The Renaissance or The Gwen, hotel advice

Question

We are heading to Chicago for the first time Labor Day weekend and deciding upon hotels. We plan to enjoy some great food, see some museums, and enjoy walking around the river/parks. The Gwen and The Renaissance both fit the budget and offer 2 queen beds, which we prefer over doubles for our family of 4. I am leaning towards a river view room at the Renaissance but The Gwen looks nice too.

Would the Chicago Jazz Festival that weekend make it more crowded closer to Millenium Park?

Thanks for any input.

Answer

Both The Renaissance and The Gwen are excellent choices for a family stay in Chicago, especially if you plan to enjoy food, museums, and exploring the city on foot. Here’s a breakdown of what each hotel offers and some considerations based on your preferences:

The Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel:
The Renaissance is a large, modern hotel located right on the river. It’s well known for its river view rooms, which would give you a stunning view of the Chicago River and the surrounding downtown skyline. The hotel is within walking distance to many major attractions, such as Millennium Park, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Chicago Riverwalk. This makes it a great base for exploring the city, especially if you’re interested in walking around the river and parks. Additionally, the Renaissance has spacious rooms, a great fitness center, and offers an upscale, business-friendly atmosphere, which might appeal to families looking for a quieter, more laid-back environment.

Pros: Great location near the river, easy access to museums, close to parks and dining, river view rooms available, larger rooms.
Cons: Could be busier and more crowded due to its central location, especially during the Jazz Festival weekend.

The Gwen, A Luxury Collection Hotel:
The Gwen is a more boutique-style hotel located in a beautiful art deco building on Michigan Avenue. It has a very elegant and stylish atmosphere, with a rooftop terrace offering great views of the city. The hotel is also close to the Magnificent Mile, making it a great location for shopping. The Gwen feels a bit more intimate compared to The Renaissance, with fewer rooms and a more personalized experience. It’s also within walking distance to Millennium Park, the Chicago River, and several museums.

Pros: Boutique-style luxury, rooftop terrace, very close to the Magnificent Mile and shopping, easy walk to Millennium Park and museums.
Cons: Rooms might be slightly smaller compared to The Renaissance, and the surrounding area can be busy, especially with tourists heading to the Mag Mile.

Chicago Jazz Festival and Crowds Around Millennium Park:
Labor Day weekend in Chicago is particularly busy, as the Chicago Jazz Festival takes place in Grant Park (very close to Millennium Park). The festival brings a large crowd, especially in the afternoons and evenings. This could make the area near Millennium Park and the Art Institute busier, but it's also a fantastic event if you enjoy live music. If you’re staying at either The Renaissance or The Gwen, you’ll be within walking distance to the festival, but be prepared for potential crowds near the park. If you’re planning to explore the area during the festival, it might be a good idea to get there early or plan your activities around the festival schedule.

Tip: If you want to avoid large crowds during the festival, consider visiting Millennium Park early in the day or later in the evening after the festival wraps up for the day.
Tip: The Renaissance’s location on the river might provide a slightly quieter retreat compared to The Gwen, which is closer to the Mag Mile and the shopping district.

Recommendation:
Both hotels offer a great location, but if you want a room with a river view and easy access to the riverwalk and parks, The Renaissance might be a better option. If you prefer a boutique hotel experience with a more intimate, luxurious feel, The Gwen would be a great choice. Consider your preference for a quieter environment versus being in the heart of the hustle and bustle when deciding.

Overall, regardless of where you stay, you’ll be in a prime location to enjoy Chicago’s food scene, museums, and parks. Have a great trip and enjoy the Jazz Festival!