What to pack for a stay at Aloft Chicago Downtown River North
Pack basics for an Aloft Chicago Downtown River North stay: comfortable city clothes for changing Chicago weather, chargers and work essentials for the free Wi‑Fi and business center, gym gear for the 24/7 Re:charge Gym, and any family or pet items you need (dogs are welcome). Bring layers and a compact umbrella—there is no on‑site pool or spa, and meals are not included with room rates.
In this guide
Room types and what they include
Know which room you booked so you can tailor what you bring. The hotel’s room types are Room (1 King Bed or 2 Queen Beds), Room, City View (1 King Bed or 2 Queen Beds), and Room, City View (Windows on 2 Sides) (2 Queen Beds).
Guest rooms include Bliss® Spa bath amenities, open wardrobe shelving with a safe and coffee set‑up, free Wi‑Fi, and desks for work. If you need ADA features, the property has ADA‑compliant rooms available.
- Bring any specialty toiletries or treatments you prefer—only branded Bliss® toiletries are supplied in the bathroom.
- If you need extra bedding or a crib, request it in advance through reservations or the front desk.
- Aloft rooms have open shelving/safes—consider a small luggage organizer to keep items tidy.
| Room type | Bed options | Good to pack |
|---|---|---|
| Room | 1 King or 2 Queen | Everyday clothes, sleepwear, chargers |
| Room, City View | 1 King or 2 Queen | Camera/phone for skyline photos, layers |
| Room, City View (Windows on 2 Sides) | 2 Queen | Day bag for sightseeing, plug adapters if needed |
Clothing and seasonal layers
Chicago weather changes quickly; pack layers year‑round. Summers can be humid; winters are cold and often snowy. Spring and fall are variable—bring a windproof outer layer.
Practical footwear matters: River North streets and nearby attractions involve a lot of walking and some uneven sidewalks.
- Summer: light shirts, shorts, breathable fabrics, light rain jacket.
- Spring/Fall: light sweater, medium jacket, scarf for lake breezes.
- Winter: warm coat, hat, gloves, waterproof boots for snow and slush.
- Always include a compact travel umbrella.
| Season | Key items |
|---|---|
| Summer | Light clothing, sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes |
| Fall/Spring | Layering pieces, light jacket, umbrella |
| Winter | Warm coat, boots, hat, gloves |
Tech, work and travel essentials
The hotel provides free Wi‑Fi and a 24/7 business center with computer stations and a printer, but bring your own tech to work comfortably in your room or on the go.
Bring chargers, a laptop/tablet, noise‑reducing headphones for productivity, and any necessary adapters. If you rely on the gym’s cardio equipment, note reservations may be required for machines.
- Laptop/tablet + chargers, power bank
- Plug adapters and multi‑port USB charger
- Headphones and portable mouse/keyboard if needed
- Printed reservations or confirmations (check‑in begins at 3:00 PM; check‑out by 12:00 PM)
| Hotel amenity | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Free Wi‑Fi | Good for streaming, work, and directions |
| 24/7 business center | Printer and computer access if you travel light |
| Re:charge Gym (24/7) | Bring workout clothes and reserve cardio machines when needed |
Fitness and active gear
Re:charge Gym is open 24/7 and complimentary, stocked with Life Fitness cardio and strength equipment, free weights and yoga mats. Pack workout clothes and trainers to use the space.
If you plan outdoor running or biking along the Riverwalk or lakefront, bring reflective gear for early/late runs and a refillable water bottle.
- Workout clothes and trainers
- Earbuds and a wearable towel
- Running belt or small day pack for keys/ID
- Reservations may be needed for cardio machines
| On‑site fitness feature | Packing tip |
|---|---|
| Yoga mats and free weights | Bring quick‑dry towel and athletic tape if used |
| Life Fitness cardio machines | Reserve time and bring headphones |
| 24/7 access | Bring a light jacket for late‑night walks outside |
Dining, snacks and food items to pack
Beatrix serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch; the Coffee & Pastry Counter opens early for coffee and pastries. Meals are not included with your room rate, so plan accordingly.
The hotel also has a 24/7 Re:fuel pantry for grab‑and‑go snacks. If you have dietary restrictions, pack staples you need—Beatrix offers vegan and vegetarian choices but you may prefer your own items.
- Reusable water bottle (filtered water available nearby)
- Any specialty foods or supplements you need
- Small snacks for lengthy city days or late arrivals
| On‑site option | When to use |
|---|---|
| Coffee & Pastry Counter | Early mornings and quick coffee runs |
| Beatrix restaurant | Breakfast, lunch, dinner, weekend brunch |
| Re:fuel pantry | Late‑night snacks or quick items |
Family, kids and pet packing checklist
The hotel is family‑friendly and offers a Camp Aloft kit for kids 12 and under in deluxe two‑queen rooms—still bring any special toys, snacks or medications your child needs.
Aloft Chicago Downtown River North welcomes dogs up to 40 lbs at no charge and provides pet beds, water bowls and treats. Cats are not permitted. If you travel with a dog, bring familiar items to help them settle.
- For kids: favorite small toys, nightlight, child medication, and travel stroller if used
- For dogs: leash, vaccination records, favorite blanket or toy, travel bowls (hotel provides bowls and bed)
- If you need a crib or rollaway, request in advance through reservations
| Guest type | Suggested items |
|---|---|
| Traveling with children | Camp Aloft may be available; bring comfort items and meds |
| Traveling with a dog | Leash, records, favorite bed/blanket; hotel supplies bed and bowls |
