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Aloft Chicago Downtown River North Chicago, Illinois
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Hotel comparison guide

Aloft Chicago Downtown River North vs InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile

Aloft Chicago Downtown River North is a casual, tech-forward River North hotel with a lively lobby bar and an on-site Beatrix restaurant; it’s for travelers who want an active downtown base and easy nightlife access. InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile is a historic full-service 4.5-star hotel on Michigan Avenue for visitors who want classic downtown grandeur, larger meeting facilities, and full-service amenities.

Updated · about 0.4 km apart

Bright corner guest room with two queen beds and city view at Aloft Chicago Downtown River North

Aloft Chicago Downtown River North

Casual · River North nightlife · Pet- and family-friendly

Best for budget-conscious travelers and families who want a social lobby, a 24/7 gym, and a River North location close to bars and restaurants.

InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile, Chicago, Illinois

InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile

Historic full-service · Michigan Avenue location · Large meeting inventory

Best for travelers who want a full-service downtown hotel on Michigan Avenue with large meeting space, an indoor pool, and on-site spa services.

Quick Verdict: Aloft Chicago Downtown River North vs InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile

When Aloft Chicago Downtown River North wins: choose Aloft if you want a modern, casual downtown stay with easy access to River North nightlife, a lively lobby scene (W XYZ Bar), on-site Beatrix dining, free Wi‑Fi, and a 24/7 complimentary Re:charge Gym. It’s also the better pick for pet-friendly city stays.

When InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile wins: pick the InterContinental if you need full-service facilities — extensive meeting/banquet rooms, an on-site spa, an indoor pool and sauna, room service, and a prime Michigan Avenue address for sightseeing and shopping.

Bottom line: Aloft is a compact, social, family- and pet-friendly River North base; InterContinental is a larger, more traditional full-service option on the Magnificent Mile. Your choice depends on whether you value a casual, social vibe and lower-cost footprint (Aloft) or classic full-service amenities and event capacity (InterContinental).

Aloft Chicago Downtown River North vs InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile – At a Glance

Side-by-side facts for Aloft Chicago Downtown River North and InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile
CategoryAloft Chicago Downtown River NorthInterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile
Overall vibeModern, casual, social lobby and bar-focusedHistoric, full-service, classic downtown hotel
LocationRiver North — a few blocks from the Magnificent Mile and RiverwalkOn Michigan Avenue (Magnificent Mile) — steps from major shopping and attractions
Size272 rooms792 guestrooms
Ages / audienceAll ages welcome; family- and pet-friendlyAll ages welcome; family-friendly (not adults-only)
PoolsNo pool on siteIndoor pool and sauna on site
Restaurants & barsBeatrix (restaurant & cafe), W XYZ Bar, Coffee & Pastry Counter, 24/7 Re:fuel pantry2 restaurants (including Center Court), 1 bar/lounge, coffee shop/cafe, room service available
Spa & wellnessNo on-site spa; in-room Bliss Spa-branded bath amenities; 24/7 Re:charge GymSpa services on site plus fitness facilities and a sauna
Known forLively lobby bar, social scene, rooftop garden, and River North locationHistoric presence on the Magnificent Mile, large meeting/banquet inventory, and full-service amenities
Meetings & eventsSix meeting rooms and the River Room (≈1,900 sq ft) — good for small-to-medium events34 meeting rooms and extensive ballroom/banquet capacity for large events
Accessibility & practicalLEED Certified; free Wi‑Fi; pet program (dogs up to 40 lbs); valet and nearby self-parkingFree Wi‑Fi; multilingual staff; valet parking (surcharge); electric car charging station

A Look Inside Aloft Chicago Downtown River North

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Location: River North convenience vs Michigan Avenue address

Aloft Chicago Downtown River North – Location

Aloft sits on North Clark Street in River North, blocks from the Magnificent Mile and close to the Riverwalk and nightlife.

  • Address: 515 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60654
  • Within walking distance of House of Blues, Merchandise Mart, and the Chicago Riverwalk
  • About a 10-minute walk to Michigan Avenue shopping

Choose Aloft if you want lively River North dining and nightlife within easy walking distance.

InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile – Location

InterContinental occupies a prime Michigan Avenue location — ideal for shoppers and tourists focused on downtown sightseeing.

  • Address: 505 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
  • Steps from Michigan Avenue attractions, Water Tower Place, and the Chicago Riverwalk
  • Centrally located for Millennium Park, the Art Institute, and major downtown sights

Choose InterContinental for the convenience of being on the Magnificent Mile and immediate access to major tourist corridors.

Rooms: compact modern rooms vs larger classic guestrooms

Aloft Chicago Downtown River North – Rooms

Aloft has 272 modern rooms with a handful of city-view configurations and family-friendly two-queen options.

  • Room types: Room; Room, City View; Room, City View (Windows on 2 Sides)
  • Includes 17 ADA-compliant rooms among the 272 total
  • Rooms emphasize a contemporary design and practical in-room amenities

Aloft’s rooms are practical and modern, aimed at travelers who spend time exploring the city.

InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile – Rooms

InterContinental offers a wide range of room types across nearly 800 guestrooms including executive and suite options.

  • Room types include Classic Room, Premium Room, Executive Room, multiple City View and Tower options, and many suites (e.g., Suite, 1 Bedroom (Grand Tower))
  • Pillowtop beds with down comforters and Egyptian cotton sheets (property details)
  • Extensive mobility-accessible room options listed

InterContinental gives more room-type variety and suite options for travelers who want upgraded rooms or executive amenities.

Dining & drinks: neighborhood restaurant vs full-service options

Aloft Chicago Downtown River North – Dining & drinks

Aloft’s on-site dining centers on Beatrix and the social W XYZ Bar for a casual, neighborhood feel.

  • Beatrix serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch; Coffee & Pastry Counter opens early on weekdays
  • W XYZ Bar offers cocktails, live music and a pool table in the lobby lounge
  • Re:fuel pantry provides 24/7 grab-and-go snacks

Aloft covers daytime dining and lively evenings without multiple formal restaurants.

InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile – Dining & drinks

InterContinental has multiple on-site dining outlets and room service for a traditional full-service hotel experience.

  • Number of restaurants: 2 (including Center Court) plus a coffee shop/cafe and bar/lounge
  • Room service available (during limited hours as noted by the property)
  • Buffet breakfasts are available for a fee on weekdays and weekends

InterContinental offers more formal dining choices and room service, suited to guests who prefer on-site full-service meals.

Pools & signature amenity: no pool vs indoor pool and spa services

Aloft Chicago Downtown River North – Pools & signature amenity

Aloft does not have a swimming pool; the hotel focuses on social spaces and a 24/7 gym.

  • No indoor or outdoor pool on site (confirmed)
  • Rooftop garden and lobby social areas for relaxing between outings
  • Complimentary 24/7 Re:charge Gym for guests

If an on-site pool matters, Aloft is not the right choice.

InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile – Pools & signature amenity

InterContinental provides an indoor pool and spa services on site for guests seeking leisure facilities.

  • Indoor pool available plus sauna and fitness facilities
  • Spa services on site offering massages, body treatments, and facials
  • Concierge and full-service amenities support longer stays and leisure needs

InterContinental is better for travelers who want on-site pool and spa facilities.

Wellness & nightlife: gym and lively lobby vs spa, fitness and quieter lounges

Aloft Chicago Downtown River North – Wellness & nightlife

Aloft emphasizes a 24/7 fitness center and a lively lobby bar with music and social activities.

  • Re:charge Gym open 24/7 with Life Fitness equipment and yoga mats (reservations for cardio machines may apply)
  • W XYZ Bar hosts live music and a complimentary pool table
  • No on-site spa — Bliss Spa-branded bath amenities are provided in rooms

Aloft is aimed at active travelers and those who enjoy a social bar scene in the lobby.

InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile – Wellness & nightlife

InterContinental balances a full-service spa and fitness center with quieter lounges and a more traditional hotel bar.

  • On-site spa services plus a fitness center and sauna
  • Bar/lounge and coffee shop for quieter evenings compared with a party-focused lobby
  • Multilingual staff and concierge services to arrange wellness and city activities

InterContinental serves travelers who want wellness treatments and a more traditional hotel nightlife environment.

Who Wins? Best Pick by Travel Style

Best for nightlife and a social stay
Hotel lobby with curved check-in desk, fireplace and colorful ceiling at Aloft Chicago Downtown River North

Aloft Chicago Downtown River North

Aloft — W XYZ Bar, live music, a pool table, and a lively lobby scene make it the better pick for social evenings.

Best for meetings and large events
InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile, Chicago, Illinois

InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile

InterContinental — 34 meeting rooms and extensive ballroom space make it stronger for conferences and large events.

Best for on-site leisure facilities
InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile, Chicago, Illinois

InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile

InterContinental — has an indoor pool, sauna, and a staffed spa.

Best for budget-conscious families and pet owners
Two men talking in the hotel lobby seating area at Aloft Chicago Downtown River North

Aloft Chicago Downtown River North

Aloft — pet-friendly policy with complimentary dog perks and family-oriented room options at a lower footprint.

Frequently asked questions

Aloft Chicago Downtown River North vs InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile: FAQs

See all FAQs →
Which hotel is closer to Michigan Avenue shopping?

InterContinental is on Michigan Avenue; Aloft is a few blocks away in River North.

Which property has a pool?

InterContinental has an indoor pool and sauna; Aloft does not have a pool on site.

Are both hotels family-friendly and open to pets?

Both hotels welcome guests of all ages. Aloft explicitly offers a dog program (dogs up to 40 lbs stay free); InterContinental accepts pets by arrangement (supplier listing notes a pet fee).

Which hotel is better for meetings or weddings?

InterContinental has far more meeting rooms and ballrooms for large events; Aloft offers flexible smaller meeting spaces including the River Room suitable for medium-sized gatherings.

Two men talking in the hotel lobby seating area at Aloft Chicago Downtown River North
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