Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel

Hotels
Renaissance Hotels & Resorts
9 (541 reviews)
1 West Wacker Drive , Chicago , us

Children allowed
Pets allowed

Facilities

Fitness facilities
WiFi available
Free WiFi
Parking
Non-smoking rooms
Air conditioning
Fitness center
Swimming pool
24-hour front desk
Restaurant
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.

Breakfast-included rates apply to a maximum of two guests; an additional fee of $27 per person will be applied for any extra guests.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.
A deposit may be required at the property.

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 541 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
5
581juliae Business New York City, New York
6
Gets the little things wrong
Pros:

For a hotel as expensive as this, the rooms are shockingly minimal. As others have mentioned, the hotel is dated and rooms in need of repairs. My shower didn’t drain quickly enough, so I was ankle-deep in water about 2 minutes into a shower. But the little things are also not cared for. Pillows are flat and causes an excruciating crick in my neck. No robes or slippers are provided. No minibar. No desk in the room at which to comfortably work.

Staff were friendly and location is good, but small improvements here could make a big difference. As is, it’s not worth the price tag.

2026-06-27 via Tripadvisor
L
Lauren family_with_children gb
10
Perfect Location, excellent facilities
Pros:

Location was fantastic, amazing view from our room and ideal for exploring the city and right on the riverwalk.

Rooms were a good size and very clean. All of the staff were very friendly. Pool area was excellent and very quiet so our children had the whole pool to themselves! Would definitely stay again.

2026-06-27 via Nuitee
E
Eileen couple gb
7
A great location for central Chicago and The Metro. I do think the hotel is overpriced, the two six dollars bottles of w
Pros:

The Hotel was very clean , air con and spacious. Plenty of lifts.
It was a great location, very close to the town centre and very good Metro and bus service.

Cons:

The heated swimming pool was freezing on my first swim until it was rectified. Enjoyed the pool after that.
The lockers in the changing rooms were faulty. I had to do three trips in the lift to reception wrapped in only two small towels. I found this very embarrassing as there were tourists in the lifts each time. It took at least half an hour to rectify by two maintenance workers. In the end I returned to my bedroom till my clothes and bag was returned were returned. I got a sorry from one of the reception staff. A free drink and a sandwich would have been nice.

2026-06-24 via Nuitee
E
Enas solo_traveller us
4
2026-06-17 via Nuitee
M
Michael couple us
3
Great stay
Pros:

Location

2026-06-15 via Nuitee
A
Alexey solo_traveller us
10
Room with a river view
Pros:

Stuff was friendly and incredibly helpful. Clean room with a great view. Location couldn't be better. Perfect overall. I'm still smiling when thinking about my trip.

Cons:

Of course, I could say it was a little bit pricey, but it's just a world we are living in! So, no complaints

2026-06-15 via Nuitee
M
Maria couple us
10
2026-06-12 via Nuitee
E
Elena family_with_children nl
6
2026-06-11 via Nuitee
I
Ilan solo_traveller il
10
2026-06-09 via Nuitee
F
F6589SMmaxg Business
2
Worst experience
Pros:

We had a confirmed reservation and had our hotel given away with no warning until we showed up after a long day of travel. They sent us in an uber to a significantly less nice hotel and made the whole process as difficult and frustrating as possible. I would not recommend this hotel to my worst enemy after this experience.

2026-06-02 via Tripadvisor
D
Derrick couple us
8
We enjoyed our stay sleep well played hard. Looking forward to visiting again!!
Pros:

I like the location, it is walking distance to just about any and everything.
The view right on the Chicago river was beautiful, the security was great felt very safe. The was very comfortable and relaxing.

Cons:

I didn’t like the price of valet and no microwave to warm food. Not sure if there was one available for to use outside the room.

2026-05-31 via Nuitee
S
Sheri couple us
7
Front desk was fabulous upon our arrival
Pros:

Beautiful view , very comfortable bed

Cons:

Was very disappointed with the wait staff at dinner, she had a terrible attitude

2026-05-28 via Nuitee
B
Brooke solo_traveller us
10
It’s a great place to stay!
Pros:

It was in the heart of downtown & we felt very safe.

Cons:

The bartenders ignored me one night while they tended to other customers.

2026-05-27 via Nuitee
W
wsptct Couples Westport, Connecticut
2
Renaissance badly in need of renovations.
Pros:

This hotel has outlived its lifespan. On entry, you would think this is a pretty nice place, except for a reasonably indifferent reception staff. Get off the elevator and you feel like you entered a time warp. The hallways with their popcorn ceilings look like they haven’t been updated since the Chicago Fire. And then it only gets worse when you enter your room … chipped furniture, holes in the carpet, not a single USB connector, and a ridiculously dated bathroom. The $30 “resort fee” includes $15 toward food and beverage, a bunch of absurd junk and, my favorite, free internet, which they label as an $18.95 value … except you can’t buy it on its own, so how can they just make up a price … oh, and free internet access is a benefit for Bonvoy members at most levels. This hotel is not worth staying at until the rooms are updated. So no need for a written response to this review from the property is needed. That changes nothing. Only a renovation will. And it’s long overdue.

2026-05-22 via Tripadvisor
D
Donna solo_traveller gb
9
Pros:

Great location

Cons:

Destination tax

2026-05-06 via Nuitee
L
Lucas couple es
5
Caro para lo que ofrece el hotel. Lo mejor la ubicación.
Pros:

La ubicación es muy buena.

Cons:

Le falta una buena reforma. Las habitaciones están viejas.

2026-05-04 via Nuitee
A
Ando couple jp
7
Pros:

スタッフとても親切

2026-05-02 via Nuitee
N
ndystrass Couples Aliso Viejo, California
4
Good location with an outdated room
Pros:

Beware of all the construction nearby. Check in was quick and easy. Location is good. The room is horribly outdated. Most of the room (wallpaper, closet, closet door, bathroom door, window, popcorn ceiling; aircon) have not been updated in probably 30 years. The wallpaper behind the bed and the bathroom are newer (I suspect so that online pics look better). Not sure what’s going on a floor above us but it sounds like some construction or work going on.

2026-04-28 via Tripadvisor
O
oliverfG3209AP Business
8
Great location, just be aware of the trains
Pros:

The hotel itself was excellent. The room was spacious and comfortable, staff were helpful and the location is almost perfect. My main reason for not quite reaching 5 is the noise from the trains outside the window. I slept ok, but it did take the edge off of things. The gym is great for cardio, it could do with a bit more on the weights side. I didn’t use the pool, but colleagues who did thought it was good.

2026-04-25 via Tripadvisor
8
816sheshk Family
6
One Fish can spoil the Pond
Pros:

Disappointing Experience, this is the second time i am staying at this property, my last experience was fantastic, but this is the last time …here, wont come back.

This primarily is due to an disappointing experience i had at the reception on 2 occasions with the same person, first was at time of check-in and then subsequently when i wanted to check if can get a late check out, on both the occasions the tone was rude and full of indifference … this is not how a person who is part of the service industry behaves or conducts ….the lady particularly was a BIG DISAPPOINTMENT .. she needs to be put through training session again…in fact suggest please get her to under go a session & work under a front office BOSS from MARRIOTT in India…

2026-04-19 via Tripadvisor