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Sculpted Brilliance Shaped by History

The Tale of a Daring Pioneer

Nearly 100 years of history have awarded The Gwen’s storied structure many identities. Long-renowned as one of Chicago’s finest collaborations of sculpture and architecture, the unmistakable Art Deco-style facade of the landmark McGraw-Hill Building was meticulously crafted by pioneering sculptress Gwen Lux in 1928 — one of the few women in the field at the time, paving her way unabashedly. It’s Gwen, in all her vision and grit, who is our namesake and inspiration for our mission: to blur the lines between what is familiar and what is extraordinary.

 

In 2016, this iconic space was reimagined as The Gwen, A Luxury Collection Hotel, serving as an enduring emblem of the city’s golden era and a symbol of optimism for the golden years yet to come.

Gwen's Story
The Gwen Hotel

A Glimpse Inside

Bedroom with a large window showing off the Chicago cityscape
A balcony with a large outdoor table and views of downtown Chicago. Straight on view of a bed and side tables with artwork on the wall
Bedroom with two queen beds and artwork on the wall
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 A sectional couch and two leather chairs in a hotel room.

Itʻs All in the Details

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  • Frette Linens
  • Luxury Collection Bed
  • Oversized Showers
  • Free Wifi
  • Work Area
  • 65" Television
  • Room Service Packages
  • Pre-Order Amenities
The lobby of The Gwen.

The Latest Buzz

“An important aspect of the transformation is the hotel’s dining scene which features a rooftop dining space named Upstairs at the Gwen and a second-floor bar and lounge flanked by an outdoor terrace complete with fire pits, comfy seating and city views.

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  • Book The Gwen! You'll be Glad You Did

    Such a fun boutique hotel in primo location downtown Chicago! Beautiful atmosphere everywhere you turn, food is DELICIOUS and the hospitality service is so professional. This place knows luxury and they go above and beyond with personal touches and attention to every single guest they have. Run don't walk! You'll LOVE it and then book another stay to go back.

    Tripadvisor

  • Terrific Venue for Business Event

    “I’ve stayed for business and pleasure and am never disappointed. Greatly appreciated Vasso’s attention to detail in setting up and overseeing our meeting for this trip. Gorgeous conference room with city view and amenities. She ensured that our set up and needs were attended to. Hard to stand out among the friendly, professional and helpful staff - but she did. And the hotel is absolutely beautiful, clean and impressive. We also enjoyed Upstairs for breakfasts and the terrace for cocktails. (Thank you, Meredith.) Delightful, delicious and while COVID compliant, so comfortable with fire pits, sofas, blankets and music. Made me feel almost normal again. I’ll be back soon. Next time for fun!”

    Tripadvisor

  • Luxury in Chicago

    It was our family’s first time staying here and we were really impressed with the decor and cleanliness. Andrew checked us in and was very courteous and professional. Andrew acknowledged our Ambassador status and upgraded us to a suite on the 17th, which provided some beautiful views of the Magnificent Mile. The room is stunning and very large for a place in Chicago as rooms usually run small. This hotel really cares about all the details and have taken Covid 19 precautions by sanitizing all touch points in the room. Location is great, two blocks from Chicago River and you literally have tons of restaurant options within a three block perimeter. Trust me, you cannot go wrong.

    Tripadvisor

  • Book The Gwen! You'll be Glad You Did

    Such a fun boutique hotel in primo location downtown Chicago! Beautiful atmosphere everywhere you turn, food is DELICIOUS and the hospitality service is so professional. This place knows luxury and they go above and beyond with personal touches and attention to every single guest they have. Run don't walk! You'll LOVE it and then book another stay to go back.

    Tripadvisor

  • Terrific Venue for Business Event

    “I’ve stayed for business and pleasure and am never disappointed. Greatly appreciated Vasso’s attention to detail in setting up and overseeing our meeting for this trip. Gorgeous conference room with city view and amenities. She ensured that our set up and needs were attended to. Hard to stand out among the friendly, professional and helpful staff - but she did. And the hotel is absolutely beautiful, clean and impressive. We also enjoyed Upstairs for breakfasts and the terrace for cocktails. (Thank you, Meredith.) Delightful, delicious and while COVID compliant, so comfortable with fire pits, sofas, blankets and music. Made me feel almost normal again. I’ll be back soon. Next time for fun!”

    Tripadvisor

  • Luxury in Chicago

    It was our family’s first time staying here and we were really impressed with the decor and cleanliness. Andrew checked us in and was very courteous and professional. Andrew acknowledged our Ambassador status and upgraded us to a suite on the 17th, which provided some beautiful views of the Magnificent Mile. The room is stunning and very large for a place in Chicago as rooms usually run small. This hotel really cares about all the details and have taken Covid 19 precautions by sanitizing all touch points in the room. Location is great, two blocks from Chicago River and you literally have tons of restaurant options within a three block perimeter. Trust me, you cannot go wrong.

    Tripadvisor

  • Book The Gwen! You'll be Glad You Did

    Such a fun boutique hotel in primo location downtown Chicago! Beautiful atmosphere everywhere you turn, food is DELICIOUS and the hospitality service is so professional. This place knows luxury and they go above and beyond with personal touches and attention to every single guest they have. Run don't walk! You'll LOVE it and then book another stay to go back.

    Tripadvisor

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