The West Loop's Soho House was this year's media darling as it was one the city's most anticipated hotel openings. The hotel is located in a former factory and blends modern luxury with old school Chicago industrial charm and has helped continue laying the groundwork for bringing more high-end boutique hotels to the Chicago neighborhoods.

The long anticipated Valerio DeWalt Train designed Godfrey Hotel is one of the latest entries to River North's booming hotel scene. The ultra trendy cubist-inspired Godfrey sports 221 brand new custom furnished rooms and is also the home of the indoor/outdoor rooftop lounge IO Urban Roofscape.

The spiritual successor to The Amalfi Hotel, the Kinzie represents a complete conceptual and physical overhaul of its predecessor. The "new" boutique hotel pays homage to Chicago history and culture through its custom Windy City inspired interior decor, art and furnishings.

The Thompson Chicago is another fan favorite and expert panel approved hotel famous for its super cool aesthetics and decor. A Gold Coast "lifestyle" boutique hotel, the Thompson has recently nabbed a spot on Travel + Leisure's It List of Best New Hotels for 2014.

A consistent fan favorite, the Dana Hotel & Spa makes another appearance on our list of essential Chicago hotels for combining its boutique hotel room offerings with luxurious zen-like pampering. Slightly austere yet inviting, the Spa at Dana is serious about relaxation and wellness.

Located in the heart of Lincoln Park, the Hotel Lincoln is a trendy spot that predates the plethora of new hotels that are following the formula of featuring custom made furniture, artwork from local artists and the historic Chicago theme. It also has a really great rooftop space.

The gargantuan Hilton Chicago opened in 1927 boasts a whopping 1,544 rooms and overlooks Grant Park. The hotel is famous for being a favorite of US Presidents, and making cameo appearances in many popular Chicago-based movies including Road to Perdition, U.S. Marshals, My Best Friend's Wedding and The Fugitive.

Host to one of the most beautiful hotel lobbies in the city, the meticulously preserved Palmer House is a Chicago icon and the second largest hotel in the Windy City. The utterly palatial landmark hotel was founded by early department store magnate Palmer Potter in the late 19th century but purchased by hotelier Conrad Hilton in 1945.

A luxury gem off the Magnificent Mile, the James Chicago is a popular destination for travelers and locals alike who appreciate a true boutique hotel without the stuffiness. The 297 room hotel has received numerous awards including accolades for its David Burke’s Primehouse restaurant.

Initially designed by John Root of Daniel Burnham's architectural outift, and completed by Charles Atwood in 1895, the Reliance Building is a shining representation of the early skyscrapers that made the Chicago School of architecture world famous. Holding nearly every landmark designation under the sun, the building was restored in the late 90s and reborn as the Hotel Burnham in 1999. This unique hotel is an absolute must visit for architecture and history buffs.

A mainstay of Chicago's five star circuit, the Langham is not only a fan favorite, but also recommended by many on our expert panel and ranked #1 on Tripadviser's Chicago hotels list. Expect five star accommodations, service and prices. A weekend stay at the primo spot can easily cost as much as a month's rent for many Chicagoans.

As polarizing as The Donald is, most Chicagoans can agree that the Trump International Hotel and Tower is one of the most exciting architectural works of recent years. The five star hotel also boasts a Michelin-rated restaurant and a primo location along the Chicago River near popular tourist destinations and Mag Mile shopping.

A popular spot for tourists and business travelers alike, the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel is housed in the award-winning Jeanne Gang designed Aqua skyscraper. Although its guest rooms may not be as exciting as other nearby options, the hotel is surprisingly affordable considering its New East Side location, lake views and proximity to shopping and other popular tourist destinations.

The final super luxe on our list, the Waldorf Astoria Chicago holds its own among the finest hotels in North America with an incredibly long list of accolades, being named the best hotel in Chicago last year by Travel & Leisure and U.S. News & World Report. The hotel has also recently tapped chef and culinary virtuoso Brendan Sodikoff to head up its entire food and beverage program, including the menu of its lauded restaurant, Balsan.