
Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk
Best for large meetings, conventions, weddings, and travelers who want immediate Chicago Riverwalk access.
Prices in other currencies are estimates. You’re charged in USD.
Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk is a large Riverwalk‑front convention and family‑friendly hotel with extensive meeting space and river views; readers who want easy access to river tours, the Magnificent Mile, and big event facilities should read this. JW Marriott Chicago is an upscale historic Loop business hotel with a full spa program and indoor pool; readers choosing a more classic downtown business address and a full‑service spa experience should read this.
Updated · about 1.2 km apart

Best for large meetings, conventions, weddings, and travelers who want immediate Chicago Riverwalk access.

Best for business travelers seeking a historic Loop address, a full spa, and a more intimate luxury feel.
When Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk wins: choose Sheraton Grand for conventions, large weddings, or if you want direct access to the Chicago Riverwalk, a wide range of on‑site restaurants, and one of downtown’s biggest meeting footprints.
When JW Marriott Chicago wins: pick JW Marriott for a classic Loop location near Willis Tower/Grant Park, a full‑service spa, an indoor pool and sauna, and a slightly more upscale, historic downtown hotel experience.
Bottom line: both are upscale Marriott‑family hotels that serve business travelers and groups. Sheraton Grand focuses on riverfront leisure and very large events; JW Marriott centers on a Loop business address with spa and traditional luxury amenities. Your choice depends on whether riverfront/event access or a historic Loop business hotel is more important.
| Category | Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk | JW Marriott Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Large riverfront convention hotel, family‑friendly | Upscale historic Loop business hotel |
| Location (neighborhood) | River North / Streeterville, directly on the Chicago Riverwalk | The Loop, near Willis Tower, Grant Park and Millennium Park |
| Size (rooms / floors) | 1,218 rooms across 34 floors | Not published |
| Meeting & event space | About 125,000 ft² across ~43 rooms; multiple large ballrooms (largest up to 4,600 capacity) | Conference space size (feet) - 41,973; 37 meeting rooms |
| Pools | One indoor heated pool (7th floor) with city/Lake Michigan views | Indoor pool (number of pools: 1) with sauna and steam room |
| Restaurants & bars | Multiple outlets (Shula's Steak House, Riverside Café, CHI Bar, Link Café, seasonal Chicago Burger Company) | One main restaurant (The Florentine) plus 1 bar/lounge and 24‑hour room service |
| Spa & wellness | No dedicated named spa; massage services available (surcharge); complimentary fitness center with Peloton bikes and dry sauna | Full‑service spa offering massages, body treatments and facials; 24‑hour fitness center, sauna and steam room |
| Known for | Riverwalk access, extensive meeting/wedding venues, club lounge | Historic Loop address, classic luxury finishes, spa and indoor pool |
| Family / age policy | Family‑friendly; children up to 17 stay free on existing bedding (policy notes) | All ages welcome (not adults‑only) |
Sheraton Grand sits directly on the Chicago Riverwalk in River North/Streeterville.
Pick Sheraton Grand if being on the Riverwalk and easy river access are priorities.
JW Marriott is in the Loop, close to Willis Tower, Grant Park, and Millennium Park.
Choose JW Marriott for a traditional Loop business address and fast access to core downtown landmarks.
Sheraton Grand has a long room list with river and lake views plus club lounge options.
Sheraton Grand is broad in room choice and well suited to groups and families.
JW Marriott offers a mix of standard rooms, executive/club rooms and suites.
JW Marriott is aimed at business travelers seeking executive‑level rooms and suites in a Loop setting.
Sheraton Grand has multiple on‑site dining venues from casual to fine dining.
Sheltered variety and riverfront casual options make Sheraton Grand better for groups and families who want multiple on‑site choices.
JW Marriott offers one signature restaurant and 24‑hour room service plus a lounge/bar.
JW Marriott suits travelers who prefer a focused, classic hotel restaurant and in‑room dining options.
Sheraton Grand has one indoor heated pool with oversized windows and city/Lake views.
Sheraton Grand’s pool and big fitness center are convenient for families and guests who want on‑site exercise options.
JW Marriott lists an indoor pool plus sauna and steam room as part of its recreational amenities.
JW Marriott’s pool comes with a fuller spa and thermal amenity set, appealing to guests who want dedicated spa services.
Sheraton Grand provides a complimentary fitness center and dry sauna; nightlife is casual on‑site or along the Riverwalk.
Pick Sheraton Grand for strong fitness offerings and casual on‑site evening options; spa services are limited.
JW Marriott emphasizes a full‑service spa and traditional hotel wellness amenities.
JW Marriott is the better choice if an integrated spa program and thermal amenities matter to you.

Sheraton Grand — roughly 125,000 ft² of meeting space and dozens of ballrooms and event rooms for large groups.

JW Marriott — central Loop location near Willis Tower, Grant Park and corporate offices.

Sheraton Grand — multiple restaurants including a river‑facing café and seasonal Riverwalk burger outlet.

JW Marriott — full‑service spa with massage, body treatments and facials plus sauna/steam amenities.
Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk is directly on the Chicago Riverwalk; JW Marriott is about 1.2 km away.
Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk — it offers around 125,000 ft² of meeting space and multiple large ballrooms.
JW Marriott has a full‑service spa offering massages and treatments; Sheraton Grand offers massage services but no dedicated named spa.
Yes. Sheraton Grand is explicitly marketed as family‑friendly; JW Marriott is not adults‑only and accepts guests of all ages.
Explore how Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk stacks up against other hotels nearby:
vs. sites like Expedia, Hotels.com and other OTAs ·