Situated in the heart of Downtown Chicago, the W Chicago City Center is tucked within a historic Beaux Arts building on the Loop. This Marriott-owned hotel embraces its historic location with an Art Deco-styled lobby and charming cocktail club. The hotel is equipped with a new restaurant and signature fitness center, and it’s even pet friendly. There are luxe amenities like in-room spa service, and you can’t beat the downtown location just a stone’s throw from Willis Tower.
W Chicago City Center –Best for…
Architecture buffs
For those who are passionate about design, the W is located in one of the city’s most interesting pieces of architecture. Plans for the building were launched in 1928 by members of the royal Italian Family looking to create a private club in the city. The crash of 1929 put a halt on completing the half-finished building, which was resurrected in 1934 when two investors opened the Midland Hotel. Since Beaux Arts was quickly replaced with Art Deco style in the 1930s, the W building is one of a few of its kind. The lobby features soaring ceilings and vintage decor elements. The first-level plateau features dramatic arches that overlook the living room bar. Old World Glamour Comes to life under intricately carved archways and Art Deco–inspired seating.
W Chicago City Center Amenities
W guest rooms are separated by how you might describe them: Cozy, Wonderful, Spectacular, Fabulous, Fantastic, Mega, Marvelous, Wow, and Extreme Wow. Cozy, Wonderful, Spectacular, and Fabulous rooms are available with one king, queen, or two double beds. The more “wow,” the more space. Once you hit “fabulous” and above, find higher-floor rooms with lots of space, a seating area, and a view of the city. Fantastic, Marvelous, Wow, and Mega Wow are suites—with extras like sofa beds, large seating areas, extra bathrooms, and styled dining spaces. All rooms offer high speed WiFi and plug-in technology, signature W bedding, and a luxury entertainment system with a 42-inch flat screen.
Rooms offer 24-hour room service, complimentary bottled water and a mini bar. Bathrooms feature combined shower/tubs and cozy robes to lounge around in. Each space also has its own cozy workspace and writing desk. Or, binge some shows on the flat screen TV, which has premium movie channels as well as a DVD player and movies available for rent.
Guests can also take advantage of safe deposit boxes in the lobby and a free newspaper each morning. There is a full American breakfast served daily for $30. W’s signature FIT gym has cardio equipment and free weights as well as complimentary fitness classes. There’s also a full-service business center with fax services.
Along with the dining room serving up a breakfast each morning, the hotel is home to the Midland Social Club. An homage to the original hotel tenants, Midland serves up craft cocktails and globally inspired breakfast and lunch. An illuminated bar top in the MSC bar is a contemporary touch next to floor-to-ceiling street art.
W Chicago City Center Location
Conveniently situated in the heart of the loop, the W is just a block from the Willis Tower and impressive skydeck. Or, walk a few blocks east to hit the Art Institute of Chicago and the nearby Millennium Park. The Quincy El Station is next to the W one block south for easy access to other parts of the city. The JW Marriott, Central LOOP Hotel, and Kimpton Gray Hotel are all nearby in a similar price range.
W Chicago City Center –The Verdict
The W’s most impressive feature is its historic building. Located smack in the center of the city along the loop, staying here makes it easy to access nearby attractions like the Willis Tower or hop the train to other parts of Chicago. It covers all the bases, with fitness and business centers, lots of meeting space, and they’ll even let you bring your pup. There are luxe extras as well, like in-room spa services and the swanky on-site restaurants. Plus, it’s part of the Marriott franchise so you can take advantage of Marriott rewards and points. Beware of room upgrades for costly extras, like “free” WiFi.