Chicago McCormick Place Hotels: 12 Best Hotels Near the Exhibition Center

IMTS (International Manufacturing Technology Show) is the largest manufacturing technology exhibition in the Americas, organized by AMT (Association for Manufacturing Technology), held biennially at McCormick Place in Chicago. In 2026, IMTS will take place from September 14 to 19, covering metal cutting, tooling, metal forming, laser processing, automation, robotics, and digital manufacturing. The 2022 edition attracted over 86,000 registrants from 117 countries and more than 1,900 exhibitors. McCormick Place boasts 2.6 million square feet of exhibition space, making it the largest private convention center in the world.

McCormick Place is located on the Chicago lakefront in the South Loop area, and hotel demand surges during the fair. This article features 12 selected business hotels near the IMTS exhibition, ranging from Hyatt Regency (directly connected to the venue via a skybridge) to Eurostars Magnificent Mile (about a 20-minute CTA ride), covering various budget levels. Each hotel includes booking links for both Agoda and Booking.com (except Jaslin Hotel, which is only available on Agoda) for easy price comparison.

McCormick Place Chicago Exhibition Center Overview

McCormick Place is located at 2301 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60616, overlooking Lake Michigan with 2.6 million square feet of exhibition space across four interconnected buildings (North Building, South Building, West Building, and Lakeside Center), making it the largest private convention center in the world. During IMTS, the halls are organized by product category: metal cutting, tooling, metal forming, laser processing, automation, robotics, and digital manufacturing.

IMTS typically runs for 6 days (Monday to Saturday). The nearest CTA station is Cermak-McCormick Place (Green Line), but most exhibitors choose to stay downtown and take a CTA bus or taxi to the venue. From Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), take the CTA Blue Line to downtown in about 45 minutes, or a taxi in 30 to 60 minutes (depending on traffic). Hyatt Regency McCormick Place is the only hotel directly connected to the venue, accessible via an indoor pedestrian skybridge.

12 Recommended Business Hotels Near IMTS Manufacturing Technology Show

Hotel Highlights for Exhibition Stays

1. Hyatt Regency McCormick Place Chicago

Brand: Hyatt　|　Star Rating: 4-star　|　Location: McCormick Place　|　Distance to Venue: Direct skybridge access

The only hotel directly connected to McCormick Place, accessible via an indoor pedestrian skybridge to the convention center without stepping outdoors. An international Hyatt brand hotel with a 0-minute walk to the venue during the fair, making it the top choice for IMTS business travelers. Fair-period room rates are approximately TWD 8,732. While priced higher, its location is irreplaceable — booking six months in advance is recommended.

👉 Check Agoda Prices　|　Check Booking.com Prices

2. Jaslin Hotel

Brand: Independent　|　Star Rating: 3-star　|　Location: Chinatown　|　Distance to Venue: Approx. 15-minute walk

A high value-for-money new hotel in the heart of Chicago’s Chinatown, approximately a 15-minute walk to McCormick Place and 240 meters from the CTA Red Line station. Fair-period room rates are approximately TWD 4,317, making it the most affordable option close to the venue. Note: This hotel is not listed on Booking.com but can be booked through Agoda, Expedia, and other platforms.

👉 Check Agoda Prices

3. Congress Plaza Hotel

Brand: Independent　|　Star Rating: 3-star　|　Location: Michigan Avenue　|　Distance to Venue: Approx. 2.0mi, 10-minute drive

A historic landmark hotel built in 1893, facing Lake Michigan and Grant Park. Approximately 2 miles from McCormick Place, about a 10-minute ride by CTA bus or taxi. Fair-period room rates are approximately TWD 5,908. Affordable but with older facilities, suitable for budget-conscious travelers who appreciate historic ambiance.

👉 Check Agoda Prices　|　Check Booking.com Prices

4. Best Western Grant Park Hotel

Brand: Best Western　|　Star Rating: 3-star　|　Location: Michigan Avenue　|　Distance to Venue: Approx. 2.0mi, 12-minute CTA bus

Located on Michigan Avenue, directly across from Grant Park. A Best Western international brand hotel with a restaurant and cafe. Approximately 2 miles from McCormick Place, about a 12-minute CTA bus ride. Fair-period room rates are approximately TWD 5,599, offering solid value for a mid-range business hotel.

👉 Check Agoda Prices　|　Check Booking.com Prices

5. Chicago Athletic Association Hotel

Brand: Hyatt (Unbound Collection)　|　Star Rating: 4-star　|　Location: Millennium Park　|　Distance to Venue: Approx. 2.5mi, 12-minute drive

A boutique hotel in a historic 1890 building, part of Hyatt’s Unbound Collection. Features the rooftop open-air bar Cindy’s, overlooking Millennium Park. Fair-period room rates are approximately TWD 9,803. A mid-to-upper range option that combines design appeal with historic charm. The Agoda slug includes the suffix _7.

👉 Check Agoda Prices　|　Check Booking.com Prices

6. Travelodge by Wyndham Downtown Chicago

Brand: Wyndham　|　Star Rating: 2-star　|　Location: Downtown　|　Distance to Venue: Approx. 2.6mi, 15-minute CTA Red Line + bus

A budget chain hotel from Wyndham, located in downtown Chicago. Basic amenities are adequate, suitable for business travelers on a tight budget. Approximately 2.6 miles from McCormick Place, about a 15-minute ride via CTA Red Line and bus. Fair-period room rates are approximately TWD 5,810. Note: The Booking.com slug uses the unusually short format chicago-t.

👉 Check Agoda Prices　|　Check Booking.com Prices

7. Hotel Blake, Ascend Collection

Brand: Choice Hotels (Ascend)　|　Star Rating: 4-star　|　Location: Printers Row　|　Distance to Venue: Approx. 2.7mi, 15-minute drive

A boutique hotel converted from a historic printing building, part of Choice Hotels’ Ascend Collection brand, located in Printers Row. Fair-period room rates are approximately TWD 6,914, offering a high value-for-money boutique option. The Booking.com slug uses the short format blake.

👉 Check Agoda Prices　|　Check Booking.com Prices

8. Fairmont Chicago Millennium Park

Brand: Accor (Fairmont)　|　Star Rating: 5-star　|　Location: Millennium Park　|　Distance to Venue: Approx. 2.8mi, 15-minute CTA bus

A luxury Fairmont brand hotel from the Accor Group, adjacent to Millennium Park and Grant Park. Features a SPA and multiple dining options. Fair-period room rates are approximately TWD 9,446, offering a mid-to-upper range luxury experience. The Booking.com slug is the-fairmont.

👉 Check Agoda Prices　|　Check Booking.com Prices

9. Hotel Riu Plaza Chicago

Brand: Riu　|　Star Rating: 4-star　|　Location: Downtown　|　Distance to Venue: Approx. 2.9mi, 18-minute CTA Red Line + bus

A newly opened (2023) hotel from the Spanish brand Riu, featuring complimentary breakfast and a rooftop bar. Both platforms rate it above 9.0, offering exceptional value for money. Fair-period room rates are approximately TWD 6,492. A mid-range option with outstanding quality for a new property, making it a top value choice during the fair.

👉 Check Agoda Prices　|　Check Booking.com Prices

10. Club Quarters Hotel Central Loop

Brand: Independent (Club Quarters)　|　Star Rating: 3-star　|　Location: Financial District　|　Distance to Venue: Approx. 3.3mi, 20-minute CTA Blue Line + bus

A membership-based hotel designed for business travelers, located in the heart of the Financial District near LaSalle station. Spacious rooms with comprehensive business facilities. Fair-period room rates are approximately TWD 6,719, offering a mid-range business-oriented option.

👉 Check Agoda Prices　|　Check Booking.com Prices

11. 21c Museum Hotel Chicago

Brand: Accor (MGallery)　|　Star Rating: 4-star　|　Location: Magnificent Mile　|　Distance to Venue: Approx. 3.3mi, 20-minute CTA Red Line + bus

A boutique hotel combined with a contemporary art museum, part of Accor’s MGallery brand. The lobby itself is an exhibition space, located near the Magnificent Mile with a strong design aesthetic. Fair-period room rates are approximately TWD 9,706, offering a mid-to-upper range art boutique experience. The Booking.com slug starts with twentyonec.

👉 Check Agoda Prices　|　Check Booking.com Prices

12. Eurostars Magnificent Mile

Brand: Eurostars　|　Star Rating: 4-star　|　Location: Magnificent Mile　|　Distance to Venue: Approx. 3.4mi, 20-minute CTA Red Line + bus

A boutique hotel at the northern end of the Magnificent Mile, formerly the Dana Hotel and Spa. Features a rooftop SPA and restaurant, just 3 blocks from Lake Michigan. Fair-period room rates are approximately TWD 10,063. Note: The Agoda slug retains the former name dana-hotel-and-spa_4, which has been confirmed to correctly open the hotel page.

👉 Check Agoda Prices　|　Check Booking.com Prices

Chicago Transportation Guide

CTA Subway and Bus: The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) operates 8 subway lines and over 140 bus routes. The Green Line’s Cermak-McCormick Place station is closest to the venue, and bus routes 3 and 4 run directly from downtown to McCormick Place. During the fair, CTA service is frequent, making it the most economical way to commute. Single ride fare is USD 2.50, and a 1-day pass is USD 20.

Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD): One of the world’s busiest airports, with direct flights from major Asian cities. Take the CTA Blue Line to downtown in about 45 minutes, fare USD 2.50. Taxi to downtown is about USD 40 to 60, taking 30 to 60 minutes (depending on traffic). Allow extra time during the fair period.

Chicago Midway Airport (MDW): Closer to downtown but primarily serves domestic flights. Take the CTA Orange Line to downtown in about 25 minutes. Taxi to McCormick Place is about USD 30 to 40, taking 20 to 30 minutes.

Taxis and Uber: Chicago taxis start at approximately USD 3.25. From downtown to McCormick Place is about USD 15 to 25, taking 10 to 15 minutes. During peak fair hours, we recommend using Uber or Lyft ride-hailing apps. From O’Hare Airport to McCormick Place is about USD 45 to 65.

Walking and Bicycling: Downtown Chicago is pedestrian-friendly, with beautiful scenery around Millennium Park and Grant Park. The Divvy bike-share system covers the city, with a single ride costing USD 4.15. Cycling from downtown hotels to McCormick Place takes about 15 to 20 minutes, but allow extra time for fair-period traffic congestion.

Exhibition Travel Tools

eSIM Data Plans

International roaming costs in the US during IMTS can be high. Purchasing an eSIM before departure is the most hassle-free option. We recommend Klook’s US eSIM plans, which cover 4G/5G networks across the country with instant activation via QR code — no SIM swap needed.

Klook US eSIM Plans

Flight Comparison

Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) is one of the world’s busiest airports, with direct flights from major Asian cities. Midway Airport (MDW) is closer to downtown but primarily serves domestic flights. Airfares rise significantly during fair periods, so it’s recommended to book 2 to 3 months in advance.

Trip.com Chicago Flight Comparison

Car Rental

Downtown Chicago has excellent public transportation, with CTA covering major areas. If you need to travel to the suburbs or move between multiple venues, consider renting a car. McCormick Place has a large parking facility. We recommend comparing prices on DiscoverCars and Booking.com.

• DiscoverCars USA Car Rental Comparison
• Booking.com Car Rental Comparison

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