
Aloft Chicago Downtown River North
Best for travelers who want an affordable, social downtown stay with a lively lobby bar and easy access to River North nightlife.
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Aloft Chicago Downtown River North is a casual, modern River North hotel with a lively lobby bar and family- and pet-friendly policies; this guide is for travelers who want an affordable, social downtown base. LondonHouse Chicago, Curio Collection is a prominent 4.5-star riverfront hotel with a well-known rooftop scene; read on if you want river views, rooftop drinks, or larger event facilities.
Updated · about 0.8 km apart

Best for travelers who want an affordable, social downtown stay with a lively lobby bar and easy access to River North nightlife.

Best for guests who prioritize riverfront views, a rooftop bar experience, and a full-service spa in a higher-end downtown setting.
When Aloft Chicago Downtown River North wins: choose Aloft if you want a younger, more casual scene, a lobby that doubles as the social hub (W XYZ Bar), pet-friendly perks, and lower-key, family-friendly rooms close to the Magnificent Mile.
When LondonHouse Chicago, Curio Collection wins: pick LondonHouse if you want true riverfront positioning, a signature rooftop atmosphere, larger event and meeting spaces, and on-site spa services for a more upscale downtown stay.
Bottom line: Aloft is the smart, social option for value-conscious travelers and families who plan to be out exploring; LondonHouse is the clearer choice for travelers who want river views, rooftop nightlife, and a fuller on-site amenities package.
| Category | Aloft Chicago Downtown River North | LondonHouse Chicago, Curio Collection |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Casual, loft-inspired social lobby and contemporary neighborhood restaurant | Upscale, riverfront hotel with a focus on rooftop nightlife and polished service |
| Location | River North (515 N Clark St), blocks from Magnificent Mile and Riverwalk | Riverfront (85 E Wacker Dr), directly on the Chicago River and steps from Michigan Avenue |
| Size (guest rooms) | 272 rooms | 452 rooms |
| Best for ages | All ages — family- and pet-friendly (Camp Aloft for kids) | All ages (not adults-only) |
| Pools | No on-site pool | Not published |
| Restaurants & bars | Beatrix (restaurant), W XYZ Bar (lobby bar), coffee/pastry counter | Two restaurants and two bars/lounges (including a famous rooftop bar) |
| Spa & wellness | No on-site spa; 24/7 Re:charge Gym (complimentary) | Full-service spa on site; fitness facilities available |
| Known for | Lobby social scene, live music, pet program, and affordable downtown location | Riverfront views, rooftop scene, and large conference/event facilities |
| Event & meeting space | Nearly 3,000 sq ft total; River Room largest at ~1,900 sq ft | Extensive conference space (~25,000 sq ft) |
| Pet policy | Dog-friendly (one dog up to 40 lbs, no deposit; pet perks provided) | Not published |
Aloft sits in River North a few blocks from the Magnificent Mile and within easy walking distance of the Riverwalk.
Aloft is an excellent base for dining, nightlife, and shopping in River North.
LondonHouse occupies a prime riverfront corner close to Michigan Avenue and the Riverwalk.
LondonHouse puts river views and rooftop access at the center of your downtown experience.
Aloft offers compact, modern rooms designed for short stays and social travelers.
Choose Aloft for clean, efficient rooms with modern finishes and strong Wi‑Fi.
LondonHouse has a larger room inventory and a higher-star positioning.
LondonHouse offers more rooms and a more full-featured room experience than Aloft.
Aloft centers dining around Beatrix and a lively lobby bar.
Aloft is built for casual meals, coffee runs, and lobby socializing.
LondonHouse offers multiple restaurants and bars, including a well-known rooftop venue.
LondonHouse is the stronger pick if you plan to spend evenings on-site for drinks with a view.
Aloft emphasizes a social lobby, rooftop garden, and out-of-room activities rather than a pool.
Aloft’s social spaces replace a pool for guests who plan to be out exploring the city.
LondonHouse’s signature on-site appeal is its riverfront location and rooftop experience.
If rooftop bars and riverfront seating matter most, LondonHouse is the clearer fit.
Aloft focuses on an always-open gym plus an active lobby bar for evening entertainment.
Aloft covers fitness needs and offers low-key nightlife in the lobby.
LondonHouse pairs a full-service spa with an active rooftop nightlife scene.
LondonHouse blends spa services with a stronger on-site nightlife and view-driven atmosphere.

Aloft — lively lobby bar, casual Beatrix restaurant, and lower-key rooms for social travelers.

LondonHouse — prominent riverfront location and a well-known rooftop bar make it the better pick for view-driven evenings.

LondonHouse — offers a full-service spa; Aloft does not have an on-site spa.

LondonHouse — supplier listing notes about 25,000 sq ft of conference space versus Aloft’s ~3,000 sq ft.
Both are very close, but LondonHouse sits directly on the river and is a shorter walk to the Riverwalk than Aloft.
Aloft Chicago Downtown River North has no pool. LondonHouse’s supplier listing does not publish pool details.
Aloft is explicitly family- and pet-friendly and offers a kid-oriented 'Camp Aloft' package; LondonHouse is all-ages but is positioned as a more upscale, adult-oriented property.
LondonHouse has a full-service spa on site; Aloft does not have an on-site spa (it provides Bliss-branded bath products).
Explore how Aloft Chicago Downtown River North stacks up against other hotels nearby:
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