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Welcome to the windy-city

a reference-guide for planning your weekend in chicago, Illinois

Chicago is unique among other cities in the US - the bright blue waters of lake Michigan reminiscent of the Caribbean, the dazzling array of architectural styles and elements comprising the skyline, and 37 moveable bridges spread across the Chicago River are just some of the many attractions that make Chicago an unmissable destination.

Here is our experience at The Gwen Chicago!

Chicago, aka “the Windy City”, is home to delicious food, jazz music, and rich history dating back to 1833. If there is one place that has preserved all the uniqueness of the city, it is The Gwen Chicago! The Gwen is located in the very heart of downtown, on the famous Magnificent Mile.

After several lockdowns, we decided it was time to get out and travel again. We paid a visit to this beautiful and luxury hotel for a much-needed retreat.

The Hotel

welcome to the gwen!

When I say “I love art deco”, I mean that I am a member of the Art Deco Society of New York, and I truly enjoy hunting down all that is deco. The Gwen is truly an iconic gem of that era!

The hotel is located within the landmark 1928 McGraw Hill Building. A prime example of Art Deco architecture, the building’s design incorporates a classic style with unique linear qualities. Particularly distinctive are its rich and innovative sculptures by Gwen Lux. Gwen Luxe was a pioneering sculptress in a male-dominated society. The hotel has taken great care to highlight her legacy and work - a tribute to the strength of her personality.

This piece of history is one of the last and oldest Art Deco Monuments on Michigan Avenue. 

The hotel is in proximity to the most famous attractions, food locations, and brand outlets on the Magnificent Mile. it is a short walk from the Chicago River. Also via Michigan Avenue, there is easy access to Navy Pier, Millenium Park, The Art Institute Of Chicago, and much more!

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Another feature of the Hotel is that it is directly adjacent to The Shops at North Bridge. So, you can surely pay those a visit if you enjoy some shopping on your getaways.

Be sure to scroll to the bottom of this article, we have included Special Savings & Coupons for The Gwen, The Shops at North Bridge, & more!

Entrée glamoureuse

As soon as we entered the lobby, a luxurious and timeless oasis greeted us. The lobby was spacious, open, and equipped with jewel-toned couches, sweeping staircases, gorgeous chandeliers, and art on display for all to enjoy. The preserved history was evident around every corner. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to call the lobby the heart and soul of the Gwen.

The latest renovations have successfully opened a window into the past. Old Chicago is embodied in the design, interior, and overall vibe of The Gwen.

The Gwen is named and dedicated to the famous 1920’s female sculptor Gwen Lux. The McGraw Hall building already boasted impressive architecture and sculpture prior to ms. Gwen’s involvement. She further expanded on the aesthetic by designing the Zodiac signs and Greek Gods showcased throughout.

Walking through the Gwen Hotel, you can easily imagine yourself in the 1920s, with Art Deco facades seamlessly paired with modern glamour. From the lobby to the suite, the undercurrent of the Roaring 20s is unmistakable.

The name ‘Gwen’ (after Gwen Lux herself) is a celebration of womanhood & pays homage to strong female figures.

One shining example of this female acknowledgment is the hotel’s signature luxury restaurant, Kostali, run by Chef Carrie Nahabedian, a James-Beard Award Winner. Female DJs and performers, well versed in Jazz, will round out your journey back in time.

One prominent design feature was the juxtaposition of light and dark in the interiors. Dark wood and metal contrasted against dazzling gold and turquoise. Nothing felt out of place. A sense of beauty and balance emanated throughout, putting you at ease and always giving you something spectacular to look at.

Suites

a look at the spaces

We stayed in the Gwen Lux Suite, which is situated on the 16th floor! This luxurious suite is a two-bedroom jewel with all the amenities one could dream of!

Separate dining and living rooms filled with light give the space an open, glamorous feel. There are three bathrooms, a dining hall, a living room, and two bedrooms, both with terrace access.

This was the ideal space for our romantic Spring getaway. However, I can also imagine this suite being perfect for a girl’s weekend or even a small group destination. The two bedrooms, massive terraces, multiple bathrooms, and additional pull-out sleeper sofa make this a spacious suite with loads of potential for gathering and socializing!

Perhaps the most attractive feature of the Gwen lux suite is the 1200 square foot terrace situated in the center of Chicago’s Magnificent Mile!

From the terrace, you can look down to the aqua blue waters of Lake Michigan, across to the iconic Wrigley Building, up to the Tribune building, and admire the city’s splendor as far as the eye can see!

We ate all of our meals out on the terrace. It was perfect for lunch, brunch, as well as an evening cocktail bathed in golden hour sunlight.

Other amenities within the suite include mini-refrigerators, 65-inch flat-screen televisions, high-speed internet access, a plush queen sofa bed (that can sleep additional guests), and a luxury ensemble featuring quality bathrobes and slippers in each of the bedrooms. The plentiful windows and doors throughout ensure a ton of natural light.

Each bathroom is stocked with Molton Brown toiletries. The master bathroom welcomes you to try its deep soaking tub, large enough to fit even those at the extremes of the height spectrum (Daniel clocks in at 6’7”)!

The master bedroom also has access to its own private terrace complete with ample seating and unique views not seen from the main terrace.

Service

Going above and beyond

The Gwen is called “A LUXURY COLLECTION HOTEL” for a reason. The staff go above and beyond to ensure that your stay is tailor-made to fit your preferences down to the last detail. Whether you fancy your morning paper at 6 am, promptly followed by breakfast out on the terrace, no request is deemed too extravagant. Available 24/7, the staff are sure to make your weekend getaway an unforgettable experience!

While the top-notch customer service of the Gwen is ubiquitous, you have plenty of choices when it comes to guest rooms and suites. You can choose suites ranging from 475 square feet to 1400 square feet. Additionally, one can go through each room virtually before selecting a booking that is perfect for you! Check out the website to review the features of each suite.

Outside the rooms, the hotel has plenty of additional amenities to offer! such as a 24/7 gym, the hotel lounge, Kostali, and UPSTAIRS AT THE Gwen (their famous rooftop bar). Now available on the Terrace: Movie Night @ The Gwen! Get cozy next to the fire pits while you enjoy discounted movie cocktails and watch a classic movie on the terrace! (TUESDAYS - MovieS start at 7:30 PM)

If you’re looking for something truly unique, you can try Glamping on the 1200 square foot terrace! The spacious tent is fitted with a QUEEN bed and an attached outside seating area so comfort remains a priority as you take in the views under the night sky.
This feature is available FROM May-SEPTEMBER.

Food & Beverage

discovering the on-site dining

The Gwen Chicago is renowned for its cuisine. Here are all the ways you can enjoy it!

In-Room Dining

The first thing I do at any hotel is check-in, shower, and order room service. It’s a recipe for success! You drop your bags, order the food, wash up, and then immediately jump into those comfy robes & slippers. By the time you emerge refreshed, you’ll have a beautiful meal waiting for you. This (of course) is how we started our trip to the Gwen!

It was a gorgeous morning arriving at the Gwen, 76, and sunny! This particular meal being the first taste we had of the Gwen kitchen. afterward, we knew the rest of our dining experiences were going to be superb!

Their avocado toast is ridiculous (in the best possible way). I have been working to perfect and recreate it ever since I got home! And the coffee… wow! They are serving traditional Italian coffee by Lavazza. While you can have your coffee brought up by the glass, I highly recommend ordering the Large French Press. trust me you’ll want more!

Terrace Breakfast

Dare I say: “Instagramable Breakfast”.

The standout thing about having so much terrace space is that you truly get the opportunity to enjoy uninterrupted outdoor dining! We chose the south end of our terrace for this experience to be able to take in all the views of the water that our suite had to offer!
Ask and you shall receive! The Gwen has a phenomenal Food & Beverage department. If you’re looking to have an upscale in-room dining experience, be sure to ask the staff about their special accommodations and terrace dining options!

Kostali:

In Chicago, a must-have dinner is at The Gwen’s on-site restaurant, Kostali by Naha, Run by the James Beard Award-Winning Chef, Carrie Nahabedian. this amazing Greek restaurant will not disappoint!

Feel free to read more about Kostali our new article here.

Tipsy Tea Party:

A fun experience offered at Kostali is their weekend Tipsy Tea Party! It is a perfect choice for a girl’s brunch or a playful date! They offer full tea menus as well as simple à la carte options.

We also loved that this one-of-a-kind afternoon experience was offered right on-site at the Gwen!

Read more about the tipsy tea party here!

Upstairs at The Gwen:

A true gem among rooftop terraces & lounges in downtown Chicago, Upstairs at The Gwen has a warm and inviting vibe that is perfect for any occasion. A rooftop with fire pits is automatically a winner in my book! we loved the fact that the fire pits were strategically placed all around the terrace for all to enjoy, regardless of seating. The drinks, appetizers, small plates, and ambiance combined to create an ideal peaceful evening.

Don’t forget to take a look at our special offers at the end of this article! We have coupons and Vouchers including a free glass of prosecco when you visit upstairs at the Gwen!

Things to do nearby

We've put together a list of the best activities in Chicago this weekend

We took advantage of the hotel’s central location to visit chicago’s unmissable spots and attractions. In our four-day stay, we packed our itinerary with both indoor and outdoor experiences and couldn’t be happier with our nearby adventures!

The Magnificent Mile

A global attraction for food, restaurants, shopping, and history, the Magnificent Mile has something for everybody. You can easily spend a few hours roaming about and taking everything in. Be sure to check out the Wrigley Building, Tribune Tower, and the 360 Chicago Observation Deck, among other attractions on the mag mile.

Satisfy your shopping cravings at The Shops at millennium station, the Water Tower Place, or the 900 North Michigan Shops (another art deco icon). 

You’ll find top brands, including Tiffany & Co, Chanel, Nike, Apple, Ikram, and many others, invite you to browse along the magnificent mile.

The Architecture Tour

Anyone wanting to explore 130 years of chicago’s architectural history will love the Chicago River Architecture Tour!

It is a 90-minute cruising experience by boat! floating along the Chicago River, you will admire and listen to the history behind chicago’s most iconic buildings. As a New Yorker, you could say I know a thing or two about famous highrises. Nevertheless, I was blown away by the variety and ingenuity of chicago’s architecture. Grab a drink from the onboard bar and settle in for a guided in-depth dive through chicago’s ever-developing cityscape.

Multiple time slots are available for booking throughout the day.

Huge thank you to our local friends Tawny & Ben for showing us around!

Downtown Chicago’s #1 Museum: The Art Institute of Chicago

An art admirer’s paradise, with styles encompassing the renaissance, baroque, impressionist, and realist movements, the Art Institute of Chicago is one of the top galleries in the world. All too often, I’ve been overwhelmed with the number of works displayed at the biggest museums. The art institute of Chicago’s collection is bedazzled with famous pieces while keeping your visit manageable at around 2-3 hours. Be sure to check out George Sera’s “a Sunday on la Grande Jatte” - an instantly recognizable painting and the poster child of the pointillism movement.

We were thrilled to be able to catch the Monet and Chicago exhibit being held at AIC! It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see so many of Monet’s pieces brought together in one place. While the water lily and Thames river series are rightful headliners, there are lesser-known pieces on display that flesh out Monet’s prolific career. The standout for me was an entire collection of rare caricature drawings created by Monet in his teens, long before his rise to fame. This traveling exhibit will be open in Chicago through June 14, 2021, so get your tickets asap (you need to purchase tickets to the exhibit separately from general museum admission).

The art institute of Chicago is home to thousands of artworks that are world-renowned. a unique museum with its own history and the rare privilege of preserving global historic heritage. 

Museum Of Science And Industry Chicago

This incredible museum, located in Jackson Park, is the largest science center in Northern Hemisphere. Be sure to allocate time accordingly!

The museum hosts 35000+ awe-inspiring artifacts and models with exhibits ranging from virtual reality to space exploration for folks of all ages to enjoy. highlights include a restored full-sized German U-boat, a Virtual Reality Transporter, a Marvel Exhibit with 300+ original artifacts, the Giant Dome Theater, Flight and Motion Simulators, and plenty more.

I 100% plan to return to the MUSEUM OF SCIENCE & INDUSTRY! There’s no way to see all that is offered here in one afternoon. It’s a lot of walking, we certainly enjoyed taking a nap in the Uber on the way back to the hotel!

Need Tunes?

We visited a variety of of establishments on our recent trip to Chicago, I took the liberty of ‘Shazaming’ a few of the exciting melodies I heard playing on the trip. From Rock & Roll to Classical Jazz, Chicagos music taste is as exciting as the city itself!

Conclusion

check out our special savings & offers below

The Gwen has rightfully earned its reputation as one of the top hotels in Chicago. Its central location, rich history, unparalleled customer service, amenities, and accommodations set it apart and make it the ideal place to settle down while exploring Chicago.

Contact the hotel to book your stay at 312.645.1500

ADDRESS:
The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Michigan Avenue Chicago
521 North Rush Street

Savings & Vouchers

Thank you for taking the time to stop by our blog! As a special “thank you” we have included some amazing offers from The Gwen and local retailers. We hope these may make your next trip to Chicago just a little bit sweeter!

Suite Savings + Dining

$50 Food and Beverage Credit to the gwen: Tempt your taste buds with a $50 food and beverage credit included in your stay. Explore Kostali, dine inside or out on The Terrace at Upstairs at The Gwen, or partake in the Tipsy Tea Party experience.

Need to Know

• Luxury Suite Accommodations

• $50 Daily Food and Beverage Credit

• The Best Views of Downtown Chicago

• Promotional Code: A1475 What's this?

• Valid Stay Dates: March 8, 2021 - February 22, 2022
  
  
  
  Stay Longer and Save:
  The longer you stay, the more you save. Let The Gwen be your home away from home.

  The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel, provides everything you need to be comfortable and productive during your long-term stay. From spacious accommodations with separate spaces to work, sleep, eat and relax, you won't just stay here, you'll feel right at home. Enjoy 10 percent off our best available rate when you reserve stays of 7 nights or more.
  
  10% Off 7 Nights or More

• Luxury Accommodations

• Unique Amenities & Dining Options

• Promotional Code: D3Q What's this?

• Valid Stay Dates: March 1, 2021 - December 31, 2021

Upstairs at the gwen:

Free Glass of prosecco when you purchase any entree!
Save this special voucher or use code: “BubbLes”.
Be sure to mention this to your server before you order.

Shopping

Directly adjacent to the Gwen: the shops at North bridge
Enjoy a variety of savings for retailers such as KIEHL'S, L'OCCITANE, NORDSTROM, & more here!

HISTORY & ATTRACTIONS

Jean Baptiste Point du Sable

Jean-Baptist-Point Du Sable, (born 1745 St. Marc, Sainte-Domingue [now Haiti]—died Aug. 28, 1818, St. Charles, Mo., U.S.), A pioneer trader and founder of the settlement that later became the city of Chicago.

Go Chicago: Experience more with Go Chicago!

Admission to over 25 attractions, tours and activities all on one digital pass. Go Chicago gets you free admission to Shedd Aquarium, Skydeck Chicago, Architecture River Tours, Field Museum, Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Chicago, 360 CHICAGO and many more. Experience Chicago’s museums, towers, boat tours, walking tours, bike rentals and so much more. Choose the all-inclusive pass for 1,2,3 or 5 days or explorer pass for admission to 2, 3, 4 or 5 attractions. Enjoy savings and discounts at restaurants, shops and additional tours. Print your pass at home or use your smartphone for entry at all attractions. Group rates and travel professional rates available.
ADDITIONAL “GO CHICAGO” OFFERS HERE!

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