The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Michigan Avenue Chicago

Hotels
Luxury Collection
9.6 (475 reviews)
521 North Rush Street , Chicago , us

Children allowed
Pets allowed

Facilities

Electric bicycle charging station
Fitness facilities (surcharge)
Parking
Non-smoking rooms
Air conditioning
Restaurant
Room service
Terrace
Pets allowed
Lift / Elevator
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Exceptional service
Great location
Clean and spacious rooms
Cons:
Lack of in-room coffee machine
No 'do not disturb' signs available

Categories

Cleanliness
9.49
Rooms are described as cozy and clean, with a focus on cleanliness.
Service
10
Multiple reviews highlight exceptional service from staff members, notably Judie and Meredith.
Location
9.96
Located in the heart of everything, with a convenient position near attractions.
Room Quality
9.5
Spacious rooms with big bathrooms noted positively.
Amenities
8.45
While amenities like welcome cookies and free water are mentioned, the lack of in-room coffee machine affects the score.
Value for Money
9.48
Overall great experience justifies that the hotel provides good value for the money spent.
Food and Beverage
9.94
High praise for food quality and presentation noted, especially from high tea experiences.
Overall Experience
9.99
Guests consistently rate their experiences as great, with many indicating they would return.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-16 00:46

Property Description

Luxurious Accommodations
The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Michigan Avenue Chicago, offers rooms with custom décor inspired by signature sculptures, 65-inch flat-screen TVs, and free WiFi. Each room also includes a fully-stocked minibar and luxury bath amenities for a comfortable stay.

Culinary Delights
Guests can enjoy a unique dining experience at Circa Restaurant And Lounge, offering American fare for all meals. The rooftop terrace, Upstairs at the Gwen, provides panoramic city views and custom cocktails, perfect for a relaxing evening.

Fitness and Business Facilities
The hotel boasts a state-of-the-art fitness centre with a variety of equipment and yoga facilities. Additionally, the fully-equipped 24-hour business centre caters to all business needs, ensuring a productive stay.

Experience luxury and convenience at The Gwen - book your stay now to indulge in the best of Chicago's offerings.

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.

Please be advised a deposit may be charged for incidentals upon arrival. Additional guests may incur extra charges (see hotel policies).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.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Airport code: ORD

Property Policies

  • Pets

    Pets are allowed. Charges may be applicable.

  • Groups

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

  • Children and extra bed policy

    Children of any age are allowed.
    Children up to and including 3 years old stay for free when using an available cot.
    Children up to and including 17 years old stay for free when using an existing bed.
    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.

  • Parking

    Private parking is possible on site (reservation is not possible) and costs USD 75 per day.

  • Internet

    WiFi is available in the hotel rooms and costs USD 19.95 per 24 hours.

Location

Guest Reviews

9.6
Based on 475 reviews
Cleanliness: 9.49
Service: 10
Location: 9.96
Room Quality: 9.5
Amenities: 8.45
Value for Money: 9.48
Food and Beverage: 9.94
Overall Experience: 9.99
K
kourtneyk548 Family
10
Luigi is the star of the show!
Pros:

Luigi helped us at The Gwen and thank goodness he did! Upon arrival he made sure our check in was seamless, and gave phenomenal recommendations — even was able to secure last minute reservations! Beautiful hotels, beautiful rooms, and exceptional service

2026-05-22 via Tripadvisor
R
Roam63674336158 Family
10
Luigi was very friendly and helpful at check in.
Pros:

Nice space, friendly staff quiet room

2026-05-22 via Tripadvisor
K
kristenkS7749OC Solo travel
10
A Century of Chicago History and the Hospitality to Match
Pros:

Walking into The Gwen, I was already impressed by the building itself. Art Deco facade, Michigan Avenue address, nearly a century of Chicago history holding the whole thing up. But what made the check-in experience genuinely memorable was Luigi.

He got me checked in early, which already sets the tone for a trip, but it was the way he did it. Warm, genuinely hospitable, great personality. The kind of person who makes you feel like the hotel is happy you’re there, not just processing your arrival.

That warmth carried through the entire stay, and I think that’s exactly why this property holds a Michelin Key. It’s not just the address or the architecture. It’s the way the people here make you feel.

My room had a view of Michigan Avenue and a soaking tub I did not want to leave. Upstairs at The Gwen is where I’d tell anyone to spend their first evening. The cocktail menu is lovely (they have many options for Mexico lovers with tequila and mezcal). That plus fire pits and a city skyline - yes please.

The gym matters to me more than most things when I travel. I’m a health coach and I work out every day, so a fully equipped fitness center isn’t a nice-to-have, it’s non-negotiable. The Gwen’s gym had everything I needed without having to improvise or skip anything.

If you’re booking Chicago, start here. Thank you for a lovely stay!

2026-05-22 via Tripadvisor
E
Escape574378 Family South Haven, Van Buren County, Michigan
10
We highly recommend The Gwen Hotel for your next visit to Chicago!
Pros:

We stay at The Gwen whenever we stay in Chicago. The location is perfect for sightseeing and visiting favorite restaurants and bars.
All staff members, from the servers in the restaurant to people at the front desk, treat us with the utmost professionalism and care. The rooms are gorgeous, with large, luxurious bathrooms, and the beds are extra comfy.
Good food is important to us, and every meal we've eaten at Upstairs at the Gwen has been outstanding. The menu is seasonal, with a wide selection of entrées. The atmosphere is festive, with a lovely bar, and comfortable seating.
During a recent visit we enjoyed drinks and snacks in the evening at the bar where Claudia took great care of us, and we had a delicious breakfast the next morning, served by Meredith. The Belgian Waffle with fresh berries and citrus mascarpone was delightful.
We're already looking forward to our next visit to the Gwen!

2026-05-17 via Tripadvisor
Y
yajalir Friends getaway
10
Catch up with friends
Pros:

The staff, more specifically Judy and Sarah, were amazing and very helpful!
We love the set up and attentiveness.

Would be back!

2026-05-16 via Tripadvisor
A
Andi solo_traveller us
10
Pros:

clean

Cons:

none

2026-05-16 via Nuitee
S
syleena04 Solo travel Richmond, Virginia
10
Just marvelous…
Pros:

This is surely the loveliest hotel I’ve been to thus far. The entire staff has been extremely pleasant. I came here after an unpleasant hotel experience, trying to escape home for a bit and Jafar especially, has been very thoughtful and accommodating. May this hotel continue to thrive and be great.

2026-05-15 via Tripadvisor
B
bitesbyblakeb Friends getaway
10
Birthday Trip!
Pros:

The lobby is amazing so beautiful! And I love how it is connected to the parking garage across the street! It’s in a great location. Lugi at the front desk was AMAZING!

2026-05-15 via Tripadvisor
T
T8219FSannetteb Family
10
The Gwen is where it’s at!
Pros:

Amazing vibes, 10/10 aura, luxury and beauty all around! No detail is missed in this place and people like Davielle, Judie, and their manager (was his name Max??? I can’t remember!) Go way above and beyond to take care of you!

2026-05-15 via Tripadvisor
A
Aryn family_with_children us
7
Pros:

Great location, friendly staff, good restaurant,

Cons:

Rooms need updating. The carpet in my room was stained and dirty.

2026-05-11 via Nuitee
E
elodiek202 Family
10
Amazing service
Pros:

We had a great experience there. The food was excellent, and our server, Davi, was attentive and took great care of us. A special thank you to the receptionist,Judie, who was kind to my niece. My niece even wrote a thank you note to Judie before we left. I would recommend the Gwen’s restaurant for any family gathering.

2026-05-10 via Tripadvisor
B
B7044EAmelissam Family
10
Jafar and The Gwen are AMAZING
Pros:

We were at a different hotel and immediately checked out due to a horrendous experience. My husband called Jafar the The Gwen and Jafar took care of us. We had the most amazing experience, I can’t even explain how incredible our room was. Jafar made our experience so incredible and I will never ever forget it!!

2026-05-10 via Tripadvisor
G
Guide50302967116 Family
10
Judie was like family
Pros:

Judie was so great that my young daughter said she wanted her as part of our family so needless to say, the service was phenomenal. The tea was delicious and the sandwiches and treats were wonderful.

2026-05-10 via Tripadvisor
C
Christavy couple us
8
2026-05-10 via Nuitee
A
AlexisRBJ Friends getaway
10
Rooftop Hostess-Judie
Pros:

Judie is amazing!! I’ve been here twice and she’s always super kind, understanding, and accommodating. My friends and I were cold at the rooftop and there weren’t any fire-pits available so she gave us blankets! We love the food and the atmosphere already but she makes it more personable and fun!

2026-05-09 via Tripadvisor
6
621asyaw Friends getaway
10
Great experience
Pros:

Great experience Jude was an amazing host . Very communicative and helpful

2026-05-09 via Tripadvisor
2
22tashab Friends getaway
10
Such a lovly tlvisit to the bar
Pros:

We were so lucky to have had Daviel as a server, and Judie was absolutely amazing. I came with a friend who had just recieved their Ph.D. in Physics, and Judie was just delightful in celebrating their accomplishments. The drinks were delicious, the fireside comfortable, and my friend just felt so seen. Thank you!

2026-05-08 via Tripadvisor
4
424faridak Friends getaway Atlanta, Georgia
10
Birthday Weekend
Pros:

Luigi and Alex were very welcoming with lots of great recommendations for our birthday weekend.

2026-05-08 via Tripadvisor
P
Piffymouse Business Des Moines, Iowa
10
Gorgeous and welcoming
Pros:

This is a gorgeous hotel in a great location. The staff, particularly Luigi and Alex, are excellent and go out of their way to make sure your stay is perfect.

2026-05-07 via Tripadvisor
4
433bethannv Family
10
Luigi is The Best!
Pros:

We stayed at the Gwen in order to celebrate our son‘s graduation. We were here for three nights . Luigi checked us in and was so friendly and personable. We enjoyed everything about our stay. The room, the food, the drinks, the atmosphere and staff.

2026-05-07 via Tripadvisor