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Aloft Chicago Downtown River North Chicago, Illinois
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Hotel comparison guide

Aloft Chicago Downtown River North vs Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk

Aloft Chicago Downtown River North is a compact, nightlife-forward River North hotel with a casual restaurant and 24/7 gym — good for younger travelers, groups, and anyone who wants to be in the action. Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk is a larger 4‑star riverfront property near the Magnificent Mile and Navy Pier — a familiar choice for conference attendees and travelers who want bigger rooms and river views.

Updated · about 1.0 km apart

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

Aloft Chicago Downtown River North

Compact · Nightlife & bar-focused · Pet- & family-friendly

Best for social, nightlife-oriented stays and travelers who want a smaller, casual downtown base close to River North bars and restaurants.

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Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk, Chicago, Illinois

Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk

Large · Riverfront & conference-ready · Classic downtown

Best for business groups, conventions, and guests who want a large riverfront hotel with many meeting rooms and a variety of room types including river- and lake-view options.

Quick Verdict: Aloft Chicago Downtown River North vs Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk

When Aloft Chicago Downtown River North wins: choose Aloft if you want a smaller, more casual River North property with an active lobby bar (W XYZ Bar), a neighborhood restaurant (Beatrix), free Wi‑Fi, and a 24/7 gym — a good pick for nights out or shorter leisure stays.

When Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk wins: pick the Sheraton Grand when you need larger meeting and event capacity, river- or lake-view rooms, or the conveniences of a big downtown hotel (multiple restaurants/bars, indoor pool, fitness center) close to the Magnificent Mile and Navy Pier.

Bottom line: both are practical downtown bases. Aloft is the livelier, compact River North option; Sheraton Grand is the bigger, more conventional riverfront hotel that suits business groups and travelers who prefer a full-service property.

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Aloft Chicago Downtown River North vs Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk – At a Glance

Side-by-side facts for Aloft Chicago Downtown River North and Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk
CategoryAloft Chicago Downtown River NorthSheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk
Overall vibeSmaller, music-and-bar-forward boutique within a national brand (Aloft).Large, traditional 4‑star riverfront hotel oriented to conferences and leisure visitors.
LocationRiver North, blocks from the Magnificent Mile and Chicago Riverwalk (515 N Clark St).Riverfront near Michigan Avenue and Navy Pier (301 E North Water St).
Size272 rooms (including 17 ADA rooms).Large property with many room types (supplier listing shows an extensive room list and suites).
Ages / audienceFamily- and pet-friendly; 21+ to check in, kids welcome.All ages welcome; not adults-only.
PoolsNo pool on site.Indoor pool available (supplier listing).
Restaurants & barsBeatrix (all-day American), W XYZ Bar (lobby bar), Coffee & Pastry Counter, 24/7 pantry.Three restaurants including Shulas Steak House, 2 bars/lounges, room service and a coffee shop/cafe.
Spa / wellnessNo on-site spa; Re:charge Gym 24/7 (complimentary).Fitness facilities and spa services not clearly published in supplier listing; fitness and pool are available.
Meetings & eventsSix meeting rooms, River Room ~1,900 sq ft, total ~3,000–3,700 sq ft.Extensive conference space — 125,000 sq ft and 43 meeting rooms (conference-focused).
Known forLively lobby bar, neighborhood restaurant, compact downtown convenience.Riverfront location, large meeting capacity, variety of room views (river/skyline/lake).
ConnectivityFree Wi‑Fi for all guests; business center and 24/7 lobby computer stations.Free WiFi (listed) plus business center, extensive concierge and meeting support.

A Look Inside Aloft Chicago Downtown River North

Aloft Chicago Downtown River North: rooms & suitesRooms & suitesAloft Chicago Downtown River North: pools & beachPools & beachAloft Chicago Downtown River North: diningDiningAloft Chicago Downtown River North: spa & wellnessSpa & wellness
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Location: River North energy vs riverfront convenience

Aloft Chicago Downtown River North – Location

Aloft sits on North Clark Street in River North — a few blocks from the Magnificent Mile and close to nightlife, theatres, and restaurants.

  • Address: 515 North Clark Street — River North neighborhood.
  • Walking access to House of Blues, Merchandise Mart, Chicago Riverwalk, and many bars/restaurants.
  • Approximately a 10-minute walk to Michigan Avenue/Magnificent Mile.

Aloft is positioned for guests who want to be in River North's dining and nightlife zone.

Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk – Location

Sheraton Grand fronts the Chicago River and places you a short walk from Michigan Avenue and Millennium Park.

  • Address: 301 E North Water St — true riverfront location.
  • A short walk to Michigan Avenue, Millennium Park, and Navy Pier within walking range.
  • Good pick for sightseeing along the riverwalk and easy access to downtown attractions.

Sheraton Grand is the more river-facing option with direct riverwalk access and classic downtown positioning.

Rooms: compact modern rooms vs many view options

Aloft Chicago Downtown River North – Rooms

Aloft has a straightforward room set focused on city views and flexible bedding for groups.

  • 272 rooms total, including 17 ADA-compliant rooms.
  • Room types: Room; Room, City View; Room, City View (Windows on 2 Sides).
  • In-room perks include Bliss Spa–branded bath products and complimentary Wi‑Fi.

Aloft’s rooms are compact and contemporary, suitable for short stays and social trips.

Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk – Rooms

Sheraton Grand lists a long set of room types including river, skyline and lake views plus suites and club/lounge options.

  • Wide variety: Traditional Rooms, Deluxe Rooms (river/skyline/lake views), Club Lounge access rooms, Junior & Executive suites, and multiple named suites.
  • Many accessible room permutations are published (hearing/mobility accessible, roll-in showers, tubs).
  • Some rooms offer club lounge/concierge access and high-floor skyline or river views.

Sheraton Grand offers more room categories and view options, useful for travelers wanting specific vistas or upgraded amenities.

Dining & drinks: casual neighborhood restaurant vs multiple outlets

Aloft Chicago Downtown River North – Dining & drinks

Aloft’s food-and-drink options center on Beatrix and its lobby W XYZ Bar.

  • Beatrix serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch with vegetarian/vegan options.
  • W XYZ Bar is a lively lobby bar with live music and a complimentary billiards table.
  • Coffee & Pastry Counter opens early; Re:fuel pantry offers 24/7 snacks.

Aloft’s dining is neighborhood-focused and casual, good for relaxed meals and pre-nightlife drinks.

Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk – Dining & drinks

Sheraton Grand has multiple onsite restaurants and two bars plus room service and a cafe.

  • Three restaurants (including Shulas Steak House) and a coffee shop/cafe for snacks and light meals.
  • Two bars/lounges for late drinks and socializing; room service available during limited hours.
  • Continental breakfast offered (surcharge) and on-property options for groups.

Sheraton Grand gives wider on-site dining choices that suit larger groups and varied meal needs.

Pools & signature amenity: gym and rooftop vs pool and meeting scale

Aloft Chicago Downtown River North – Pools & signature amenity

Aloft does not have a pool; its signature amenity is the 24/7 Re:charge Gym and lively lobby scene.

  • No indoor or outdoor pool on site.
  • Re:charge Gym open 24/7 with Life Fitness equipment; cardio reservations required for machines.
  • Rooftop garden and social spaces complement the lobby bar for evening activity.

Aloft is focused on fitness and social public spaces rather than poolside amenities.

Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk – Pools & signature amenity

Sheraton Grand lists an indoor pool and a 24-hour fitness center among guest amenities.

  • Indoor pool available (pool hours listed in supplier policies).
  • 24-hour fitness facilities and wellness-related options noted in the supplier listing.
  • Large meeting and event footprint (125,000 sq ft) is a standout property feature.

If an on-site pool or extensive meeting infrastructure matters, Sheraton Grand has the clear advantage.

Wellness & nightlife: workout and live-music lobby vs full-service hotel amenities

Aloft Chicago Downtown River North – Wellness & nightlife

Aloft’s wellness offering centers on the free, 24/7 gym; nightlife lives in the W XYZ Bar.

  • Complimentary Re:charge Gym with yoga mats, free weights and strength/cardio equipment.
  • W XYZ Bar provides live music and a pool table in the lobby for nightly socializing.
  • No on-site spa; Bliss bath products in rooms are the main in-room pampering touch.

Aloft pairs fitness access with an active lobby scene — better for social, music-friendly nights than spa relaxation.

Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk – Wellness & nightlife

Sheraton Grand combines fitness and pool options with larger-scale services for guests and groups.

  • Fitness center and indoor pool for guest wellness needs.
  • Concierge, business center, and multilingual staff support larger group logistics.
  • Two bars and multiple restaurants mean nightlife options without leaving the hotel.

Sheraton Grand is better suited to guests who want on-site pool, full-service amenities, and easy food-and-drink variety.

Who Wins? Best Pick by Travel Style

Best for nightlife & social bar scene
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, billiards and a compact lobby scene make it the livelier pick for evenings out.

Best for meetings & conferences
Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk, Chicago, Illinois

Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk

Sheraton Grand — massive conference space (125,000 sq ft) and 43 meeting rooms accommodate large events.

Best for river or skyline views and room choices
Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk, Chicago, Illinois

Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk

Sheraton Grand — many room types with river, skyline and lake views plus suites and club options.

Best for a small, walkable River North base
Two men talking in the hotel lobby seating area at Aloft Chicago Downtown River North

Aloft Chicago Downtown River North

Aloft — smaller footprint, close walk to River North restaurants, nightlife and the Magnificent Mile.

Frequently asked questions

Aloft Chicago Downtown River North vs Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk: FAQs

See all FAQs →
Which hotel has a pool?

Sheraton Grand has an indoor pool; Aloft Chicago Downtown River North does not have a pool.

Which property is better for meetings and conventions?

Sheraton Grand is the clearer choice for large meetings and events (extensive conference space and many meeting rooms).

Are either of these adults-only properties?

No — both properties welcome guests of all ages; Aloft is explicitly family- and pet-friendly.

Which hotel is closer to River North nightlife?

Aloft sits in the heart of River North and is aimed at guests who want walkable nightlife and bars; Sheraton Grand is riverfront and closer to Michigan Avenue and the riverwalk.

More Aloft Chicago Downtown River North Comparison Guides

Explore how Aloft Chicago Downtown River North stacks up against other hotels nearby:

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