
The Wade
Best for guests who want true walkable lake access, lively bars and rooftop event spaces with skyline views.
Prices in other currencies are estimates. You’re charged in USD.
The Wade is a 33-story Tribute Portfolio hotel on North Lake Shore Drive with lakefront access, a lobby bar, indoor pool and extensive meeting space — good for travelers who want direct walkability to Ohio Street Beach and a social downtown-lakeside vibe. The St. Regis Chicago is a newer five-star luxury hotel in a landmark Lakeshore East tower, aimed at guests seeking formal full-service luxury, a large spa/pool/wellness program and a central downtown location.
Updated · about 1.6 km apart

Best for guests who want true walkable lake access, lively bars and rooftop event spaces with skyline views.

Best for travelers after newer five-star finishes, a landmark-tower address and expansive luxury amenities (spa, indoor pool, full-service restaurants).
When The Wade wins: choose The Wade if you want immediate walkability to Ohio Street Beach, a social lobby bar and rooftop venues for weddings or groups — plus a large room count at a boutique-feeling lakeside address.
When The St. Regis Chicago wins: pick The St. Regis Chicago if you want a newer five-star property in a landmark downtown tower with full-service spa facilities, multiple fine-dining outlets and a design-forward, luxury-stay focus.
Bottom line: both hotels put you close to Chicago’s lakefront and top sights; The Wade leans lakefront and event-friendly with a lively social scene, while The St. Regis Chicago leans formal five-star luxury and a landmark downtown presence.
| Category | The Wade | The St. Regis Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Boutique, social lakefront hotel with lively bar and rooftop venues | Newer five-star luxury in a landmark downtown tower |
| Location | Gold Coast / Near North Side; steps from Ohio Street Beach and Lakefront Trail | Lakeshore East / downtown riverfront; within easy walk to Chicago Riverwalk and Grant Park |
| Size (rooms) | 520 guest rooms across 33 floors | 192 air-conditioned rooms |
| Age / style | Built 1965, renovated 2014/15; Tribute Portfolio (Marriott) soft-brand style | Newer five-star tower; St. Regis brand luxury |
| Pools | One indoor pool with lounge seating and an adjoining outdoor sun deck; indoor pool described as reserved for adults in some listings | Indoor pool (1) plus steam room and 24-hour fitness; wheelchair-accessible pool |
| Restaurants & bars | CURRENT restaurant (seasonal American), Current Bar and a lively lobby bar; social hour weekdays | Two on-site restaurants and a bar/lounge with 24-hour room service available |
| Spa & wellness | No confirmed on-site branded spa under 'The Wade' name; nearby third-party wellness studios noted | Full-service spa with treatment rooms, steam room and 24-hour fitness |
| Known for | Direct lakefront walkability (Ohio Street Beach), rooftop event venues and meeting space | Five-star St. Regis service and landmark Lakeshore East tower presence |
| Event space | Over 20,386 sq ft across 19 meeting rooms, rooftop Altitude ballroom and outdoor terrace | 8 meeting rooms and banquet facilities for events |
| All-ages / access | All-ages property (primary guest must be 21+ to check in); wheelchair-accessible features | |
| Distance between hotels | The Wade — 644 N Lake Shore Dr | |
The Wade sits on North Lake Shore Drive in Chicago’s Gold Coast, directly across from Ohio Street Beach.
Choose The Wade for immediate lakefront walkability and a Gold Coast address.
The St. Regis Chicago occupies a prominent Lakeshore East tower with a central downtown address near the Riverwalk.
Choose The St. Regis Chicago for a landmark downtown location that keeps you close to central Chicago attractions.
The Wade offers 520 rooms with lake or city views and a handful of suite categories.
Expect a large inventory of lake- and city-view rooms with typical Marriott/Tribute Portfolio amenities.
The St. Regis Chicago offers a smaller set of upscale rooms and multiple suite categories under a five-star standard.
Expect fewer rooms but higher-end finishes and distinct suite categories typical of a St. Regis property.
The Wade centers dining around CURRENT (seasonal American) plus Current Bar and a lively lobby bar.
The Wade leans social and approachable with seasonal American menus and an active bar scene.
The St. Regis Chicago lists two restaurants, a bar/lounge and 24-hour room service as part of its full-service offer.
The St. Regis focuses on formal full-service dining and 24-hour service consistent with five-star expectations.
The Wade features a single indoor pool with lounge seating plus an adjoining outdoor sun deck with city and lake views.
Pick The Wade if an indoor pool with skyline/lake views and a social pool area matter more than a resort spa program.
The St. Regis Chicago offers an indoor pool as part of broader spa and wellness facilities.
Choose The St. Regis Chicago for a full-service spa and wellness setup alongside pool access.
The Wade balances a social nightlife scene with extensive event space for meetings and weddings.
The Wade is strong for groups and social evenings while offering practical business facilities.
The St. Regis Chicago emphasizes formal event capabilities and a quiet luxury guest experience.
The St. Regis Chicago suits travelers who prioritize formal event service, spa time and elevated dining over rowdy nightlife.

The Wade — walk across the street to Ohio Street Beach and access the Lakefront Trail directly.

The St. Regis Chicago — newer five-star finishes, full-service spa, and St. Regis brand standards.

The Wade — Altitude rooftop ballroom and terrace with panoramic lake and skyline views and large capacities.

The St. Regis Chicago — full-service spa, steam room and a dedicated wellness offering.
The Wade is directly across the street from Ohio Street Beach; The St. Regis Chicago is downtown a short walk but not immediately adjacent.
Current Marriott marketing for The Wade lists nearby third-party wellness studios; there is no confirmed on-site branded spa under 'The Wade' name.
Yes — The Wade's indoor pool is described as open year-round; some listings note the indoor pool is reserved for adults.
The St. Regis Chicago — a five-star St. Regis property with named suites and a focus on full-service luxury.
Explore how The Wade stacks up against other hotels nearby:
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