ACME Hotel Chicago, Outset Collection by Hilton
15 E Ohio St, Chicago, IL 60611, South Chicago, United States
4-star hotel
Guest rating: 4.4 / 5
Overview
ACME Hotel Chicago, part of Hilton's Outset Collection, is a 4-star boutique-style property in the River North neighborhood of downtown Chicago. Known for its playful, offbeat personality, it blends a modern urban hotel with quirky design touches and a casual, energetic atmosphere. It holds a strong 4.4 rating from 1,850 reviews, reflecting a loyal following among both leisure and business travelers.
Rooms
Rooms are compact and casually styled with funky wall decor, wood floors, and work desks with ergonomic chairs, making them functional for short stays. Each room includes free Wi-Fi, a wireless sound system, a smart TV, and a minibar, with some rooms offering city views. Suites step up the offering with microwaves, minifridges, and separate sitting rooms for guests wanting more space.
Amenities & Extras
Distinctive perks include complimentary loaner electric guitars and free morning coffee, along with an indoor hot tub for relaxation. On-site food and drink options include a trendy lounge serving craft cocktails and a bakery/cafe, plus room service for added convenience.
Location
The hotel sits around the corner from an El station and is a 7-minute walk from the shops of the Magnificent Mile. It's within roughly a kilometer of major attractions including the Chicago Riverwalk, Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, The Chicago Theatre, and Cloud Gate, and about a 19-minute walk to Millennium Park, putting most of downtown Chicago's sightseeing within easy reach.
Best for
This hotel suits style-conscious leisure travelers and solo business visitors who want a fun, design-forward stay in the heart of downtown Chicago rather than a conventional business hotel. Its proximity to an El station and the Magnificent Mile, combined with a lively in-house lounge and cafe, makes it a good fit for guests who plan to explore on foot and want a social, energetic base. It's less suited to travelers prioritizing spacious rooms or a quiet, low-key environment.
Travel tips
Take advantage of the nearby El station for quick access around the city instead of relying on cabs or rideshares. Because rooms facing Ohio Street can pick up street noise from traffic and sirens, light sleepers may want to request an interior-facing room. Plan to walk to nearby landmarks like the Riverwalk, The Chicago Theatre, and Cloud Gate, all within about a kilometer, and budget roughly 15-20 minutes on foot to reach Millennium Park or the Art Institute of Chicago.
What guests say
Guests consistently praise the hotel's distinctive, funky personality, describing the rooms as small but comfortable and full of character, and repeatedly highlight friendly, helpful front desk staff as a standout. The downtown River North location is frequently called ideal for walking to restaurants, shops, and attractions. On the negative side, some reviewers note the immediate block can feel a bit rough with homeless individuals and odors nearby, report outdated rooms with loud or bright air conditioning units, mention street noise on rooms facing Ohio Street, and describe occasional cleanliness lapses such as hair left in showers, plus at least one report of an elevator outage causing long waits.
Check availability · Booking links may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you. Affiliate disclosure