River North Chicago, Illinois
Renovated
2019
Price
$$$
Rated for
Design Heritage SocialOutside the door
The house
MarriottSculpted Deco revival
Art Deco geometry meets lively social spaces, from 1920s sculptural motifs and brass screens to a buzzing rooftop high above Rush Street.
“Enjoy live music, ample seating, and 360-degree skyscraper views at Upstairs at the Gwen…”
What it’s good at
Notable
Art Deco interiors feature velvet seating, brass metalwork, and zodiac headboard murals.
Notable
A 1929 landmark facade featuring limestone bas-reliefs carved by sculptor Gwen Lux.
What they say
One Michelin Key
Michelin
Forbes Recommended
Forbes Travel Guide
2026
Also in Condé Nast Traveler, Wallpaper* and AFAR.
Inside it’s a thoroughly contemporary boutique-style luxury hotel, with Art Deco accents and 21st-century comforts.
“The lobby is especially evocative of 1920s glamour, with plenty of visual layers thanks not only to a medley of texture but also to clever furniture groupings...”
In a lively part of town
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Just off the Magnificent Mile in River North, an enclosed walkway connects directly to luxury retail at North Bridge.
The rooms
Rooms feature full-wall zodiac murals, slate-grey and soft-pink palettes, brass accents, and marble bathrooms with walk-in showers.
The gym
Peloton bikes, Tonal strength machines, and free weights fill the bright 24-hour fitness room.
Dogs stay too.
Restaurant
Upstairs at The Gwen
Fire tables and curved lounge sofas look out toward Michigan Avenue from the open-air fifth-floor terrace.
The lobby features a sleek, Art Deco–inspired design defined by bold geometric patterns, rich custom furnishings, metallic accents and plush seating areas
At the table
Kostali serves coastal Mediterranean dishes. In the Art Deco lounge, green velvet stools line an illuminated cocktail bar.
How it began
Housed in the 1929 McGraw-Hill Building, the hotel takes its name and limestone bas-relief facade from sculptor Gwen Lux.
“Dreamy Art Deco design, fun programming, and a prime location make up this River North hotel.”
Good to know
Stay here
The Gwen
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.