
Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk
Best for groups, conferences, and families who need lots of rooms, meeting space, and direct Riverwalk access.
Prices in other currencies are estimates. You’re charged in USD.
Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk is a large, convention-ready Marriott on the Chicago Riverwalk; read this if you want easy river access, big meeting space, and family-friendly facilities. The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Michigan Avenue Chicago is a Marriott-affiliated luxury lifestyle boutique on Michigan Avenue; read this if you prefer a smaller, design-forward stay steps from the Magnificent Mile.
Updated · about 0.6 km apart

Best for groups, conferences, and families who need lots of rooms, meeting space, and direct Riverwalk access.

Best for shoppers and couples who want a luxury boutique stay steps from Michigan Avenue and downtown sights.
When Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk wins: choose Sheraton for large events, expansive meeting and ballroom capacity, many on-site dining options, an indoor heated pool, and family-friendly policies.
When The Gwen wins: pick The Gwen for a smaller Luxury Collection boutique experience, a rooftop terrace, and immediate proximity to Michigan Avenue shopping and Riverwalk attractions in a refined setting.
Bottom line: both are upscale Marriott properties within easy walking distance of downtown Chicago attractions; Sheraton is the practical choice for groups and families, The Gwen is the more intimate pick for travelers prioritizing location on the Magnificent Mile and boutique luxury.
| Category | Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk | The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Michigan Avenue Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Large, business- and group-oriented riverfront hotel | Luxury Collection boutique with classic downtown style |
| Location | On the Chicago Riverwalk in Streeterville/River North | On Michigan Avenue near the Magnificent Mile (521 North Rush Street) |
| Size | 1,218 rooms across 34 floors | 311 guestrooms |
| Ages / audience | All ages; family-friendly | All ages (not adults-only) |
| Pools | One indoor heated pool (7th floor) with city/Lake Michigan views | Not published |
| Restaurants & bars | Multiple outlets including Shula’s Steak House, Riverside Café, CHI Bar, Link Café, seasonal Chicago Burger Company | Two restaurants incl. Kostali; 24-hour room service available |
| Spa / wellness | No dedicated named spa; massage services available; two-story fitness center with Peloton and dry sauna | 24-hour fitness facilities; rooftop terrace and garden listed; spa details not published |
| Meeting & events | Extensive: ~125,000 sq ft and many ballrooms (largest capacities in the city) | Conference space ~3,388 sq ft and 14 meeting rooms |
| Known for | Direct Riverwalk access and large event hosting | Steps from Michigan Avenue and boutique Luxury Collection service |
| Parking & fees | Self- and valet-parking (surcharges); daily destination fee applies | Valet parking (surcharge); in-room WiFi may carry a fee |
Sheraton sits directly on the Chicago Riverwalk in Streeterville/River North.
Choose Sheraton if you want immediate Riverwalk access and a central riverfront base.
The Gwen is on Michigan Avenue (Rush Street), a few blocks from the Riverwalk.
Choose The Gwen if being on Michigan Avenue and close to shopping is a priority.
Sheraton has a very large room inventory with many view and suite options.
Sheraton is better for groups or travelers who need many room-type choices and larger suites.
The Gwen offers 311 guestrooms in a boutique luxury format.
The Gwen suits travelers who prefer a smaller luxury hotel with curated room types.
Sheraton has multiple on-site dining choices covering casual to fine dining.
Sheraton offers variety for groups and families with several price and formality levels.
The Gwen offers two on-site restaurants including Kostali and 24-hour room service.
The Gwen focuses on curated, higher-end dining rather than wide variety.
Sheraton provides a year-round indoor heated pool with views.
Sheraton is the clear choice if an indoor pool and larger fitness facilities matter.
The Gwen lists a rooftop terrace and 24-hour fitness facilities; pool details are not published.
The Gwen emphasizes rooftop and fitness amenities; if a pool is essential, verify directly.
Sheraton centers wellness around its large fitness center and sauna; nightlife is casual on-site and on the Riverwalk.
Sheraton suits guests seeking comprehensive fitness facilities and easy riverfront evenings.
The Gwen offers 24-hour fitness plus a bar/lounge and a rooftop terrace for evening views.
The Gwen is a better pick for low-key rooftop evenings and a boutique urban night out.

Sheraton — massive meeting and ballroom capacity (many named ballrooms and ~125,000 sq ft of event space).

The Gwen — steps from Michigan Avenue and high-end shopping.

Sheraton — family-friendly policies plus an indoor heated pool and large rooms inventory.

The Gwen — Luxury Collection boutique feel, rooftop terrace, and curated dining.
Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk — it has large ballrooms and event capacities suitable for big weddings and conferences.
The Gwen is on Michigan Avenue and is the more convenient choice for Magnificent Mile shopping.
Yes — Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk has a year-round indoor heated pool. The Gwen’s listing does not publish on-site pool details.
No — both properties accept guests of all ages; Sheraton is explicitly family-friendly and The Gwen is not adults-only.
Explore how Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk stacks up against other hotels nearby:
vs. sites like Expedia, Hotels.com and other OTAs ·