What's included and what costs extra
Included with your stay: complimentary basic in‑room Wi‑Fi, 24‑hour fitness center access, housekeeping on request, luggage storage, and lobby access to The Shops at North Bridge. Extra charges commonly apply for valet parking, a nightly destination fee, meals (including breakfast), laundry/dry cleaning, pet fees, and some enhanced Wi‑Fi or F&B experiences.
In this guide
What’s included in the room rate (typical)
Standard inclusions noted by the hotel are complimentary basic wireless internet access in rooms and public areas, housekeeping on request, luggage storage, and access to the 24‑hour fitness center with treadmills, Tonal, Peloton bikes, and free weights.
Rooms and suites include in‑room amenities as described on the hotel site; the property lists 311 rooms (including 34 suites) and offers several room types you can book directly.
- Complimentary basic Wi‑Fi (some booking channels may have different terms)
- 24‑hour fitness center access
- Housekeeping on request and express check‑out
- Direct lobby access to The Shops at North Bridge
| Room type examples | Bed options |
|---|---|
| Superior Room | 1 King Bed or 2 Queen Beds |
| Deluxe Room | 1 King Bed or 2 Queen Beds |
| Junior Suite | 1 King Bed |
On‑site dining: what’s included vs. paid
The Gwen has multiple on‑property dining venues, including Kostali (lobby level Mediterranean) and Upstairs at The Gwen (rooftop American dining and bar). Food and drink are not included in standard room rates unless you purchase a package that specifically includes meals.
Some hotel packages or promotions (if offered at booking) may include breakfast or a dining credit; otherwise expect to pay à la carte and to make reservations where required.
- Kostali (lobby level) — Mediterranean; reservations required
- Upstairs at The Gwen — rooftop dining, cocktails, Tipsy Tea on weekends
- Tipsy Tea and specialty events (Camp Lux, seasonal offerings) are paid experiences and may require prepayment or reservations
| Venue | Typical charge |
|---|---|
| Kostali | Paid; reservations required |
| Upstairs at The Gwen | Paid; reservations recommended |
| Tipsy Tea (weekend offering) | Paid ticket/cover; themed towers and beverages |
Fees and extras you should expect to pay
The Gwen charges a daily destination/resort fee; amounts reported vary by source and booking channel. This fee typically covers on‑site amenities such as Wi‑Fi and may include a food & beverage credit on some bookings — check your confirmation for the exact amount.
Valet parking, laundry/dry cleaning, and premium or enhanced Wi‑Fi (when offered by non‑direct bookings) are billed separately. The hotel’s own FAQ lists a valet parking rate; third‑party sites may show different daily rates.
- Daily destination/resort fee — charged separately from room rate (amount varies by channel)
- Valet parking — listed on the hotel FAQ (rate shown by the hotel; may vary by date)
- Laundry and dry‑cleaning — available for a fee
- Premium Wi‑Fi or Bonvoy member benefits — check your booking channel
| Extra | What to check |
|---|---|
| Destination/resort fee | Amount and inclusions on your confirmation |
| Valet parking | Daily rate shown at time of booking (hotel FAQ lists a daily figure) |
| Laundry/dry cleaning | Price per item on hotel laundry list |
Pet policy and charges
The Gwen is pet‑friendly and accepts dogs up to the published weight limit. The hotel applies a non‑refundable cleaning fee plus a per‑day pet charge; those fees are listed in the hotel FAQ.
Make sure to confirm pet allowance, the number of pets permitted, and applicable fees when you book — channels may show slightly different terms (Marriott and the hotel FAQ have different pet‑weight guidance).
- Hotel FAQ lists a $120 non‑refundable cleaning fee plus $25 per day per pet (up to 2 pets)
- Marriott’s listing shows different limits/details (verify at booking)
- Inform the hotel in advance if traveling with a pet to ensure availability
| Fee | Amount (hotel FAQ) |
|---|---|
| Non‑refundable cleaning fee | $120 |
| Daily pet charge | $25 per day (per pet, up to 2 pets) |
Fitness, spa and outdoor access
Fitness center access is included and available 24 hours; the facility includes treadmills, a Tonal, two Peloton bikes and free weights. The hotel’s site and third‑party listings describe the fitness room and its equipment in detail.
The Gwen does not operate a full‑service on‑site spa or an on‑site swimming pool. In‑room massages can be arranged through outside providers; such services are billed separately.
- 24‑hour fitness center — included
- No on‑site pool — plan alternate beach or public pool options
- In‑room spa/massage — available by arrangement (additional fee)
| Amenity | Included or extra? |
|---|---|
| Fitness center (Tonal, Peloton, cardio) | Included |
| On‑site full spa | Not available (off‑site/in‑room providers only) |
| Swimming pool | Not available on site |
Parking, transport and neighborhood perks
Valet parking is available for a daily fee shown in the hotel FAQ; third‑party sites report similar covered/secured valet options but rates can change by date and channel. The hotel notes electric car parking is self‑parking only in specific circumstances.
The Gwen’s location places you a block off Michigan Avenue with direct lobby access to The Shops at North Bridge, easy walking access to the Chicago Riverwalk, Millennium Park and Oak Street Beach. The hotel also provides complimentary bicycles for local exploration.
- Valet parking — daily fee (listed on hotel FAQ; may vary)
- Electric car charging — self‑parking EV guests only (valet cannot charge EVs due to liability)
- Complimentary bicycles for guest use
- Close walk to Magnificent Mile shopping, Riverwalk, Millennium Park
| Transport/parking item | Notes |
|---|---|
| Valet parking | Daily fee on top of room rate (hotel lists an amount) |
| EV charging | Self‑parking area only |
| Complimentary bikes | Available for guests |
Event and wedding inclusions vs. extra costs
Event spaces such as The Gallery Ballroom and rooftop terraces are available with packages that typically include furniture, linens, plated dinners, a toast, menu tasting for up to four guests and a Terrace Suite for the wedding night. Food & beverage minimums and service charges apply.
Expect separate charges for venue rental (if applicable), the contracted F&B minimum, a service charge, and any A/V, décor, or staffing beyond the standard package.
- Wedding/event package elements often include tables, chairs, linens, plated dinner, alcohol, a tasting for up to four guests, and a Terrace Suite for the couple
- Food & beverage minimums apply; the hotel’s materials cite minimums and a service charge
- Venue rental fees, additional A/V, and décor are charged separately
| Event item | Typical inclusion/charge |
|---|---|
| Reception space and basic setup | Often included in package |
| F&B minimum | Applies; separate cost (hotel cites minimum amounts) |
| Service charge/gratuity | Additional percentage on top of F&B |
