Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel

Hotels
Renaissance Hotels & Resorts
9 (505 reviews)
1 West Wacker Drive , Chicago , us

Children allowed
Pets allowed

Facilities

Fitness facilities (surcharge)
Non-smoking rooms
Air conditioning
Swimming pool
Restaurant
Room service
Terrace
Pets allowed
Lift / Elevator
Luggage storage
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Exceptional views
Attentive and friendly staff
Cons:
Poor in-room dining experience
Drafty room temperature

Categories

Cleanliness
9
The room was clean and comfortable, aligning with the hotel's standard.
Service
10
Staff were described as genuinely wonderful, kind, attentive, and professional.
Location
9.5
The hotel has an exceptional location near restaurants and the Chicago Theatre.
Room Quality
8.5
Rooms were comfortable but faced issues with temperature control.
Amenities
9
Amenities were decent, though in-room dining did not meet expectations.
Value for Money
9
Prices were high for some offerings, especially food quality.
Food and Beverage
7.5
In-room dining experience was disappointing with poor food quality.
Overall Experience
9.5
Overall, a wonderful stay overshadowed by dining issues.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-06 07:15

Property Description

Luxurious Amenities and Stunning Views

Step into the world of sophistication and elegance at our boutique hotel in Chicago’s Theater District. Indulge in the contemporary décor and modern amenities of our rooms, each offering breathtaking views of the Chicago River or skyline.

Rooftop Bar and Relaxation Oasis

Sip on cocktails and savor delectable cuisine at our rooftop bar while marveling at the iconic architecture of the city. Unwind and rejuvenate at our indoor pool and Rejuvenation Center, offering soothing spa services.

Prime Location and Accessibility

Located directly across from the Chicago River, our hotel provides easy access to must-visit attractions like Millennium Park, Michigan Avenue, and Navy Pier. Experience the best of Chicago right at your doorstep.

Book your stay at the Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel for a truly unforgettable experience.

Important information:

Upon check-in photo identification and credit card is required. All special requests are subject to availability upon check-in. Special requests cannot be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.

Charges are applicable for additional guests. Please contact the hotel for details.

Destination fee includes a daily food and beverage credit, enhanced internet and Garrett's signature popcorn.Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.
In the event of an early departure, the property will charge you the full amount for your stay.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 12:00 PM
Airport code: MDW

Property Policies

  • Children and extra bed policy

    Children of any age are allowed.
    You haven't added any extra beds.
    Any type of extra bed or child's cot/crib is upon request and needs to be confirmed by management.

  • Internet

    WiFi is available in public areas and is free of charge.

  • Pets

    Pets are allowed. Charges may be applicable.

  • Groups

    When booking more than 9 rooms, different policies and additional supplements may apply.

  • Parking

    Private parking is possible on site (reservation is not possible) and costs USD 84 per day.

Location

Guest Reviews

9
Based on 505 reviews
Cleanliness: 9
Service: 10
Location: 9.5
Room Quality: 8.5
Amenities: 9
Value for Money: 9
Food and Beverage: 7.5
Overall Experience: 9.5
S
Shimeka solo_traveller us
10
Has a great time and experience here
Pros:

Very nice, clean, and great location. The staff members were great

Cons:

No complaints

2026-01-20 via Nuitee
A
Aryan Sai extended_group us
6
2026-01-20 via Nuitee
M
Mary solo_traveller us
8
This is a great hotel with close access to a lot of what Chicago has to offer.
Pros:

The staff were so helpful and courteous during check-in and with any questions I had.

Cons:

I feel that WI-FI should just be included at the hotel. They did deduct the charge, but it feels this should be part of your stay instead of being charged.

2026-01-20 via Nuitee
L
Larry couple us
10
2026-01-15 via Nuitee
D
dil345 Family Georgetown, Texas
10
Outstanding stay
Pros:

We chose this hotel for its location. Everything was great-check in process, room size, shower pressure, lounge and its staff, and any requests made ahead of time were already in place when we got there. The only issue was we only had one night to enjoy this property! Also not there long enough to get the destination charge used and credited.

2026-01-08 via Tripadvisor
R
Ronald couple us
10
2026-01-06 via Nuitee
S
Sophia couple us
10
Pros:

location, staff, beautiful room view. women cycle products easily available if accident happen.

Cons:

$300 charge fee on “hold” which still means that money is not usable for your leisure. no microwave in room have to wait for someone to bring one up.

2026-01-04 via Nuitee
R
Rachel couple us
10
2026-01-03 via Nuitee
M
Myisha family_with_children us
4
Exceptional Views and Hospitality, Unfortunately Undermined by Dining Quality
Pros:

The location alone deserves applause—steps away from an impressive lineup of restaurants and just around the corner from the iconic Chicago Theatre, which adds a touch of old-school glamour to the stay.

What truly elevates the experience, though, are the views. Waking up to the waterfront feels like the city is showing off just for you—calm, beautiful, and effortlessly photogenic. It’s the kind of view that makes you pause mid-coffee and briefly reconsider your entire schedule for the day.

Equally memorable is the staff. Every person we encountered was genuinely wonderful—kind, attentive, and remarkably composed. It’s important to acknowledge how challenging it must be to care for guests, especially during one of the busiest times of the year like New Year’s Eve, when expectations are high and the pace is relentless. Yet the team handled it with grace, warmth, and professionalism that never felt forced. They made a demanding job look easy, which is no small feat.

Convenient, vibrant, and visually stunning, this hotel strikes a rare balance between energy and elegance. Whether you’re in town for dining, shows, or simply soaking in the scenery, it places you exactly where you want to be—front and center, with a view, and supported by people who clearly care.

Cons:

While we genuinely enjoyed many aspects of this hotel—especially its prime location near countless restaurants and the iconic Chicago Theatre, along with the beautiful waterfront views—there were two issues that noticeably took away from our stay.

The biggest disappointment was the in-room dining experience. We were traveling with children and, given that it was New Year’s Eve and restaurant options after 8:00 p.m. were not realistic for our family, in-room dining felt like the perfect solution. It was meant to be a special moment: sitting together by the window, enjoying the view, welcoming the festivities as a family.

Unfortunately, that vision fell flat. Our meals were delivered in basic takeout boxes—no real plates, no proper cups, no presentation at all. For a hotel of this caliber, especially given the premium pricing, this was surprising and frankly disappointing. The food itself was overpriced and unpleasant, which made the experience feel even more off-brand. One of the small luxuries of in-room dining is the feeling of being cared for; instead, it felt rushed and impersonal. We do appreciate that if a hotel offers in-room dining, it should come with real plates, proper glassware, and thoughtful presentation—this simply missed the mark.

The second issue was the temperature control in the room. It was extremely drafty, particularly near the windows. We had to turn the heat up to 80° just to remain comfortable, and even then you could still feel the cold air coming through. It took away from what should have been a cozy, relaxing stay—especially during winter.

Overall, the hotel has a lot going for it in terms of location and views, but these two issues—poor in-room dining execution and significant drafts—were hard to overlook. With some attention to comfort and guest experience, this could easily be a standout stay. As it stands, it fell short of expectations in moments that mattered most.

2026-01-03 via Nuitee
T
Teresa couple us
10
Perfect locaton
Pros:

Room with a view of the fireworks to celebrate the new year.

Cons:

N/A

2026-01-02 via Nuitee
5
509solomonw Family
2
Below Expectations in Every Key Area, No Leadership
Pros:

I rarely leave negative reviews, but my experience at the Renaissance Downtown Chicago was disappointing enough that I feel compelled to share it for the benefit of future guests.

From the outset, communication was poor. Basic questions and requests were met with confusion, delayed responses, or no follow-up at all. For a hotel that positions itself as an upscale, hospitality-driven brand, this lack of coordination was both surprising and frustrating.

Cleanliness and overall upkeep were also major concerns. The room had a noticeable and unpleasant odor, and this issue extended beyond our room into the corridors and even the bathroom. The persistent smells created the impression that the property was not being properly maintained, which significantly impacted our comfort throughout the stay.

The New Year’s dinner was, unfortunately, the most disappointing aspect of our visit. The steak was served cold, the fish was dry and overcooked, and my cocktail glass arrived visibly dirty and covered in handprints. Additionally, our table was not properly set despite having a reservation, which immediately undermined what was meant to be a special evening.

Beyond the physical and dining issues, the overall hospitality experience was extremely lacking. The staff were not helpful, and the lobby was consistently disorganized, creating confusion and unnecessary stress. When concerns were raised, there was little accountability or effort to provide solutions, leaving us to navigate issues on our own. This absence of basic service standards—attentiveness, professionalism, and guest care—was deeply disappointing.

Chicago has many hotels that deliver excellent service and comfort. Based on our experience, the Renaissance Downtown Chicago did not meet reasonable expectations for its brand or location. I share this review in good faith, with the hope that it informs future guests and encourages meaningful improvements.

2026-01-01 via Tripadvisor
A
Alvaro couple ky
9
We would definitely stay here again and suggest this property to others
Pros:

Great location, friendly staff and clean, comfortable rooms

2026-01-01 via Nuitee
W
whitney extended_group us
9
Great and quiet stay in fabulous location!
Pros:

Location and the small cafe for coffee and snacks

Cons:

The $30 city tax. But got $15 in coffee each morning, which made it nicer

2025-12-31 via Nuitee
K
Kelly couple us
10
2025-12-25 via Nuitee
T
Teresa couple us
10
2025-12-16 via Nuitee
J
Joseph family_with_children us
9
Great overall - location ideal for Chicago Theatre and the Riverwalk. Right across from the Langham
Pros:

Pool is great for kids. Location is great. Room service is very fast with all the normal options. Having the bar in the lobby was a nice touch. Also able to check in at noon which was awesome, but probably won’t always be like that

Cons:

Ok this might be dumb but the milk and OJ in the mornings suck. It’s not fresh, the juice is a tiny little minutemaid bottle and the milk comes in those tiny cardboard boxes we had at school. It’s not even about the money, but paying $9 each for a 25 cent milk carton felt like they were nickel and diming me

2025-12-15 via Nuitee
B
Bruno couple br
7
2025-12-14 via Nuitee
H
Hayley couple us
10
We had a good weekend exploring Chicago
Pros:

Accessibility

Cons:

Restaurant was expensive but not very good quality

2025-12-07 via Nuitee
W
Wolfgang solo_traveller de
3
Cons:

Es zog im Zimmer. Warmes Wasser kam in der Dusche nicht immer, selbst nach längerem warten. Für europäische Verhältnisse ist der Preis nicht gerechtfertigt. Man schaut nur aufs Geld.

2025-12-05 via Nuitee
K
Kevin couple us
7
Cons:

They have no sauna or steam room. The pool is always full of little kids, which is great, but as adults we felt like we were intruding on families when we went down to the pool, and that's normal because on a trip like that, time at the pool helps keep kids occupied. BUt we just did not feel the facilities were adequate. Also, the coffee at the bar was not particularly great. It had that celery quality to it that is a hallmark of improper roasting/brewing.

The staff are all very kind anf friendly though. And the room was very nice and comfortable.

2025-12-02 via Nuitee