Getting around: transit, walking and taxis
The Gwen sits at 521 North Rush Street, a block off Michigan Avenue, so most downtown destinations are easy on foot. For longer trips, the CTA Red Line (Grand station) is a short walk, taxis and rideshares are readily available outside the lobby, and the hotel offers valet parking and complimentary bicycles for short local trips.
In this guide
Where the hotel is and quick arrival notes
The Gwen, Michigan Avenue Chicago is at 521 North Rush Street (Chicago, IL 60611). The main entrance opens into the lobby level, with direct enclosed access to The Shops at North Bridge.
If you’re being dropped off, ask the driver to pull up at the hotel entrance so you can use the revolving door or the covered entry into the lobby. BookResorts agents can be reached 24/7 at +1 (888) 605-1350 for arrival questions.
- Hotel address: 521 North Rush Street, Chicago, IL 60611
- Direct lobby access to The Shops at North Bridge (indoor shopping)
- Lobby and reception are the main point for taxis, rideshares and concierge assistance
| Contact | Details |
|---|---|
| Hotel phone (BookResorts agents) | +1 (888) 605-1350 |
| Check-in / Check-out | 3:00 PM / 12:00 PM (noon) |
| Minimum age to check in | 21 (booking guest) |
Walking to nearby attractions
The Gwen is a short walk from the Magnificent Mile and several key sights. The Chicago Riverwalk is about 0.4 miles (roughly an 8-minute walk) by crossing the DuSable Bridge, and Millennium Park is within about a mile.
Because many attractions are clustered downtown, walking is often the fastest option for short trips. Wear comfortable shoes and plan for lake breezes if you’re heading toward Oak Street Beach or the lakefront.
- Michigan Avenue / Magnificent Mile: steps away
- Chicago Riverwalk: ~0.4 miles / ~8 minutes on foot
- Millennium Park: within about 1 mile
- Navy Pier: ~15–20 minute walk (or water taxi/bus options available)
| Destination | Typical walk time |
|---|---|
| Michigan Avenue / Shops at North Bridge | 1–2 minutes (direct access) |
| Chicago Riverwalk (DuSable Bridge) | About 8 minutes |
| Navy Pier | 15–20 minutes |
Public transit (CTA and buses)
The nearest major CTA rail stop is the Grand station on the Red Line, described as a few blocks from the hotel and within about a 5-minute walk. Multiple CTA bus routes also run along Michigan Avenue and nearby streets serving north–south and east–west routes.
Use the CTA for inexpensive, reliable travel across the city. Check real-time schedules on the CTA app or website before you go, especially during off-peak hours or weather-related service changes.
- CTA Red Line — Grand station: a few blocks, roughly a 5-minute walk
- Numerous bus routes run on Michigan Avenue for short cross-town trips
- Buy fares via the Ventra app or at vending machines; verify times on CTA.org
| Transit option | How it helps |
|---|---|
| CTA Red Line (Grand) | Fast north–south rail to downtown and transfer points |
| Michigan Avenue buses | Short hops to Navy Pier, Oak Street Beach and nearby neighborhoods |
| Water taxi / river cruises | Scenic options to Navy Pier and riverfront points (seasonal) |
Taxis, rideshares and where to be picked up
Taxis and rideshare services (Uber/Lyft) are readily available in the Streeterville / Magnificent Mile area. The hotel lobby and main curb are the most convenient pickup and drop-off spots; the concierge can advise on the best pickup point depending on traffic or special events.
If you need an accessible vehicle or a larger vehicle for groups or luggage, request it through your rideshare app in advance and allow extra time during peak hours or special events on Michigan Avenue.
- Use the main hotel entrance or the curb outside the lobby for pickups/drop-offs
- Concierge can help arrange taxis, car services or accessible vehicles
- Allow extra time during rush hour or large events on the Magnificent Mile
| Service | Tips |
|---|---|
| Taxi | Ask concierge to call an authorized cab if you prefer licensed drivers |
| Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) | Request pickup from curb outside the lobby; choose vehicle size as needed |
| Private car / airport transfer | Book in advance for fixed pricing and guaranteed pickup |
Driving and parking
The Gwen offers valet parking; the hotel’s FAQ lists valet parking and notes covered, secured parking is available. Valet is the standard option for overnight guests and restaurant visitors.
Be aware the property charges a daily destination/resort fee and that parking fees are separate. If you have an electric vehicle, the hotel notes electric car charging is self-parking only because valet cannot charge EVs for liability reasons.
- Valet parking available (fee listed on hotel's site; varies by date/channel)
- EV drivers should plan to self-park in the charging area (valet does not charge EVs)
- Parking fees and the daily destination fee are additional to room rates
| Topic | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Valet parking | Available; fee shown on hotel FAQ (varies by source) |
| EV charging | Self-parking charging station available (valet cannot charge EVs) |
| Additional fees | Destination/resort fee plus separate parking charges may apply |
Biking, water taxis and short alternatives
The Gwen provides complimentary bicycles for guests to explore nearby stretches of the Magnificent Mile, Chicago Riverwalk and Navy Pier. Biking is a practical way to cover short waterfront distances during good weather.
Water taxis and architecture cruises operate seasonally along the river and to Navy Pier, offering scenic alternatives that avoid street traffic. Ask the concierge for current providers and boarding points.
- Complimentary hotel bicycles for short local rides
- Water taxis and river cruises are seasonal—good for sightseeing and reaching Navy Pier
- Concierge can provide current schedules, boarding locations and recommendations
| Option | Best for |
|---|---|
| Hotel bicycles | Short rides on the Magnificent Mile and Riverwalk |
| Water taxi / river cruise | Scenic transit to Navy Pier and riverfront stops |
| Architecture boat tours | Guided sightseeing on the Chicago River |
