What to pack for a stay at Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk
Pack for urban comfort and variable Chicago weather: layers for cool lakeside winds, smart-casual clothes for Shula’s Steak House, swimwear and a towel-ready bag for the indoor heated pool on the 7th floor, and compact electronics for photos and maps. Bring ID and the credit card you’ll use at check-in (minimum age to check in is 21).
In this guide
What to bring for your room and types to request
Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk rooms vary from Traditional Room to multiple suite types; if you booked a river- or lake-view room, request room placement at check-in for views. Rooms include in-room Wi‑Fi via the hotel’s destination fee, but if you rely heavily on connectivity, bring a mobile hotspot or phone plan that covers streaming and maps.
If you need extra sleep space or accessibility features, note the hotel offers rollaway beds (fee applies) and multiple accessible rooms. For club-level service, book Room, Club Lounge Access or one of the Club Lounge Access room types to use the Sheraton Club Lounge on the 33rd floor.
- Bring the credit card and photo ID required for check-in (minimum age 21).
- If you need a rollaway, request it before arrival (rollaway fee applies).
- Pack a small travel laundry kit if staying several nights — the hotel is large and onsite laundry/valet services may charge extra.
| Common room types | Beds offered |
|---|---|
| Traditional Room | 1 King Bed or 2 Double Beds |
| Deluxe Room, River View | 1 King Bed or 2 Double Beds |
| Executive Suite, 1 Bedroom, Lake View | 1 King Bed |
Clothing: layer for Chicago weather and dress codes
Chicago weather changes fast near the lake: plan layers year-round. Summers can be warm and humid; winters are cold and windy with snow. Bring a warm jacket and a rainproof shell for spring and fall, and a heavier coat, hat, gloves, and warm boots for winter.
Dining at Shula’s Steak House has a Smart Casual dress code; Riverside Café, CHI Bar, and Link Café are casual. Pack at least one set of neat evening clothes if you plan a business dinner or a meal at Shula’s Steak House.
- Light layers (T-shirt, long-sleeve, light sweater) for spring/fall
- Waterproof jacket or umbrella
- Smart casual outfit for Shula’s Steak House or business meetings
- Warm coat, gloves, hat, and insulated footwear for winter
| Season | Clothing highlights |
|---|---|
| Summer | Light shirts, shorts, breathable fabrics |
| Winter | Insulating layers, warm coat, waterproof boots |
| Shoulder seasons | Layered pieces and a rain jacket |
Pool, fitness center and active items
The indoor heated pool is on the 7th floor and is open daily (pool hours are published by the hotel). Pool towels are provided on-site, but pack swimwear, a quick-dry towel if you prefer your own, and flip-flops for pool and sauna use. The Sheraton Fitness Center is also on the 7th floor, two stories with Peloton bikes and cardio/weight equipment and a dry sauna; it’s complimentary for guests.
If you plan to run or walk the Chicago Riverwalk, bring supportive walking shoes and a small daypack for water, a light jacket, and phone for navigation and photos.
- Swimsuit and flip-flops
- Workout clothes and athletic shoes
- Reusable water bottle
- Small dry bag for wet swimwear
| Facility | What to bring |
|---|---|
| Indoor heated pool (7th floor) | Swimsuit, flip-flops (towels provided) |
| Sheraton Fitness Center | Workout clothes, trainer shoes |
| Riverwalk | Comfortable walking shoes, light jacket |
Tech, documents and money
Bring a government photo ID and the credit card used for your reservation — the hotel requires both at check-in and the registering guest must be at least 21. The hotel includes some in-room Wi‑Fi access via the destination fee; if you need faster or guaranteed in-room connectivity, bring your own hotspot or confirm any in-room Wi‑Fi charges beforehand.
Chicago is a busy downtown area: pack chargers, a phone power bank for long days exploring, and local transit apps if you’ll use CTA trains or buses. If you’re driving and parking at the hotel, expect a paid self-parking or valet fee; keep a second card handy for parking charges.
- Photo ID and the credit card used for booking
- Phone chargers, power bank, and international adapter if needed
- Transit apps (CTA) and the hotel phone number: +1 (888) 605-1350 (BookResorts agents, 24/7)
| Item | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Photo ID & credit card | Required at check-in; minimum guest age 21 |
| Portable charger | Keeps maps/tickets available during long outings |
| Hotspot or extra Wi‑Fi plan | In-room Wi‑Fi may be bundled with a destination fee; speeds vary |
Family, kids and pet considerations
Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk is family-friendly: up to two children age 17 or younger stay free in a parent or guardian’s room using existing bedding. Pack familiar items for children — travel games, a nightlight, snacks, and any necessary medication.
The hotel allows pets (up to two per room, maximum weight limits apply). Policies and fees can change, so check current pet fee details with the hotel before you travel. If you travel with a pet, bring food, a leash, bedding, and waste bags.
- Children’s favorite snacks and small toys
- Portable outlet nightlight for kids who prefer low lighting
- Pet essentials (food, leash, bed, waste bags) if bringing a pet — verify any pet fee in advance
| Family amenity | Notes |
|---|---|
| Children 17 and under | Up to 2 stay free on existing bedding |
| Pet policy | Up to 2 pets per room; check current fee and rules |
| Rollaway beds | Available on request for a fee (arrange in advance) |
Dining, events and business packing
Pack business essentials if attending meetings or events: laptop, chargers, business cards, and any printed materials. The hotel offers extensive meeting space and a Sheraton Club Lounge for eligible guests; confirm AV or meeting-room needs with event staff in advance.
For dining, bring a couple of smarter outfits for Shula’s Steak House (Smart Casual) and casual clothes for Riverside Café, Link Café, CHI Bar, or the seasonal Chicago Burger Company along the Riverwalk. If you have dietary needs, plan to contact restaurants ahead of time — the hotel offers vegetarian and vegan options but menus vary.
- Laptop, charger, and any AV adaptors
- Business attire for meetings and Smart Casual for Shula’s Steak House
- Questions or reservations for on-site restaurants (Shula’s phone listed on the hotel site)
| On-site restaurant | Typical service |
|---|---|
| Shula's Steak House | Dinner (smart casual), reservations available |
| Riverside Café | Breakfast, lunch, weekend brunch with river views |
| Link Café | Starbucks® drinks and grab-and-go items |
