Chicago’s Northalsted District Set To Welcome Two New Hotels, Boosting LGBTQ+ Tourism With Vibrant Offerings

The Northalsted District of Chicago continues its tradition as a prime destination for LGBTQ+ culture and its active nightlife scene. The district will receive two new luxury hotel developments which will enhance its status as a queer cultural center by offering high-end accommodations designed specifically for LGBTQ+ guests. The upcoming development will attract more visitors to the region by providing them with accommodations that offer authentic experiences of the local culture and community.

Tryst Hospitality’s Boutique Hotel: A Community-Centric Approach

One of the standout developments is the proposed Tryst Hotel, a five-story, 21-room boutique hotel at 3350-3352 N. Halsted St. Situated in the heart of the district, the site was once home to the popular D.S. Tequila, which closed in late 2023 after more than a decade in business. The hotel development is set to provide not only luxury accommodations but also a new restaurant, nightclub, and an enclosed rooftop with a pool and bar, making it a year-round destination.

Tryst Hospitality, which acquired the property in 2024, aims to create a space that reflects the energy and spirit of Northalsted. The company is no stranger to developing LGBTQ+-focused properties, with previous ventures in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, and San Juan, Puerto Rico. Tryst Hotels are also planned for other LGBTQ+-friendly destinations, including Fire Island, New York, and Provincetown, Massachusetts. According to Tristan Schukraft, founder and CEO of Tryst Hospitality, the new hotel will serve as a luxury gay hotel that matches the energy of Northalsted, a district that is considered one of the most dynamic queer villages in the world.

The hotel will feature modern, design-forward spaces with an intimate feel, offering visitors not just a place to sleep but a place to belong. The development has already received the necessary approvals from the City of Chicago, and Tryst Hospitality has started hosting community meetings to ensure the project aligns with the neighbourhood’s needs and vision.

The Backbeat Hotel: A Celebration of Chicago’s Music Legacy

In addition to Tryst Hospitality’s project, another exciting hotel development is underway nearby, the Backbeat Hotel. Approved by the Chicago City Council in March 2025, the Backbeat Hotel is set to open in 2028. The 50-room boutique hotel will be located at 3255 N. Halsted St., the site of the former Yoshi’s Café, which closed in 2021 after nearly 40 years of operation. This hotel promises to be a celebration of Chicago’s house music legacy, with the name Backbeat referencing the foundational rhythm of the genre.

The hotel will feature a rooftop pool and deck with stunning skyline views, a full-service restaurant, and a luxury lounge designed to transition seamlessly from day to night. The Backbeat Hotel aims to provide an immersive experience for guests, connecting them to the city’s deep musical roots. The developer behind this project, Allan O’Brien, is also a key figure in the local community, owning Men’s Room Chicago, a popular fashion store on Halsted Street.

Demolition of the old Yoshi’s Café building is expected to begin in the summer of 2026, with construction planned to take 18 months. Once complete, the Backbeat Hotel will offer a unique mix of luxury and cultural immersion, catering to both local and international visitors who want to explore Chicago’s musical history and LGBTQ+ culture.

A New Era for Northalsted’s Tourism Scene

These two hotel developments are poised to reshape Chicago’s Northalsted District, providing more than just new accommodations. They represent a wider effort to elevate the district as a global LGBTQ+ travel destination, attracting visitors who are looking for a blend of culture, luxury, and community. The hotels will create spaces that embrace the spirit of Northalsted while fostering a sense of connection for both locals and travelers.

For the LGBTQ+ community, these hotels will serve as a hub for socialising, cultural exchange, and entertainment, reinforcing the district’s identity as one of the world’s most vibrant queer communities. With both projects receiving approval and moving ahead full speed, Northalsted’s transformation is set to become one of the most exciting developments in Chicago’s tourism scene in the coming years.

The city of Chicago will become a top destination for LGBTQ+ travelers through its expansion of tourism options which include new boutique hotels. The new hotels will create an exceptional experience for visitors who come to enjoy Northalsted’s vibrant atmosphere or its local nightlife or its cultural attractions.

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Waymo this week will begin mapping and collecting data in Chicago and Charlotte. The move comes as Waymo announces it is currently operating its robotaxis fully autonomously in 10 US cities.

The United States Joins Canada, Brazil, United kingdom, Japan, Singapore and Others in Leading for Business Travel in 2025 Based on Cost and Popularity

New York, NY / London, England / Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – Hickory Global Partners, a prominent global corporate travel consortium, has released its highly anticipated ranking of the most expensive and popular cities for business travel, based on 2025 booking data. The list was compiled from analysis of corporate hotel bookings, travel agency data, and business events, with a focus on the average daily rate (ADR) of spend per city. This comprehensive data set includes both domestic and international markets, revealing the top destinations where business travel continues to thrive.

New York and London emerge as the leading cities in both expense and popularity for business travelers, while Rio de Janeiro surprises with its strong demand despite its comparatively lower price point. These findings are significant as global business travel spending is projected to reach $1.7 trillion by 2026, indicating continued growth in the sector. Cities with high ADR remain competitive for corporate events, conferences, and seminars due to their rich business ecosystems, abundant meeting spaces, and networking opportunities.

Top U.S. Cities for Business Travel: New York and Chicago Remain Dominant

When it comes to domestic business travel in the U.S., New York ranks at the top for both cost and popularity. With its massive metropolitan infrastructure, renowned cultural institutions, and high-profile business events, New York offers a wealth of options for corporate travelers, making it the go-to destination for global businesses. Chicago follows closely behind in terms of both ADR and bookings, maintaining its role as a central hub for meetings, conventions, and conferences.

The Top 10 Most Expensive U.S. Cities for Business Travel are as follows:

1. New York, NY
2. Chicago, IL
3. Las Vegas, NV
4. San Diego, CA
5. Dallas, TX
6. Charlotte, NC
7. Atlanta, GA
8. Orlando, FL
9. Houston, TX
10. Columbus, OH

While major cities like Las Vegas, San Diego, and Dallas continue to increase their ADR as they grow in popularity as secondary business hubs, emerging cities like Columbus and Charlotte are gaining traction due to their thriving industries such as finance and energy, respectively.

Most Popular U.S. Cities for Business Travel: New York Leads the Charge

New York maintains its dominance as the most popular U.S. city for business travel, followed by Houston and Chicago. The Top 10 Most Popular U.S. Cities for Business Travel include:

1. New York, NY
2. Houston, TX
3. Chicago, IL
4. San Diego, CA
5. Atlanta, GA
6. Columbus, OH
7. Las Vegas, NV
8. Dallas, TX
9. Orlando, FL
10. Charlotte, NC

Cities like Houston, San Diego, and Atlanta are becoming increasingly popular for business travel, as they offer competitive prices and excellent access to major industries such as oil and gas, technology, and entertainment. Furthermore, their growing infrastructure and transportation networks continue to make them ideal locations for corporate meetings and conferences.

International Business Travel: London, Paris, and Tokyo Lead the Pack

On the global stage, London stands out as the top international destination for both cost and popularity. A hub for finance, technology, and international trade, London is a prime destination for multinational corporate events and conferences. Alongside Paris and Tokyo, these cities offer a rich cultural experience combined with world-class meeting facilities, making them popular among global business travelers.

The Top 10 Most Expensive International Cities for Business Travel are:

1. London, England
2. Paris, France
3. Tokyo, Japan
4. Amsterdam, Netherlands
5. Singapore, Singapore
6. Toronto, Canada
7. Montreal, Canada
8. Calgary, Canada
9. São Paulo, Brazil
10. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

In terms of ADR, London and Paris maintain their reputation as expensive business destinations, particularly for high-end corporate events. However, cities like Amsterdam, Singapore, and Toronto offer competitive pricing while continuing to attract business travelers thanks to their strong local economies and business-friendly environments.

Surprise Popularity of Rio de Janeiro for Business Travel

One of the more surprising findings in the report is the rise of Rio de Janeiro, which boasts a relatively low ADR of $71 but has become the second most popular international city for business travel, right behind London. Despite its lower price point compared to cities like New York and London, Rio de Janeiro has seen a significant uptick in bookings due to the city’s developing business infrastructure and proximity to Latin America’s growing markets.

Rio de Janeiro offers a vibrant and dynamic environment for corporate travelers, with its growing number of international events, conferences, and trade shows. Business travelers visiting Rio can enjoy a blend of business and leisure, or “bleisure” travel, taking advantage of the city’s beaches, cultural attractions, and business opportunities.

Business Travel Demand Remains Strong in 2026

According to Hickory Global Partners, the demand for business travel remains robust, with bookings expected to increase through 2026. As corporate travel budgets are allocated for high-quality, efficient travel experiences, the destinations listed here remain at the forefront of the global business travel market. Whether it’s high-ADR cities like New York and London, or surprising options like Rio de Janeiro, business travelers continue to prioritize convenience, access to major industries, and the opportunity for both work and leisure.

The report confirms that global business travel spending is expected to grow by 8% in 2026, making it clear that business tourism will continue to thrive in major cities worldwide.

Looking Ahead: A Future of Growing Business Opportunities

As business travel continues to rebound and expand, the cities highlighted by Hickory Global Partners will remain key players in the industry. With international travel rebounding and more companies looking to host global events, these cities will continue to offer the infrastructure, facilities, and accommodations necessary to meet the needs of today’s corporate travelers. Whether for high-profile conferences or smaller business meetings, these destinations will continue to attract business visitors from across the globe.

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