Which Marriott Bonvoy hotel is the best in Chicago, North America? Which is best in downtown and at Chicago airport? We have already reviewed the hotel with the best club lounge in Chicago, and now we look at the best Marriott Bonvoy hotels in Chicago.
Ritz-Carlton hotels are often some of the best Marriott Bonvoy hotels in an area. They also tend to offer the best club lounges in a city.
There’s plenty of choice within the Marriott brand within Chicago including top brands like the Luxury Collection, EDITION, St Regis, W Hotels, and JW Marriott as well as mid-range brands like their Autograph Collection, Renaissance, Sheraton, Le Meridien, Design Hotels, and their Westin collections.
In this review, we focus on the best luxury Marriott Bonvoy hotels in Chicago.
1. Ritz-Carlton Chicago
Ritz-Carlton Chicago is set within the Water Tower Place near Lake Michigan, the hotel offers attentive service alongside distinct amenities: a culinary tour of neighborhoods in the exclusive Club Lounge, an expanded fitness center overlooking the skyline and luxury accommodations that offer a taste of Chicago living.
The Ritz-Carlton club lounge and level at the Ritz-Carlton hotel is one of the best executive floors in Chicago. Renovated in 2016, this Ritz-Carlton Club® Lounge is located in the city’s fashion mecca. The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago also refreshed its suites and guest room corridors and upgraded its fitness center.
The huge 2,600-square-foot Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge is located on the 15th floor and showcases stunning views, including the Historic Water Tower, the Magnificent Mile, and Lake Michigan. Serving as a hotel within a hotel, the Club Lounge is an intimate and exclusive space.
This club lounge does include alcoholic drinks including beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits. In fact, it goes a step further with wine tastings and similar events. For example, Ritz Kids guests can enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of the neighboring firehouse, and businesses and leisure travelers are able to immerse themselves in Chicago culture and cuisine through local wine and brewery partnerships.
The Club Lounge offers five different food and beverage options throughout the day – from healthy breakfast options to hors-d’oeuvres, cocktails, and evening desserts.
The space itself is sophisticated, featuring walnut hardwood floors complemented by clean, modern walnut cabinetry highlighted by hints of blue, gold, and brown, all of which tie into the ambiance of the hotel.
2. The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel
Unlock the gem of downtown Chicago at The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Michigan Avenue Chicago. Located in Chicago’s premier commercial district, this luxury hotel puts you in the city center of Chicago near top attractions, including the Navy Pier, House of Blues Chicago, and Tribune Tower, as well as the Chicago Riverwalk. The decor is beautiful and stylish, as is the atmosphere.
Complete a well-rounded workout at the 24-hour fitness center or grab a bite to eat at one of two American restaurants Upstairs at the Gwen and Kostali Restaurant. The hotel has a unique rooftop terrace, which is great. You can eat inside or outside on the lovely rooftop area. The food is really good, and dinner out on the terrace is very romantic. Sleep among the skyscrapers of Chicago in super comfy beds. The rooms are luxurious, with a luxury collection bed with a pillowtop mattress and elegant linens, a separate tub and shower, a toilet in its own separate closet, and Molton Brown products. Suite accommodations, including a flat-screen TV, high-speed Wi-Fi, and complimentary bathrobes, will amplify your stay here in Chicago, Illinois.
Although there’s no club lounge, this hotel offers the best redemption value in Chicago being a Rewards Category 5 Marriott Bonvoy hotel. The second best is probably Hotel EMC2.
3. JW Marriott Chicago
The JW Marriott Chicago is a landmark hotel brimming with captivating history. The hotel is located in the Chicago Loop and is a 10-minute walk to Millennium Park, where you can visit the Cloud Gate sculpture and Great Lawn. The hotel is fine but not outstanding in any way. It is on a similar level to the two W hotels in Chicago. The one you choose will depend on the vibe you’re looking for. The Gwen and Ritz-Carlton are better choices.
In Spring 2020, the hotel will reveal a stunning guest room transformation, with accommodations inspired by the iconic Pullman luxury rail car. Benefit from this hotel’s excellent location in downtown Chicago, on the Loop, with easy access to the West Loop neighborhood, Columbia College, the Art Institute of Chicago, Millennium Park, and Skydeck Chicago.
After a busy day in the city, pamper yourself with their array of luxury amenities, including an on-site spa, an indoor lap pool, a modern fitness center, and a delicious restaurant and lounge serving authentic Italian cuisine and specialty cocktails.
This JW Marriott Chicago has a club lounge, which is open 6:30 am – 10:00 pm Monday to Thursday but closed 12 noon on Friday to 5:00 pm on Sunday. As you would expect, there are hot and soft drinks available throughout the day, morning breakfast, and evening appetizers. The lounge itself is often empty outside feeding times, perhaps as a result of its dated orange carpets and “office” feel, which will hopefully be revamped in the refurbishment. Certainly, this lounge in no way matches up to the brilliant club lounge at the JW Marriott in London.
The breakfast is continental and adequate. The evening food spread is more impressive and enough to fill you up and is very tasty with a variety of offerings including salads and hot pasta dishes. But ultimately this lounge lacks atmosphere and although functional, is not one that you yearn to spend time in.
4. W Chicago – City Center
The Rewards Category 5 W Chicago – City Center is nestled within the downtown district, in a historic Beaux-Arts building. Sophisticated Art Deco details combine seamlessly with a very modern sense of style to create an atmosphere that is nothing short of electric.
Settle in and stay awhile in sumptuous rooms and suites with vibrant design, contemporary technology, and ultra-comfortable bedding. Start or end your day with Chicago-inspired dining at Midland Social Club, a modern restaurant, and grab a drink and survey the scene at MSC Bar.
5. W Chicago – Lakeshore
Perfectly located on Lake Shore Drive, W Chicago – Lakeshore offers unlimited access to the very best of the city.
You’ll find everything you need to work and play in style – from sleek hotel rooms and suites with waterfront views to 14,000 square feet of venue space for amplified meetings and social gatherings. Break a sweat at FIT, which features all of the latest workout equipment. Make a splash at WET®, the heated indoor pool. Ignite your senses with inspired American cuisine prepared with a seasonal focus at CURRENT, the hotel restaurant. Socialize over cocktails at the Living Room, the place to see and be seen on the Gold Coast.
Celebrate and succeed in dynamic event space, from intimate meeting rooms to the stunning 33rd-floor Altitude overlooking the shores of Lake Michigan.
6. Hotel EMC2, Autograph Collection
Hotel EMC2, Autograph Collection is a great choice in Chicago. This lovely hotel is located in Streeterville, near all downtown Chicago has to offer, and is within walking distance to the Theater District, Navy Pier, and a variety of shops and restaurants along The Magnificent Mile. Savor creative dining at the Albert, a restaurant specializing in globally inspired cuisine and drinks.
Retreat to chic rooms featuring contemporary decor and Serta® Perfect Sleeper® mattresses with cool action gel memory foam. The only problem with the rooms at Hotel EMC2 is that they can be on the small side. There’s also a 24-hour fitness center. This is definitely one of the best Marriott Bonvoy hotel choices in Chicago. Although there’s no club lounge, this hotel offers one of the best redemption values in Chicago, being a Rewards Category 5 Marriott Bonvoy hotel.
7. Residence Inn Chicago Downtown/Loop
Another Rewards Category 5 Marriott Bonvoy hotel in Chicago is Residence Inn Chicago Downtown/Loop. Boasting modern accommodations with extended-stay suites, you can start your day with a complimentary breakfast buffet before exploring the city. After a full day of business or sightseeing, energize your mind and body in the modern fitness center or with distinctive American cuisine and specialty cocktails at Roanoke Restaurant and Club.
This hotel tends to be cheaper to book, but if you want to spend points, we prefer the Hotel EMC2, Autograph Collection, or The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel. They offer more luxury for your Marriott Bonvoy point.
8. The Blackstone, Autograph Collection
The Blackstone Hotel in downtown Chicago is a unique and historic property. Updated with all the modern amenities and features of today, The Blackstone delivers modern accommodations boasting views of Lake Michigan and Grant Park, acclaimed dining at Mercat a la Planxa, refined meeting spaces, and thoughtful details like a state-of-the-art fitness center, expert concierge service, and more.
9. Hotel Chicago Downtown, Autograph Collection
Hotel Chicago Downtown, Autograph Collection is a Rewards Category 5 Marriott Bonvoy hotel right in the center of town in the heart of the city’s upscale River North area. Part of the Marina City complex, our hotel provides unparalleled access to some of the most renowned restaurants, shopping, and nightlife that downtown Chicago has to offer.
Within just moments, you’ll find yourself able to attend a concert at the famed House of Blues, go on a well-deserved shopping spree on the Magnificent Mile, or visit the historic Wrigley Field for a professional baseball game. After a long day of business or sightseeing, withdraw into the comfort of luxurious rooms and suites featuring pillowtop mattresses, convenient room service, 55-inch flat-panel TVs, and panoramic views of downtown. Finally, cap off your night with a snack, beer, or handcrafted cocktail at the on-site bar, the Chicagoan Lobby Bar.
10. The Westin O’Hare
The Westin O’Hare is one of your best Marriott choices at Chicago O’Hare International Airport. This four-star luxury hotel is yours just minutes from Chicago O’Hare Airport. A complimentary shuttle service picks you up and whisks you to this elegant Rosemont hotel.
Take the short walk to the Blue Line “EL” train to get to the city or Parkway Bank Park, Allstate Arena, or the Fashion Outlets of Chicago easily throughout your stay. Find your fresh food essentials at the Benchmark Gastropub serving healthy American cuisine and Starbucks’® bold beverages and a 24-hour WestinWORKOUT® Fitness Studio to easily maintain your routine are right here for you. Days end invites you to revitalize in your guestroom or suite, offering light pleasures such as the signature Westin Heavenly® Bed and refreshing Westin Heavenly® Bath.
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