Where to Stay in Chicago During St. Patrick's Day Near the Parade and River Dyeing
Chicago has dyed the Chicago River green for St. Patrick's Day since 1962, when the city first used 100 pounds of dye that kept the water emerald for a week. The tradition continues each year with a vegetable-based orange powder that produces a bright green color in the river water. The dyeing starts at 10 a.m. and typically happens on the Saturday before March 17, with the official parade along Columbus Drive in Grant Park following around midday. For 2026, both events are expected on Saturday, March 14—confirm final dates on city websites once schedules are posted.
Hotels in the Loop, River North, and Streeterville sell out 8–12 weeks before St. Patrick's Day weekend, so book by mid-January if you want specific views or room types. Your neighborhood choice depends on what you prioritize:
- The Loop is the closest base for the Columbus Drive parade route, offering a 5–10 minute walk plus direct access to several CTA train lines.
- River North puts you near the main viewing bridges for the river dyeing, along with dozens of restaurants and bars within a few blocks.
- Streeterville sits slightly farther from the crowds but offers larger hotel pools, quieter streets, and quick walking access to Michigan Avenue.
All three neighborhoods have strong CTA train and bus connections running throughout the weekend, making it easy to move between events without relying on rideshares. Below, we outline what to expect on the day of the events and how to choose the right area depending on what you want to be near.
Best Chicago Hotels with Direct River Views for St. Patrick’s Day
LondonHouse Chicago sits at Michigan and Wacker with a tri-level rooftop that looks straight down at the river and Michigan Avenue. The 22nd‑floor terrace and 23rd‑floor Cupola provide aerial views of the dyeing and bridges, and many river-facing rooms face the water directly. Standard rooms measure around 300 square feet with large smart TVs and mini-fridges. Weekend rooftop brunch runs 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and the hotel has a full-service spa, two on-site restaurants (Land & Lake Kitchen and LH on 21), and room service.
The Langham, Chicago is located directly on the river with rooms starting around 516 square feet and floor‑to‑ceiling windows in higher categories. Suites include deep soaking tubs, rainfall showers, heated mirrors, and bathroom mirrors with built-in TVs; one-bedroom suites measure up to 1,230 square feet with separate living rooms, wet bars, and powder rooms. Chuan Spa has a 67‑foot indoor pool, Himalayan salt sauna, fresh herbal sauna, and hot tub, and spa guests can order champagne poolside. Walk to Wabash or State bridges in under 5 minutes and reach Columbus Drive in about 10 minutes.
Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk is directly on the Riverwalk between the main bridges and the parade route. The 7th‑floor indoor pool has floor‑to‑ceiling river views and sits next to a sun deck and fitness center. Multiple on-site restaurants, a lobby bar, and room service make it easy to stay in when crowds are thick outside. Marriott's Serve 360 program includes refillable bath amenities and waste-reduction initiatives.
Hyatt Regency Chicago connects to the Riverwalk and sits a few minutes' walk from the Michigan and Columbus bridges. The hotel has over 2,000 rooms across two towers and tends to have availability later than smaller properties. Bottle‑refill stations are on each floor, and you can opt out of daily housekeeping. The hotel has a fitness center and multiple on-site dining options.
Hotels closest to the Columbus Drive parade route
Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park is just west of Columbus Drive, about a 2‑minute walk to the parade route with no river crossing required. Rooms include pillowtop mattresses, marble bathrooms, and in-room safes, and are larger than many nearby options. The hotel has a fitness center, on-site dining including a lobby lounge, valet parking, and 24-hour room service. As part of Accor, the hotel follows a group framework for energy, water, and sourcing.
Hotel Julian Chicago is in a restored historic building just off Millennium Park, under 3 minutes on foot from the parade. Rooms are compact but modern with large windows, and coffee and breakfast spots sit within a block. The hotel has a fitness center and 24-hour front desk. Room rates are typically lower than larger brand hotels nearby.
Staypineapple, An Iconic Hotel, The Loop is a short walk to Columbus Drive and about 10 minutes to the river. All pets stay free with no weight limits or breed restrictions, though policies can vary by rate, so confirm when booking. Rooms use individual duvets on each side of the bed and include mini-fridges, Keurig coffee makers, and yoga mats. The hotel has a 24-hour fitness center.
River North hotels near bars and restaurants
Kimpton Hotel Monaco Chicago stands next to the river with oversized bay windows that face the bridges, and some rooms have deep window seats built into the bays. The lobby hosts a nightly wine hour, and a nightcap service serves cocktails and paired bites tableside with live music on select nights. All pets stay free with no size, weight, breed, or number restrictions, and the concierge keeps a list of nearby pet-friendly restaurants and parks. The hotel lends bikes at no charge, and rooms include Atelier Bloem bath products and yoga mats.
Aloft Chicago Downtown River North has a lobby with a bar, pool table, and grab‑and‑go snacks called Re:fuel. Rooms have open storage, mini‑fridges, and large walk-in showers with refillable bath products. The hotel has a 24-hour fitness center and same-day dry cleaning. Dozens of River North restaurants and bars are within a short walk.
Kinzie Hotel is a boutique property a short walk north of the river with rooms larger than many chain hotels in the area. Rooms include desks, seating areas, and mini-fridges, and the hotel runs a light continental breakfast and evening reception with wine and beer on the guest‑room floor. Dozens of restaurants sit within a few blocks, and housekeeping is on request only to reduce waste. The hotel uses LED lighting throughout.
Streeterville hotels with pools near St. Patrick’s Day Events
Loews Chicago Hotel is a few blocks from Michigan Avenue and about an 8‑minute walk to the river dyeing area. Its 20‑meter heated indoor lap pool on the third floor has large windows with city views, and the fitness center includes cardio equipment, free weights, and Peloton bikes. Many rooms have partial lake or skyline views and include bathrobes, Keurig coffee makers, and large work desks. The hotel has an on-site restaurant and bar, plus 24-hour room service, and pet-friendly rooms are available with advance notice.
Hotels with rooftop bars and Art Deco character
Pendry Chicago occupies the Art Deco Carbide & Carbon building on Michigan Avenue, about 5 minutes on foot from Columbus Drive and 3 minutes from the river bridges. Château Carbide on the 24th floor runs Thursday–Saturday nights with DJs or live music and skyline views; winter brings private lodges with fireplaces and s'mores service, and summer brings a Chandon Spritz cart on Saturdays. Rooms include custom Italian linens, Dyson hairdryers, Nespresso machines, and stocked minibars. The hotel has two on-site restaurants, a ground-floor café, and 24-hour room service.
Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel is close to the State and Wabash bridges in the theater district. The Raised rooftop bar on the 3rd floor overlooks the river with indoor and outdoor seating, seasonal menus, and fire pits during cooler months. Rooms include floor-to-ceiling windows, and many have city or river views. The hotel has an on-site restaurant and a fitness center, and multiple theaters are within walking distance.
Budget-friendly hotels near the river and parade route
Club Quarters Hotel, Wacker at Michigan is at Michigan and Wacker at a main bridge corner. Rooms are compact but have built‑in desks, under‑bed storage, and closets with organizational systems to make it easy to store luggage. Water‑refill stations are on each floor, and smart thermostats control room temperature. The hotel has a fitness center, a business lounge with complimentary coffee and tea throughout the day, and an on-site market for snacks and drinks, but no on-site restaurant.
For more low‑impact options around the city, see Dyme's guide to sustainable hotels in Chicago for conferences.
Become a Dyme member to support cleaner, low-impact travel and unlock exclusive prices.
Table of Contents
Where to Stay in Chicago During St. Patrick's Day Near the Parade and River Dyeing
Chicago has dyed the Chicago River green for St. Patrick's Day since 1962, when the city first used 100 pounds of dye that kept the water emerald for a week. The tradition continues each year with a vegetable-based orange powder that produces a bright green color in the river water. The dyeing starts at 10 a.m. and typically happens on the Saturday before March 17, with the official parade along Columbus Drive in Grant Park following around midday. For 2026, both events are expected on Saturday, March 14—confirm final dates on city websites once schedules are posted.
Hotels in the Loop, River North, and Streeterville sell out 8–12 weeks before St. Patrick's Day weekend, so book by mid-January if you want specific views or room types. Your neighborhood choice depends on what you prioritize:
- The Loop is the closest base for the Columbus Drive parade route, offering a 5–10 minute walk plus direct access to several CTA train lines.
- River North puts you near the main viewing bridges for the river dyeing, along with dozens of restaurants and bars within a few blocks.
- Streeterville sits slightly farther from the crowds but offers larger hotel pools, quieter streets, and quick walking access to Michigan Avenue.
All three neighborhoods have strong CTA train and bus connections running throughout the weekend, making it easy to move between events without relying on rideshares. Below, we outline what to expect on the day of the events and how to choose the right area depending on what you want to be near.
Best Chicago Hotels with Direct River Views for St. Patrick’s Day
LondonHouse Chicago sits at Michigan and Wacker with a tri-level rooftop that looks straight down at the river and Michigan Avenue. The 22nd‑floor terrace and 23rd‑floor Cupola provide aerial views of the dyeing and bridges, and many river-facing rooms face the water directly. Standard rooms measure around 300 square feet with large smart TVs and mini-fridges. Weekend rooftop brunch runs 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and the hotel has a full-service spa, two on-site restaurants (Land & Lake Kitchen and LH on 21), and room service.
The Langham, Chicago is located directly on the river with rooms starting around 516 square feet and floor‑to‑ceiling windows in higher categories. Suites include deep soaking tubs, rainfall showers, heated mirrors, and bathroom mirrors with built-in TVs; one-bedroom suites measure up to 1,230 square feet with separate living rooms, wet bars, and powder rooms. Chuan Spa has a 67‑foot indoor pool, Himalayan salt sauna, fresh herbal sauna, and hot tub, and spa guests can order champagne poolside. Walk to Wabash or State bridges in under 5 minutes and reach Columbus Drive in about 10 minutes.
Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk is directly on the Riverwalk between the main bridges and the parade route. The 7th‑floor indoor pool has floor‑to‑ceiling river views and sits next to a sun deck and fitness center. Multiple on-site restaurants, a lobby bar, and room service make it easy to stay in when crowds are thick outside. Marriott's Serve 360 program includes refillable bath amenities and waste-reduction initiatives.
Hyatt Regency Chicago connects to the Riverwalk and sits a few minutes' walk from the Michigan and Columbus bridges. The hotel has over 2,000 rooms across two towers and tends to have availability later than smaller properties. Bottle‑refill stations are on each floor, and you can opt out of daily housekeeping. The hotel has a fitness center and multiple on-site dining options.
Hotels closest to the Columbus Drive parade route
Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park is just west of Columbus Drive, about a 2‑minute walk to the parade route with no river crossing required. Rooms include pillowtop mattresses, marble bathrooms, and in-room safes, and are larger than many nearby options. The hotel has a fitness center, on-site dining including a lobby lounge, valet parking, and 24-hour room service. As part of Accor, the hotel follows a group framework for energy, water, and sourcing.
Hotel Julian Chicago is in a restored historic building just off Millennium Park, under 3 minutes on foot from the parade. Rooms are compact but modern with large windows, and coffee and breakfast spots sit within a block. The hotel has a fitness center and 24-hour front desk. Room rates are typically lower than larger brand hotels nearby.
Staypineapple, An Iconic Hotel, The Loop is a short walk to Columbus Drive and about 10 minutes to the river. All pets stay free with no weight limits or breed restrictions, though policies can vary by rate, so confirm when booking. Rooms use individual duvets on each side of the bed and include mini-fridges, Keurig coffee makers, and yoga mats. The hotel has a 24-hour fitness center.
River North hotels near bars and restaurants
Kimpton Hotel Monaco Chicago stands next to the river with oversized bay windows that face the bridges, and some rooms have deep window seats built into the bays. The lobby hosts a nightly wine hour, and a nightcap service serves cocktails and paired bites tableside with live music on select nights. All pets stay free with no size, weight, breed, or number restrictions, and the concierge keeps a list of nearby pet-friendly restaurants and parks. The hotel lends bikes at no charge, and rooms include Atelier Bloem bath products and yoga mats.
Aloft Chicago Downtown River North has a lobby with a bar, pool table, and grab‑and‑go snacks called Re:fuel. Rooms have open storage, mini‑fridges, and large walk-in showers with refillable bath products. The hotel has a 24-hour fitness center and same-day dry cleaning. Dozens of River North restaurants and bars are within a short walk.
Kinzie Hotel is a boutique property a short walk north of the river with rooms larger than many chain hotels in the area. Rooms include desks, seating areas, and mini-fridges, and the hotel runs a light continental breakfast and evening reception with wine and beer on the guest‑room floor. Dozens of restaurants sit within a few blocks, and housekeeping is on request only to reduce waste. The hotel uses LED lighting throughout.
Streeterville hotels with pools near St. Patrick’s Day Events
Loews Chicago Hotel is a few blocks from Michigan Avenue and about an 8‑minute walk to the river dyeing area. Its 20‑meter heated indoor lap pool on the third floor has large windows with city views, and the fitness center includes cardio equipment, free weights, and Peloton bikes. Many rooms have partial lake or skyline views and include bathrobes, Keurig coffee makers, and large work desks. The hotel has an on-site restaurant and bar, plus 24-hour room service, and pet-friendly rooms are available with advance notice.
Hotels with rooftop bars and Art Deco character
Pendry Chicago occupies the Art Deco Carbide & Carbon building on Michigan Avenue, about 5 minutes on foot from Columbus Drive and 3 minutes from the river bridges. Château Carbide on the 24th floor runs Thursday–Saturday nights with DJs or live music and skyline views; winter brings private lodges with fireplaces and s'mores service, and summer brings a Chandon Spritz cart on Saturdays. Rooms include custom Italian linens, Dyson hairdryers, Nespresso machines, and stocked minibars. The hotel has two on-site restaurants, a ground-floor café, and 24-hour room service.
Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel is close to the State and Wabash bridges in the theater district. The Raised rooftop bar on the 3rd floor overlooks the river with indoor and outdoor seating, seasonal menus, and fire pits during cooler months. Rooms include floor-to-ceiling windows, and many have city or river views. The hotel has an on-site restaurant and a fitness center, and multiple theaters are within walking distance.
Budget-friendly hotels near the river and parade route
Club Quarters Hotel, Wacker at Michigan is at Michigan and Wacker at a main bridge corner. Rooms are compact but have built‑in desks, under‑bed storage, and closets with organizational systems to make it easy to store luggage. Water‑refill stations are on each floor, and smart thermostats control room temperature. The hotel has a fitness center, a business lounge with complimentary coffee and tea throughout the day, and an on-site market for snacks and drinks, but no on-site restaurant.
For more low‑impact options around the city, see Dyme's guide to sustainable hotels in Chicago for conferences.
Become a Dyme member to support cleaner, low-impact travel and unlock exclusive prices.
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