What to pack for a stay at The Gwen and Chicago
Pack for a downtown Chicago stay at The Gwen with layers for variable weather, comfortable walking shoes for Magnificent Mile sightseeing, and basic business- or event-ready outfits if you’ll use meeting spaces. Bring toiletries and any specialty gear (chargers, medication, pet supplies if traveling with a dog) — the hotel provides fitness equipment but has no on-site pool or full-service spa.
In this guide
Weather and clothing
Chicago weather changes by season and can be windy near Lake Michigan. Plan layered outfits you can add or remove during the day.
Summer tends to be warm and humid; spring and fall are variable with cool mornings and evenings; winters are cold with snow. If you’re visiting in shoulder seasons, include a lightweight warm layer plus a windproof jacket.
- Light layers: t-shirts, long-sleeve shirts, thin sweaters
- Warm outer layer for fall/winter: insulated coat, hat, gloves
- Windproof or rain jacket (lake breezes can be strong)
- Evening outfit or smart-casual attire for Kostali or Upstairs at The Gwen
| Season | Key items |
|---|---|
| Summer | Breathable fabrics, sunscreen, sunglasses |
| Spring/Fall | Layers, light jacket, closed-toe shoes |
| Winter | Warm coat, boots, scarf, thermal layers |
Shoes and walking gear
The Gwen sits a block off Michigan Avenue with easy walking access to shopping, the Riverwalk, and museums — expect a lot of pavement walking. Pack comfortable, broken-in shoes.
If you plan waterfront or architectural riverwalk time, bring supportive walking shoes and a small daypack for water, camera, and maps.
- Comfortable walking shoes (sneakers or supportive flats)
- Dress shoes for evening dining or events
- Small daypack or crossbody bag
- Foldable umbrella for sudden rain
| Activity | Recommended footwear |
|---|---|
| Magnificent Mile shopping / city walking | Comfortable walking shoes |
| Rooftop dinner at Upstairs at The Gwen | Casual to smart-casual shoes |
| Winter streets/ice | Waterproof boots with traction |
What to pack for your room
Guest rooms and suites at The Gwen include basic in-room amenities, but bring personal items you prefer. If you have a specific room type booked — for example Superior Room, Deluxe Room, Grand Room, 1 King Bed, or any of the suites — pack accordingly for space and layout preferences.
The Gwen provides complimentary basic Wi‑Fi and housekeeping on request; toiletries are provided but you may prefer your own brands or specialty items.
- Phone and laptop chargers, adapters, power bank
- Prescription medications and a small first-aid kit
- Favorite toiletries, hair tools (hotel may supply basics)
- Sleep aids if you need earplugs or a travel pillow
| Room examples | When to pack extra |
|---|---|
| Superior Room, Deluxe Room | Standard amenities; bring additional toiletries or work items |
| Junior Suite, Superior Suite, Deluxe Suite | More living space — bring any small items for relaxing in-suite (slippers, streaming credentials) |
| Rooms with Terrace (e.g., Junior Suite, Terrace) | Light sweater for evenings on the terrace |
Dining, reservations and dress
On-site dining includes Upstairs at The Gwen (rooftop American dining and cocktails), Kostali (Mediterranean on the lobby level) and the Tipsy Tea experience on weekends. Reservations are recommended for Kostali and Upstairs at The Gwen.
Dress codes vary: Kostali lists Smart Casual; Upstairs at The Gwen is Casual but guests sometimes dress up for special occasions like Tipsy Tea.
- Reservation confirmations (print or on your phone) for Kostali or Upstairs
- Smart-casual outfit for Kostali, casual or slightly dressy for rooftop dining
- ID for age-restricted policies (21+ to check in as the registered guest)
| Venue | Notes |
|---|---|
| Kostali | Mediterranean; reservation required; Smart Casual dress code |
| Upstairs at The Gwen | Rooftop American dining; reservations accepted; Casual dress |
| Tipsy Tea | Weekend afternoon tea with cocktails (Sat–Sun); reservations recommended |
Fitness, wellness and special services
The Gwen does not operate a full-service on-site spa and has no pool; wellness is centered on a 24-hour fitness center with treadmills, Tonal, and Peloton bikes. In-room massages can be arranged through outside providers.
If fitness is important to you, pack workout clothes and shoes; if you need spa services, plan to book an external provider or ask the hotel concierge for recommendations.
- Workout clothes, running shoes, workout headphones
- Yoga mat or resistance bands if you prefer your own equipment
- Contact list for local spa providers if you want an in-room treatment
| Amenity | What to bring |
|---|---|
| Fitness center (24-hour) | Workout clothes, shoes |
| No pool on site | Plan alternate swimming options off-site |
| In-room massage (arranged) | Confirm booking details with concierge |
Families, pets and event travelers
The Gwen is family-welcoming; children of all ages are allowed in rooms but the booking guest must be at least 21 to check in. Cribs and other children’s amenities are listed on booking sites and the hotel’s materials.
The hotel is pet-friendly for dogs under the stated weight limit with applicable fees; if you’re attending meetings or a wedding, check event room names and capacities in advance so you pack appropriate clothing and materials.
- Child items: travel crib, favorite snacks, small games
- Pet supplies: food, leash, bed, vaccination records (hotel charges a cleaning fee and per-day pet charge)
- Event travelers: copies of event confirmations, business cards, appropriate attire
| Need | Tip |
|---|---|
| Bringing a pet | Hotel lists a non-refundable cleaning fee plus daily charge; confirm with the hotel before arrival |
| Attending a wedding/meeting | The hotel has named rooms like The Gallery Ballroom and Grand Salon — confirm event details and dress |
| Traveling with kids | The hotel is family-friendly; request crib or rollaway via concierge/booking channel |
Practical extras and hotel fees to expect
The Gwen charges a destination/resort fee that covers on-site amenities such as basic Wi‑Fi; some booking channels may add separate Wi‑Fi charges. The hotel also offers valet parking for a fee and has specific pet charges.
Pack items that reduce extra spend or inconvenience: reusable water bottle, small laundry essentials if you plan a longer stay, and any special adapters or chargers you prefer.
- Payment method accepted at check-in (credit card) and ID for the 21+ policy
- Copy of reservation and contact info: Hotel address (521 North Rush Street) and BookResorts phone +1 (888) 605-1350 if you used that agency
- Laundry bags, stain pen, travel detergent for longer stays
| Possible extra charges | What to pack |
|---|---|
| Valet parking fee | Provide payment card; bring parked-car needs (charging cable for EV if self-parking) |
| Destination/resort fee | Know it may include Wi‑Fi; bring own hotspot if you need guaranteed, unrestricted access |
| Pet fees | Pet supplies and documentation |
