You’re walking down Michigan Avenue, dodging the usual swarm of tourists near the Chicago River, and you look up. Most people see the shops. They see the Nordstrom sign and the shiny facade of the Shops at North Bridge. But if you crane your neck just right at 521 North Rush Street, you’ll see these limestone reliefs—stylized, muscular figures that look like they belong in a 1930s noir film.
That is the Gwen Luxury Hotel Chicago, or more accurately, that’s the soul of it.
I’ve spent a lot of time talking to travelers who think "luxury" in Chicago just means the Peninsula or the Ritz. Those are great, sure. But The Gwen is... different. It’s named after Gwen Lux, the pioneering female sculptor who actually designed those bas-reliefs on the facade back in 1928. Honestly, it’s one of the few hotels in the city that doesn't feel like it’s trying to mimic history; it’s literally built into it.
The Identity Crisis That Actually Works
Here’s the thing: The Gwen has had a lot of names. It was the McGraw-Hill Building. Then it was a Le Méridien. Then a Conrad. Finally, in 2015, it joined the Marriott Luxury Collection and found its "Gwen" persona.
Most people think "Art Deco" means dusty old carpets and dim lighting. Not here. The interior designers (Simeone Deary Design Group, for the nerds out there) did something pretty gutsy. They took the 1930s "glam" aesthetic and mashed it up with 21st-century minimalism. You’ve got brass fixtures and geometric patterns, but the rooms feel airy, almost sparse in a way that lets the skyline views do the heavy lifting.
If you’re staying here, you’re basically living in a gallery. The lobby isn't just a place to check in; it’s a mood. You’ll see a Moët & Chandon vending machine—yeah, a vending machine for champagne—which feels slightly ridiculous but also exactly right for a place inspired by the era of Gatsby.
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What the Rooms are Actually Like
Let’s get real about the rooms. I’ve seen people complain on Reddit that the bathrooms are "too big." Is that even a real complaint?
In a standard room, the bathroom can take up nearly 40% of the floor plan. We're talking massive tubs and Molton Brown amenities that smell like a forest after a rainstorm. The beds are the "Luxury Collection" standard, which means they’re firm. If you like sinking into a marshmallow, you might be disappointed. But if you want to wake up without a backache, it’s a win.
Quick Room Stats:
- Standard rooms: ~375 square feet.
- The Gwen Lux Suite: 1,571 square feet (this one has the famous terrace).
- Tech: 65-inch TVs and actually decent Wi-Fi (though they might try to charge you $19.95 for it if you aren't a Marriott Bonvoy member).
One weird quirk: you have to take two elevators to get to your room. One from the street to the 5th-floor lobby, and another to the guest floors. It’s a bit of a maze the first time, but it keeps the "lobby lizards" from the street out of your personal space.
The "Tipsy Tea" and the Rooftop Reality
If you’ve heard of the Gwen Luxury Hotel Chicago, you’ve probably heard of Upstairs at The Gwen.
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It’s a rooftop bar, but don’t expect 80th-floor panoramic views. It’s on the 5th floor. You aren't looking over the city; you’re looking at it. You’re eye-level with the architecture of the Magnificent Mile. It’s cozy. They have fire pits and, in the winter, they usually set up a curling rink.
The "Tipsy Tea" is their weekend thing. It’s high tea, but with booze. It’s loud, there’s usually a DJ, and it’s a far cry from the quiet, clinking-china atmosphere of the Drake Hotel. It’s popular with bachelorette parties and birthday groups, so if you’re looking for a silent afternoon, maybe skip the lounge on a Saturday.
The Glamping Secret
This is the part that sounds like a marketing gimmick, but it’s actually kind of cool. They have an "Urban Glamping" experience.
Basically, they set up a massive Lotus Belle tent on the terrace of the Gwen Lux Suite. You’re 16 stories up, sleeping in a queen-sized bed inside a tent, looking at the Willis Tower. It’s expensive—sometimes over $5,000 a night—but it’s one of those "only in Chicago" things that people actually book for anniversaries.
Is it Actually Worth the Price?
Look, Chicago has a lot of hotels. If you want a pool, don't stay at The Gwen. They don't have one. Go across the street to the InterContinental if you need to do laps.
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But if you care about location, you can’t really beat this. The hotel is literally connected to the Nordstrom and the Shops at North Bridge. On a snowy January day, you can go from your room to a shopping spree without ever putting on a coat.
What you’re paying for:
- The Vibe: It feels like a boutique hotel but has the backing of a major brand.
- The History: Walking past Gwen Lux’s "Zodiac" sculptures every day is a flex.
- The Dining: Kostali by Naha is on-site, and the Mediterranean food there (France, Spain, Greece) is legit.
A Few Real-World Tips
Don't just take the hotel's word for everything. Here is the ground truth from someone who knows the neighborhood:
- The Coffee Situation: There is often no coffee maker in the room. They want you to come down to the lobby for the "complimentary" morning coffee. It’s a bit of a trek if you’re a "don't talk to me until I’ve had caffeine" person.
- The Parking: It’s roughly $79 for valet. Welcome to Chicago. If you can, take a Train (the Red Line "Grand" stop is a short walk) or use an app like SpotHero to find a garage nearby for half that price.
- The Secret Entrance: Use the mall entrance if you’re already out shopping. It’s way more convenient than walking all the way around to Rush Street.
Actionable Insights for Your Stay
If you decide to book, do it strategically. Ask for a "Grand Deluxe" room on a high floor. You’ll get a much better view of the Michigan Avenue canyon without necessarily paying suite prices.
Also, check the event calendar. The Gwen is a big wedding venue. If you’re staying on a Saturday night and your room is near the elevators, you might hear the party. Request a room at the end of the hallway if you value silence.
Finally, actually look at the facade before you leave. Those sculptures by Gwen Lux represent the different facets of "modern man" as seen in 1928. It’s a reminder that while the city keeps changing—and the hotel names keep switching—the "Chicago grit" that the hotel’s namesake was known for is still baked into the walls.
Go for the "Girl Dinner" at the rooftop bar (it’s a charcuterie and macaroons combo that shouldn't work but does), grab a drink from the champagne vending machine just to say you did, and enjoy being in the middle of everything. Just don't forget to pack a sweater for the rooftop; the lake breeze doesn't care how many fire pits they have.