
The Wade
Best for guests who want a lively lakeside boutique with a social lobby bar and direct lakefront walkability.
Prices in other currencies are estimates. You’re charged in USD.
The Wade is a lakeside, 33-story boutique hotel on North Lake Shore Drive with a lively lobby bar and an indoor pool; read this if you want a social, lake-adjacent stay near Navy Pier. The Peninsula Chicago is an iconic five‑star on the Magnificent Mile with formal service, suites, and a full-service spa; read this if you want classic, polished luxury close to Michigan Avenue shopping.
Updated · about 0.6 km apart

Best for guests who want a lively lakeside boutique with a social lobby bar and direct lakefront walkability.

Best for travelers who want a traditional five‑star experience, larger suite options, and a full‑service spa.
When The Wade wins: choose The Wade if you value proximity to the lake and Navy Pier, a lively lobby bar, and a modern boutique feel with a year‑round indoor pool and a 24‑hour fitness center. It's a better match for guests who like social hotel spaces and easy lakefront access.
When The Peninsula Chicago wins: pick The Peninsula for refined five‑star service, a larger set of upscale room and suite types (including named suites), an on‑site full‑service spa, and the feel of an iconic luxury address on the Magnificent Mile. It suits travelers who prioritize polished amenities and formal service.
Bottom line: both hotels are close to the Magnificent Mile, but they serve different priorities — The Wade for lakeside boutique energy and social spaces; The Peninsula Chicago for classic five‑star luxury and comprehensive in‑house amenities.
| Category | The Wade | The Peninsula Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Modern lakeside boutique with a social lobby bar | Classic, polished five‑star luxury |
| Location | Near North Lake Shore Drive, across from Ohio Street Beach, a short walk to Magnificent Mile | On Michigan Avenue near Water Tower Place and boutique shopping |
| Size | 520 rooms across 33 floors | 339 guestrooms |
| Ages / check‑in | All ages welcome; primary guest must be 21+ to check in | Family‑friendly; children policies apply (up to 2 children 11 and under stay free) |
| Pools | One indoor pool (year‑round) with adjoining sun deck; indoor pool reported as adults‑only by some sources | One indoor pool |
| Restaurants & bars | Current (seasonal American) + Current Bar + lively Living Room Bar | Two restaurants (including Shanghai Terrace) + 1 bar/lounge; in‑room dining available |
| Spa / wellness | No confirmed in‑house full spa under The Wade brand; 24‑hour fitness center complimentary | Full‑service spa and spa treatment rooms |
| Known for | Lake views, direct lakefront walkability, social bar, rooftop event spaces | Iconic five‑star service, suites, rooftop terrace and concierge service |
| Event space | Over 20,386 sq ft across 19 meeting rooms; rooftop Altitude ballroom and terrace | Ballroom and banquet facilities; wedding services and rooftop terrace |
| Wi‑Fi | Sources conflict; may be complimentary or surcharge-based | Complimentary wired and wireless internet listed |
The Wade sits on North Lake Shore Drive in the Gold Coast/Near North Side with direct walkability to Ohio Street Beach and the lakefront trail.
Choose The Wade if you want immediate lake access and quick walks to lakefront attractions.
The Peninsula Chicago is on Michigan Avenue steps from Water Tower Place and high‑end shopping on the Magnificent Mile.
Choose The Peninsula for walkable access to Michigan Avenue retail and classic downtown landmarks.
The Wade is a 33‑story hotel with 520 guest rooms ranging from standard city/lake views to one‑bedroom lake‑view suites.
The Wade offers more rooms and a taller tower — good for skyline/lake views and variety of room stock.
The Peninsula Chicago offers 339 guestrooms and a wide selection of named suites and deluxe options.
The Peninsula is a smaller‑scale luxury property with many suite options and upscale in‑room touches.
The Wade centers dining around Current (seasonal American) plus Current Bar and a lively Living Room Bar as the social hub.
The Wade emphasizes a social, approachable dining scene with a busy lobby bar and seasonal patio.
The Peninsula provides multiple dining options including Shanghai Terrace and a bar/lounge, plus in‑room dining (limited hours).
The Peninsula leans toward formal dining choices and round‑the‑clock service features associated with five‑star hotels.
The Wade has a single indoor pool with skyline/lake views and an adjoining outdoor sun deck; some sources report the indoor pool is reserved for adults.
The pool and sun deck are key draws at The Wade for guests wanting year‑round swimming with lake/city outlooks.
The Peninsula Chicago lists one indoor pool and a rooftop terrace among guest amenities.
The Peninsula offers an indoor pool alongside broader luxury amenities like a rooftop terrace and spa access.
Wellness at The Wade focuses on a complimentary 24‑hour fitness center; nightlife centers on the Living Room Bar and social programming.
Pick The Wade if you want late‑night lobby energy plus a round‑the‑clock gym but not necessarily a hotel spa.
The Peninsula provides a full‑service spa and multilingual concierge; nightlife is quieter and service-oriented rather than clubby.
Choose The Peninsula when a hotel spa and formal service are priorities over lively nightlife.

The Wade — walk across the street to Ohio Street Beach and access the lakefront trail.

The Peninsula Chicago — five‑star service, full‑service spa, and upscale suite options.

The Wade — over 20,000 sq ft of event space including the 33rd‑floor Altitude ballroom and rooftop terrace.

The Peninsula Chicago — steps from Michigan Avenue and Water Tower Place for high‑end retail.
Both are close; The Peninsula sits directly on Michigan Avenue while The Wade is a short walk (roughly 4 blocks) to the Magnificent Mile.
The Peninsula Chicago lists a full‑service spa on site. The Wade does not have a confirmed in‑house full‑service spa under its current branding; nearby third‑party spas are noted.
The Wade's indoor pool is open year‑round. The Peninsula lists one indoor pool as well; verify current hours with the hotel before arrival.
The Wade has a lively Living Room Bar open late and a social lobby atmosphere; The Peninsula's nightlife is quieter and service-focused.
Explore how The Wade stacks up against other hotels nearby:
vs. sites like Expedia, Hotels.com and other OTAs ·