The Buckingham Hotel

425 S Financial Pl, Chicago, IL 60605, South Chicago, United States

3-star hotel

Guest rating: 4.3 / 5

Overview

The Buckingham Hotel is an intimate, elegant 3-star property occupying the 40th floor of a high-rise tower in South Chicago's downtown financial district. Its high-altitude setting is a defining feature, giving the hotel a boutique, clubby feel distinct from typical big-box downtown hotels. Guests consistently note the elevated sense of privacy and polish despite the accessible price point.

Rooms & Suites

Standard rooms are stylish and come with free WiFi, dedicated sitting areas, minibars, soaking tubs, and floor-to-ceiling windows framing panoramic city views. Penthouse suites, including an English suite mentioned by guests, add extra living space for travelers wanting more room to spread out. The height of the tower means even standard rooms deliver dramatic skyline views rarely found at this star level.

Amenities & Recreation

Guests receive complimentary access to a large on-site athletic club with a swimming pool, plus optional fitness classes and massage therapy for an additional fee. A complimentary continental breakfast is included, and there is a casual but clubby on-site restaurant along with a cocktail lounge for evening drinks. Concierge service and conference space round out the property's offerings for both leisure and business stays.

Location

The hotel sits within a few minutes' walk of major Chicago attractions, including the Willis Tower and Skydeck Chicago just 378 meters away. The Art Institute of Chicago is roughly a 12-minute walk, and Millennium Park, Cloud Gate, Grant Park, the Chicago Cultural Center, and The Chicago Theatre are all within about 1.1 kilometers. Further afield but still reachable on foot or by short ride are the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium, the Chicago Riverwalk, Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, and Navy Pier.

Best for

This hotel suits leisure travelers and couples seeking upscale views and amenities without a luxury price tag, thanks to its soaking tubs, panoramic windows, and on-site athletic club with pool. It's also well positioned for sightseers, given its proximity to Willis Tower, the Art Institute, Millennium Park, and Grant Park all within a short walk. Business travelers benefit from the on-site conference space and concierge service in a downtown financial district location.

Travel tips

Because the hotel occupies the 40th floor of a high-rise, expect elevator waits, especially at peak check-in/checkout times, and clear building-entry instructions are worth confirming ahead given the security-staffed access noted by guests. Willis Tower and Skydeck Chicago are close enough for an easy pre-breakfast or after-dinner visit, while the Art Institute, Millennium Park, and Cloud Gate are all walkable in about 15 minutes or less. Since parking instructions have been mentioned by guests as important to clarify in advance, confirm garage entry details with the hotel before arrival.

What guests say

Guests repeatedly praise the quality and spaciousness of the rooms relative to price and location, along with the striking city views from the high-floor windows. Staff and security are frequently described as friendly, helpful, and reassuring, particularly during check-in and building entry, which some guests found notably smooth. Several reviewers highlight the novelty and enjoyment of staying so high up in the tower, and rooms are described as clean and quiet despite street noise outside. A minor recurring point of confusion involves parking and finding the correct entrance to the building, suggesting clear pre-arrival instructions are appreciated.

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