The Gwen Hotel pays homage to the 1930s era in which it was built, topped with all of the modern amenities. It’s location is within the McGraw Hill landmarked building on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile, the perfect place to enjoy the best of the city. There are several gorgeous restaurants, including the Art Deco Circa Restaurant and Lounge and Upstairs at The Gwen, a rooftop escape. Stay in a comfortable guest room or suite, or partake in one of the hotel’s new Glamping accommodations. Of course, there are also the expected extras, like 24-hour fitness and business centers and laundry and dry cleaning service.
The Gwen: Best For… Glampers
The Gwen offers a one-of-a-kind glamping experience in Chicago. The city’s first urban glamping concept, guests can sleep on a private terrace of the Gwen Lux Suite on the 16th floor of the landmark McGraw-Hill Building. The terrace spans more than 1,000 square feet of open-air space, boasting impressive views of Michigan Avenue and the city’s most well-known architecture. Guests can sleep under the stars with an exclusive hotel package. It isn’t cheap, but it promises a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Your sleeping quarters are in the roomy 16-foot Lotus Belle Tent, decked in an eclectic bohemian aesthetic. There are drum side tables with mango wood tops, hand-knotted macrame cushions, and an Indian jute rug. You’ll be anything but roughing it in the queen-sized black pearl bed. Guests who opt for the glamping experience also access the Gwen Lux Suite, which can sleep six and boasts its own dining room, living room, wet bar and two-and-a-half baths.
Guests also get a special welcome bite from Chef Jergens and round-trip transportation from the airport. You’ll get the campfire best, luxury version, with s’mores made from Mexican chocolate, homemade cayenne marshmallows and a golf leaf garnish. Now that’s my kind of camping!
The Gwen Hotel Amenities
For those who prefer a traditional hotel experience, never fear, The Gwen has 311 newly renovated guest rooms and suites. Choose from queen, double queen and king rooms, and you can upgrade for more space or Michigan Avenue view. Rooms range in size from 375 to 425 square feet, so you’re never cramped. You can also upgrade for a suite spanning 475 to 3,000 square feet. All rooms feature Frette linens, a luxury collection bed, a flat-screen television, free wifi and an in-room safe.
The hotel offers quite a bit of other perks, including 24-hour fitness and business centers. There’s also complimentary coffee and tea in the lobby each morning. You can also borrow Gwen Bicycles and road maps for free. Extras include laundry, dry cleaning, and shoe shine service. You can even opt for Prohibition Porter Mixology Services to living like it’s 1930.
The on-site dining options dazzle as well. There’s the Art Deco Restaurant and Lounge, which is decorated like its name suggests and serves up three meals a day. In warmer months, Upstairs at The Gwen offers a seasonal rooftop retreat with amazing city views, hand-crafted cocktails and small plates.
The Gwen Hotel Neighborhood
The Gwen boasts a covetable location in the heart of downtown Chicago. It offers an array of world-class shopping just steps away, from luxury department stores to upscale boutiques at The Shops at North Bridge, 900 Shops, Water Tower Place and Oak Street. This central location is perfect for sightseeing, with Millennium Park, the Art Institute of Chicago, Navy Pier, Lake Michigan and the Chicago Theatre District all within a mile’s distance from the hotel. You can also walk a few blocks south and cross DuSable Bridge to be on the Chicago Riverwalk with all of its dining and entertainment.
Nearby hotels include the InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile, Kimpton Hotel Palomar Chicago, and Courtyard by Marriott Chicago Downtown. The Gwen offers a median price range among nearby competitors.
The Gwen Hotel: The Verdict
The Gwen boasts an impressive location on Magnificent Mile in the heart of downtown Chicago. Within, it dazzles with period furnishings for its historic location in the McGraw-Hill building. There are a lot of sleek amenities, like a rooftop bar, Art Deco restaurant, and 24-hour fitness and business centers. There’s no pool, so if that’s important to you it might be worth considering the InterContinental across the road. Otherwise, The Gwen offers the pinnacle of luxury and style with a great central location.