Perched at the top of the loop just a block from the Chicago Riverwalk, nothing offers high style like the Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel. Just a stone’s throw from the theater district, the recently renovated accommodations come with top-notch service and amenities. There’s a VIP lounge, artist studio, library and coffee bar. Luxe rooms offer fine bedding and views of downtown Chi-town. There are also some pretty killer perks, like a rooftop bar and indoor pool.
Renaissance Chicago –Best for
The Instagram set
If hip amenities and a photo-worthy location is important to you, this location delivers in spades. There’s the trendy Raised An Urban Rooftop Bar, which serves up creative cocktails in an innovative indoor/outdoor layout overlooking the Chicago River. The indoor pool is just one perk to the 24/7 fitness center, which is outfitted with plenty of cardio and weight machines.
When you’re ready to hit the town, nothing beats the location’s photo-worthy attractions, from nearby Millennium Park to the adjacent theater district. For more nightlife, the hotel is just across the bridge from the River North entertainment district.
Renaissance Chicago Amenities
Guest room options include one-king and two-queen layouts, and there are also suites with separate bedrooms and spacious dining areas. You can also reserve a room with a river or city view, or opt for a higher floor. All accommodations offer showers and tubs, pillow-top mattresses, room service, a seating area, and premium movie channels on the flat-screen TV. Note: You have to pay for WiFi. Accessible rooms feature bathtub grab bars, seats, closed-caption TV, roll-in showers, and lowered deadbolts.
The four-star hotel offers an array of services and amenities, including concierge lounge hours, limo service, valet dry-cleaning, a beauty shop, 24-hour room service, car rental, housekeeping, and newspapers in the lobby. The fitness center features plenty of cardio and weight equipment as well as the crown jewel: a large indoor pool.
There is also a business center with an array of amenities including copy and fax service, a messenger service, internet printing, a notary public, and secretarial services.
The most impressive feature, of course, is Raised An Urban Rooftop Bar. Its hip atmosphere serves up unique cocktails and local beers overlooking the sweeping Chicago cityscape and river. Renaissance also offers Staycation Market & Bar, which offers specialty cocktails, local beers, and and fresh-made pastries and produce.
Raised, or another of the hotel’s flexible event space, can host meetings and conferences at the hotel. The bar also hosts live music, art events, and an array of special happenings throughout the year. The Grand Ballroom can host more than 1,000 guests, or choose from the 35,589 square feet of flexible meeting space. Experienced event planners can help everything go off without a hitch, and there is customized catering and of course a beautiful downtown Chicago location.
Renaissance Chicago Location
Adjacent to the Theatre District, Renaissance Chicago is a stone’s throw from Oriental Theater and Chicago Theatre one block away. The Art Institute of Chicago is also nearby, as is cThe Art Institute of Chicago and Grant Park. Macy’s is also just down the block, and the House of Blues and Merchandise Mart are within a half mile. The Renaissance Hotel Navigator creates a complimentary weekly in-the-know recommendations for things to do in the area.
For dining, world-class cuisine is within reach at nearby Quartino Ristorante & Wine Bar, Purple Pig, Proxi, and The Kitchen, all within a mile from the Renaissance. Accommodations nearby include Kimpton Hotel Monaco Chicago, Virgin Hotels Chicago, and Cambria Hotel Chicago Loop Theatre District.
Renaissance Chicago –The Verdict
Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel has a lot going for it. The four-star accommodations offer luxury comfort with sweeping views of either the Chicago River or Windy City skyline. You can also take in unbeatable views from the hotel’s swanky rooftop bar, Raised. Plus, the fully outfitted fitness center has an indoor pool—a rarity in this bustling downtown neighborhood. The area is within reach of pretty much everything, from parks to theatres and entertainment as well as museums and cultural centers. All those offerings definitely help justify the price, but the hotel is significantly pricier than nearby competitors. Plus, you have to pay for WiFi.