Finding a place to crash in Chicago usually feels like a trade-off. You either pay out the nose for a tiny boutique room in the Loop or end up miles away from the action just to save a few bucks. But the Holiday Inn Chicago-Mart Plaza River North—which is the full, mouthful of a name for what most people just call the Holiday Inn River Mart—occupies this weird, brilliant middle ground that honestly catches people off guard. It sits right on top of the Apparel Center, adjacent to the Merchandise Mart. It's huge. It's elevated. And if you don't know how the elevators work, it's also a little confusing the first time you walk in.
Most folks see "Holiday Inn" and expect a cookie-cutter lobby with a stale breakfast buffet. This isn't that. Because the lobby is on the 15th floor, your first impression of the city isn't a crowded sidewalk or a valet stand; it’s a massive, glass-walled atrium looking straight down the Chicago River.
The Logistics of Staying at the Holiday Inn Chicago-Mart Plaza River North
Let’s get the geography straight. You are in River North, but specifically, you’re perched over the junction where the North, South, and main branches of the Chicago River meet. This is the "Wolf Point" area. Historically, this spot was the heart of Chicago’s early trade. Now, it’s a forest of glass skyscrapers.
The hotel is physically part of the massive complex connected to the Merchandise Mart. This is a massive plus for business travelers attending shows at the Mart, but for a tourist? It means you have indoor access to the "L" train (the Brown and Purple lines) without ever stepping outside into a Chicago blizzard. That’s huge. You can get from your room to a Cubs game at Wrigley Field or the high-end shops on Michigan Avenue while staying completely dry and warm.
Parking is the perennial headache here. Like any downtown Chicago spot, it’s pricey. Expect to pay North of $50 for valet, or try your luck with the various parking apps to find a spot in the nearby garages for slightly less. Honestly, if you can avoid bringing a car, do it. The city is walkable, and the ride-share wait times at the Mart Plaza entrance are usually under four minutes.
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What the Rooms are Really Like
Don't expect gold-plated faucets. You’re staying in a functional, high-volume hotel. However, because of the building’s circular-ish, sprawling footprint, the room layouts can be surprisingly varied.
- The Views: This is why you book this specific hotel. If you get a river-view room, you’re looking at the iconic "L" tracks curving over the water. It’s a photographer’s dream.
- The Quiet Factor: You’d think being above a train line and a busy commercial center would be loud. It’s not. Since the guest rooms start so high up (16th floor and above), the street noise is mostly a muffled hum.
- The Tech: They’ve updated the rooms recently with plenty of USB ports and decent Wi-Fi. It’s reliable enough for a Zoom call, which isn't always a given in older Chicago buildings.
The bathrooms are standard. Clean. Bright. No-nonsense. If you’re looking for a spa-like soaking tub, you might be disappointed, but if you want a shower with actual water pressure that gets hot in ten seconds, you’re in luck.
Why the 15th Floor is the Real Hub
The 15th-floor atrium is the soul of the Holiday Inn Chicago-Mart Plaza River North. It’s where everything happens. There’s a bar called Cityscape Bar that, frankly, has better views than many of the "destination" rooftop bars in the city that charge $22 for a mediocre cocktail. Here, you can grab a local craft beer—usually something from Goose Island or Revolution—and just watch the architectural boat tours glide by.
The Merchants Cafe is also on this level. It serves the purpose. It’s not Michelin-star dining, but the breakfast buffet is solid and the service is surprisingly fast given how many people they cycle through during a convention week.
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One thing people miss: the pool. It’s an indoor, heated pool. In July, nobody cares. In February, when the wind is whipping off Lake Michigan at 40 miles per hour, that indoor pool is a godsend for families with kids who have too much energy. There’s also a fitness center that’s actually decent, featuring more than just a lone, broken treadmill.
Dealing with the "Mart" Crowds
Because this hotel is so integrated with the Merchandise Mart, the vibe changes drastically depending on what’s happening downstairs. During "NeoCon" (the massive commercial design show) or major trade fairs, the lobby feels like the center of the universe. It’s high-energy, crowded, and loud.
If you’re there on an off-week? It’s strangely peaceful. You might find yourself alone in the massive atrium at 10:00 PM, looking out at the glowing lights of the Willis Tower. It’s a bit surreal.
Exploring the Neighborhood Without a Map
You don’t need a guide to find food here. Walk out the doors and you are in the heart of the River North gallery and restaurant district.
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- The Riverwalk: Just cross the bridge. You can walk for miles along the water, stopping for wine at City Winery or checking out the "Art on theMart" projections on the side of the building you're literally staying in.
- The Food: Lou Malnati’s is nearby for deep dish, but if you want something less "touristy," head a few blocks North to the smaller bistros.
- Convenience: There’s a CVS and plenty of coffee shops within a two-minute walk. If you forgot a toothbrush or need a quick snack, you aren't stranded.
Navigating the Myths
A common misconception is that this hotel is "dated." While the building itself has that 1970s brutalist-meets-commercial-chic exterior, the interior has seen significant investment. It feels modern, even if the bones of the structure are older.
Another myth: it’s too far from the "real" Chicago. People think the Loop is where they need to be. Honestly? The Loop dies at 6:00 PM when the office workers go home. River North, where the Holiday Inn Chicago-Mart Plaza River North is located, is where the city actually stays awake. You’re closer to the nightlife and the better dining options here than you would be if you stayed right next to Millennium Park.
Actionable Tips for Your Stay
If you’re planning to book, keep these specific strategies in mind to maximize the value.
- Ask for the South View: Specifically ask for a room facing south toward the river junction. The North-facing rooms look toward the city, which is fine, but the river view is what makes this hotel world-class.
- Use the Mart Elevators: During peak times, the hotel elevators can be slow. Since the hotel is connected to the Apparel Center/Mart, you can sometimes navigate through the building's public elevators to reach the ground floor faster, though this requires a bit of exploring.
- Check the Convention Calendar: Before you book, Google "Merchandise Mart Event Calendar." If there’s a massive show on, prices will triple. If you’re flexible, moving your stay by just two days can save you hundreds of dollars.
- The Skywalk Advantage: Use the enclosed skywalk to get to the Merchandise Mart "L" stop. It’s the safest and warmest way to move around the city in the winter.
- Mobile Check-in: Use the IHG app. This hotel handles a lot of airline crews and business groups; the front desk line can get deep. Skipping the queue via the app is a pro move.
Ultimately, this isn't a "luxury" hotel in the sense of white-glove service and silk sheets. It is a high-functioning, incredibly well-located hub that offers one of the best perspectives of the Chicago skyline you can find at this price point. It’s about the view, the location, and the weirdly cool experience of living on top of one of the largest commercial buildings in the world.
Whether you're in town for a conference or just want to see the "Art on theMart" light show from your bedroom window, it’s a choice that makes a lot of sense for a practical traveler. Just remember to look down when you're in the lobby—the city moving underneath you is the best show in town.
Next Steps for Your Trip:
- Verify your dates against the Merchandise Mart's public expo schedule to avoid peak "convention" pricing.
- Download the IHG One Rewards app to access digital check-in and potentially score a higher-floor room upgrade.
- Map out the Brown Line route from the Merchandise Mart station to see how easily you can reach neighborhoods like Lincoln Park or Southport Corridor during your stay.