The small historic town located by the river in northwest Illinois is quite the charming gem. Located by the river and surrounded by rolling hills, the once-bustling mining town hailing from the early 1800s is now filled with well-preserved 19th-century buildings, several vineyards offering tours, a collection of fine restaurants, plenty of well preserved historic sites and many independent shops and boutiques.
There are also some gorgeous places to stay, from quirky chic inns to beautiful boutiques here are the best cool and unusual hotels in Galena, Illinois (in no particular order)…
1. Goldmoor Inn & Resort – one of the top most Instagrammable B&Bs in Galena
Goldmoor Inn & Resort is the only bed and breakfast in Galena that’s located on a beautiful hilltop estate looking over the Mississippi River. The elegant, country-style interior of the hotel is hard to find elsewhere in the city.
You’ll have easy access to downtown Portland while staying at this stately inn. The hotel is only a few miles from the Chicago Athenaeum Museum and the Ulysses S. Grant Home.
Luxurious suites at Goldmoor Inn & Resort feature hand-carved furniture, well-equipped kitchenettes, cozy fireplaces, and in-room whirlpool tubs. Country-style cottages, ritzy log cabins, and suites with river-view patios are also available.
On-site amenities include a wine cellar, beautiful gardens, a classy eatery, meeting rooms, and a spa area with massage services.
Address: 9001 W Sand Hill Rd, Galena, IL 61036, United States
- To book, check prices or availability for Goldmoor Inn & Resort
2. Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast – a boutique-style elegant inn that is a very popular wedding venue
This refined B&B set in a red brick mansion is dripping with European grandeur. The hotel features a unique Italian theme that extends beyond its European-style rooms all the way to exquisite gardens that are perfect for hosting intimate weddings.
Each room at Cloran Mansion is individually decorated and features a flatscreen, fireplace, and stocked mini-fridge. Some rooms also have 2-person jetted tubs. A rustic cottage, condos, and suites with kitchenettes and pull-out sofas are also available. Breakfast is served in a chic, Italian-style dining room.
Address: 1237 Franklin St, Galena, IL 61036, United States
- To book, check prices or availability for Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast
3. WorldMark Galena – a stunning resort that is within close proximity to great attractions
A casual, all-suite hotel that lies a few miles from Lake Galena. Head here to experience an unusual mountain lodge vibe and seek adventure on the outskirts of Galena.
Located at the edge of a forest just outside the city, WorldMark Galena provides comfortable accommodations with tons of luxurious amenities including flatscreen TVs, whirlpool tubs, kitchenettes, balconies or terraces, and living areas with fireplaces.
The rustic-chic hotel also features a hot tub, indoor pool, fitness room, sauna, basketball court, game room, and BBQ area.
Address: 5129 W Longhollow Rd, Galena, IL 61036, United States
- To book, check prices or availability for WorldMark Galena
4. The Federal House – a cool and unique place to stay that offers a terrace
A B&B with two private suites, living and dining rooms, and a beautiful garden. The historic Federal-style architecture which is unusual for a B&B, is the most impressive feature of the place.
Each suite at The Federal House features a king bed, fireplace, comfy chair, well-appointed bath, sofa, wet bar with fridge and microwave, TV, desk, and dining table. The Federal House is steps from many upscale restaurants and shops.
You’ll also find many historic homes, churches, and hiking trails nearby.
Address: 603 S Bench St, Galena, IL 61036, United States
- To book, check prices or availability for The Federal House
5. Lamberson Guest House – a 19th-century style mansion with European style decor
A traditional-style mansion located at the top of Prospect Street in Galena’s Historic District.
The B&B has four well-appointed and beautifully decorated guest rooms and suites, each of which features pine floors, traditional furnishings, and chandeliers. Guests have access to the swanky dining room where a 3-course breakfast is served every morning.
Built in 1870 by the Lamberson family, Lamberson Guest House has a unique Italianate-inspired porch and hand-carved leaded glass doors that take you back to the Enlightenment period. What makes the hotel even more alluring is the elegant, wooden decor that’s somewhat reminiscent of the Victorian era.
Address: 113 S Prospect St, Galena, IL 61036, United States
- To book, check prices or availability for Lamberson Guest House
6. Farmers Guest House – listed as one of the best guest houses in Galena
Based in a brick house built in 1867, Farmers Guest House is where you’ll find a perfect combination of luxury and comfort. The unassuming exterior is what makes the bread and breakfast fashionably attractive to all varieties of travelers.
Head to this beautiful historic inn to enjoy modern comforts and exceptional service in the heart of downtown Galena. There are nine thoughtfully decorated rooms and suites, all of which feature a country-style interior and all basic amenities.
Upscale amenities like whirlpool tubs and fireplaces are available in suites.
Address: 334 Spring St, Galena, IL 61036, United States
- To book, check prices or availability for Farmers Guest House
7. Galena Inn (formerly Victorian Mansion) – a gorgeous quirky chic boutique inn
A bed and breakfast set in a restored Italianate mansion that spans 2 acres of land in South Galena. Built in 1856, Galena Inn brings Victorian-era vibes to the present day. Head here to enjoy a luxurious stay in vintage-style rooms filled with antiques.
In-room amenities at Galena Inn include free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV, fireplaces, living rooms, and kitchenettes. The 4-star hotel has so much to keep you entertained including a game room with a pool table, a hot tub under a gazebo, and gardens.
Address: 301 S High St, Galena, IL 61036, United States
- To book, check prices or availability for Galena Inn (formerly Victorian Mansion)
8. The Steamboat House – a historic house that provides a superb service and a cozy environment
A cozy bed and breakfast set in a mansion just a block from Main Street, Galena. Built in 1855 by a legendary steamboat captain Daniel Smith Harris, The Steamboat House redefines architectural excellence with its magnificent entrance.
There are five, spacious rooms that come decked out in antique furnishings, with wooden floors and floral or striped wallpapers that replicate the artsy vibe of the city. The hotel also boasts a formal dining room, parlor, library, and billiard room. Nearby, you’ll find plenty of cool restaurants, shops, and other attractions.
Address: 605 S Prospect St, Galena, IL 61036, United States
- To book, check prices or availability for The Steamboat House
9. Chestnut Mountain Resort – a modern resort where guests can appreciate majestic views of the Mississippi River
Chestnut Mountain Resort has remained Galena’s premier hotel and resort for many years. Located on a wooden palisade overlooking the charming Mississippi River, Chestnut Mountain Resort offers upscale accommodation with a wide range of amenities, including flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, minifridges, microwaves, sofa beds, and in-room Jacuzzis.
An elegant riverfront restaurant, a sports bar, a seasonal hillside cafe, and an indoor pool with a hot tub are what make this hotel a hot destination for tourists all year long.
Address: 8700 W Chestnut Mountain Rd, Galena, IL 61036, United States
- To book, check prices or availability for Chestnut Mountain Resort
10. Belle Aire Mansion Guest House – a charming B&B that is popular amongst solo travelers
Set in a circa-1836 mansion spanning eight acres just off Highway 20, Belle Aire Mansion Guest House is a snug bed and breakfast with everything to make your stay comfortable and entertaining.
The antebellum architecture, 13-foot high ceilings, chandeliers, and antique furnishings make the hotel feel like it was plucked straight from a 19th-century movie.
Studio rooms at Belle Aire Mansion Guest House come with en suite bathrooms and TVs. Suites have 4-poster beds and whirlpool tubs. A suite with a minibar and veranda is also available. All guests have access to a communal kitchenette.
Address: 11410 US Hwy 20 W, Galena, IL 61036, United States
- To book, check prices or availability for Belle Aire Mansion Guest House
11. Abe’s Spring Street Guest House – a unique guest house that blends rich culture and stunning artistry
Abe’s Spring Street Guest House is the only B&B in Galena that’s based inside a restored 1876 icehouse. The unique B&B offers four types of accommodations with all basic amenities including free Wi-Fi, an en suite bathroom, flat-screen TV, and a fireplace among others.
Located less than a mile from Galena River, Abe’s Spring Street Guest House provides easy access to tons of restaurants, cafes, shops, and other attractions.
Address: 414 Spring St, Galena, IL 61036, United States
- To book, check prices or availability for Abe’s Spring Street Guest House
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My first true adventure began as a six month voyage around South East Asia as a fresh faced backpacker and ever since I’ve lived a semi nomadic existence, clocking up visits to over 40 countries. I’m a lover of US Road Trips, deserted beaches bathed in warm glow of a sunset, Cuban mojitos, travel destinations far away from the tourist crowds and all things Scandinavian – from cloudberry liquors to Nordic noirs. When not wandering the world and running Global Grasshopper, you’ll find me walking my rescued Greek street dog in leafy South West London, strolling around the Brighton Lanes on random day trips, hunting for photogenic landscapes or daydreaming about my favourite places; Havana, Copenhagen, Italy, Laos, California and the surreally beautiful landscapes of a wintry Iceland.