
Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile
Best for quieter Gold Coast style, larger event spaces, and a modern French aesthetic near Oak Street Beach.
Prices in other currencies are estimates. You’re charged in USD.
Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile is a 4.5-star Gold Coast hotel in a 32-story glass-prism tower with French-influenced design; read this if you want a quieter, design-forward base steps from the Magnificent Mile. The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Michigan Avenue Chicago is an upscale 4.5-star Luxury Collection property with Art Deco character and rooftop/terrace social spaces; read this if you want a centrally located, design-forward hotel with strong meeting and event facilities.
Updated · about 0.3 km apart

Best for quieter Gold Coast style, larger event spaces, and a modern French aesthetic near Oak Street Beach.

Best for Art Deco character, rooftop terrace socializing, and being steps from Michigan Avenue shopping and the Riverwalk.
When Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile wins: choose Sofitel if you want a taller, landmark building with French-accented dining, larger meeting/wedding ballrooms, a comprehensive 24-hour fitness center, and a quieter Gold Coast address a short walk from Oak Street Beach.
When The Gwen wins: pick The Gwen if you prefer a Luxury Collection property with prominent terrace and rooftop social spaces, an on-site Mediterranean restaurant (Kostali) and a location literally steps from Michigan Avenue and the Chicago Riverwalk.
Bottom line: both are upscale, 4.5-star hotels well placed for Magnificent Mile shopping. Sofitel skews toward large-event capability and French-inspired design in a high-rise tower; The Gwen emphasizes Art Deco character, terraces, and compact luxury with strong meeting-room inventory.
| Category | Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile | The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Michigan Avenue Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Quiet Gold Coast French-modern tower | Art Deco–inflected Luxury Collection hotel with terrace social spaces |
| Location | 20 E Chestnut St — Gold Coast, steps from Magnificent Mile and Oak Street Beach | 521 North Rush Street — steps from Michigan Avenue and Chicago Riverwalk |
| Size (rooms) | 415 rooms, including 63 suites | 311 guestrooms |
| Ages / policy | All ages welcome; primary guest must be 21+ to check in | All ages welcome (not adults-only) |
| Pools | No on-site pool (beaches within walking distance) | Not published |
| Restaurants & bars | CDA (French-American) and Le Bar (cocktails/lounge) plus La Terrace seasonal seating | Two restaurants (including Kostali), plus a bar/lounge and rooftop terrace |
| Spa / treatments | In-room spa menu provided via Windy City Massage (no standalone spa) | Not published |
| Fitness | Complimentary 24-hour Sofitel Fitness Center with TechnoGym equipment and free weights | 24-hour fitness facilities and wheelchair-accessible fitness center |
| Meetings & events | More than 13,000 sq ft of event space, Grand Ballroom (4,592 sq ft) and multiple meeting rooms | Conference space 3,388 sq ft and 14 meeting rooms |
| Known for | Large ballrooms, French-accent dining, high-rise views near Oak Street Beach | Terrace & rooftop social spaces, Luxury Collection branding, Michigan Avenue proximity |
Sofitel sits at 20 E Chestnut Street in the Gold Coast, a short walk to the Magnificent Mile and Oak Street Beach.
Choose Sofitel for a Gold Coast base with easy access to both shopping and nearby lakefront beaches.
The Gwen is at 521 North Rush Street, steps from Michigan Avenue and a short walk to the Chicago Riverwalk.
Choose The Gwen for the most immediate Michigan Avenue and Riverwalk access.
Sofitel offers 415 rooms across a 32-story tower with multiple suite categories and French-inspired in-room touches.
Sofitel is the larger property with a wide range of room and suite types across many floors.
The Gwen lists 311 guestrooms with a mix of Superior, Deluxe, Grand rooms and suites.
The Gwen is slightly smaller and presents a compact Luxury Collection room offering with practical in-room amenities.
Sofitel's on-site dining focuses on French-accented CDA for breakfast/lunch and Le Bar for cocktails and evening small plates.
Sofitel emphasizes French-influenced daytime dining and a lobby-level cocktail lounge with terrace seating.
The Gwen has two restaurants (including Kostali, Mediterranean) plus a bar/lounge and rooftop terrace for drinks.
The Gwen leans into terrace and rooftop dining/drinking options with Mediterranean-focused restaurant choices.
Sofitel does not have an on-site pool but is within walking distance of Lake Michigan beaches.
Sofitel is a city hotel that relies on nearby beaches rather than offering an on-site pool.
The Gwen emphasizes its rooftop terrace and garden social spaces rather than a traditional pool.
The Gwen’s rooftop/terrace areas are its signature outdoor social amenity; an on-site pool is not published.
Sofitel offers a fully equipped 24-hour fitness center and in-room spa services instead of a standalone spa.
Sofitel is strong on fitness and in-room treatments, with a lobby bar for after-hours drinks.
The Gwen lists 24-hour fitness facilities and wheelchair-accessible fitness center and highlights rooftop terrace nightlife.
The Gwen combines round-the-clock fitness access with rooftop nightlife and terrace gatherings.

Sofitel — larger ballroom and more total meeting/event square footage make it better for big weddings and conferences.

The Gwen — rooftop terrace and garden-focused public spaces are stronger for daytime drinks and evening socializing.

Sofitel — Oak Street Beach is an easy walk, and the hotel’s Gold Coast address puts Lake Michigan shoreline within reach.

The Gwen — described as steps from Michigan Avenue and a short stroll to the Chicago Riverwalk.
Sofitel — it has larger ballrooms and more total meeting space (Grand Ballroom ~4,592 sq ft and over 13,000 sq ft of event space listed).
Sofitel: no on-site pool. The Gwen: the supplier listing does not publish an on-site pool.
Both are within a very short walk to Michigan Avenue; The Gwen is described as steps from Michigan Avenue and the Chicago Riverwalk, while Sofitel sits two blocks from the Magnificent Mile in the Gold Coast.
Yes — both properties welcome guests of all ages. Note Sofitel requires the primary booking guest to be at least 21 to check in.
Explore how Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile stacks up against other hotels nearby:
vs. sites like Expedia, Hotels.com and other OTAs ·