Pros

  • Hip, trendy decor, with sleek lines and minimalist vibe
  • Gorgeous views of Lake Michigan from the rooftop terrace
  • Chic rooms with massive flat-screen TVs; some have lake views
  • Current Restaurant serves Italian food and The Living Room lobby has a bar
  • Beautiful indoor swimming pool
  • Fitness center includes numerous cardio and weight-training machines
  • Walking distance to many tourist attractions in exclusive Gold Coast section of Lakeshore Drive
  • Fun W extras, such as free car service within five miles
  • Bliss spa on-site, and Bliss products in guest bathrooms
  • 24-hour room service available
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Cons

  • Pricey fee for Wi-Fi for non-Starwood members (free Wi-Fi, however, is available in the lobby)
  • Bathrooms are somewhat small
  • Charges for parking and breakfast
  • Some rooms have views of a neighboring wall
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Bottom Line

The 520-room W Chicago - Lakeshore delivers the chic decor you'd expect from a W, and its impressive features -- a spacious gym, attractive indoor pool, on-site Bliss Spa, and absolutely stunning views of Lake Michigan and Navy Pier -- make this a solid upscale option. Current Restaurant and the Living Room lobby bar draw guests and locals, as does the rooftop terrace. Stylish, contemporary guestrooms have up-to-date technology, but smallish bathrooms and a charge for Wi-Fi. If the vibe here is a bit too hip for your taste, check rates at the nearby Waldorf Astoria Chicago.

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Amenities

  • Cribs
  • Fitness Center
  • Internet
  • Pets Allowed
  • Pool
  • Spa

Oyster Hotel Review

W Chicago – Lakeshore

Scene

Sleek, modern property attracts both leisure and business travelers

The scene at W Chicago - Lakeshore draws couples and business travelers more often than families, though young ones will likely appreciate the indoor pool. The airy, gray-black-and-white-lobby includes matching reception desks made of stacked copper cylinders. Walls are covered in matching white canisters. Circular black and white modular sofas are semi-hidden behind curtains of silver beads. The adjacent Living Room Lobby has a billiards table and super sleek bar counter with silver stools. Upstairs, guests gather on wicker furniture topped with colorful cushions to admire views of Lake Michigan and the Navy Pier.

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Location

Located in Streeterville, just a short walk or drive from multiple tourist attractions

Sandwiched between Lake Michigan and the rest of the Streeterville neighborhood, the W is within a short walk of several drinking and dining options, as well as various tourist attractions in Chicago. Neighboring Navy Pier offers plenty of festivals and fairs during the summertime, and the shops of the nearby Magnificent Mile on Michigan Avenue are always a popular pick.

Streeterville is one of Chicago's most affluent neighborhoods, with renowned restaurants and luxurious condos lining its streets. It's a great base for exploring the rest of the city: The neighborhood sits across the river from the Loop and Millennium Park, and most of Chicago's top tourist attractions are within walking distance. Expect a 25-minute drive to Chicago O' Hare International Airport and to pay for parking at the hotel.

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Rooms

Modern rooms with up-to-date amenities and small bathrooms

Updated in 2014, rooms here are sleek and modern, and range from standard "Wonderful" rooms to the "WOW" suite. They're neither particularly large nor small, and feature and black-white-and-gray color palette with interesting touches such as funky light fixtures, pop art-esque prints (like framed photographs of lips on the walls), and brightly colored chairs. All rooms have work desks, flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, and plenty of closet space. Bathrooms are relatively small, and are outfitted with slate tiling, shower/tub combos, and Bliss toiletries. Except for Starwood members, in-room Wi-Fi requires an additional fee and coffeemakers must be requested (but are free). Most rooms have amazing views of Lake Michigan or downtown Chicago, but some of them look into neighboring building's windows.

See More Rooms

Features

All the nice features the W is known for, including a cool rooftop bar and a Bliss spa

The W brand is known for its many extras -- not only including the Wherever, Whenever program (which basically promises anything you may request -- for a fee), but also its partnership with Bliss (this W property has a Bliss spa on-site). The indoor pool is flanked by chic sun loungers and the spacious fitness center includes Technogym equipment and strength-training machines. Current restaurant serves Italian and American dishes, while the uber-cool Living Room has billiards and a sleek bar. 24-hour room service is a nice touch. There's a rooftop terrace with views of Lake Michigan and a small bar area. Breakfast isn't included with the rate.

Business travelers will appreciate the expansive and stylish conference rooms. There's a business center with Mac computers and a copy machine. Wi-Fi is free on the first floor and in the rooms for Starwood members; non-members, however, have to pay a pricey daily fee.

See More Features

Oyster Hotel Review

W Chicago – Lakeshore

Scene

Sleek, modern property attracts both leisure and business travelers

The scene at W Chicago - Lakeshore draws couples and business travelers more often than families, though young ones will likely appreciate the indoor pool. The airy, gray-black-and-white-lobby includes matching reception desks made of stacked copper cylinders. Walls are covered in matching white canisters. Circular black and white modular sofas are semi-hidden behind curtains of silver beads. The adjacent Living Room Lobby has a billiards table and super sleek bar counter with silver stools. Upstairs, guests gather on wicker furniture topped with colorful cushions to admire views of Lake Michigan and the Navy Pier.

See More Scene

Location

Located in Streeterville, just a short walk or drive from multiple tourist attractions

Sandwiched between Lake Michigan and the rest of the Streeterville neighborhood, the W is within a short walk of several drinking and dining options, as well as various tourist attractions in Chicago. Neighboring Navy Pier offers plenty of festivals and fairs during the summertime, and the shops of the nearby Magnificent Mile on Michigan Avenue are always a popular pick.

Streeterville is one of Chicago's most affluent neighborhoods, with renowned restaurants and luxurious condos lining its streets. It's a great base for exploring the rest of the city: The neighborhood sits across the river from the Loop and Millennium Park, and most of Chicago's top tourist attractions are within walking distance. Expect a 25-minute drive to Chicago O' Hare International Airport and to pay for parking at the hotel.

See More Location

Rooms

Modern rooms with up-to-date amenities and small bathrooms

Updated in 2014, rooms here are sleek and modern, and range from standard "Wonderful" rooms to the "WOW" suite. They're neither particularly large nor small, and feature and black-white-and-gray color palette with interesting touches such as funky light fixtures, pop art-esque prints (like framed photographs of lips on the walls), and brightly colored chairs. All rooms have work desks, flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, and plenty of closet space. Bathrooms are relatively small, and are outfitted with slate tiling, shower/tub combos, and Bliss toiletries. Except for Starwood members, in-room Wi-Fi requires an additional fee and coffeemakers must be requested (but are free). Most rooms have amazing views of Lake Michigan or downtown Chicago, but some of them look into neighboring building's windows.

See More Rooms

Features

All the nice features the W is known for, including a cool rooftop bar and a Bliss spa

The W brand is known for its many extras -- not only including the Wherever, Whenever program (which basically promises anything you may request -- for a fee), but also its partnership with Bliss (this W property has a Bliss spa on-site). The indoor pool is flanked by chic sun loungers and the spacious fitness center includes Technogym equipment and strength-training machines. Current restaurant serves Italian and American dishes, while the uber-cool Living Room has billiards and a sleek bar. 24-hour room service is a nice touch. There's a rooftop terrace with views of Lake Michigan and a small bar area. Breakfast isn't included with the rate.

Business travelers will appreciate the expansive and stylish conference rooms. There's a business center with Mac computers and a copy machine. Wi-Fi is free on the first floor and in the rooms for Starwood members; non-members, however, have to pay a pricey daily fee.

See More Features

Best Rates

Amenities

  • Air Conditioner

  • Airport Transportation

  • Babysitting Services

  • Balcony / Terrace / Patio

  • Basic Television

  • Beach

  • Business Center

  • Cable

  • Concierge

  • Cribs

  • Dry Cleaning

  • Fitness Center

  • Internet

  • Kids Allowed

  • Laundry

  • Meeting / Conference Rooms

  • Mini Bar (with liquor)

  • Pets Allowed

  • Pool

  • Rental Car Service Desk Onsite

  • Room Service

  • Separate Bedroom / Living Room Space

  • Spa

  • Supervised Kids Activities

Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.