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The Gwen, A Luxury Collection Hotel

Chicago • River North • SPLURGE

avg. $346 / night

Includes $18 / night in cash back

Cash back is redeemable via Virtual Visa, Venmo, or bank transfer starting 24-48 hours after check-out

Marriott Bonvoy® property

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Cash back

5% cash back on all completed stays (redeemable via Virtual Visa, Venmo, or bank transfer starting 24-48 hours after check-out)

Credit card points

Credit and debit card charges are processed directly by the hotel (i.e. not PressBeyond), meaning that any travel-specific credit card points or incentives that you normally get as a cardholder for direct hotel bookings are preserved

Hotel loyalty points

Points accrual and status eligibility with major hotel loyalty programs: Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, World of Hyatt, and others

Free breakfast

Breakfast-included rate options available

Room upgrades

Complimentary room upgrades (subject to property availability)

Extend your stay

Early check-in and late check-out (subject to property availability)

Part of The Luxury Collection

Location

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At a glance

A 1929 Art Deco landmark reimagined with contemporary interiors, rooftop views of the Wrigley Building, and custom botanical murals.

Best for: Architecture enthusiasts and collectors visiting Chicago

Highlights:

  • 1929 Art Deco McGraw-Hill Building landmark by Thielbar and Fugard
  • Rooms with custom botanical murals and brass-detailed nightstands by Bill Rooney
  • Rooftop terrace with Wrigley Building clock tower views and fire pits
Art-Deco-modernurbane

PB hotel design editorial

Carved into the lower floors of the McGraw-Hill Building — a 1929 Art Deco tower by Thielbar and Fugard that rises above North Michigan Avenue with the characteristic limestone-and-terra-cotta authority of Chicago's pre-war commercial ambition — The Gwen takes its name from the sculpted female figures, known as the Gwen reliefs, that ornament the building's facade. The property's 311 rooms were refurbished in a renovation that brought interior designer Bill Rooney's vision of calibrated urban glamour to what had previously operated as a Marriott property, translating the building's period bones into a contemporary luxury register. The guest rooms layer geometric patterned carpets in warm grey with upholstered platform beds, brass-detailed nightstands, and custom wall murals featuring fluid botanical and figurative line drawings that echo the sculptural vocabulary of the building's exterior ornament. Blush barrel chairs and multi-arm black floor lamps in a mid-century idiom provide counterpoint to the neutral ground. Downstairs, the bar deploys bouclé lounge chairs alongside green velvet barstool seating with gilt cage bases, the back bar framed in arched rattan panels that soften an otherwise dark-lacquered surround. The rooftop terrace, with the Wrigley Building's illuminated clock tower composing the skyline behind it, arranges leather bucket chairs around fire pits beneath oversized drum-shade heaters — a layout that understands Michigan Avenue as the spectacle it has always been.

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About

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.

Amenities

Pets Allowed

Free Internet

Wifi

Free Wifi

Meeting rooms

Concierge

Suites

Paid Internet

Non-smoking rooms

Dry cleaning

The Gwen, A Luxury Collection Hotel Reviews

2,566 reviews

"A lovely hotel that can provide lots of shopping and dining options without having to leave an undercover area if the weather is inclement. We were also very pleased with the friendly people working at the hotel from the very friendly and professional Luigi at the front desk who checked us in and provided detailed information of my status benefits to virtually everyone we have met so far. The waitress that served us on our first evening while we enjoyed some delicious food and a bottle of wine was also outstanding and very friendly. Sorry I can’t remember her name but her name began with an M."

A Tripadvisor traveler review

May 24, 2026

"Luigi helped us at The Gwen and thank goodness he did! Upon arrival he made sure our check in was seamless, and gave phenomenal recommendations — even was able to secure last minute reservations! Beautiful hotels, beautiful rooms, and exceptional service"

A Tripadvisor traveler review

May 22, 2026

"Nice space, friendly staff quiet room"

A Tripadvisor traveler review

May 22, 2026

"Walking into The Gwen, I was already impressed by the building itself. Art Deco facade, Michigan Avenue address, nearly a century of Chicago history holding the whole thing up. But what made the check-in experience genuinely memorable was Luigi. He got me checked in early, which already sets the tone for a trip, but it was the way he did it. Warm, genuinely hospitable, great personality. The kind of person who makes you feel like the hotel is happy you’re there, not just processing your arrival. That warmth carried through the entire stay, and I think that’s exactly why this property holds a Michelin Key. It’s not just the address or the architecture. It’s the way the people here make you feel. My room had a view of Michigan Avenue and a soaking tub I did not want to leave. Upstairs at The Gwen is where I’d tell anyone to spend their first evening. The cocktail menu is lovely (they have many options for Mexico lovers with tequila and mezcal). That plus fire pits and a city skyline - yes please. The gym matters to me more than most things when I travel. I’m a health coach and I work out every day, so a fully equipped fitness center isn’t a nice-to-have, it’s non-negotiable. The Gwen’s gym had everything I needed without having to improvise or skip anything. If you’re booking Chicago, start here. Thank you for a lovely stay!"

A Tripadvisor traveler review

May 22, 2026

"We stay at The Gwen whenever we stay in Chicago. The location is perfect for sightseeing and visiting favorite restaurants and bars. All staff members, from the servers in the restaurant to people at the front desk, treat us with the utmost professionalism and care. The rooms are gorgeous, with large, luxurious bathrooms, and the beds are extra comfy. Good food is important to us, and every meal we've eaten at Upstairs at the Gwen has been outstanding. The menu is seasonal, with a wide selection of entrées. The atmosphere is festive, with a lovely bar, and comfortable seating. During a recent visit we enjoyed drinks and snacks in the evening at the bar where Claudia took great care of us, and we had a delicious breakfast the next morning, served by Meredith. The Belgian Waffle with fresh berries and citrus mascarpone was delightful. We're already looking forward to our next visit to the Gwen!"

A Tripadvisor traveler review

May 17, 2026

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