Chicago does it again! 9 years as “Best Big City in the USA” and at RIU we are celebrating

6 November, 2025 Share

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It’s great news! And not just for us at RIU, but everyone who, like us, loves discovering incredible destinations. For the ninth consecutive year, the prestigious magazine Condé Nast Traveller has named Chicago the “Best Big City in the United States” in its Readers’ Choice awards. Nine years! It sounds simple, but achieving this milestone proves that Chicago’s success is not a passing fad; it’s a long-standing love affair with millions of visitors.

At RIU Hotels & Resorts, we’ve always had a great eye for picking the perfect location. When we decided to set up shop in the “Windy City” with our Riu Plaza Chicago, we knew we were dealing with a destination bursting with potential. And now, with the city celebrating this incredible record and, according to Choose Chicago (the city’s official tourism organisation), surpassing the 50 million visitor mark in 2024, we couldn’t be more proud to be part of this dynamic destination.

But what is it about Chicago that makes it so captivating? Why do travellers from all over the world choose it time and time again? If you haven’t visited yet, or if you’re thinking of coming back, let us tell you why we’re fascinated by our home in Illinois.

Architecture that touches the sky

If there’s one thing that encapsulates Chicago, it is its skyline. This city is the birthplace of skyscrapers. A walk through the “Loop” (its nerve centre) is like strolling around an open-air architecture museum. But if there’s one experience we always recommend, it’s the famous Architectural Boat Tour along the Chicago River.

Sailing between these giants of steel and glass while a guide explains the history of iconic buildings such as the Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower), the Wrigley Building, and the modern St. Regis Chicago is simply magical. It is the best way to understand the ambition and resilience of a city that rose from the ashes after the Great Fire of 1871 to become a global benchmark for design.

An open-air museum: art and urban parks

In Chicago, art isn’t just inside the museums; it’s on the street, and we’re huge fans of that philosophy. The best example is Millennium Park. That is where you’ll find the most “Instagrammed” sculpture in the city: “Cloud Gate”, or as everyone affectionately calls it, “The Bean”. To see oneself reflected in this gigantic silver bean with the city’s skyline in the background is unforgettable.

But the park is so much more: in summer, its Pritzker Pavilion (designed by Frank Gehry) brims with free concerts, and in winter, the ice rink provides the picture-perfect Christmas scene.

And speaking of public art, just a few steps away, in Daley Plaza, an iconic piece awaits us: the Picasso statue. This imposing steel sculpture was a gift to the city from the Malaga artist himself. At first it caused controversy, but today it is an undisputed symbol of Chicago’s avant-garde spirit.

Beyond the “Loop”: culture, cuisine and shopping

Chicago is a city of neighbourhoods, each with its own personality. But if there is one thing that unites them all, it is their passion for good food and music. You can’t leave Chicago without trying two classics: the Deep-Dish Pizza with its thick-crust filled with melted cheese, and a Chicago-Style Hot Dog – no ketchup allowed!

For music, nothing beats immersing yourself in the legendary blues clubs in the city, where this genre was born. And for shopping, the Magnificent Mile certainly lives up to its name. It’s the quintessential shopping street, the perfect place for strolling along, window shopping and maybe treating yourself. And you know what the best part is? Our Riu Plaza Chicago is just steps away from all the action.

Riu Plaza Chicago: a year shining in the “Windy City”

This year we are enjoying a double celebration. We are not only celebrating the city’s award, but also the first anniversary of our Riu Plaza Chicago hotel. And what a year it’s been!

Since we opened our doors in the vibrant Streeterville neighbourhood, a stone’s throw from the Magnificent Mile and Navy Pier, the reception has been spectacular. We have had the pleasure of hosting thousands of travellers who have come to discover the city, attend conferences or visit family.

Our Riu Plaza concept slots perfectly into the rhythm of Chicago. We offer that perfect blend of comfort, modern design and efficient services that the urban traveller needs. Whether enjoying our full breakfast buffet to fuel up before exploring the city, using our 24-hour gym, or relaxing in our modern rooms with spectacular views, we’ve done everything we can to ensure our guests’ stay is as rewarding as the city itself.

Our watchword: “Proudly Committed” in the heart of Chicago

At RIU, our commitment to sustainability, under our motto “Proudly Committed”, is greater than ever, and the Riu Plaza Chicago is a clear example of this.

We are especially proud of the technology we have rolled out in this building. The hotel has its own cogeneration plant. What does that mean? We generate a significant portion of the electricity we consume much more efficiently, using the residual heat from the process to heat the hotel’s water. It is a major investment in energy efficiency that significantly reduces our carbon footprint.

We don’t want to be just another hotel in the skyline. We want to be a responsible neighbour who takes care of the environment and makes a positive contribution to the community that has welcomed us so warmly.

Chicago is waiting for you, and so are we

Nine years at the top is no coincidence. Chicago is a city that has it all: Gravity-defying architecture, art waiting to be discovered as you wander around, parks that breathe life into the city, mouthwatering cuisine, and hospitality that makes you feel right at home.

If this new award has piqued your interest, if you’ve felt like seeing yourself reflected in “The Bean” or sailing down the river admiring skyscrapers, you know where to find us. The entire Riu Plaza Chicago team is looking forward to welcoming you and sharing the pride of living and working in the best big city in the United States!

See you soon in the “Windy City”?