Name: The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Michigan Avenue Chicago
Address: 521 North Rush Street, Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60611, United States

The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Michigan Avenue Chicago

Chicago, United States

The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Michigan Avenue Chicago

Chicago, United States

About the hotel

Loyalty programme

Style

Cosmopolitan

Rooms

311

"Style-meisters, foodies and shopping devotees alike will revel in the chance to spend a few nights (or more) here at The Gwen, a glamorous, Art Deco mecca in Chicago’s city centre."

Steps away from Chicago’s famed Michigan Avenue, known as The Magnificent Mile, you couldn’t be better situated then here at The Gwen from where you can easily dive into all of Chicago’s famed attractions: museums, shopping, dining and nightlife. As the former McGraw-Hill Building, the original artwork by American sculptor Gwen Lux remains, and you’ll find examples of her art and influence everywhere you look from the Art Deco lobby to the first floor’s vast limestone panels to the bathroom wallpaper.

The 311 guest rooms reflect the hotel’s Art Deco theme and are supremely comfortable – think Frette sheets, walk-in showers and Molton Brown amenities. Rooms overlook Michigan Avenue, others over Lake Michigan, and all are handsomely furnished with striking wallpaper behind the bed and geometric mirrors on the walls. You’ll find a writing desk with a comfortable chair and a multi-purpose charging station, but if you need a coffee machine you’ll have to upgrade to a suite. Opt for the hotel’s two-bedroom signature suite, the Gwen Lux Suite, if you seek a perfect haven or, in the summer months, if you’re looking for fun and the chance to sleep outdoors for a change, on the suite’s terrace in a luxury tent – true glamping (at an extra charge).

The problem with dining in the vicinity is that you won’t know where to start (or stop) – the options are abundant and mouth-wateringly delicious – so you may want to start right here, at the hotel’s Kostali which specialises in fare from the southern Mediterranean region - including the Levant and North Africa. The somm here takes pride in pairing the dishes with wines from local unknown producers, making the experience of eating here an event in itself and not to be forgotten soon. Pre and postprandial drinks – and small bites – can be enjoyed at Upstairs at the Gwen (outdoors in fair weather). Go for the Bloody Mary that’s served with a straw, a slice of bacon and olives in a tin made to look like a Campbell’s Soup Can, à la Andy Warhol.

The hotel has a 24-hour fitness centre, but you’d be forgiven for eschewing it in favour of a workout on foot with a credit card in your hand. The Magnificent Mile’s shops and boutiques – including Nordstrom, Macy’s, Max Mara and Burberry – beckon. The Loop is close by, and it’s a 20-minute walk to Lake Michigan and Navy Pier. The L (Chicago’s elevated transit system) is a 5-minute walk away.

Hotel amenities

Air conditioning

Laundry/valet service

Restaurant

Room service

Wheelchair access

Children welcome

Pets allowed

Business centre

Smoke-free property

Fitness centre

Internet complimentary

Parking at a charge

Show less