
The Gwen, Michigan Avenue Chicago
Best for boutique Art Deco character, direct access to The Shops at North Bridge and easy Magnificent Mile shopping.
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The Gwen, Michigan Avenue Chicago is a boutique Luxury Collection hotel in a restored 1929 Art Deco building a block off the Magnificent Mile; this guide is for travelers who want design-led rooms and rooftop dining near shopping. Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago is a five-star riverfront tower known for skyline and river views; read on if you prefer high-rise rooms, an on-site spa and indoor pool.
Updated · about 0.4 km apart (0.25 mi)

Best for boutique Art Deco character, direct access to The Shops at North Bridge and easy Magnificent Mile shopping.

Best for high-rise skyline and river-view rooms with a full-service spa and an indoor pool.
When The Gwen wins: choose The Gwen if you want an intimate, design-forward stay with rooftop dining, direct indoor access to shopping on the Magnificent Mile, and an Art Deco setting.
When Trump International wins: choose Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago if you prioritize five-star tower rooms with skyline/river views, an on-site full-service spa and an indoor pool.
Bottom line: both are centrally located luxury options for downtown Chicago — pick The Gwen for boutique character and shopping access, or Trump International for traditional five-star hotel amenities and river/skyline vistas.
| Category | The Gwen, Michigan Avenue Chicago | Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Boutique Art Deco landmark with rooftop focus | Large five-star riverfront tower hotel |
| Location | Half a block off Michigan Avenue / direct access to The Shops at North Bridge | On the Chicago River, steps from Michigan Avenue and the Riverwalk |
| Size | 311 rooms (including 34 suites) | 339 guestrooms |
| Rooms & views | Design-forward rooms in a 1929 Art Deco building; rooftop/terrace rooms available | High-floor rooms with panoramic skyline and river views; pillowtop beds, minibars, espresso makers |
| Pools | No on-site pool | Indoor pool on site |
| Restaurants & bars | Multiple on-site venues (Upstairs at The Gwen rooftop, Kostali Mediterranean, Tipsy Tea + lobby bar) | One restaurant (Terrace 16) and at least one bar/lounge; 24-hour room service |
| Spa & wellness | No full-service on-site spa; 24-hour fitness center (Tonal, Peloton bikes) and in-room treatments by arrangement | Full-service spa with massages and body treatments plus sauna and fitness center |
| Known for | Art Deco design, rooftop dining, close shopping access | Riverfront tower profile, skyline views, traditional five-star amenities |
| Family friendly | Family-welcoming (children welcome; booking guest must be 21+ to check in) | |
| Parking & fees | Valet parking (surcharge); daily destination fee applies | Self parking and valet available (surcharge); optional fees for breakfast and parking |
The Gwen sits half a block off Michigan Avenue with direct lobby access to The Shops at North Bridge.
Choose The Gwen for immediate access to high-end shopping and a central Magnificent Mile base.
Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago occupies a prominent tower on the Chicago River, minutes from Michigan Avenue.
Pick Trump International for riverfront location and easy access to the Riverwalk and downtown sights.
The Gwen offers rooms in a 1929 landmark building with detailed Art Deco styling and several suites with terraces.
The Gwen emphasizes design, historic character and some terrace-room options near the Magnificent Mile.
Trump International's guest rooms are tower-style with skyline and river views and standard five-star fittings.
Trump International focuses on high-rise rooms with skyline/river outlooks and traditional luxury finishes.
The Gwen centers its food and beverage around a rooftop restaurant plus Mediterranean and themed offerings.
The Gwen is strong for rooftop dining, Mediterranean cuisine and distinctive weekend events.
Trump International provides classic hotel dining with an American restaurant, bar/lounge and 24-hour room service.
Trump International suits guests who want full-service hotel dining and convenient room service.
The Gwen does not have an on-site swimming pool; its outdoor/rooftop spaces and nearby Lake Michigan beaches are alternatives.
If an on-site pool is essential, The Gwen is not the right choice.
Trump International includes recreational amenities expected at a five-star tower, including an indoor pool.
Trump International fits travelers who prioritize pool and spa amenities within the hotel.
Wellness at The Gwen is centered on a fully equipped 24-hour fitness center rather than a spa or pool.
The Gwen works for active guests who value a strong fitness offering plus lively rooftop evenings.
Trump International pairs a full-service spa and indoor pool with standard hotel-bar nightlife and dining hours.
Trump International is the better pick for guests wanting hotel spa treatments and pool access.

The Gwen — direct lobby access to The Shops at North Bridge and steps from high-end retailers.

Trump International — offers a full-service spa plus an indoor pool, sauna and steam-room facilities.

The Gwen — Upstairs at The Gwen rooftop dining, fire pits and regular live events.

Trump International — high-rise rooms with panoramic river and skyline views and full five-star amenities.
The Gwen is essentially on the doorstep of the Magnificent Mile with direct access to The Shops at North Bridge; Trump International is a short walk away.
Trump International has an indoor pool; The Gwen does not have any on-site pool.
Trump International operates a full-service spa. The Gwen does not have a full-service on-site spa but can arrange in-room treatments.
Both hotels welcome families and children; note The Gwen requires the booking guest to be at least 21 to check in, and Trump International allows up to 3 children 17 and under to stay free when using existing bedding.
Explore how The Gwen, Michigan Avenue Chicago stacks up against other hotels nearby:
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