The Gwen, A Luxury Collection Hotel

The Gwen sits on North Rush Street just off Michigan Avenue, with enclosed access to The Shops at North Bridge and easy walking access to River North restaurants and major downtown attractions.

The design draws heavily on Chicago’s 1930s decorative arts and the sculptural legacy of the former McGraw-Hill Building façade, giving the hotel more personality than a standard Magnificent Mile tower.

Rooms and suites are polished and contemporary, but the terrace categories are the real distinction. The signature two-bedroom Gwen Lux Suite combines about 1,200 square feet indoors with a roughly 1,000-square-foot private terrace and panoramic city views.

The hotel emphasizes its social spaces and fitness facilities rather than a traditional spa or pool, making the surrounding neighborhood and private outdoor suites especially important to the experience.

The Gwen is best for travelers who want Michigan Avenue convenience with a stronger design identity, particularly groups and special-occasion guests willing to book one of the extraordinary terrace suites.