
The Gwen, Michigan Avenue Chicago
Best for shoppers and guests who want direct access to the Magnificent Mile and a lively rooftop restaurant and bar.
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The Gwen, Michigan Avenue Chicago is an Art Deco, family-welcoming Luxury Collection hotel on the Magnificent Mile; this guide is for travelers who want shopping‑and‑rooftop energy close to downtown. Viceroy Chicago is a stylish 4.5-star Gold Coast hotel for design-focused guests seeking contemporary glamour and a fashionable neighborhood stay.
Updated · about 0.8 km apart

Best for shoppers and guests who want direct access to the Magnificent Mile and a lively rooftop restaurant and bar.

Best for travelers who prefer a fashion-forward boutique hotel in the Gold Coast with lake and city views and a seasonal outdoor pool.
When The Gwen wins: Choose The Gwen if you want being steps from Magnificent Mile shopping, a prominent rooftop dining/drinks scene (Upstairs at The Gwen and Tipsy Tea), landmark Art Deco character, and extensive event/wedding spaces.
When Viceroy wins: Choose Viceroy Chicago if a contemporary-design hotel, seasonal outdoor pool, lake-view rooms/suites, and a quieter Gold Coast neighborhood setting are higher priorities.
Bottom line: Both are stylish downtown hotels with city energy; pick The Gwen for immediate Magnificent Mile access and rooftop social life, or Viceroy for modern design, lake views and a hotel pool.
| Category | The Gwen, Michigan Avenue Chicago | Viceroy Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Art Deco landmark with lively rooftop social spaces | Contemporary, design-forward Gold Coast luxury |
| Location | Half a block off Michigan Avenue / direct access to The Shops at North Bridge | 1118 North State Street in the Gold Coast, within a 10-minute walk of Michigan Avenue and Lake Michigan |
| Size (rooms) | 311 rooms including 34 suites | 180 guestrooms |
| Ages / Check-in minimum | All ages welcome; booking guest must be 21+ | |
| Pools | No on-site pool | Outdoor seasonal pool (open May–October) with pool sun loungers |
| Restaurants & bars | Upstairs at The Gwen (rooftop), Kostali (Mediterranean), Tipsy Tea and a lobby bar | Somerset (onsite restaurant) plus a bar/lounge and room service (limited hours) |
| Spa / Wellness | No full-service on-site spa; 24-hour fitness center and in-room massage options | Fitness facilities and concierge; no full-service spa listed in supplier data |
| Known for | Magnificent Mile shopping access and rooftop dining/rooftop events | Fashionable design hotel with lake-view rooms and a seasonal pool |
| Meeting & event space | Extensive event spaces (about 15,900 sq ft across multiple ballrooms and terraces) | Conference space approx. 13,440 sq ft with 12 meeting rooms |
| Accessibility & family services | Wheelchair-accessible public areas, accessible rooms; family-welcoming with kids amenities | |
The Gwen sits a block off Michigan Avenue with direct lobby access to The Shops at North Bridge.
Best pick if you want to be in the center of Magnificent Mile shopping and immediate downtown access.
Viceroy Chicago is in the Gold Coast, about a 10-minute walk from Michigan Avenue and Lake Michigan.
Better for travelers who want a fashionable neighborhood near the lake but still within easy reach of Michigan Avenue.
The Gwen has 311 rooms and 34 suites with classic Art Deco details and modern amenities.
Choose The Gwen for more rooms, historic character, and suite/terrace options near the Magnificent Mile.
Viceroy has about 180 guestrooms with many room categories that include lake‑view options and accessible variants.
Pick Viceroy if lake views and a contemporary room inventory with suites are priorities.
Dining at The Gwen centers on rooftop and Mediterranean concepts with a lively bar program.
The Gwen is for guests who want rooftop views, social dining and Mediterranean dinner options steps from the Magnificent Mile.
Viceroy offers an on-site restaurant called Somerset and a bar/lounge with room service.
Viceroy works for travelers who want a single in‑house restaurant and prefer exploring local Gold Coast dining.
The Gwen does not have an on-site swimming pool; outdoor lake and beach options require a short walk.
Avoid The Gwen if an on-site pool is a must — it's focused on rooftop social spaces and urban access instead.
Viceroy Chicago features a seasonal outdoor pool and terrace for summer use.
Viceroy is the clear choice for guests who want an on-site seasonal pool plus easy lake access.
Wellness at The Gwen centers on a 24-hour fitness center; nightlife is anchored by the rooftop bar and seasonal events.
The Gwen suits guests who prioritize fitness and rooftop nightlife rather than a hotel spa or pool.
Viceroy lists fitness facilities and concierge services; nightlife leans on nearby Gold Coast bars and the hotel's restaurant/lounge.
Viceroy offers fitness and pool options with neighborhood nightlife nearby; it is less focused on large rooftop events.

Direct lobby access to The Shops at North Bridge and steps from flagship stores.

Seasonal outdoor pool and multiple lake-view room categories.

Upstairs at The Gwen offers skyline dining, cocktails, fire pits and regular events.

Fashion-forward Gold Coast location with contemporary styling and smaller property scale.
The Gwen is directly adjacent to the Magnificent Mile with direct access to The Shops at North Bridge; Viceroy is a short walk away in the Gold Coast.
Viceroy Chicago has a seasonal outdoor pool (May–October). The Gwen does not have an on-site pool.
Both welcome families, but The Gwen highlights family amenities and direct shopping access; Viceroy provides pool access and lake views that may appeal to families as well.
Neither hotel's primary facts list a full-service on-site spa; The Gwen offers in-room massage arrangements and fitness facilities, while Viceroy lists fitness amenities but no full spa in the supplier listing.
Explore how The Gwen, Michigan Avenue Chicago stacks up against other hotels nearby:
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