The hype
Travelers are universally relieved by how clean and new everything feels compared to aging downtown hotels.
Hampton Inn & Suites Chicago Medical District UIC
$125-215/ night
Book this if You're visiting Rush/UIC, catching a Bulls game, or want a brand-new, quiet room for half the price of a Loop hotel.
Why People Love It
- Brand new property (opened ~2024) that still smells like fresh drywall
- Walking distance to the United Center without the chaos of staying downtown
- Reliably spotless rooms that are significantly larger than city average
Quick Take: A sterile, sparkling-clean sanctuary in the Medical District that's perfect for sleep but boring for nightlife unless you Uber one mile east.
Reviewed by @Astoldbyariugc: I was surprised by how much I loved this stay! The skyline view from my room was incredible at sunset, and the bed was super comfy. Having a solid gym and pool made it feel like a real getaway, even for a short trip. Definitely grab the malted vanilla waffles at breakfast!
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
You will likely need to drive or rideshare for a proper dinner; the immediate walking options are limited to fast casual and hospital cafeterias.
- You prioritize a dead-silent, clean room over a trendy lobby scene
- You are attending an event at the United Center and want to walk home
- You have a car—parking is easy and cheaper ($30) than downtown valets
Cleanliness & Maintenance
9.5
- Housekeeping: Impeccable. Reviews consistently cite 'spotless' rooms and 'brand new' feel.
- Bathroom hygiene: Sparkling. Grout is white, chrome shines, and no reports of mold or mildew.
- Maintenance: Flawless. Everything works because it's practically new.
- Linens & towels: Fresh, crisp, and plentiful. No threadbare towels here yet.
- Odors & scents: Neutral to fresh. The lingering scent of new construction materials is the only notable smell.
Sleepability™
9SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Occasional ambulance sirens (it is the Medical District, after all)
- Hallway noise if near connecting rooms during United Center events
Before you book
Good to know
- Daily parking is ~$30 with in/out privileges, which is a steal for Chicago
- The 'L' Pink Line (Polk Station) is an 11-minute walk, connecting you to the Loop
- Mobile check-in and Digital Key work reliably here
What to pack
- Rideshare app loaded—you'll use it to get to West Loop dining
- Swimsuit for the kids (indoor pool is small but heated)
- Earplugs just in case of sirens, though the windows are good
Room Genie
Best picks
- East-facing rooms on high floors for a surprisingly good view of the Chicago skyline
- Corner suites for extra square footage if traveling with family
Rooms to avoid
- Rooms near the elevators—standard advice, but holds true here for morning foot traffic
- Connecting rooms if you are a light sleeper, as sound leakage is always higher
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would love an East-facing room on a high floor for the skyline view. If possible, please avoid connecting rooms for maximum quiet.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the neighborhood safe?
Yes, the Medical District is generally safe and well-patrolled, especially near the hospitals and university, though it gets very quiet at night.
How far is the United Center?
It's about a 15-minute walk (0.8 miles), making this a prime spot for concert-goers and Bulls/Blackhawks fans.
Is breakfast actually free?
Yes, the standard Hampton hot buffet is included, served 6:00 AM – 10:00 AM.
Does the hotel have a shuttle?
No, there is no airport or area shuttle. You will need to rely on Uber/Lyft or the CTA.
What is the parking situation?
On-site self-parking is available for roughly $30/night. It's a secure lot, not a tight garage.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, it is pet-friendly with a $75 non-refundable fee. Max 2 pets, dogs only.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Walk just a few blocks to Ferrara Bakery for authentic Italian pastries—a local legend since 1908.
- ✨
The incidental hold on your credit card can be up to $100/night, so use a credit card, not a debit card, to avoid tying up cash.
- ✨
If the hotel breakfast is packed, there's a Starbucks and other quick bites inside the Rush hospital complex across the street.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'new house smell' is real—it still lingers in the hallways.
💡You can see the Willis Tower clearly from the parking lot.
💡The pool is technically 'indoor' but feels more like a large bathtub—great for toddlers, boring for laps.
💡Housekeeping is by request for shorter stays, so ask at check-in if you want daily service.
💡The lobby coffee station is actually decent and available 24/7.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Hampton Inn & Suites Chicago Medical District UIC is located and what's nearby.