Marriott Marquis Chicago

The Marriott Marquis Chicago is a massive, modern convention hotel that opened in 2017. It’s designed to impress with its sheer scale and sleek, contemporary design. The vibe is professional, bustling, and efficient, catering primarily to large-scale conventions and business travelers, but it’s also equipped to handle tourists who appreciate modern amenities and stunning city views.

The most iconic feature is its 13-story glass atrium lobby, which is one of the largest in Chicago and fills the space with natural light.

Key Highlights & Features

• Skybridge Connection to McCormick Place: This is its single biggest advantage. A climate-controlled, enclosed skybridge directly connects the hotel to the massive McCormick Place convention center, making it the most convenient hotel for attendees.

• Breathtaking Atrium & City Views: The soaring glass lobby and many guest rooms offer spectacular views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline.

• Massive Scale: With over 1,200 rooms, multiple restaurants, and huge event spaces, it feels like a city within a city.

• Modern & Tech-Friendly: As a newer build, everything feels fresh, with modern room design and good tech integration.

• Marriott Loyalty: A prime destination for Marriott Bonvoy members to earn and redeem points.

The Location: What’s Nearby?

This is the most critical factor to consider. The hotel is located in the South Loop, next to McCormick Place.

• McCormick Place Convention Center: Directly connected via the skybridge. This is its #1 reason for being.

• Museum Campus: Very close. A 10-15 minute walk to the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, and Adler Planetarium.

• Soldier Field: Approximately a 15-minute walk.

• Northerly Island: A large outdoor concert venue and park is right next door.

• The “Loop” Downtown Core: It is not within easy walking distance. It is about 1.5 miles north, which is a 30-minute walk or a short ride on the #3 bus, taxi, or rideshare.

Amenities

As a large-scale convention hotel, its amenities are extensive:

• Dining & Drinks:

  • Woven & Bound: The main restaurant and bar located in the stunning atrium.

  • Deacon’s Corner: A casual, 24-hour diner.

  • Bar Soleil: A lobby-level bar.

  • Upstairs at The Marquis: A rooftop bar with incredible views (seasonal).

• Fitness Center: A large, 24/7 state-of-the-art fitness center with great views.

• Indoor Pool: A decent-sized indoor pool, a rarity for downtown Chicago hotels.

• Extensive Meeting & Event Space: Over 100,000 square feet of space.

• Valet Parking: Available and expensive (standard for Chicago).

Pros and Cons

Who Is It Best For?

• Convention Attendees & Exhibitors: This is its absolute core audience. The convenience cannot be overstated.

• Business Travelers with meetings at McCormick Place.

• Marriott Bonvoy Members seeking a premium, modern stay.

• Families focused on visiting the Museum Campus (Field, Shedd, Adler) who value the indoor pool.

• Concert-Goers attending events at Northerly Island.

Who Might Want to Look Elsewhere?

• First-Time Tourists who want to be within walking distance of the Loop, Millennium Park, the Art Institute, River North restaurants, and the Magnificent Mile.

• Travelers seeking a boutique, intimate, or historic Chicago hotel experience.

• Anyone who doesn’t want to deal with the hassle and cost of frequent transportation to see the main sights.

• Travelers on a budget, especially when convention rates are high.

Comparison to a Downtown Hotel (e.g., JW Marriott on Michigan Ave)

Final Verdict

The Marriott Marquis Chicago is a top-tier, purpose-built hotel that excels at its primary function: hosting McCormick Place convention attendees.

It is not a typical tourist hotel. Its value is almost entirely derived from its proximity to the convention center. If you are going to a convention, it is the most logical and comfortable choice. If you are a tourist primarily wanting to explore downtown Chicago’s core attractions, its isolated location will be a significant drawback, and you would be better served by a hotel in the Loop, River North, or on the Magnificent Mile.