The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel, a one MICHELIN Key hotel, is a sculptural masterpiece blending 1930s Chicago glamour with contemporary elegance. With seasonal activations and celebrations, it stands as an iconic Art Deco landmark, crafted by trailblazing sculptress Gwen Lux. Located at 521 North Rush Street between Grand Avenue and Illinois Street and can also be accessed through The Shops at North Bridge on Michigan Avenue. Walking distance to The Loop, Millennium Park, Lake Michigan, and Navy Pier. Located within the renowned Magnificent Mile, The Gwen is steps to over 460 retailers, restaurants, and nightlife venues. A standout among rooftop terraces & lounges in downtown Chicago, Upstairs at The Gwen focuses on the art of craft cocktails paired with all-day dining and cityscape views from among the Art Deco-infused architecture. Open year-round.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
The Gwen, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Michigan Avenue Chicago
2,226 reviews
Getting there
Great for walkers
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
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The Gwen emerges as a gem on Michigan Avenue in Chicago, with numerous guests commending the hotel's prime location for exploring the city's offerings. Lavish amenities, including a rooftop terrace boasting fire pits and gourmet offerings, receive high marks from travelers. Guests often describe the rooms as spacious sanctuaries, although a few have raised concerns about views and amenities.
While opinions on value show a divide, with some citing high costs, the exceptional service and cleanliness are consistently applauded. The Gwen's vibrant atmosphere, complete with chic decor and fun DJ nights, further enriches the guest experience.
Location
Central
Atmosphere
Chic
Rooms
Comfortable
Value
Expensive
Cleanliness
Immaculate
Service
Attentive
Amenities
Top-notch
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I’ve stayed here around 15 times in last 2 years. I travel to Chicago a lot for work and it’s the only hotel I will try. The staff is amazing. Luigi at registration desk is so sweet, helpful and connected. He provides the best information and always accommodates my needs.
The food is so good and I love getting room service for breakfast. The Gwen burger is so yummy. The rooms are beautifully designed and the mattresses feel like a magic spell potion is on them. I sleep so well. Best location for shopping and restaurants. Easy to stroll around for exploring and getting coffee or lunch.
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Date of stay: August 2024
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Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Maira Arias, Guest Services / Front Office at The Gwen, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Michigan Avenue Chicago
Responded Oct 14, 2024
Thank you very much for sharing your experience at The Gwen. We are thrilled to hear you had such a great time with us and we truly appreciate the kind remarks. We hope to welcome you back soon! Best, Mary Claire Murphy, Front Office Manager
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This is a pleasant, modern and airy hotel in downtown Chicago. We enjoyed our stay very much, but didn't eat in the hotel (apart from one snack in the bar), so I can't comment on the cuisine.
The room was a good size, spacious and comfortable, with an excellent modern en-suite shower and toilet. The bed was large and very comfortable and every night afforded us a good night's sleep.
What was particularly notable was the friendliness and helpfulness of the staff, in particular the concierge (Ramon), who guided us through the available sights and eateries in Chicago, which saved us considerable time in research.
Chicago is a fascinating city, with all the modernity and dynamism of Manhattan, but without the grit or the slightly abraisive denizens of that island. We found all Chigacoans we encountered to be pleasant and engaging. However, Chicago is built on two levels, the lower level being under all the main roads that are elevated and therefore walking anywhere in the lower section is far less pleasant than on the upper section. I mention this because the main entrance to the Gwen hotel is on the lower level so when you exit onto the street it's advisable to climb the stairs around the corner to go up to 'street level'. Also, if you're not going to the hotel by taxi but by public transport (as we did) you'll have to carry your luggage down the stairs from the upper level where the bus stops.
Additionally, the arrangement of the lifts in the hotel is a little irritating (and confusing to start with) because the lift from the main entrance doesn't go to the levels where the bedrooms are. The main reception is on the fifth floor so you have to go to reception and then walk to another bank of lifts that take you onward to the bedrooms and conference rooms. The Gwen seems to be a business hotel first and foremost and so there is a lot of activity and many people in the building for conferences and exhibitions.
The terrace area by the bar affords a pleasant view of the cityscape, but there are two huge TV screens that perpetually show sport, so many of the guests on the terrace are there to watch a game. However it seems that there is no public place in Chicago that doesn't have TV screens on all the time, showing sport (the city seems to be obsessed with sport). Every restaurant we went to had multiple screens on, even high-end establishments. To a Brit this is weird because its only pubs and bars in my country that have these intrusive, mind-numbing displays.
We enjoyed our stay at the Gwen and can recommend it for a pleasant stay as a tourist. its location is good for reaching many parts of the city and public transport is cheap and extensive. If we return to Chicago we will definitely book to stay there again.
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Date of stay: September 2024
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Location
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Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Remember to go top side to get anywhere, there are stairs that go from the entrance level to the...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Maira Arias, Guest Services / Front Office at The Gwen, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Michigan Avenue Chicago
Responded Sep 30, 2024
Thank you very much for sharing your experience at The Gwen. We are thrilled to hear you had such a great time with us and we truly appreciate the kind remarks. We hope to welcome you back soon! Best, Mary Claire Murphy, Front Office Manager
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Travelling to Chicago frequently for work, I've been staying at The Gwen once or twice a month for a while now. From the Art Deco aesthetic in the lobby and in every guest room, to the prime location in the heart of River North, to the outstanding service (shout-out Roger at the front desk!) they offer all their guests, The Gwen can't be beat for those travelling to Chicago. The wonderful interactions with the front office reps at the Gwen always puts a smile on my face.
The hotel restaurant and bar has top-notch food and beverage selections that change seasonally, a large outdoor terrace, friendly staff, and is very lively every day of the week, even during the cold Chicago winter. A highlight of my stay was during Chicago Fashion Week, when a fashion show and designer meet-and-greet was hosted in the lobby/bar/restaurant area. For shopping enthusiasts, it's also very convenient to access the large Nordstrom mall that is directly connected to the hotel lobby.
If you value unmatched customer service, gorgeous aesthetics, and exploring the most popular parts of Chicago, book a stay at The Gwen!
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Date of stay: February 2025
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
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Trip type: Travelled on business
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Iris Junge, General Manager at The Gwen, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Michigan Avenue Chicago
Responded 2 days ago
Isaac, Wow! What an incredible review of our property and the staff, especially Roger, who is an amazing team member and guest favorite! I really appreciate you sharing such details with fellow travelers. So glad that you enjoyed our little fashion show, as we aim to bring the destination and unique experiences to our guests to create memorable moments. We hope to welcome you back again in the future for another fantastic stay!
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I will tell you right away, don't waste your money on this overpriced afternoon tea. For $95 (plus gratuity) we did the tea package with bottomless sparkling wine. Our group had done afternoon tea before at other locations, and this was by far the most disappointing one. For the amount you pay, you get bottomless cheap sparkling wine, a selection of very mediocre and not adventurous teas (that come in tea bags), and a tower of what appeared and tasted like frozen apps and deserts from Costco, that you get one of each for each person.
- Other afternoon teas have a variety of exotic and exciting teas that are loose leaf, where as The Gwen uses cheap and readily available tea bags. - The food tower was disappointing at best. All of the savory "sandwiches" were just frozen Costco style apps and desserts that were not very flavorful and dry. One of the savory treats were missing (The ravioli), and in its place was a dry wonton filled with beef and what appeared to be peas. We asked our waitress what it was and she said she would ask the pastry chef (doubt they actually have one). Well she never returned to inform us. Worst part, for the $100 you spent, you only get the one tower of treats, with one piece of each for every guest. Every other tea service we have attended will refill your tower with more treats of your choosing. The Gwen tries to talk you into add ons from an ala carte menu that is way over priced. - The "DJ", which i use the term loosely, because she wasn't mixing anything, and just played a playlist. She stopped playing music after an hour and the last 30 minutes there was no music.
BOTTOM LINE: Do not waste your time on this tea service. They should be ashamed it cost so much, and they are putting in the bare minimum. I highly recommend getting Afternoon Tea or Holiday Tea at the Drake Hotel. The Drake has exciting teas and delicious food (both of which are unlimited), and the overall quality, experience and service are so much better.
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Date of stay: November 2024Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Iris Junge, General Manager at The Gwen, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Michigan Avenue Chicago
Responded Nov 25, 2024
Justin, thank you so much for taking the time to share your feedback with us. I am so sorry to hear that you found our Tipsy Tea to be a disappointing experience based on other locations you have visited. I will be sure to share your feedback with our Pastry Chef Karianne, who does take a lot of pride in the Tea Towers she creates. While we do no use exclusive loose teas as some other places, our focus is really on the boozy cocktails we offer, which are included in our tea packages. Nevertheless, I will connect with my F&B Team to see if we can work on our offerings as we plan for our Tipsy Tea to expand in 2025. We usually get great reviews for our non-traditional Tipsy Tea Party and hope that you will give us another chance in the future. Thank you again for your feedback.
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My husband and I anniversary is the day after his birthday and this year we decided to stay at the Gwen and celebrate in Chicago. I reached out to the concierge and was connected with Ramon Gomez who was the BEST CONCIERGE hands down! He provided us with an email list of places to eat, speakeasies, music options and so much more. He arranged reservations for the birthday celebration and even provided information for special amenities to commemorate our anniversary the following day! On top of all of that, the check-in process was seamless, and we were even complimented with a free drink in celebration of the occasion. The cleaning services were immaculate and even when we "stayed-in" on a snowy day we were still able to have our room cleaned when we did step out for dinner and return to a freshly made bed and fresh towels....is was nothing less than amazing! The location is prime and we were able to be on the main street and have access to all the wonderful sights downtown Chicago has to offer.
I am happy to say that we have found our Chicago vacation experience there at the Gwen, we have stayed at three other hotels in Chicago and not one has topped our experience here at The Gwen! 10/10 DEFINITELY recommend!
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Date of stay: March 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Call the concierge and ask for Ramon! He is amazing!
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Maira Arias, Guest Services / Front Office at The Gwen, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Michigan Avenue Chicago
Responded Apr 27, 2024
Thank you very much for sharing your experience at The Gwen. We are thrilled to hear you had such a great time with us and we truly appreciate the kind remarks. We hope to welcome you back soon! Warm regards, Maira Arias, Director of Front Office
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First, a heart-felt shout out to Roman and Royce, whose warm, personal service made our first stay at The Gwen so special, and ensured that it will not be our last. We were looking for a new "go-to" hotel for staycations in Chicago (we live in the 'burbs), and we think we've found it. Roman responded quickly and patiently to multiple texts and questions, helped us arrange a room upgrade to a junior suite (he even picked his favorite), and provided extra amenities we requested, like coffee pods and extra towels. Royce checked us in, making us feel welcome and appreciated right from the start. And both sent up a special welcome gift of prosecco and macarons, with a nice note. On top of that, the room itself was a great recommendation - we wanted to treat ourselves to some extra luxury, and this room delivered. The bathroom was huge, with double vanities, a soaking tub, and a separate shower. The extra space, with a full sitting area and desk, made us spend more time relaxing in our room than we normally do. This suite even had a view of the Magnificent Mile up North Michigan Avenue. That location was just right for the museums and River North restaurants we wanted to visit, which all were within walking distance. My only gripe is that the TV programming options were outdated; no menu or streaming, so the only way to find out what was on was to flip through channels like it was 1990. But we didn't really need to watch TV. The room was otherwise perfect, but for us it's the service from R&R and the rest of the staff that will bring us back. Tip: We saved $100 on parking for two nights by parking in a public garage at 516 N. Rush St., directly across the street from the hotel, instead of paying for valet parking.
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Date of stay: March 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Park in the public garage at 516 N. Rush St., directly across the street from the hotel, rather...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Maira Arias, Guest Services / Front Office at The Gwen, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Michigan Avenue Chicago
Responded Apr 4, 2023
Thank you very much for sharing your experience at The Gwen. We are thrilled to hear you had such a wonderful stay and we truly appreciate the kind remarks. We look forward to welcoming you back hopefully very soon! Best, Mary Claire Murphy, Front Office Manager
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We wanted to love this hotel. It’s the 2nd time we stayed here. But there are LOTS of rules. If you buy champagne in the lobby from the Moët & Chandon vending machine (which is awesome), you can’t sit at the bar and drink it. You can only sit in the lobby.
The outdoor rooftop terrace never seems to be open - even though that’s one of the main reasons we picked this hotel.
The hotel claims it is new but the rooms clearly show it was a different hotel before. Yes they changed the furnishings but the doors, baseboards, and door frames are old and bashed up.
We expected a lot more from a Marriott Autograph Collection.
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Date of stay: July 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Don’t plan on seeing the rooftop outdoor terrace - it is never open, even in July when the...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Maira Arias, Guest Services / Front Office at The Gwen, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Michigan Avenue Chicago
Responded Jul 31, 2023
Thank you very much for sharing your experience at The Gwen. We're so sorry to hear you didn't enjoy your stay with us. Your experience is not our standard as a Luxury Collection Hotel and we hope to welcome you back sometime in the future. Best, Mary Claire Murphy, Front Office Manager
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Mostly good, TA's rating is highly skewed by users reviewing only the restaurant/bar rather than the hotel itself. Considering this such a highly ranked hotel I was found it rather average of a 4 star level property. At check in the front desk agent was looking down at her computer and didn't acknowledge me. After about 7-8 minutes she finally looked up and asked if she could help me. I paid extra to upgrade a couple of levels to a "Grand Deluxe" room, which when I booked said "views of Chicago landmarks" What I got was a room 2 stories up from the lobby that looked on to a blank concrete wall with very little daylight and no view. I even went back down to ask to verify this is a Grand Deluxe room and she confirmed it was. The room itself was nice and comfortable, some car/siren noise outside but quieter than a lot of other Chicago hotels I've stayed in. The other staff I dealt with, especially the two gentlemen at the Concierge desk were outstanding! Housekeeping was efficient, free coffee in the lobby was a nice perk. Overall I'd say its a great hotel but I wouldn't' say its the #1 hotel in the USA as some websites seems to say. Maybe a different room would have elicited a more enthusiastic response.
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Date of stay: May 2024
Value
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Trip type: Travelled with friends
Room Tip:Just book the cheapest room. Higher grade rooms are dark on low floors with views of concrete wall.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Maira Arias, Guest Services / Front Office at The Gwen, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Michigan Avenue Chicago
Responded May 27, 2024
Hello, thank you for providing your honest feedback on your recent stay with us. We're sorry to hear your stay was just so-so. If you have any further comments or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to us directly. We hope to see you again soon despite your experience. Best, Mary Claire Murphy Front Office Manager
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The location is truly unbeatable—right in the heart of the city, with countless attractions and activities just steps away. Everything you need is easily accessible from the hotel. The rooms are spacious, impeccably clean, and thoughtfully designed for comfort and convenience.
While the prime location and stunning accommodations are impressive, the real standout is the exceptional staff. From the moment we arrived, every team member went above and beyond to ensure our stay was flawless. The valet team, front desk, housekeeping, and waitstaff were some of the most professional and genuinely kind individuals I’ve ever encountered.
The peace of mind that comes from knowing every detail is taken care of is priceless. I wholeheartedly recommend The Gwen—it’s an experience you won’t forget!
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Date of stay: November 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Iris Junge, General Manager at The Gwen, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Michigan Avenue Chicago
Responded Dec 3, 2024
IowaSarahB, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lovely feedback with us! I am so happy to hear that you had a great stay and that our Ambassadors took such great care of you! I will be sure to share your comments with them. They take such pride in taking care of our guests! Thank you for choosing The Gwen and we hope to welcome you back again in the future!
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What is a four letter word for dirty? Gwen. This is no boutique hotel. The lobby feels like the airline terminal you just left. There is a full bar at one side and a Moët vending machine right next to the reception desk. Cheesy just isn’t the right word. The decor is bland, the “Bonvoy” plaque r in front, the champagne for a card swipe to the right, your spouse on her cell checking other Orbitz for a better place and you eyeing the Uber app?
My awkward upgraded room had stained carpets and stained furniture. The garish alarm clock cube with ugly charging ports on the top (amazon prime day purchase) really frames the decor. They do have Molton Brown branded toiletries bolted tot he wall, but I never knew they made a Dawn detergent scent.? There is even a bathtub , use it to replace the germs from your airplane trip with new Chicago ones.
This is a mid grade revamp of a lower than mid grade facility.
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Date of stay: February 2024Trip type: Travelled on business
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Maira Arias, Guest Services / Front Office at The Gwen, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Michigan Avenue Chicago
Responded Mar 2, 2024
Thank you for taking the time to leave us your feedback. We apologize your stay with us was less than stellar. If you would like to discuss in further detail with us further please do not hesitate to reach out to me directly. I hope that should your travels bring you back to Chicago that you think of us and allow us to host you again. Best, Maira Arias, Director of Front Office
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Having just called the hotel with the same question, what I can pass on is that one difference is the view. The latter has city views, whereas if I understood correctly, the former has a view of the building across the street.
There are more places to choose from in the Chicago area.
PRICE RANGE
C$337 - C$586 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
conrad chicago hotel chicago, chicago conrad
FORMERLY KNOWN AS
Conrad Chicago
LOCATION
United StatesIllinoisChicagoCentral / Near North Side / Magnificent Mile
NUMBER OF ROOMS
311
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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