Why this building matters
Marina City is one of Chicago’s great mid-century icons. Designed by Bertrand Goldberg and completed in the mid-1960s, it was conceived as a “city within a city” to draw residents back downtown — the first post-war urban high-rise residential complex in the United States, and the first building constructed with tower cranes. The hotel occupies the complex’s original office building, thoughtfully adapted for hospitality (the neighboring theater is now the House of Blues), so a stay here puts you inside a working piece of architectural history.
What guests are saying
What guests love
- Being inside an architectural landmark — Goldberg’s curved, petal-like towers are a global icon (and a Wilco album cover).
- A riverfront River North location steps from the House of Blues and the Riverwalk, a 10-minute walk to the Magnificent Mile.
- Floor-to-ceiling windows with river and skyline views in many rooms.
What to keep in mind
- The hotel is the rectilinear building, not the round towers themselves
- A busy entertainment block along the river
Best for Design and architecture lovers who want to stay inside one of Chicago’s most iconic modern landmarks, right on the river.
Summary of guest reviews. Sources: Hotel Chicago Downtown, Autograph Collection, Commission on Chicago Landmarks, Preservation Chicago. Photography courtesy of Hotel Chicago Downtown, Autograph Collection by Marriott, used with permission. Details may change over time.