The Gwen, A Luxury Collection Hotel
A Jazz Age gem on Michigan Avenue
There’s a wonderful sense of place and history at The Gwen, A Luxury Collection Hotel, housed in a 1929 building that fronts Chicago’s iconic Michigan Avenue. The Gwen aims to incorporate the artistry and history of its location with period-specific details that lend the contemporary interiors a decidedly Jazz Age edge.
Named after Gwen Lux, an influential artist of the time, the hotel was added to the Luxury Collection's group of character-filled hotels.
Expect to hear jazz music as you enter the fifth-floor lobby, a traveling cocktail cart named the Prohibition Porter and plenty of Art Deco design touches, like the lobby’s four original sculpted panels created by Lux decades ago.
While there is a focus on the heritage of the building, the guest offerings are thoroughly modern and include an American restaurant, an intimate see-and-be-seen bar, a large outdoor terrace bar and fitness center.
Named after Gwen Lux, an influential artist of the time, the hotel was added to the Luxury Collection's group of character-filled hotels.
Expect to hear jazz music as you enter the fifth-floor lobby, a traveling cocktail cart named the Prohibition Porter and plenty of Art Deco design touches, like the lobby’s four original sculpted panels created by Lux decades ago.
While there is a focus on the heritage of the building, the guest offerings are thoroughly modern and include an American restaurant, an intimate see-and-be-seen bar, a large outdoor terrace bar and fitness center.
Our Inspector's Highlights
- Gold light fixtures, sleek black-and-white lines and mod furnishings officially debuted in early May, which essentially gives the property the feel of early-20th-century Chicago.
- Contemporary, natural-light-filled guest rooms are bathed in elegant neutrals — rich bronzes and tans offset blond wood furnishings and black accents.
- Circa Restaurant, which serves up contemporary American fare for breakfast, is a wondrously re-imagined space that takes you back to a simpler time in the Windy City.
- The Gwen doesn’t have an onsite spa, but because of its relationship with Windy City Massages and nearby Spa Nordstrom, it doesn’t really need one; with the former, a licensed masseuse will bring her magic hands (and hot stones) to your room for a private session.
- During the spring and summer, the terrace presents family-approved movies under the stars. And if your “child” happens to have four legs and wear a leash, that won’t be a problem, either — the pet-friendly hotel welcomes Fidos and felines up to 40 pounds.
Things to Know
- The lobby itself has a delightful signature scent, “Aromatic Rain,” that greets you as you exit the entry elevator.
- The aforementioned Prohibition Porter will visit your room upon request. A mixologist will whip up a cocktail or two (try the Urban Buzz, a Gwen signature made of bourbon, freshly squeezed lemon juice and honey syrup).
- The fitness center is an intimate space with chilled towels, fruit, water and a special purifier so those working out can breathe in clean, fresh air.
- Shoppers will adore The Gwen’s proximity to The Shops at North Bridge, a luxury shopping center (Nordstrom, Kiehl’s, Stuart Weitzman) connected to the boutique hotel — a huge plus in Chicago’s inclement winters.
- When the weather is pleasant, head outside and enjoy being in the heart of the city with shops, restaurants, museums and more within easy walking distance.
The Rooms
- Bose surround sound is in every room, as well as a 42-inch TV and the ability to connect your iPhone to it. Rooms have large picture windows and many of them come with those iconic Magnificent Mile and Lake Michigan views.
- Bathrooms are also neutral and filled with tasteful beiges; they are clad in marble and have separate soaking tubs and toilets.
- If you’re looking to really soak in Chicago’s splendid architecture, book one of the six suites that have a large outdoor terrace (a rarity in this city). Perched from here, you’ll see the intricate work of the building’s original façade, plus a slew of other Windy City landmark buildings.
The Restaurants
- Upstairs at The Gwen serves hand-crafted cocktails (Oaxaca Old Fashioned, anyone?) and elevated American bites.
- The Terrace is a lovely outdoor space to grab a bespoke cocktail and relax on chic-but-comfortable seating from May through September.
Getting There
521 North Rush Street, Chicago, Illinois 60611
TEL312-645-1500
TEL312-645-1500
NEARBY AIRPORT(S)
ORD (20-28 min)
The Gwen, A Luxury Collection Hotel
