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Aloft Chicago Downtown River North Chicago, Illinois
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Hotel comparison guide

Aloft Chicago Downtown River North vs The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Michigan Avenue Chicago

Aloft Chicago Downtown River North is a casual, design-forward 272-room hotel in River North with social public spaces and affordable, modern rooms; read this if you want a lively, family- and pet-friendly base near the Magnificent Mile. The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Michigan Avenue Chicago is a stylish 4.5‑star luxury‑lifestyle hotel one block off Michigan Avenue; read this if you want upscale rooms, concierge service, and a polished Magnificent Mile address.

Updated · about 0.3 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 · social lobby bar · pet- and family-friendly

Best for budget-conscious design-minded travelers who value a lively lobby, free Wi‑Fi, and a 24/7 gym.

See rooms & suites
The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Michigan Avenue Chicago, Chicago, Illinois

The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Michigan Avenue Chicago

luxury-lifestyle · Magnificent Mile address · Marriott Luxury Collection

Best for travelers who want a polished Luxury Collection stay steps from Michigan Avenue with concierge services and meeting/banquet capacity.

Quick Verdict: Aloft Chicago Downtown River North vs The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Michigan Avenue Chicago

When Aloft Chicago Downtown River North wins: choose Aloft if you want an affordable, social downtown stay with easy access to River North nightlife, a 24/7 Re:charge Gym, pet-friendly perks, and a casual on-site restaurant and bar.

When The Gwen wins: choose The Gwen if you want a more upscale, design-forward room and service level, a rooftop terrace and garden, on-site restaurants, and more extensive meeting/banquet space close to the Magnificent Mile.

Bottom line: both hotels suit design-minded travelers near Michigan Avenue; pick Aloft for a lively, budget-friendly River North experience and The Gwen for a higher‑end downtown stay with Luxury Collection amenities and a prime Mag Mile location.

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Aloft Chicago Downtown River North vs The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Michigan Avenue Chicago – At a Glance

Side-by-side facts for Aloft Chicago Downtown River North and The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Michigan Avenue Chicago
CategoryAloft Chicago Downtown River NorthThe Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Michigan Avenue Chicago
Overall vibeCasual, social, loft-style lobby and barStylish luxury-lifestyle, polished public spaces
Location515 North Clark Street (River North), a few blocks from Magnificent Mile521 North Rush Street, steps off Michigan Avenue (Magnificent Mile)
Size (rooms)272 rooms311 guestrooms
Ages / audienceAll ages; family- and pet-friendly (dogs welcome)All ages; not adults-only
PoolsNo pool on siteNot published
Restaurants & barsBeatrix (full-service), W XYZ Bar (lobby bar), Coffee & Pastry Counter, 24/7 pantryTwo restaurants and a bar/lounge; 24-hour room service available
Spa & wellnessNo on-site spa; Bliss® Spa bath amenities in rooms; 24/7 Re:charge GymNot published
Meeting & event spaceSix meeting rooms, River Room ~1,900 sq ft, ~3,000–3,700 sq ft totalConference space 3,388 sq ft, 14 meeting rooms
Notable featuresLEED certified, pet program (dogs free), lively lobby with live music and pool tableRooftop terrace and garden, valet parking, Luxury Collection branding
Wi‑FiFree Wi‑Fi for guests

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 Michigan Avenue address

Aloft Chicago Downtown River North – Location

Aloft sits on North Clark Street in River North, within easy walking distance of the Riverwalk, shops and nightlife.

  • Blocks from the Magnificent Mile and about an 8‑minute walk to the Chicago Riverwalk.
  • Close to House of Blues, Merchandise Mart and Chicago Theatre.
  • Off-site and valet parking options; Greenway self-park about 0.2 miles away.

Choose Aloft for River North nightlife and short walks to downtown attractions.

The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Michigan Avenue Chicago – Location

The Gwen is on North Rush Street, effectively on the Magnificent Mile corridor for shopping and museums.

  • Steps from Michigan Avenue and roughly a 6‑minute walk to the Chicago Riverwalk per supplier highlights.
  • Near Water Tower Place, Tribune Tower and the Chicago Water Tower.
  • Valet parking (surcharge) and an electric car charging station noted.

Choose The Gwen if you want a stronger Magnificent Mile address and hotel concierge services.

Rooms: modern basics vs luxury-lifestyle rooms

Aloft Chicago Downtown River North – Rooms

Aloft's 272 rooms focus on modern, efficient layouts with contemporary finishes.

  • Room types: Room; Room, City View; Room, City View (Windows on 2 Sides) with 1 King or 2 Queen bed configurations.
  • Rooms include Bliss® Spa-branded bath amenities and complimentary Wi‑Fi; 17 ADA rooms available.
  • Pet-friendly perks available for dogs (up to 40 lbs) at no charge.

Aloft suits travelers who want modern, straightforward rooms and pet-friendly stays.

The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Michigan Avenue Chicago – Rooms

The Gwen offers 311 guestrooms under a Luxury Collection positioning with varied room/ suite categories.

  • Room types in supplier listing include Superior Room, Deluxe Room, Grand Room, Junior Suite and multiple suite options.
  • Rooms feature refrigerators, LCD TVs, private bathrooms with separate tub and shower, and laptop-compatible safes.
  • Concierge services and 24-hour room service are available.

The Gwen fits travelers seeking larger room selection and Luxury Collection amenities.

Dining & drinks: neighborhood restaurant vs multiple on-site outlets

Aloft Chicago Downtown River North – Dining & drinks

Aloft's food-and-drink offerings center on Beatrix and the social W XYZ Bar.

  • Beatrix serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch with vegan options and a coffee counter.
  • W XYZ Bar is a loft-style lobby bar with live music and a pool table.
  • Re:fuel pantry provides 24/7 grab-and-go snacks and drinks.

Aloft is convenient for casual meals, coffee, and a lively lobby bar scene.

The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Michigan Avenue Chicago – Dining & drinks

The Gwen lists two restaurants and a bar/lounge, plus 24-hour room service.

  • Kostali (Mediterranean) is mentioned among the on-site dining options.
  • Full breakfasts available for a surcharge; complimentary newspapers in lobby.
  • Hotel provides food-and-beverage options suitable for in-room dining and events.

The Gwen provides more formal on-site dining options and room service for a more upscale meal experience.

Pools or signature amenity: rooftop and gardens vs none

Aloft Chicago Downtown River North – Pools or signature amenity

Aloft does not have an on-site swimming pool; its public spaces and rooftop garden are focal points.

  • No indoor or outdoor pool or hot tub at the property.
  • Rooftop garden available for guest use as a city-facing amenity.
  • Social lobby and events spaces provide alternatives to pool-based relaxation.

If a pool matters, Aloft is not the right choice; it emphasizes social spaces instead.

The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Michigan Avenue Chicago – Pools or signature amenity

The Gwen highlights a rooftop terrace and garden in its supplier listing.

  • Rooftop terrace and garden appear among the property's public-space amenities.
  • The supplier listing does not publish a guest pool or hot tub.
  • Fitness facilities are available 24 hours.

The Gwen offers rooftop outdoor space but the listing does not show a pool; verify directly if a pool is a must-have.

Wellness & nightlife: gym and live music vs 24-hour fitness and refined bars

Aloft Chicago Downtown River North – Wellness & nightlife

Aloft focuses on a 24/7 fitness center and an energetic lobby bar with live music.

  • Re:charge Gym open 24/7 with Life Fitness equipment; cardio machines may require reservations.
  • W XYZ Bar hosts live music and a complimentary billiards table.
  • No on-site spa services; in-room Bliss® bath products provide a spa-like touch.

Aloft is a fit for guests who want a 24/7 gym plus lively evening socializing.

The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Michigan Avenue Chicago – Wellness & nightlife

The Gwen provides 24-hour fitness facilities and a more polished lounge experience.

  • 24-hour fitness facilities listed in the supplier amenities.
  • At least one bar/lounge and two restaurants serve guests; some dining and beverage options are more formal.
  • Concierge services can help arrange city nightlife and wellness appointments off site.

The Gwen suits guests who want round‑the‑clock fitness plus a quieter, upscale bar and dining environment.

Who Wins? Best Pick by Travel Style

Best for budget-minded downtown travelers
Hotel lobby with curved check-in desk, fireplace and colorful ceiling at Aloft Chicago Downtown River North

Aloft Chicago Downtown River North

Aloft provides modern rooms, free Wi‑Fi, a 24/7 gym and a lively lobby at typically lower rates than luxury hotels.

Best for a Magnificent Mile address
The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Michigan Avenue Chicago, Chicago, Illinois

The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Michigan Avenue Chicago

The Gwen’s location a block off Michigan Avenue and Luxury Collection service make it a stronger pick for Mag Mile access.

Best for events and meetings
The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Michigan Avenue Chicago, Chicago, Illinois

The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Michigan Avenue Chicago

With 3,388 sq ft of conference space and 14 meeting rooms, The Gwen is geared to larger, more formal events.

Best for families with pets
Two men talking in the hotel lobby seating area at Aloft Chicago Downtown River North

Aloft Chicago Downtown River North

Aloft welcomes dogs free (up to 40 lbs) and markets family-friendly packages like 'Camp Aloft' for kids.

Frequently asked questions

Aloft Chicago Downtown River North vs The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Michigan Avenue Chicago: FAQs

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

The Gwen is effectively on the Magnificent Mile corridor; Aloft is a few blocks away in River North but still within easy walking distance.

Do either hotel have pools?

Aloft has no on-site pool. The Gwen’s supplier listing highlights a rooftop terrace and garden but does not publish a guest pool.

Which is better for families or pets?

Aloft is explicitly family- and dog-friendly with a free dog program and kid-focused amenities. The Gwen welcomes families but does not advertise a pet program in the provided listing.

Is a spa available at either property?

Aloft does not have an on-site spa (rooms have Bliss® bath amenities). The Gwen’s supplier listing does not publish an on-site spa facility.

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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