Why The Gwen Chicago Is One of the Best Luxury Hotels on Michigan Avenue
Chicago occupies a singular place among American cities. The brilliant sapphire waters of Lake Michigan evoke the Caribbean on a clear summer day, while a skyline composed of Art Deco landmarks, soaring contemporary towers, and celebrated architectural masterpieces has earned the city a global reputation for design. Woven throughout it all, the Chicago River is crossed by 37 movable bridges, an engineering feat that lends the city a character unlike anywhere else in the United States. Together, these elements create a destination that feels both unmistakably urban and unexpectedly serene.
Images in our article by: Daniel Afonin
Here is our Team’s experience at The Gwen Chicago
The first thing that catches your attention in Chicago is the light. On a clear day, Lake Michigan stretches toward the horizon in brilliant shades of sapphire, while glass towers reflect the water in a way that makes the city feel almost coastal. Below, the Chicago River winds through a forest of steel and limestone, crossed by the movable bridges that have become as much a part of the city's identity as its celebrated skyline.
Standing just off Michigan Avenue, The Gwen has occupied this remarkable setting for decades. Named after celebrated sculptor Gwen Lux, the hotel embraces the Art Deco heritage of the landmark McGraw-Hill Building, blending historic architecture with the polished ease expected of a modern luxury stay. It feels distinctly Chicago—creative, sophisticated, and quietly confident.
For visitors, the location is difficult to rival. The Magnificent Mile begins just beyond the front doors, world-renowned architecture lines every direction, and the Riverwalk, Millennium Park, and the city's celebrated dining scene are all within an easy stroll. Yet despite sitting at the center of one of America's busiest downtowns, The Gwen manages to cultivate an atmosphere of calm—a welcome retreat above the rhythm of the city.
Chicago, aka “the Windy City”, is home to delicious food, jazz music, and rich history dating back to 1833. If there is one place that has preserved all the uniqueness of the city, it is The Gwen Chicago! The Gwen is located in the very heart of downtown, on the famous Magnificent Mile.
The Hotel
There are hotels that borrow from the Art Deco movement, and then there are those that genuinely belong to it. The Gwen falls firmly into the latter. Occupying the landmark 1928 McGraw-Hill Building, the hotel remains one of the few surviving Art Deco landmarks along Chicago's celebrated Michigan Avenue—a reminder of an era when architecture was expected to inspire as much as it served.
For those drawn to the movement, the details are impossible to ignore. The building's distinctive vertical lines, geometric ornamentation, and sculptural flourishes embody the optimism and craftsmanship that defined late-1920s American design. It is the kind of place that invites you to slow your pace and look upward.
The hotel's name pays tribute to pioneering sculptor Gwen Lux, whose decorative reliefs remain among the building's defining artistic features. Working in a profession overwhelmingly dominated by men, Lux became one of the twentieth century's most accomplished sculptors, and The Gwen has thoughtfully woven her legacy throughout the guest experience. Rather than treating its history as a marketing footnote, the hotel allows the building's original artistry to remain at the heart of its identity—a rarity in an age when so many historic properties have been stripped of their architectural soul.
The hotel is in proximity to the most famous attractions, food locations, and brand outlets on the Magnificent Mile. it is a short walk from the Chicago River. Also via Michigan Avenue, there is easy access to Navy Pier, Millenium Park, The Art Institute Of Chicago, and much more!
Suites
a look at the spaces
Our stay was in the Gwen Lux Suite, the hotel's signature two-bedroom accommodation perched on the 16th floor. Designed as much for lingering as for sleeping, the suite unfolds through a series of beautifully proportioned spaces, including separate living and dining rooms bathed in natural light. Floor-to-ceiling windows and multiple terraces frame sweeping views across downtown Chicago, creating the feeling of a private residence suspended above the Magnificent Mile.
The layout is remarkably generous. Two bedrooms, three marble-appointed bathrooms, expansive entertaining spaces, and a full dining room allow guests to settle in rather than simply pass through. It's the sort of suite that naturally becomes the gathering place before dinner reservations, after an afternoon exploring the city, or over a leisurely breakfast as Chicago comes to life below.
While it made an unforgettable setting for a romantic city escape, the Gwen Lux Suite is equally well suited to longer stays, celebratory weekends, or traveling with family and friends. Rarely does a hotel suite balance residential comfort with genuine architectural character so effortlessly—a reflection of The Gwen itself, where thoughtful design remains the greatest luxury.
If there is a defining feature of the Gwen Lux Suite, it is undoubtedly the extraordinary 1,200-square-foot private terrace—a rarity in downtown Chicago, and arguably one of the city's most remarkable outdoor hotel spaces.
From this elevated vantage point, Chicago unfolds in every direction. To the east, the deep blue expanse of Lake Michigan catches the changing light; to the south and west, a tapestry of historic towers and contemporary skyscrapers forms one of the world's most celebrated skylines. The limestone crown of the Wrigley Building, the neo-Gothic silhouette of Tribune Tower, and the constant rhythm of the Magnificent Mile create a panorama that is unmistakably Chicago.
The terrace quickly became our favorite room in the suite. Mornings began with coffee overlooking the city, afternoons drifted into leisurely lunches beneath the open sky, and evenings ended with cocktails as the last light settled across the lake and the skyline gradually illuminated. It is one of those rare hotel spaces that quietly encourages you to postpone your plans, linger a little longer, and simply watch one of America's great cities unfold below.
Other amenities within the suite include mini-refrigerators, 65-inch flat-screen televisions, high-speed internet access, a plush queen sofa bed (that can sleep additional guests), and a luxury ensemble featuring quality bathrobes and slippers in each of the bedrooms. The plentiful windows and doors throughout ensure a ton of natural light.
Each bathroom is stocked with Molton Brown toiletries. The master bathroom welcomes you to try its deep soaking tub, large enough to fit even those at the extremes of the height spectrum (Daniel clocks in at 6’7”)!
The master bedroom also has access to its own private terrace complete with ample seating and unique views not seen from the main terrace.
Service
Going above and beyond
As a member of The Luxury Collection, The Gwen embraces a style of hospitality rooted in personalization rather than formality. Service feels effortless, with every detail thoughtfully considered and every interaction delivered with genuine warmth.
Beyond the guest rooms, The Gwen offers a collection of spaces that encourage guests to linger long after they've returned from exploring the city. A 24-hour fitness center caters to early risers and late-night travelers alike, while the hotel's inviting lounge provides a quieter place to unwind between excursions. Dining is centered around Kostali by Naha, where Mediterranean-inspired cuisine pairs beautifully with the energy of the Magnificent Mile.
The true standout, however, is Upstairs at The Gwen, the hotel's rooftop terrace and cocktail bar. With sweeping views over downtown Chicago, it has become one of the neighborhood's most sought-after gathering places for both visitors and locals. During the warmer months, the terrace hosts Movie Night at The Gwen, where classic films are screened beneath the skyline as guests settle into lounge seating beside the fire pits with specialty cocktails in hand. It's a simple concept, yet one that perfectly captures the relaxed sophistication that defines a stay at The Gwen.
If you’re looking for something truly unique, you can try Glamping on the 1200 square foot terrace! The spacious tent is fitted with a QUEEN bed and an attached outside seating area so comfort remains a priority as you take in the views under the night sky.
This feature is available FROM May-SEPTEMBER.
Food & Beverage
discovering the on-site dining
In-Room Dining
The first thing I do at any hotel is check-in, shower, and order room service. It’s a recipe for success! You drop your bags, order the food, wash up, and then immediately jump into those comfy robes & slippers. By the time you emerge refreshed, you’ll have a beautiful meal waiting for you. This (of course) is how we started our trip to the Gwen!
Terrace Breakfast
Dare we say: “Instagrammable Breakfast”.
The standout thing about having so much terrace space is that you truly get the opportunity to enjoy uninterrupted outdoor dining! We chose the south end of our terrace for this experience to be able to take in all the views of the water that our suite had to offer!
Ask and you shall receive! The Gwen has a phenomenal Food & Beverage department. If you’re looking to have an upscale in-room dining experience, be sure to ask the staff about their special accommodations and terrace dining options!
Kostali:
In Chicago, a must-have dinner is at The Gwen’s on-site restaurant, Kostali by Naha, Run by the James Beard Award-Winning Chef, Carrie Nahabedian. this amazing Greek restaurant will not disappoint!
Feel free to read more about Kostali our new article here.
Tipsy Tea Party:
A fun experience offered at Kostali is their weekend Tipsy Tea Party! It is a perfect choice for a girl’s brunch or a playful date! They offer full tea menus as well as simple à la carte options.
We also loved that this one-of-a-kind afternoon experience was offered right on-site at the Gwen!
Read more about the tipsy tea party here!
Upstairs at The Gwen:
A true gem among rooftop terraces & lounges in downtown Chicago, Upstairs at The Gwen has a warm and inviting vibe that is perfect for any occasion. A rooftop with fire pits is automatically a winner in my book! we loved the fact that the fire pits were strategically placed all around the terrace for all to enjoy, regardless of seating. The drinks, appetizers, small plates, and ambiance combined to create an ideal peaceful evening.
Don’t forget to take a look at our special offers at the end of this article! We have coupons and Vouchers including a free glass of prosecco when you visit upstairs at the Gwen!
Things to do nearby
We took advantage of the hotel’s central location to visit chicago’s unmissable spots and attractions. In our four-day stay, we packed our itinerary with both indoor and outdoor experiences and couldn’t be happier with our nearby adventures!
The Magnificent Mile
A global attraction for food, restaurants, shopping, and history, the Magnificent Mile has something for everybody. You can easily spend a few hours roaming about and taking everything in. Be sure to check out the Wrigley Building, Tribune Tower, and the 360 Chicago Observation Deck, among other attractions on the mag mile.
Satisfy your shopping cravings at The Shops at millennium station, the Water Tower Place, or the 900 North Michigan Shops (another art deco icon).
You’ll find top brands, including Tiffany & Co, Chanel, Nike, Apple, Ikram, and many others, invite you to browse along the magnificent mile.
The Architecture Tour
Anyone wanting to explore 130 years of chicago’s architectural history will love the Chicago River Architecture Tour!
It is a 90-minute cruising experience by boat! floating along the Chicago River, you will admire and listen to the history behind chicago’s most iconic buildings. As a New Yorker, you could say I know a thing or two about famous highrises. Nevertheless, I was blown away by the variety and ingenuity of chicago’s architecture. Grab a drink from the onboard bar and settle in for a guided in-depth dive through chicago’s ever-developing cityscape.
Multiple time slots are available for booking throughout the day.
Huge thank you to our local friends Tawny & Ben for showing us around!
Downtown Chicago’s #1 Museum:
The Art Institute of Chicago
An art admirer’s paradise, with styles encompassing the renaissance, baroque, impressionist, and realist movements, the Art Institute of Chicago is one of the top galleries in the world. All too often, I’ve been overwhelmed with the number of works displayed at the biggest museums. The art institute of Chicago’s collection is bedazzled with famous pieces while keeping your visit manageable at around 2-3 hours. Be sure to check out George Sera’s “a Sunday on la Grande Jatte” - an instantly recognizable painting and the poster child of the pointillism movement.
Paris Street; Rainy Day is a large 1877 oil painting by the French artist Gustave Caillebotte
Artist: Gustave Caillebotte
Dimensions: 7′ 0″ x 9′ 1″
Subject: Paris
Medium: Oil paint
Year: 1877
We were thrilled to be able to catch the Monet and Chicago exhibit being held at AIC! It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see so many of Monet’s pieces brought together in one place. While the water lily and Thames river series are rightful headliners, there are lesser-known pieces on display that flesh out Monet’s prolific career. The standout for me was an entire collection of rare caricature drawings created by Monet in his teens, long before his rise to fame. This traveling exhibit will be open in Chicago through June 14, 2021, so get your tickets asap (you need to purchase tickets to the exhibit separately from general museum admission).
The art institute of Chicago is home to thousands of artworks that are world-renowned. a unique museum with its own history and the rare privilege of preserving global historic heritage.
Museum Of Science And Industry Chicago
This incredible museum, located in Jackson Park, is the largest science center in Northern Hemisphere. Be sure to allocate time accordingly!
The museum hosts 35000+ awe-inspiring artifacts and models with exhibits ranging from virtual reality to space exploration for folks of all ages to enjoy. highlights include a restored full-sized German U-boat, a Virtual Reality Transporter, a Marvel Exhibit with 300+ original artifacts, the Giant Dome Theater, Flight and Motion Simulators, and plenty more.
I 100% plan to return to the MUSEUM OF SCIENCE & INDUSTRY! There’s no way to see all that is offered here in one afternoon. It’s a lot of walking, we certainly enjoyed taking a nap in the Uber on the way back to the hotel!
Need Tunes?
We visited a variety of of establishments on our recent trip to Chicago, I took the liberty of ‘Shazaming’ a few of the exciting melodies I heard playing on the trip. From Rock & Roll to Classical Jazz, Chicagos music taste is as exciting as the city itself!
Conclusion
check out our special savings & offers below
The Gwen has rightfully earned its reputation as one of the top hotels in Chicago. Its central location, rich history, unparalleled customer service, amenities, and accommodations set it apart and make it the ideal place to settle down while exploring Chicago.
Contact the hotel to book your stay at 312.645.1500
ADDRESS:
The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Michigan Avenue Chicago
521 North Rush Street
Shopping
Directly adjacent to the Gwen: the shops at North bridge
Enjoy a variety of savings for retailers such as KIEHL'S, L'OCCITANE, NORDSTROM, & more here!
HISTORY & ATTRACTIONS
Jean-Baptist-Point Du Sable, (born 1745 St. Marc, Sainte-Domingue [now Haiti]—died Aug. 28, 1818, St. Charles, Mo., U.S.), A pioneer trader and founder of the settlement that later became the city of Chicago.
See our other articles
If you're planning an autumn escape, few American cities rival Chicago. As the leaves begin to turn and the lakefront takes on a golden glow, The Gwen offers an elegant base from which to experience the season—whether exploring the Magnificent Mile, discovering the city's celebrated dining scene, or simply admiring the skyline from one of the finest terraces in downtown Chicago.
Sponsored by: Marriott International