Grand Chicago Riverwalk

The Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk is a massive, modern hotel that dominates the Chicago skyline at the intersection of the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. It’s a Marriott Bonvoy property positioned in the upper-midscale to premium category, strategically built for large-scale events and offering one of the most central locations in the city for exploring downtown Chicago.

Key Features & Highlights

• Unbeatable, Iconic Location: This is the hotel’s greatest asset. It is situated directly on the main branch of the Chicago River at the start of the Riverwalk.

  • Riverwalk Access: Steps away from the popular pedestrian path with restaurants, bars, and boat tours.

  • Magnificent Mile: Directly across the river (literally a 2-minute walk across the bridge).

  • Navy Pier: 10-15 minute walk along the river.

  • Theater District: 5-10 minute walk.

  • Millennium Park & The Art Institute: 10-15 minute walk.

  • Shopping on State Street: 5-10 minute walk.

• Massive Scale & Convention Focus: With over 1,200 guest rooms and 130,000 square feet of meeting space, this is one of the city’s largest convention hotels. The atmosphere in the common areas is often bustling with conference attendees.

• Recently Renovated Rooms: The hotel completed a massive multi-million dollar renovation. Rooms now feature a more modern, sleek aesthetic with a light color palette inspired by Lake Michigan.

  • Sheraton Signature Sleep Experience: Plush bedding for a comfortable stay.

  • Stunning Views: Many rooms offer spectacular views of the Chicago River, the skyline, or Lake Michigan. A river view room is highly recommended.

  • Standard amenities include a mini-fridge, coffee maker, and smart TV.

• Amenities:

  • SHERATON CLUB LOUNGE: A key perk for elite Marriott Bonvoy members or those booking club-level rooms, offering complimentary breakfast, snacks, and evening appetizers.

  • Indoor Pool & Fitness Center: Features a large indoor pool and a 24-hour fitness center with modern equipment.

  • Dining & Bars:

    • CHI Bar & Lounge: The main lobby bar and restaurant, serving American classics, cocktails, and Starbucks coffee.

    • Riverwalk Bars: While not operated by the hotel, numerous popular seasonal bars and cafes are literally at its doorstep.

• Parking: Valet parking is available and is very expensive (approx. $80-$90 + tax per night), which is standard for downtown Chicago hotels. Self-parking options are available in nearby garages for a lower (but still high) cost.

Pros vs. Cons

Who Is This Hotel Best For?

• Business Travelers & Convention Attendees: Its design and facilities are practically tailor-made for this audience.

• Tourists Who Want to Walk Everywhere: The ideal base for first-time visitors who want to see all the iconic downtown sights on foot.

• Marriott Bonvoy Members: Especially those with elite status who can access the Club Lounge for added value.

• Families: The pool, suite availability (for connecting rooms), and proximity to family-friendly attractions (Navy Pier, Millennium Park) make it a solid choice.

Who Might Want to Look Elsewhere?

• Travelers Seeking a Boutique Experience: Those wanting a smaller, more unique, and personalized hotel should look in neighborhoods like River North or the West Loop.

• Luxury Seekers: Travelers looking for a five-star, ultra-luxurious experience (e.g., The Langham, Peninsula, Four Seasons) will find this hotel too large and corporate.

• Budget-Conscious Travelers: The room rates, plus the high cost of parking and dining, make it an expensive choice.

• Those Who Dislike Crowds: If you prefer quiet, serene hotels, the constant convention traffic here may be a drawback.

Comparison to Other Chicago Hotels

• vs. Other Convention Hotels (e.g., Hilton Chicago, Hyatt Regency Chicago): All three are massive and centrally located. The Sheraton Grand’s key advantage is its newly renovated rooms and its direct position on the Riverwalk, which the others cannot match.

• vs. A Luxury Hotel (e.g., The Langham): The Langham offers unparalleled service, finer amenities, and a more refined atmosphere but comes at a significantly higher price point and is slightly less central to the Theater District.

• vs. A Boutique Hotel (e.g., The Gwen): The Gwen, also on the Riverwalk, offers a more intimate, art-focused experience with a celebrated rooftop bar, but has fewer large-scale amenities like a pool.

Final Verdict

The Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk is a top-tier choice for its category, winning on location and modern comfort above all else. It is an excellent, reliable option for business travelers, convention-goers, and tourists who plan to spend their time exploring downtown Chicago and want a comfortable, well-located place to sleep.

While it lacks the charm of a boutique hotel or the opulence of a true luxury property, its recent renovations and unbeatable address make it one of the strongest players in the competitive Chicago convention hotel market.

Tip: Always request a room with a river view. The premium is worth it for the unforgettable Chicago panorama. Also, check the convention calendar; if a massive show is in town, be prepared for crowds.