
The Gwen, Michigan Avenue Chicago
Best for shopping and an intimate Art Deco downtown experience steps from the Magnificent Mile.
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The Gwen, Michigan Avenue Chicago is an Art Deco, family-welcoming Luxury Collection hotel on the Magnificent Mile with rooftop dining and direct access to The Shops at North Bridge—best for shoppers and couples who want a compact, design-forward downtown stay. LondonHouse Chicago, Curio Collection is an upscale riverfront lifestyle hotel with a famous rooftop and larger meeting facilities—read this if you prioritize river/Michigan Avenue Bridge views and a bigger hotel with wellness & meetings options.
Updated · about 0.5 km apart

Best for shopping and an intimate Art Deco downtown experience steps from the Magnificent Mile.

Best for riverfront views, rooftop nightlife, and larger groups or meetings.
When The Gwen wins: Choose The Gwen if you want a boutique-feeling, design-led stay right on the Magnificent Mile with direct mall access, compact event spaces, and family-friendly policies. It’s the stronger pick for shopping, smaller weddings, and an Art Deco atmosphere.
When LondonHouse wins: Choose LondonHouse if you want to be on the river/Michigan Avenue Bridge, want access to a high-profile rooftop scene, larger conference facilities, and more room-type/wellness variety. It’s the stronger pick for river views and larger meetings or groups.
Bottom line: Both hotels deliver strong rooftop appeal and central downtown locations. Pick The Gwen for Magnificent Mile shopping, Art Deco character, and a smaller, more intimate luxury stay; pick LondonHouse for riverfront positioning, rooftop energy, and bigger meeting/room capacity.
| Category | The Gwen, Michigan Avenue Chicago | LondonHouse Chicago, Curio Collection |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Art Deco, boutique-luxury, shopping-focused | Upscale riverfront lifestyle hotel with a lively rooftop |
| Location | Half a block off Michigan Avenue (521 North Rush Street) — direct access to The Shops at North Bridge | Riverfront at Michigan Avenue Bridge (85 East Wacker Drive) — steps from Chicago Riverwalk |
| Size (rooms) | 311 rooms, 34 suites | 452 guestrooms |
| Building / age | Historic 1927/1929 McGraw-Hill Art Deco building | Modern upscale riverfront hotel (modern conversion/large building) |
| Pools | No on-site swimming pool | Not published |
| Restaurants & bars | 3 on-site dining concepts including Upstairs at The Gwen (rooftop) and Kostali | 2 restaurants and 2 bars/lounges; Bridges restaurant and rooftop bar highlighted |
| Spa & wellness | No full-service on-site spa; 24-hour fitness center with Tonal & Peloton bikes | Full-service spa on site and fitness facilities |
| Known for | Magnificent Mile shopping access, rooftop American dining, Art Deco details | Famous rooftop and river/Michigan Avenue Bridge location |
| Event & meeting space | About 15,901 sq ft event space; multiple ballrooms and rooftop terrace (max reception ~300) | Large conference space (25,000 sq ft / 2,323 m²) and extensive meeting facilities |
| Family / age policy | Family-welcoming; booking guest must be 21+ to check in | |
The Gwen sits on the Magnificent Mile with direct access to The Shops at North Bridge and short walks to Riverwalk and Millennium Park.
Best for guests who want shopping and central downtown access.
LondonHouse is on the river at Michigan Avenue Bridge, placing it immediately by the Chicago Riverwalk and with direct bridge/river views.
Best for guests who want riverfront views and proximity to the Riverwalk.
The Gwen offers 311 rooms including 34 suites in an Art Deco landmark with several terrace suites.
Choose The Gwen for historic character and a smaller room inventory concentrated on suites and terrace rooms.
LondonHouse has a larger roster of room types, including wellness-focused rooms and multiple accessible/amenity-rich options.
Choose LondonHouse if you want more room options and wellness-focused room variants.
Dining at The Gwen centers on Upstairs at The Gwen rooftop, Kostali Mediterranean on the lobby level, and Tipsy Tea experiences.
The Gwen mixes rooftop skyline dining with Mediterranean and playful weekend tea events.
LondonHouse offers American cuisine at Bridges plus rooftop dining/drinks, with two restaurants and two bars/lounges noted.
LondonHouse is focused on riverfront and rooftop dining with multiple bar/lounge options.
The Gwen does not have an on-site swimming pool; its signature guest draw is the rooftop terrace and proximity to shopping and the city skyline.
The Gwen is not suitable for travelers prioritizing a hotel pool; its rooftop and shopping access are the main draws.
LondonHouse’s signature amenity is its riverfront location and high-profile rooftop, with conference and event spaces supporting larger gatherings.
LondonHouse is the stronger choice for guests wanting river/Michigan Avenue Bridge sightings and rooftop energy.
Wellness at The Gwen centers on a 24-hour fitness center with Tonal and Peloton bikes; nightlife centers on seasonal rooftop programming.
Good for guests who want to keep workouts consistent but not for those seeking an on-site spa or pool.
LondonHouse lists a full-service spa and multiple bars/lounges; its rooftop is a focal point for evening activity.
Better choice if you want an on-site spa and a lively riverfront rooftop scene.

The Gwen — direct lobby access to The Shops at North Bridge and immediate proximity to luxury retailers.

LondonHouse — positioned at the Michigan Avenue Bridge and known for its high-profile rooftop.

LondonHouse — larger total conference space (25,000 sq ft / 2,323 m²) for bigger meetings and exhibitions.

The Gwen — housed in the landmark McGraw-Hill Art Deco building with interior design and smaller-room scale.
The Gwen. It’s steps from the Magnificent Mile with direct access to The Shops at North Bridge.
The Gwen does not have an on-site pool. LondonHouse’s supplier listing does not publish a pool; confirm directly with the hotel if a rooftop seasonal pool is important to you.
LondonHouse — it sits on the river at the Michigan Avenue Bridge and is steps from the Chicago Riverwalk.
The Gwen serves breakfast (Upstairs at The Gwen); LondonHouse lists continental breakfast available for a fee.
LondonHouse has larger overall conference space; The Gwen offers distinctive Art Deco ballrooms and rooftop terraces for more intimate to mid-size events.
Explore how The Gwen, Michigan Avenue Chicago stacks up against other hotels nearby:
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