ABOUT
Inspired by the storied history of Chicago’s grand hotels, The Gwen Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, is an Art Deco haven wrapped in 21st century amenities. Located in the landmarked McGraw-Hill building on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile, the hotel gets its name from Gwen Lux, the renowned 20th-century female sculptor who designed and crafted mythological stone bas relief sculptures on the façade of the historic building. Her presence can be felt throughout the hotel – from its guestrooms and second-floor lobby to its event and meeting spaces, all of which provide an elegant experience filled with 1930s extravagance and subdued sophistication.
The Gwen features 311 guestrooms and 34 suites. In the guestrooms’ ample living space feature 65-inch flat-screen HDTVs, executive desks and Luxury Collection Signature beds complemented with bespoke Frette linens. Robust technology is found throughout each guestroom, including complimentary wireless internet, multi-purpose charging stations and Bluetooth speakers. Molton Brown bath amenities and plush bathrobes and slippers are in every room. In addition, all king-bed rooms come standard with a large soaking tub and adjacent glass-enclosed steam shower.
The Gwen is also home to Kostali, a vibrant Mediterranean restaurant that offers a transportive coastal experience in the heart of Chicago. For a more casual experience, guests and visitors can visit Upstairs at The Gwen, a rooftop retreat offering skyline views, sunrise to sundown dining, and masterful mixology in a laid-back, twinkle lit setting.
A milestone event deserves a landmark location. Here, you’ll find pure glamour, history, and style — all with an artistic soul. From the unconventional to the classic, our newly-reimagined indoor and outdoor venues are made for chic rooftop receptions, intimate elopements, and glittering celebrations.
Under the bright lights of Michigan Avenue, memories are made to last a lifetime, and the picturesque backdrops — and photo ops — are endless. And with over 460 spots to shop, eat, and discover just steps away, experiencing the city can be an anytime affair.
The Gwen boasts more than 15,000 square-feet of meeting space, including rooms enhanced by natural light and city views, giving guests a true sense of place. Perfect for corporate or social gatherings, the event space, which is divisible into 15 rooms, is complemented by an experienced and talented team – including an onsite audiovisual department – that is ready to handle every detail.
Renovated in March 2019, the Gallery Ballroom features lofty ceilings punctuated by recessed lighting and fringed dome chandeliers. With its stately yet inviting atmosphere, this captivating 3,388-square-foot pillarless venue can accommodate exceptional gatherings of up to 320 guests.
Adjacent to the reimagined ballroom, a pre-function area greets visitors with floor-to-ceiling windows offering Chicago skyline views. Low-slung chairs and distinctive light fixtures lend this space a mid-century feel, creating a memorable environment for receptions or exhibits of up to 200 guests. Throughout both enhanced venues, geometric shapes, organic materials and a rich color palette evoke the artistic inclinations of Gwen Lux.