, a late night club scene, or coffee and a quiet evening stroll, Hawthorne Terrace is your threshold to this extraordinary community where we encourage you to Live. Play. Stay. Like a Local.
This place is the hotel in the historic neighborhood once known to Chicagoans as Boystown. It’s perfectly placed in the Gayest area of the neighborhood. The hotel itself doesn’t cater to gays only as I’ve witnessed all types of people using the common areas and enjoying their breakfast. The two gentlemen that work at the front desk are what makes this place pop. They always go above and way beyond what a front desk agent or manager should be in my eyes. They are part of the reason I enjoy staying there.
Wonderful location. Super friendly staff. Room was spacious and clean. Wonderful breakfast. Loved walking around on Broadway. Everything you could want was there. I had a great time and Chicago was so fun. Gay friendly as well!

This is a unique place. In the middle of a residential area so you get the feel of living there. We parked for $44 a day in a garage beside the hotel. It was very safe. We walked to the Briar theater for the blue man group and to Wrigley Field for a cubs game. Felt very safe. Lots of restaurants close by and a Starbucks across the street.

Daily breakfast was the standard fair. Maria cleaned our room great. There was a black housekeeper that we saw in the morning and always talked to our grumpy teenager :). We loved it.

If you are uncomfortable with the gay lifestyle do not stay in this area. It is in the middle of boys town which is a gay area. Lots of gay bars and pride flags etc. It was clean and safe.

I would highly recommend this hotel. A great place all the way around and within walking distance of everything you may need.

It’s in the heart of Boystown – a Mecca of sorts for gay midwesterners. It’s not a newer structure but each time I’ve stayed there I’ve had spacious rooms, comfy beds, good AC, and nice showers. This time my room was next door – a suite with a couch area and kitchenette. That was a nice surprise. The breakfast is great. Eat some hot food – eggs and waffles and grab some fruit and granola bars for a snack later. There’s all sorts of coffee and food nearby, and it’s easy to catch a bus downtown or walk about 10 mins to the El.
Enjoyed my stay. Would definitely recommend to a friend who wants to be in that area! Lots of great restaurants around, and cute little shops. Near the gay area of Boystown so great night life and street life. Short walk to many gay bars in Boystown.

A little Thai Place called “Cozy” on the walk back from WRigley to the hotel has amazing food at very reasonable (cheap!) prices and is a place everyone should visit as it is very unique with Pez toys and bobble-heads covering all the walls.

Mia Francesca is a great Italian restaurant on North Clark near the hotel.

Neighbourhood is Wrigleyville / Boystown cusp – very gay positive environment – wonderful neighbourhoods to talk with lovely bars and a great gelato place as well as indie coffee roasters and book-shops.

This is a great hotel in a fantastic location. Our taxi driver from O’Hare informed us on arrival that this area is a well known gay hangout. To be honest, this was not a problem although there was plenty of evidence of Rainbow flags, bars and establishments. I suppose that is why it may be called Boys Town.

The hotel was fantastic, to the point that my partner rated it as the best of the 13 hotels we used between Chicago and Santa Monica. The only slight downside is that there was no bar in the hotel, but there are plenty bars and restaurants, all within easy walking distance. As previous reviews state, Wrigley Field and Belmont Metro station are also well within easy walking distance too.

See pictures of the rooms which were kitted out with plenty of facilities including; coffee maker, microwave, fridge, hair dryer, telephone, free WiFi, twin beds and a very large bathroom/wet room.

The staff were excellent, welcoming and extremely friendly. Breakfast is extensive with loads of choice from fresh fruit, pastries, eggs and bacon, waffle maker, fruit juice and lashings of good quality free coffee.

The room was quiet, the bed was comfortable, the WiFi worked, there was a small, charming courtyard outside in front of the lobby. The staff was attentive and had no problem with me checking out an hour late. You can walk to lots of local bars, gay or straight, and plenty of restaurants.
Gay Friendly Hotels Boystown Chicago
Gay Friendly Hotels Boystown Chicago

How much does a room costs at BEST WESTERN PLUS Hawthorne Terrace Hotel ?

Prices start 130$/night for Queen Room. The Deluxe King Suite with View is  220$/room per night with breakfast included – if coming on a honeymoon this is the perfect choice for gay couples.

This suite features a separate seating area and a fully-equipped kitchen.

Where to book online – BEST WESTERN PLUS Hawthorne Terrace Hotel  – Chicago Gay Hotels in Boystown-  you can find the best hotels deals in Boystown Chicago during Chicago Pride which  is celebrated with much enthusiasm in Chicago IL on Booking.com or Hotelscombined.com or Hotels.com and see more reviews on TripAdvisor.

3. Majestic Hotel 3* – Gay Friendly Hotels Boystown Chicago

Majestic Hotel
Majestic Hotel

Near Wrigley Field, home to baseball’s Chicago Cubs, the historic Majestic Hotel is a great gay friendly hotels Boystown Chicago which  offers easy access to Chicago attractions and a free daily breakfast. It includes complimentary WiFi access and guestrooms with 32-inch flat-screen TV.

Built in the 1920s, the completely non smoking Majestic Hotel provides 24-hour coffee and tea service along with free afternoon cookies. Guests can also enjoy relaxing in the hotel’s sitting area in front of a wood-burning fireplace.

The Lincoln Park Zoo, Second City comedy theater and the Steppenwolf Theater are only a short distance from the Majestic Hotel. Popular concert venue, like the Aragon Ballroom and Vic Theater are nearby.

This upmarket Lakeview hotel is modeled after an English estate. It’s 0.8 miles from Wrigley Field and an 11-minute walk from an El train station offering service to Downtown.

The cozy rooms are warmly decorated and have free Wi-Fi, plus work desks, minibars and flat-screen TVs. Suites add mini fridges and microwaves; some have separate living and dining rooms.

Freebies include continental breakfast and afternoon cookies, plus 24-hour coffee and tea service near the lobby fireplace, and access to a nearby fitness center with a lap pool.

hotel is well known for its friendly staff, who aim to make all guests feel like family. Within walking distance of Wrigley Field and the Red Line \”El\” train, the hotel is also a short drive from downtown Chicago, the Aragon Ballroom, Anshe Emet Synagogue, and music venues such as the Riviera Theater and the Aragon Ballroom.”,”viewport”:”DESKTOP”}]}”>

A hidden gem in the Lakeview & Boys Town  neighborhoods of Chicago, the Majestic Hotel is located on a quiet residential street just steps from Lake Michigan. Cozy and charming, the hotel is well known for its friendly staff, who aim to make all guests feel like family. Within walking distance of Wrigley Field and the Red Line “El” train, the hotel is also a short drive from downtown Chicago, the Aragon Ballroom, Anshe Emet Synagogue, and music venues such as the Riviera Theater and the Aragon Ballroom.

On a recent weekend getaway to Chicago, we decided to stay at the Majestic near Addison and Lake Shore. We’ve stayed at this hotel before and, while much of our activities were going to take place in other parts of the city, we’ve always enjoyed the Majestic’s friendly staff, location and the hotel itself.

This trip lived up to those expectations. Our King Suite room was more than enough room for our two-night stay. The free wi-fi and extra space to spread out really makes the stay more comfortable. They also offer a free breakfast buffet in the lobby in the morning, free coffee and tea throughout the day and fresh cookies in the afternoon.

The staff is great, ready to offer advice on places to eat and things to see and do in the area. It’s a great neighborhood for strolling with Lake Michigan just a few blocks away. They offer some great packages throughout the year directly through their website.

Chicago’s wonderful public train system – specifically the red line – is just a few blocks away. In fact, the Addison Street stop is at the famous Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs. Even if you aren’t a baseball fan, be sure to take a few minutes to check out the view.

Chicago’s Boystown is just a few blocks from the hotel. That means lots of gay and gay-friendly bars, restaurants, shops, etc. in the neighborhood. Most of the activity is located along or near Halstead, but you’ll find all kinds of fun in Chicago. It’s also just a short cab ride downtown, if you prefer.

There is great food of all types all around. Our favorite is Angelina Ristorante, located just a couple of blocks away. It’s a tiny Italian place with maybe the best food in Chicago. You’ll definitely want reservations.

If you’re looking for a comfortable place with easy access to lots of Chicago fun, at a reasonable price, you can’t beat the Majestic Hotel.

This hotel is wonderful. You can feel the history the moment you approach the front door. With close proximity to the lakeshore, Wrigley, and Boys Town, there is a great mix of people staying here and the staff is so welcoming.

You will not find a better value for your money downtown Chicago! Great location just off North Lakeshore and within walking distance to Boys Town. Quaint hotel with a very large and welcoming great room…fireplace, big chairs to lounge in, two great tables, tea/coffee always available. Okay continental breakfast (cereal, yogurt, Danish…but included and enough to get you going). Staff is very friendly and helpful. Room was a decent size and the bed was comfortable. What really impressed me though, the mini bar with good snack and liquor options was extremely reasonable…as in, there were plenty of $1 options. They even had two bottles of red as an option for only $15! Seriously?! I might not have ever left.

Gay Friendly Hotels Boystown Chicago
Gay Friendly Hotels Boystown Chicago

How much does a room costs at Majestic Hotel ?

Prices start 245$/night for Standard Queen Room. The Suite with One King Bed  is  261$/room per night with breakfast included – if coming on a honeymoon this is the perfect choice for gay couples.

Offers a kitchenette, separate sitting area, luxury bathrobes and multi-channel flat-screen cable TV. Also includes access to the hotel fitness club.

Where to book online – Majestic Hotel Chicago  -Gay Friendly Hotels Boystown Chicago – you can find the best hotels deals in Boystown Chicago during Chicago Pride which  is celebrated with much enthusiasm in Chicago IL on Booking.com or Hotelscombined.com or Hotels.com and see more reviews on TripAdvisor.

by Sorin

Sorin is a freelance travel writer. He is an experienced travel writer and traveller. Since 2012 he explored more than 60 countries on 4 continents: Asia, Europe, Africa and North America. Currently is based in Romania after spending the last 7 years in Myanmar.