Walk down Michigan Avenue and you’ll see plenty of glass towers trying to scream louder than the next one. But honestly, if you aren't looking up, you might miss the most interesting part of the historic McGraw-Hill Building. It’s not the shops at the base or the Nordstrom connected to it. It’s the limestone. Specifically, the panels of bas-relief sculptures that look like they belong in a 1930s dream.
That is The Gwen a Luxury Collection Hotel Michigan Avenue Chicago.
Most people think of it as just another Marriott-affiliated luxury stop, but there’s a weird, cool history here. The hotel is named after Gwen Lux, the pioneering sculptor who actually made those panels back in 1928. While the original building was basically gutted and rebuilt in the late '90s, the facade was saved, piece by piece, like a giant jigsaw puzzle. Staying here feels sorta like living inside a piece of preserved Art Deco art, but with better Wi-Fi and a bar that serves a killer "Tipsy Tea."
Why the Design Actually Matters
It’s easy to throw around terms like "Art Deco inspired," but The Gwen takes it pretty seriously. When the Simeone Deary Design Group did the revamp, they didn't just put some brass lamps in the lobby. They leaned into the 1930s glamour without making it feel like a dusty museum.
The rooms are a mix of slate greys and soft pinks—colors that shouldn't work together as well as they do. You’ve got these massive zodiac murals on the walls, which is a direct nod to Gwen Lux’s work. It's moody. It’s sophisticated. And it’s definitely not the beige-on-beige vibe you get at some of the older "grand dame" hotels down the street.
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The layout is a bit funky, too. You don’t walk in off the street and hit a front desk. You take an elevator up to the lobby. This keeps the street noise of the Magnificent Mile down where it belongs.
The Reality of Sleeping on Michigan Avenue
Let’s talk about the rooms. There are 311 of them, including 34 suites. If you’re splurging, the Gwen Lux Suite on the 16th floor is the one people talk about. It has a 1,000-square-foot terrace. In Chicago, that’s basically a private park.
But even if you’re in a Superior King, you get the deep soaking tubs and the Frette linens.
One thing that surprises people is the "destination fee." It’s $25 a day. Usually, I hate these fees. They feel like a cash grab. However, The Gwen actually gives you something for it. You get a $12.50 daily food credit at Upstairs at The Gwen, two tickets to the 360 Chicago observation deck (which usually cost way more than $25), and bike rentals. If you actually use the tickets, the fee pays for itself.
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Eating and Drinking "Upstairs"
The 5th floor is where the soul of the hotel lives. Upstairs at The Gwen is their rooftop terrace and restaurant. It’s open year-round because, well, Chicagoans are stubborn. In the winter, they put out fire pits and sometimes even a curling rink.
- The Vibe: It’s Art Deco meets "I just finished a shopping spree at Nordstrom."
- The Food: Executive Chef Joseph Rose does modern American. Think duck carnitas tacos and a "Lux Burger" that’s actually worth the $24 price tag.
- The Drink: You have to try the Urban Buzz. It’s their signature, and it hits that sweet spot between a classic cocktail and something new.
Then there’s the Tipsy Tea. It’s not your grandma’s high tea. It’s a weekend thing with a DJ, bottomless tea-based cocktails, and three tiers of food. It’s loud, it’s fun, and it’s usually packed with birthday groups. If you’re looking for a quiet, pinky-up tea service, this isn't it. But if you want a boozy brunch that feels upscale, you've found the spot.
Is It Really Worth the Michelin Key?
In 2024, the Michelin Guide started giving out "Keys" to hotels, similar to how they give stars to restaurants. The Gwen snagged one. Does it deserve it?
Honestly, yeah.
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The service is where they win. It’s the little things, like the concierge knowing which local jazz club isn't a tourist trap or the way the staff remembers your name if you stay for more than two nights. It’s a "One Key" hotel, which Michelin defines as a "true gem with its own character."
That character is the key. You aren't in a sterile corporate box. You’re in a building that was almost demolished in 1998 but survived because the city realized its art was too important to lose.
What You Need to Know Before You Book
Don't expect a massive, sprawling resort. This is a boutique experience. The gym is solid—two Pelotons and a Tonal—but it’s not a 10,000-square-foot fitness club.
If you’re driving, valet is steep. We’re talking $84 a day. That’s Chicago for you. There are self-parking options nearby for a bit less, but if you’re staying on Michigan Avenue, you’re basically paying for the convenience of being able to walk everywhere. You’re steps from the Chicago Riverwalk and the Art Institute.
Pro Tip: If you're traveling with a dog, they are super pet-friendly, but there is a $120 non-refundable fee. They allow two pets up to 40 lbs each.
Actionable Takeaways for Your Stay
- Request a High Floor: The Michigan Avenue views are iconic, but the higher you go, the better the soundproofing from the buses and sirens below.
- Use the Credit: That $12.50 daily credit at Upstairs at The Gwen doesn't roll over. Use it every day for a morning coffee or a late-night fry order.
- Check the Seasonal Activations: From rooftop glamping in the summer to curling in the winter, they always have something weird and fun happening on the terrace.
- Book the Tipsy Tea Early: It sells out weeks in advance, especially during the holiday season.
The Gwen isn't trying to be the fanciest hotel in the world. It’s trying to be the most "Chicago" hotel. It’s architectural history you can actually sleep in, and that’s a lot more interesting than a standard luxury suite.