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

The Gwen, Michigan Avenue Chicago vs Waldorf Astoria Chicago

The Gwen, Michigan Avenue Chicago is an Art Deco, Magnificent Mile–fronting Luxury Collection hotel with lively rooftop dining and city-view terraces; read this if you want a central, social shopping-and-dining base. Waldorf Astoria Chicago is a high-end five-star Gold Coast luxury hotel with a townhouse-residential feel; read this if you prefer quieter, full-service luxury, a spa, and more traditional five-star amenities.

Updated · about 0.3 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 · Magnificent Mile access

Best for shoppers and diners who want direct Magnificent Mile access and lively rooftop evenings.

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Waldorf Astoria Chicago, Chicago, Illinois

Waldorf Astoria Chicago

Five-star luxury · Full-service spa & pool · Gold Coast refinement

Best for travelers who want quieter five-star service, an on-site spa and an indoor pool.

Quick Verdict: The Gwen, Michigan Avenue Chicago vs Waldorf Astoria Chicago

When The Gwen wins: Choose The Gwen if you want to be steps from the Magnificent Mile, enjoy rooftop dining and a lively hotel atmosphere that doubles as a downtown social hub. It’s the more active, shopping-and-restaurants–centric option.

When Waldorf Astoria Chicago wins: Pick the Waldorf Astoria for a quieter, full-service five-star stay with a dedicated spa, an indoor pool, and townhouse-style luxury in the Gold Coast—better for travelers prioritizing spa/pool and a more residential feel.

Bottom line: Both are upscale Chicago choices within easy walking distance of Michigan Avenue; your pick comes down to whether you prefer The Gwen’s social, rooftop-forward Magnificent Mile base or Waldorf Astoria’s quieter five-star, spa-and-pool experience.

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The Gwen, Michigan Avenue Chicago vs Waldorf Astoria Chicago – At a Glance

Side-by-side facts for The Gwen, Michigan Avenue Chicago and Waldorf Astoria Chicago
CategoryThe Gwen, Michigan Avenue ChicagoWaldorf Astoria Chicago
Overall vibeLively, social Art Deco hotel with rooftop restaurants and weekend eventsQuiet, residential five-star hotel with formal luxury and townhouse feel
LocationHalf a block off the Magnificent Mile with direct access to The Shops at North BridgeGold Coast, steps from Oak Street and a short walk to Michigan Avenue
Size311 rooms including 34 suites (historic 1929 building)214 guestrooms
Who can stay / agesAll-ages hotel; booking guest must be 21+ to check inAll-ages (not adults-only)
PoolsNo on-site poolIndoor pool on site
Restaurants & barsMultiple on-site dining venues including Kostali (Mediterranean), Upstairs rooftop and Tipsy TeaOne on-site restaurant (Brass Tack) plus 24-hour room service and bar/lounge
Spa & wellnessNo full-service on-site spa; 24-hour fitness center with Peloton and TonalFull-service spa, health club and fitness classes on site
Known forRooftop dining, direct shopping access and Art Deco characterFive‑star Waldorf Astoria brand standards, townhouse luxury and a full spa/pool program
Accessibility & family servicesWheelchair-accessible public areas; family- and pet-friendly policies
Wi‑FiComplimentary basic Wi‑Fi (subject to booking channel)

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 Waldorf Astoria Chicago

The Gwen, Michigan Avenue Chicago – Location

The Gwen sits half a block off Michigan Avenue with direct lobby access to The Shops at North Bridge—ideal for shoppers.

  • Address: 521 North Rush Street, steps from the Magnificent Mile and shopping
  • Short walk to the Chicago Riverwalk, Millennium Park and Navy Pier
  • On-site access to The Shops at North Bridge for indoor retail and dining

Choose The Gwen if you want immediate Magnificent Mile access and city-center energy.

Waldorf Astoria Chicago – Location

Waldorf Astoria Chicago is in the Gold Coast, within easy walking distance of Oak Street and Michigan Avenue.

  • Address: 11 E. Walton Street, a short walk to Michigan Avenue and Oak Street
  • Close to high-end shopping on Oak Street and premium Michigan Avenue retailers
  • Quiet residential feel while still within downtown walking distance

Choose Waldorf Astoria for a more residential Gold Coast location that’s still close to shopping.

Rooms: City‑view suites and historic rooms vs townhouse‑style guestrooms

The Gwen, Michigan Avenue Chicago – Rooms

The Gwen offers rooms in a restored 1929 Art Deco building with a mix of standard rooms and terraces.

  • 311 rooms including 34 suites and several terrace-suite options
  • Many rooms emphasize Art Deco design and city or terrace views
  • Complimentary basic in-room Wi‑Fi; cribs and family amenities available

The Gwen is for travelers who want historic character, multiple room types and terrace options steps from the shops.

Waldorf Astoria Chicago – Rooms

Waldorf Astoria Chicago presents 214 guestrooms with five-star finishes and residential touches.

  • 214 guestrooms with pillowtop beds, Egyptian cotton sheets and 55-inch Smart TVs
  • In-room refrigerators and minibars; separate bathtub and shower in private bathrooms
  • Complimentary wired and wireless internet access included

Waldorf Astoria suits travelers who want traditional five-star room amenities and a quieter in-room experience.

Dining & drinks: Rooftop energy vs single signature restaurant

The Gwen, Michigan Avenue Chicago – Dining & drinks

Dining at The Gwen centers on a rooftop scene plus Mediterranean and specialty concepts downstairs.

  • Upstairs at The Gwen: rooftop American dining, cocktails, fire pits and skyline views (breakfast–late night service)
  • Kostali: Mediterranean restaurant on the lobby level; reservations recommended
  • Tipsy Tea: weekend boozy afternoon tea with DJ and themed towers

The Gwen is the more social food-and-drink choice, especially for rooftop meals and weekend events.

Waldorf Astoria Chicago – Dining & drinks

Waldorf Astoria Chicago offers a single signature restaurant with 24-hour room service and a formal bar/lounge.

  • Brass Tack: American cuisine with a bar/lounge; full breakfasts available for a fee
  • 24-hour room service and private dining/romance packages available
  • Vegan and vegetarian menu options available on site

Waldorf Astoria is for guests who prefer a quieter, more formal dining program and reliable room service.

Pools / signature amenity: Rooftop dining & terraces vs spa and indoor pool

The Gwen, Michigan Avenue Chicago – Pools / signature amenity

The Gwen’s signature public-facing amenity is its rooftop dining, terraces and event spaces—not a pool.

  • Rooftop terrace and Upstairs restaurant with skyline views and fire pits
  • No on-site indoor or outdoor swimming pool
  • Large event and wedding terraces (rooftop terrace ~3,000 sq ft)

Pick The Gwen for rooftop views and outdoor hotel terraces; not for pool time.

Waldorf Astoria Chicago – Pools / signature amenity

Waldorf Astoria Chicago’s signature amenities include a full-service spa and an indoor pool.

  • Full-service spa offering massages, body treatments and facials (reservations recommended)
  • Health club with fitness classes and a 24-hour fitness facility
  • Indoor pool with accessibility features and pool hoist on site

Choose Waldorf Astoria if an on-site spa and indoor pool are priorities.

Wellness & nightlife: Fitness and rooftop events vs spa programs and quiet evenings

The Gwen, Michigan Avenue Chicago – Wellness & nightlife

The Gwen focuses on fitness and an active rooftop nightlife calendar.

  • 24-hour fitness center with Peloton bikes, Tonal and strength/cardio equipment
  • Rooftop events include Lux Happy Hour, Wine Wednesdays and live jazz programming
  • In-room massage options can be arranged; no full-service on-site spa

The Gwen is better for guests who want to stay active and enjoy rooftop social programming.

Waldorf Astoria Chicago – Wellness & nightlife

Waldorf Astoria prioritizes on-site wellness services and quieter evening atmospheres.

  • Full-service spa with prebooked treatments; fitness classes such as Pilates and yoga on site
  • Indoor pool and a quieter hotel bar/lounge environment
  • Concierge-led experiences and a complimentary area shuttle within 1 mile

Waldorf Astoria is the pick for guests who want full spa services and a calmer evening vibe.

Who Wins? Best Pick by Travel Style

Best for Magnificent Mile shopping
Chandelier and blue lounge chairs around a sculpture in The Gwen lobby

The Gwen, Michigan Avenue Chicago

The Gwen — direct lobby access to The Shops at North Bridge and steps from Michigan Avenue.

Best for on-site spa and pool
Waldorf Astoria Chicago, Chicago, Illinois

Waldorf Astoria Chicago

Waldorf Astoria Chicago — full-service spa, indoor pool and fitness classes on site.

Best for rooftop dining and late-night energy
Pink sofa, gold screen and mirrored bar visible in The Gwen lobby seating area

The Gwen, Michigan Avenue Chicago

The Gwen — Upstairs rooftop restaurant, fire pits and weekend events create a lively scene.

Best for quieter five-star stays
Waldorf Astoria Chicago, Chicago, Illinois

Waldorf Astoria Chicago

Waldorf Astoria Chicago — townhouse-style luxury and a more residential, relaxed atmosphere.

Frequently asked questions

The Gwen, Michigan Avenue Chicago vs Waldorf Astoria Chicago: FAQs

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Which hotel is better for families with kids?

Both welcome families, but The Gwen lists family-focused amenities and easy access to shops and attractions; Waldorf Astoria offers childcare (surcharge) and a pool if you prioritize on-site pool time.

Do either hotels have an on-site pool?

Waldorf Astoria Chicago has an indoor pool on site; The Gwen does not have an on-site pool.

Which hotel is closer to the Magnificent Mile?

The Gwen is directly on the Magnificent Mile/Shops at North Bridge; Waldorf Astoria is a short walk from Michigan Avenue in the Gold Coast.

Do either property spas require reservations?

Yes—Waldorf Astoria Chicago requires reservations for massage services and spa treatments; The Gwen does not operate a full-service spa (in-room treatments can be arranged).

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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The nightly rate shown is the lowest nightly rate we found for The Gwen, Michigan Avenue Chicago after searching every available night up to 12 months in advance, based on single occupancy (one guest). We compared that rate with publicly available rates on other online travel agencies (OTAs), such as Expedia, Hotels.com and similar sites, and show the price difference we found. We don't name the specific site each comparison came from.

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