How to get to The Gwen from Chicago airports
From Chicago O'Hare (ORD) or Midway (MDW), the simplest ways to reach The Gwen, Michigan Avenue Chicago (521 North Rush Street) are taxi or rideshare straight to the hotel, or public transit into downtown followed by a short walk. The hotel sits a half-block off the Magnificent Mile with the CTA Grand (Red Line) station and multiple Michigan Avenue buses a few blocks away.
In this guide
Where The Gwen is located
The Gwen, Michigan Avenue Chicago is at 521 North Rush Street, Chicago, IL 60611, set one block off Michigan Avenue in the River North / Streeterville area.
The hotel connects directly to The Shops at North Bridge from the lobby and is within easy walking distance of the Magnificent Mile, the Chicago Riverwalk, and Millennium Park.
- Address: 521 North Rush Street, Chicago, IL 60611
- Direct lobby access to The Shops at North Bridge
- Steps from Michigan Avenue shopping and restaurants
| Nearby landmarks | Walking distance (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Michigan Avenue / Magnificent Mile | 1 min |
| Chicago Riverwalk | About 8 minutes |
| Millennium Park | Within about a mile |
From O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
O'Hare is listed at roughly 28.8 km (about 17.9 miles) from The Gwen. The most straightforward door-to-door options are taxi or rideshare directly to the hotel.
If you prefer transit, take the CTA Blue Line into downtown Chicago and then transfer to a downtown station or a short bus/walk that gets you to the Magnificent Mile / Grand Street area; the hotel is a short walk from the CTA Grand (Red Line) station and several Michigan Avenue bus routes.
- Taxi or rideshare: direct from ORD to 521 North Rush Street
- CTA: Blue Line into downtown, then transfer toward the Magnificent Mile / Grand area
- Shuttle or private car services: available from ORD, book in advance if desired
| Option | When to use it |
|---|---|
| Taxi / Rideshare | Best for luggage, fewer transfers |
| CTA + short transfer/walk | Cheaper option if you want transit |
| Airport shuttle / private car | If you need pre-booked service or group travel |
From Midway Airport (MDW)
Midway is about 21.3 km (13.3 miles) from The Gwen. Taxis or rideshares provide the easiest direct route to the hotel from Midway.
Public transit options include taking the CTA Orange Line into the Loop and then switching to a bus or a short walk toward Michigan Avenue / North Rush Street; expect at least one transfer when using the train system from Midway.
- Taxi / Rideshare: most direct and convenient for luggage
- CTA Orange Line into downtown + transfer: budget option
- Pre-booked shuttle or private car: useful for groups or timed arrivals
| Option | Notes |
|---|---|
| Taxi / Rideshare | Door-to-door, single fare |
| CTA Orange Line + transfer | Requires transfer and a short walk to the hotel |
| Shuttle / Private car | Book ahead for groups or fixed schedules |
Driving, parking, and drop-off
If you drive or arrive by car, The Gwen provides valet parking; the hotel notes covered, secured valet with electric car parking options but separate charges apply.
Leave your luggage with the bell staff at the hotel entrance if you need assistance—there is a hotel entrance corridor and revolving door that leads directly to the lobby area.
- Valet parking available (fee applies)
- Electric vehicle charging: self-parking EV options noted by the hotel
- Hotel entrance and bell/concierge service available for drop-off
| Tip | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Use valet for quick hotel access | Saves time with luggage and downtown traffic |
| Reserve a parking spot or ask about EV charging | Rates, availability, and EV procedures can vary |
| Call hotel on arrival if you need immediate assistance | BookResorts agents: +1 (888) 605-1350 (24/7) |
Public transit nearby
The Gwen is a short walk from the CTA Grand Red Line station and several Michigan Avenue bus routes, making it easy to reach by city transit once you are in downtown Chicago.
If you arrive by regional rail or commuter services, Millennium Station and many bus lines are within walking distance of the hotel.
- Nearest heavy-rail: CTA Grand (Red Line) station — a few blocks from the hotel
- Multiple bus routes run along Michigan Avenue and nearby streets
- Millennium Station commuter rail is within walking distance for river or lakefront access
| Transit | Distance to hotel |
|---|---|
| CTA Grand (Red Line) | A few blocks |
| Michigan Avenue buses | Direct routes along the Magnificent Mile |
| Millennium Station | Within a short walk |
Arrival tips and what to tell your driver
Give drivers the full hotel address (521 North Rush Street) and note that the hotel entrance provides street-level drop-off with the lobby directly accessible from Rush Street and The Shops at North Bridge.
If you have mobility needs, mention that The Gwen offers accessible public areas and wheelchair-accessible routes to elevators and registration when arranging transport or requesting assistance.
- Address to give a driver: 521 North Rush Street, Chicago, IL 60611
- Tell drivers you’re headed to The Gwen (half-block off Michigan Avenue; lobby access to Shops at North Bridge)
- If you need help with luggage or accessible drop-off, call the hotel or BookResorts agents ahead
| Phone | Use for |
|---|---|
| Hotel / BookResorts agents | +1 (888) 605-1350 — 24/7 assistance |
| Hotel address | Show to driver or on delivery apps |
| Concierge at arrival | Request local directions, transit tips, or baggage help |
