Loews Chicago Hotel

Housed in a huge glass tower overlooking the Navy Pier and the Chicago River, the Loews Chicago Hotel blends in well with its Downtown neighbors. Though it feels business-y and chainlike from the outside, the lobby’s interior design has a rather cozy feel, thanks to a glass-enclosed fireplace, ample seating, and floor-to-ceiling windows lined with easy chairs for people-watching. Business travelers make up a big chunk of the guests here, and the lobby caters to them with features such as a long communal table with power outlets, a bar, and smaller round tables suitable for casual meetings. While the lobby is busy during the day and into the night year-round, the Loews Chicago rooftop draws locals and guests alike during the warmer months. It’s a stylish, happening spot with sweeping views of the city center, and after-work groups mingle with guests and visitors over cocktails and snacks.

The Loews Chicago in Downtown does a great job catering to the business crowd but also offers great perks for families, which somewhat ratchets down the corporate vibe. This is one of two Loews hotels in Chicago -- the other one is the Loews Chicago O’Hare Hotel, located at the airport -- and both are known for being some of the most appealing picks in their price range thanks to its excellent features, convenient locations, stylish interiors, and competitive rates.

This Loews Hotel in Chicago is conveniently located for all types of traveler. It is centrally located in Downtown Chicago on the north bank, a block back from the Chicago River. It’s within walking distance of many major attractions, including the Navy Pier, Millennium Park, and the Magnificent Mile, all of which are about 10 minutes from the hotel. There are plenty of restaurants near Loews Chicago Hotel, and the neighborhood is known for its upscale shops and lively bars. The Red Line stops at Grand station, which is about a 12-minute walk from the hotel and offers easy access to other attractions in town, including Wrigley Field. O’Hare International Airport is about a 40-minute drive away, but depending on traffic, driving time can take up to an hour.

The hotel has a total of 400 rooms and suites spread over several floors on the bottom half of a glass tower (the top floors are occupied by condos). Rooms and suites are stylish and contemporary, with a soothing gray palette offset by pops of black and natural woods. Smoky gray accent walls tie in well with pearl-hued carpets and patterned armchairs, while neutral ergonomic chairs are pushed against black work desks. Chrome accents on lamps and chairs add style. All units have floor-to-ceiling windows with either city, Lake Michigan, or Chicago River views.

There are three main room types, including Superior, Premium and Grand Corner units. The main differences lie in size and views (the higher the category, the better the vistas). However, all room types have the same great range of amenities, such as free Wi-Fi, fully stocked minibars, single-cup coffeemakers, and iPod docks. Flat-screen TVs come with on-demand movies, and there are several easily accessible USB ports for charging electronic devices.

Suites, which range from Junior Suites to one-bedroom Presidential Suites, add pullout sofa beds in the living rooms. Chicago Suites and Presidential Suites (a.k.a. Navy Pier Suites) have kitchenettes outfitted with Nespresso machines, plus dining tables. Top-tier Presidential Suites have a small fitness room with an elliptical machine and a treadmill.

Bathrooms are sleek, clean, and modern in all rooms and suites, with dark wood and marble-like tiles, glass-enclosed showers (plus soaking tubs in suites), and ample counter space. All bathrooms are stocked with an array of Julien Farel anti-aging toiletries, professional hairdryers, and terry robes.

The Loews Chicago Hotel is home to the renowned ETA Restaurant + Bar, which is a casual eatery serving up American cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. For smaller bites, guests can head to the lobby bar, complete with a long communal table, ample seating, and a fireplace. The space is comfortable and pleasant and is busiest in the afternoon and early evening. For a quick caffeine fix, there is a Starbucks on-site. Streeterville Social, the hotel’s rooftop lounge, opens seasonally and offers a solid small bites menu, along with cocktails and a pleasant view. Room service is available 24 hours a day.

The Loews Chicago Hotel offers a range of great features for both business and leisure travelers. One of the nicest perks is the 75-foot indoor pool. It is skinny but long enough for laps, and huge windows cover two walls, letting in lots of light and offering city views. There are a few loungers and chairs, and towels are available free of charge. The adjacent gym is open 24/7 and features a number of modern cardio and strength-training machines, including two Peloton bikes and several ellipticals. Lockers are available on the same floor.

The hotel also features over 31,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space, including two ballrooms, 11 meeting rooms of different sizes and capacities, and a 9,000-square-foot terrace with views. Located on the second floor, the 24-hour business center offers two computers and a printer/scanner. Event planners are available on request for a fee.

Those traveling by car can leave their vehicle at the Loews Chicago parking lot, or request assistance from the valets. Both options are available for a daily fee, that while steep, is comparable to the prices available at other hotels in the area.

Services such as concierges and free shoeshines are available on-site. Unlike its sister property the Loews Chicago O’Hare Airport Hotel, the Loews Hotel Chicago does not offer an airport shuttle service. The Loews Chicago also lacks a spa.

Although the Loews Chicago Hotel is a great pick for business travelers, its many kid-friendly perks draw lots of families as well. Rooms are spacious and can fit a rollaway bed (for a fee) or a crib (free), and suites feature sofa beds suitable for kids. Children under 18 stay for free when sharing a room with an adult. Additionally, the hotel offers toys, coloring books, card and board games, and video games. Loaner iPads pre-loaded with games are available at the front desk, and on-demand movies can be purchased in-room. Pool toys are available on request as well, and babysitting services can be arranged for an hourly fee.

Guests traveling with pets should call in advance to book a pet-friendly room, bearing in mind that a maximum of two pets are allowed in a single room. There is a one-time fee to cover deep-cleaning services. The hotel can provide treats, leashes, cat and dog bedding, toys, and maps with pet-friendly activities.