
The Wade
Best for guests who want true lakefront walkability, a social lobby bar, and an indoor pool with skyline views.
Prices in other currencies are estimates. You’re charged in USD.
The Wade is a 33‑story Tribute Portfolio hotel on Lake Shore Drive with lake views, a lively bar scene, and an indoor pool; read this if you want a social lakeside stay near Navy Pier. The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Michigan Avenue Chicago is an upscale 4.5‑star Luxury Collection property on Michigan Avenue with Art Deco styling and extensive meeting/banquet space; read this if you prefer a polished, design‑forward base on the Magnificent Mile.
Updated · about 0.7 km apart

Best for guests who want true lakefront walkability, a social lobby bar, and an indoor pool with skyline views.

Best for travelers who want an upscale Luxury Collection experience on Michigan Avenue with formal meeting rooms and Mediterranean dining.
When The Wade wins: Choose The Wade for direct lake access (across from Ohio Street Beach), a clear lakeside vibe, a lively lobby bar scene, and abundant event space spread across rooftop and lower‑floor venues — plus a year‑round indoor pool with a sun deck.
When The Gwen wins: Pick The Gwen if you want a Luxury Collection property steps from Michigan Avenue, a more formal Art Deco aesthetic, two on‑site restaurants including Mediterranean cuisine at Kostali, and a strong set of meeting rooms and conference amenities.
Bottom line: Both put you within easy walking distance of the Magnificent Mile and downtown sights; The Wade leans lakefront and social energy, while The Gwen leans upscale, design‑led service and classic Michigan Avenue convenience.
| Category | The Wade | The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Michigan Avenue Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Contemporary, social lakeside boutique | Upscale, Art Deco, luxury‑hotel formality |
| Location | 644 N Lake Shore Dr — Gold Coast, across from Ohio Street Beach; near Navy Pier | 521 North Rush Street — steps from Michigan Avenue and the Chicago Riverwalk |
| Size (rooms) | 520 guest rooms across 33 floors | 311 guestrooms |
| Audience & age policy | All ages welcome; primary guest must be 21+ to check in | All ages welcome; not adults‑only |
| Pools | One indoor swimming pool (year‑round) with adjoining sun deck; adults‑only pool access noted in listings | Not published |
| Restaurants & bars | CURRENT (seasonal American) + Current Bar + lively lobby Living Room Bar | 2 restaurants (including Kostali Mediterranean) + 1 bar/lounge; 24‑hour room service |
| Spa & wellness | 24‑hour fitness center (complimentary); nearby third‑party spas listed | Fitness facilities and rooftop terrace listed; on‑site spa not listed |
| Meeting & event space | 19 meeting rooms; over 20,386 sq ft; rooftop Altitude ballroom and terrace venues | 14 meeting rooms; 3,388 sq ft of conference space; ballroom and multiple event rooms |
| Known for | Lakefront location, rooftop ballroom with panoramic lake/city views, social bar scene | Luxury Collection service, Art Deco style, Magnificent Mile address |
| Accessibility & family notes | Accessible routes and rooms available; pet‑friendly (details vary) | Wheelchair‑accessible public washrooms, accessible paths and facilities; multilingual staff |
The Wade sits on North Lake Shore Drive in the Gold Coast with immediate lakefront access.
Pick The Wade for direct lakefront walkability and easy access to lakeside activities.
The Gwen is on Michigan Avenue, steps from shopping and the Chicago Riverwalk.
Pick The Gwen for being in the heart of the Magnificent Mile and close to downtown attractions.
The Wade offers rooms focused on city and lake views across a tall tower.
The Wade gives more room inventory and strong lake/city panoramas.
The Gwen provides fewer rooms with an upscale Art Deco presentation.
The Gwen is smaller and tailored toward a Luxury Collection guest experience.
The Wade’s Current restaurant and bars emphasize seasonal American dishes and a social scene.
The Wade focuses on seasonal American fare and a lively lobby/bar atmosphere.
The Gwen features Mediterranean cuisine (Kostali) and additional dining outlets.
The Gwen offers a more formal restaurant program anchored by Mediterranean cuisine.
The Wade’s signature amenity is its year‑round indoor pool with a sun deck and skyline views.
If a year‑round pool with skyline/lake views matters, The Wade is the clear choice.
The Gwen’s supplier listing highlights rooftop terrace and fitness but does not list an on‑site pool.
The Gwen emphasizes rooftop outdoor space and fitness rather than a hotel pool.
The Wade mixes a 24‑hour fitness center with an active late‑night bar scene.
Choose The Wade if you want late‑night social energy plus a full gym and lake access.
The Gwen provides fitness, rooftop terrace access and quieter Luxury Collection nightlife/food options.
The Gwen suits travelers who want a quieter, design‑forward hotel with formal dining and fitness.

The Wade — direct walk to Ohio Street Beach and Lakefront Trail; lake and skyline views from rooms and rooftop venues.

The Gwen — steps from the Magnificent Mile and the Chicago Riverwalk, ideal for shoppers and sightseers.

The Wade — larger total event space (over 20,000 sq ft) across 19 meeting rooms plus rooftop Altitude ballroom and terrace.

The Gwen — positioned and serviced as a Marriott Luxury Collection property with Art Deco styling and two on‑site restaurants.
The Gwen is directly on Michigan Avenue (steps away); The Wade is about 4 blocks (roughly 0.5 miles) from the Magnificent Mile.
The Wade has a year‑round indoor pool with a sun deck; The Gwen’s supplier listing does not publish an on‑site pool.
Both have event space. The Wade offers more total square footage and many meeting rooms including a rooftop ballroom; The Gwen also provides multiple meeting rooms and a ballroom but with smaller total conference space listed.
Both accept guests of all ages; The Wade notes the primary guest checking in must be at least 21. Neither property is adults‑only.
Explore how The Wade stacks up against other hotels nearby:
vs. sites like Expedia, Hotels.com and other OTAs ·