You’ve seen the building. Honestly, even if you don't know the name, if you’ve ever walked along the Chicago River or scrolled through Instagram photos of the skyline, you’ve definitely looked right at it. It’s that massive, somewhat imposing structure perched directly atop the Apparel Center, right next to the legendary Merchandise Mart. It is the Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza, and in a city where glass-and-steel skyscrapers are popping up like mushrooms, this place remains a weirdly perfect fixture of the River North landscape.
It’s not just another hotel. It’s a literal landmark.
Staying here is a trip. You don’t just walk in off the street into a lobby. You have to take an elevator up to the 15th floor just to check in. That’s where the magic happens. The second those doors slide open, you’re hit with this massive, soaring atrium. It’s airy. It’s slightly retro but in a way that feels intentional rather than dated. And the windows? They frame the city like a living postcard. If you want to see the "L" trains snaking through the buildings or watch the river change colors as the sun sets, this is the spot.
The Merchandise Mart Connection
The Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza is inextricably linked to its neighbor, the Merchandise Mart. For the uninitiated, "The Mart" was once the largest building in the world. It’s a city within a city. Because the hotel sits right on top of the Apparel Center, it has always been the go-to bunker for fashion buyers, interior designers, and tech moguls visiting for trade shows.
If you’re here for NeoCon or a major tech summit at 1871 (the massive startup incubator in the building), you’re basically living at the office, but with better pillows.
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But don't think it's just for suits. It's not. Families love it because the rooms are generally bigger than what you'd find at a boutique spot in the Loop. Plus, there is an indoor pool. In Chicago, especially during those months where the wind feels like it's trying to peel your skin off, a heated indoor pool is a godsend. It's a bit of a local secret for staycations.
What the Rooms are Actually Like
Let's be real: people worry that "Holiday Inn" means "generic."
Sometimes that’s true. But the Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza manages to dodge the cookie-cutter trap. The rooms were renovated a few years back, so you aren't dealing with 1990s floral bedspreads. Think clean lines, ergonomic chairs, and—this is the big one—floor-to-ceiling windows. If you book a city-view room, you are looking directly at the Willis Tower (locals still call it the Sears Tower, let's be honest) and the winding river.
It’s loud. Well, the visuals are loud. The rooms themselves are surprisingly quiet, considering you are sitting on top of a major transit hub.
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One thing to watch out for? The layout can be a bit of a maze. Because the hotel occupies the upper floors of a massive commercial complex, the walk from the elevator to your room can feel like a light cardio workout. Pack comfortable shoes. Seriously.
Logistics: Getting Around from Wolf Point
The hotel sits at Wolf Point. This is where the North, South, and Main branches of the Chicago River meet. It’s arguably the most important geographic intersection in the city’s history.
- The "L" Train: You have a direct enclosed bridge to the Merchandise Mart, which has its own Brown and Purple Line station. You can get to the Loop in five minutes or up to Lincoln Park in fifteen without even stepping outside.
- Walking: You’re about a 10-minute walk from the heart of River North’s dining scene. Bavette’s, Gilt Bar, and all those heavy hitters are right there.
- The Riverwalk: Just cross the bridge and you’re on the Chicago Riverwalk. It’s a 1.25-mile long path filled with wine bars, kayak rentals, and public art.
Parking? It sucks. This is downtown Chicago. Expect to pay a premium for valet or hunt for a SpotHero garage nearby. If you can avoid bringing a car, do it. The city's transit is too good to waste money on a parked SUV.
The Food Situation
You have Merchants Market on-site. It’s fine. It’s reliable for a breakfast buffet or a quick sandwich. But you’re in Chicago. Please, go outside.
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If you walk two blocks north, you’re in a literal playground of food. You’ve got the French Market nearby at Ogilvie Station for quick bites. You’ve got high-end Italian at Coco Pazzo. If you stay in the hotel for every meal, you’re doing Chicago wrong. The bar in the lobby, however, is great for a nightcap. Watching the city lights with a drink in hand while sitting 15 stories up is hard to beat.
Is it Worth the Price?
Prices for the Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza swing wildly. During a massive convention at the Mart, rates can skyrocket. On a random Tuesday in February? You might snag a room for a steal.
It’s often cheaper than the flashy hotels on Michigan Avenue, yet it offers a better "authentic" Chicago feel because you’re overlooking the industrial-meets-modern heart of the city. You aren't surrounded by tourists buying T-shirts; you’re surrounded by the pulse of the city’s actual economy.
Technical Details You Should Know
The hotel officially operates as the Holiday Inn Chicago Downtown - Wolf Point (the branding shifted slightly to emphasize the location). It features over 500 rooms. The fitness center is actually decent—not just a lonely treadmill in a closet, but a proper space with enough equipment to actually break a sweat.
The WiFi is generally solid, which makes sense given the business clientele. If you’re a digital nomad or just someone who needs to take a Zoom call without the screen freezing, you’re usually safe here.
Actionable Tips for Your Stay
- Request a South-Facing Room: You want the river view. The north view is fine, but the south view is iconic. It’s worth the extra twenty bucks or the polite ask at the front desk.
- Use the Secret Entrance: During the day, you can enter through the Merchandise Mart and use the second-floor skywalk. It saves you from dealing with the traffic congestion on Orleans Street.
- Check the Convention Calendar: Before you book, Google "Merchandise Mart Events." If there’s a giant trade show, the elevators will be packed and the lobby will be a zoo. If you want a quiet getaway, pick a weekend when the Mart is empty.
- Explore the Atrium: Don't just rush to your room. The 15th-floor atrium is a great place to work for an hour. The natural light is incredible, and it’s one of the most underrated public-ish spaces in the city.
- Skip the Hotel Breakfast: Walk five minutes to Lou Mitchell’s or find a local coffee shop in River North. You'll save money and get a better taste of the city.
The Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza isn't trying to be a five-star luxury boutique. It’s a workhorse. It’s a reliable, well-located, and surprisingly scenic base camp for anyone who wants to actually experience Chicago rather than just look at it from a distance. Whether you are there for a massive corporate event or just a weekend of museum-hopping, it holds its own against the flashier giants of the skyline.