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The Gwen, Michigan Avenue Chicago Chicago, Illinois
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Hotel comparison guide

The Gwen, Michigan Avenue Chicago vs The Peninsula Chicago

The Gwen, Michigan Avenue Chicago is an Art Deco–inspired Luxury Collection hotel on the Magnificent Mile with rooftop dining and family-friendly rooms. The Peninsula Chicago is an iconic five-star classic on East Superior known for full-service luxury, a large spa, and traditional grand-hotel service — read on if you’re choosing between downtown skyline style and full-service five-star amenities.

Updated · about 0.5 km apart

Pink sofa and gold metal screen in the lobby lounge at The Gwen, Michigan Avenue Chicago

The Gwen, Michigan Avenue Chicago

Art Deco · Rooftop dining · Family-friendly

Best for travelers who want an Art Deco landmark, rooftop views and immediate access to The Shops at North Bridge.

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The Peninsula Chicago, Chicago, Illinois

The Peninsula Chicago

Five-star · Full-service spa · Classic luxury

Best for travelers seeking traditional five-star service with a full-service spa and broader on-site luxury facilities.

Quick Verdict: The Gwen, Michigan Avenue Chicago vs The Peninsula Chicago

When The Gwen wins: Choose The Gwen if you want an Art Deco landmark location half a block from the Magnificent Mile, rooftop dining and a smaller, design-forward hotel that’s family-friendly and well positioned for shopping and quick walks to the Riverwalk and Millennium Park.

When The Peninsula wins: Choose The Peninsula if you prioritize a classic five-star experience with a full-service spa, an indoor pool, extensive guest services and a broader set of luxury amenities on site.

Bottom line: Both are downtown Magnificent Mile luxury options within easy walking distance of the same attractions; pick The Gwen for style, rooftop dining and a compact, design-focused stay, and pick The Peninsula for a more comprehensive five-star facility set with spa and pool.

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The Gwen, Michigan Avenue Chicago vs The Peninsula Chicago – At a Glance

Side-by-side facts for The Gwen, Michigan Avenue Chicago and The Peninsula Chicago
CategoryThe Gwen, Michigan Avenue ChicagoThe Peninsula Chicago
Overall vibeArt Deco, design-forward, boutique within a historic landmark buildingClassic five-star, traditional grand-hotel luxury
Location521 North Rush Street — a block off Michigan Avenue with direct lobby access to The Shops at North Bridge108 East Superior Street — steps from Michigan Avenue, centrally located on the Magnificent Mile
Size (rooms)311 rooms including 34 suites339 guestrooms
Ages / audienceFamily-welcoming; booking guest must be 21+ to check inAll-ages; family-friendly
PoolsNo on-site poolIndoor pool on site (1)
Restaurants & barsUpstairs at The Gwen (rooftop), Kostali (Mediterranean), Tipsy Tea + lobby bar2 restaurants (including Shanghai Terrace) and a bar/lounge; room service and a coffee shop/cafe
Spa & wellnessNo full-service on-site spa; 24-hour fitness center and in-room massage optionsFull-service spa and health club
Known forRooftop dining, Art Deco design, direct access to shopping on the Magnificent MileGrand five-star service, comprehensive luxury amenities (spa, pool), central Magnificent Mile address
Event & wedding spaceLarge event offering (about 15,901 sq ft across multiple ballrooms and terraces; rooftop terrace, Gallery Ballroom)Banquet halls, ballroom space and wedding services
Wi‑Fi & techComplimentary basic Wi‑Fi (some channels may show fees); fitness tech includes Tonal and Peloton bikesComplimentary wired and wireless internet; in-room 55-inch LED TVs

A Look Inside The Gwen, Michigan Avenue Chicago

The Gwen, Michigan Avenue Chicago: rooms & suitesRooms & suitesThe Gwen, Michigan Avenue Chicago: diningDiningThe Gwen, Michigan Avenue Chicago: spa & wellnessSpa & wellness
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Location: The Gwen vs The Peninsula

The Gwen, Michigan Avenue Chicago – Location

The Gwen sits a half-block off Michigan Avenue with direct lobby access to The Shops at North Bridge.

  • Steps to Magnificent Mile shopping and a short walk to the Chicago Riverwalk and Millennium Park.
  • Address: 521 North Rush Street; housed in the historic 1929 McGraw-Hill Building.
  • Close to CTA Grand/Red Line and local bus connections.

Choose The Gwen for immediate shopping access and an Art Deco Magnificent Mile position.

The Peninsula Chicago – Location

The Peninsula is centrally located on East Superior, steps from Michigan Avenue and many downtown attractions.

  • Steps from Michigan Avenue, Water Tower Place and about 0.6 mi (1 km) from Lake Michigan.
  • Preferred airport listed as ORD; multiple nearby attractions within a short walk.
  • Address: 108 East Superior Street.

Choose The Peninsula for a classic, central Magnificent Mile base with easy walking access to the same downtown sights.

Rooms: compact landmark rooms vs larger five-star rooms

The Gwen, Michigan Avenue Chicago – Rooms

The Gwen has 311 rooms (34 suites) that lean on landmark architecture and modern design.

  • Room types include Superior Room, Deluxe Room, Grand Room and several suites with terrace options.
  • Complimentary basic Wi‑Fi; some booking channels may display different Wi‑Fi policies or fees.
  • In-room features and public spaces emphasize Art Deco details and city views, with select terrace suites offering outdoor space.

The Gwen delivers design-led rooms in a historic building for travelers who want style and proximity to shopping.

The Peninsula Chicago – Rooms

The Peninsula lists 339 guestrooms across standard rooms and a wide range of suites.

  • Room list includes Grand Premier King Room, Deluxe Room, multiple suite categories and specialty suites like the Michigan Avenue Suite.
  • Rooms include minibars, 55-inch LED TVs, pillowtop beds and separate tubs and showers in many bathrooms.
  • Complimentary wired and wireless internet access is listed as a featured amenity.

The Peninsula offers a broader set of traditional five-star room types and in-room amenities.

Dining & drinks: rooftop-focused vs multiple full-service outlets

The Gwen, Michigan Avenue Chicago – Dining & drinks

The Gwen centers dining around its rooftop restaurant and a Mediterranean lobby-level venue.

  • Upstairs at The Gwen is a rooftop restaurant and bar serving breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner with skyline views.
  • Kostali is a lobby-level Mediterranean restaurant that requires reservations and follows a Smart Casual dress code.
  • Tipsy Tea is a weekend boozy afternoon tea experience; there is also a lobby bar for casual drinks.

The Gwen’s dining highlights rooftop views and curated experiences rather than a large number of on-site restaurants.

The Peninsula Chicago – Dining & drinks

The Peninsula provides multiple on-site dining outlets and in-room dining options.

  • Two restaurants are listed, including Shanghai Terrace, plus a bar/lounge and a coffee shop/cafe.
  • Room service is available during limited hours and breakfast is offered for a surcharge.
  • The hotel lists concierge services and valet to support dining and city plans.

The Peninsula is set up for a more traditional luxury stay with multiple on-site dining choices and fuller room-service options.

Pools & signature amenity: rooftop views vs spa + pool

The Gwen, Michigan Avenue Chicago – Pools & signature amenity

The Gwen focuses on rooftop terraces and city-view outdoor spaces rather than pool facilities.

  • No on-site swimming pool (indoor or outdoor).
  • Rooftop terrace and garden spaces provide outdoor seating and skyline views.
  • Fitness options include a 24-hour fitness center with Tonal and Peloton bikes.

If an on-site pool or full spa matters, The Gwen is not the right pick.

The Peninsula Chicago – Pools & signature amenity

The Peninsula lists a full-service spa and an indoor pool among its amenities.

  • Full-service spa offering massages and body treatments is listed as a featured amenity.
  • Number of indoor pools: 1.
  • Health club and wellness services are available on site.

The Peninsula is the better choice for guests prioritizing a hotel pool and an in-house spa.

Wellness & nightlife: fitness + rooftop events vs spa and extended services

The Gwen, Michigan Avenue Chicago – Wellness & nightlife

The Gwen’s wellness offer centers on a well-equipped fitness center and lively rooftop programming.

  • 24-hour fitness center with treadmills, Tonal, two Peloton bikes and free weights.
  • Rooftop programming includes happy hours, live music (Wine Wednesdays & Live Jazz) and seasonal events (Camp Lux, Tipsy Tea).
  • No full-service spa on site; in-room massage options can be arranged.

The Gwen suits active travelers who want fitness equipment and rooftop nightlife rather than a hotel spa.

The Peninsula Chicago – Wellness & nightlife

The Peninsula provides a broader wellness menu plus subdued, classic nightlife options onsite.

  • Full-service spa and health club support a more comprehensive wellness stay.
  • Bar/lounge and restaurants provide on-site evening options; room service and concierge add convenience.
  • Concierge and limo/town car services are available for arranging local nightlife or transportation.

The Peninsula is better for travelers seeking integrated spa services and traditional hotel evening amenities.

Who Wins? Best Pick by Travel Style

Best for rooftop dining & skyline photos
Chandelier and blue lounge chairs around a sculpture in The Gwen lobby

The Gwen, Michigan Avenue Chicago

The Gwen — Upstairs at The Gwen rooftop restaurant and terrace offer skyline views and timed events like Tipsy Tea.

Best for spa and pool
The Peninsula Chicago, Chicago, Illinois

The Peninsula Chicago

The Peninsula — full-service spa and an indoor pool are listed among the hotel’s featured amenities.

Best for shopping access
Pink sofa, gold screen and mirrored bar visible in The Gwen lobby seating area

The Gwen, Michigan Avenue Chicago

The Gwen — direct lobby access to The Shops at North Bridge and immediate Magnificent Mile proximity.

Best for classic five-star service
The Peninsula Chicago, Chicago, Illinois

The Peninsula Chicago

The Peninsula — a long-established five-star property with extensive guest services and luxury facilities.

Frequently asked questions

The Gwen, Michigan Avenue Chicago vs The Peninsula Chicago: FAQs

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Which hotel is closer to Magnificent Mile shopping?

Both are on or a block from the Magnificent Mile; The Gwen has direct lobby access to The Shops at North Bridge.

Do either hotel have an on-site pool or spa?

The Peninsula lists a full-service spa and an indoor pool; The Gwen does not have a pool and does not operate a full-service on-site spa.

Which hotel is better for families with kids?

Both welcome families. The Gwen is family-friendly (booking guest must be 21+ to check in) and The Peninsula is family-friendly as well.

Is parking and Wi‑Fi included?

Both hotels list valet parking for a surcharge; both provide internet access, though The Gwen’s FAQ notes complimentary basic Wi‑Fi while some channels may show additional fees.

More The Gwen, Michigan Avenue Chicago Comparison Guides

Explore how The Gwen, Michigan Avenue Chicago stacks up against other hotels nearby:

Outdoor terrace with potted plants and downtown Chicago skyline at The Gwen, Michigan Avenue Chicago
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