CitizenM or Riu Plaza?

I am deciding between these two. Price in. Booking.com is abiut the same.

Which one has more options for cafes/restaurants and east transportation.

Thanks

Good questions — choosing between and depends a bit on what you value most: nightlife, easy access to transit, proximity to shopping/ restaurants, or hotel-amenities. Since you say price on Booking.com is about the same, here’s a breakdown of how they compare in terms of dining / restaurant and easy access to transportation and city amenities.

Overview of Each Hotel

• citizenM Chicago Downtown: This hotel is centrally located in downtown — roughly one block from the Riverwalk, and within easy walking distance of major downtown attractions. It has an on-site restaurant/bar (canteenM), open 24/7 for food and drinks, plus communal lounge areas, a 24/7 gym, and free WiFi.
• Riu Plaza Chicago: Opened recently (2024), located at 150 East Ontario Street — in or very close to the “Magnificent Mile” / Streeterville / River-North area. It offers a buffet-style breakfast, a lobby bar/snack/deli “grab-and-go” option (helpful for quick breakfasts or snacks), a restaurant, and a rooftop bar on the 27th floor (though note the rooftop bar may close during winter months per hotel notes).

Which Has More Eating / Restaurant / Food Options Nearby

If you care about variety of nearby cafés, restaurants, and shopping areas (for meals at different spots rather than hotel-only), Riu Plaza has a slight edge, because:

• It sits right in or near the Magnificent Mile / Streeterville / River-North corridor — one of Chicago’s densest areas for dining, shopping, and nightlife.
• The presence of a grab-and-go snack/coffee bar makes it convenient if you’re out early or getting back late.
• The rooftop bar gives you “stay-in-the-hotel” nightlife + city views, nice if you don’t want to wander far.

That said, citizenM’s 24/7 canteenM covers basic food and drink needs any time of day or night — which is convenient when arriving late, leaving early, or just want a simple meal without leaving the hotel.

Which Has Easier / More Convenient Access to Transit and City Attractions

• citizenM is right by the Riverwalk and very central — great for walking to downtown attractions, Millennium Park, the Loop, and the Chicago River — good for travelers who like to walk or use public transit.
• Riu Plaza’s location — near Magnificent Mile / Streeterville — is also excellent for shopping, easy access to public transit, and a wide range of restaurants and bars within walking distance.
• Both hotels lack on-site parking (so if you rent a car or drive it might be inconvenient).

Other Considerations & What Might Suit You Best

• If you value a lively hotel environment, nightlife convenience, access to dining, shopping, and want to be in a strong “tourist / Magnificent Mile” hub — Riu Plaza is probably the better pick. You’ll have more external restaurant options and nightlife nearby, and you’re well-placed for transit and walking to many attractions.
• If you prefer a more “boutique”, slightly quieter / simpler hotel vibe — with a reliable 24/7 food option, easy riverwalk access, and close proximity to central attractions via walking or public transit — citizenM is a solid, convenient choice.
• If you anticipate lots of nights out for dinner, drinks, or exploring shops and you want flexibility and variety — lean toward Riu Plaza. If you want convenience (late arrivals, early departures, quick snacks) and are happy with a simpler stay when out exploring all day, citizenM is attractive.