Back
Le Méridien Essex Chicago, the 1961 Essex Inn, facing Grant Park on Michigan Avenue

Le Méridien Essex (Essex Inn)

Midcentury-modern style with floor-to-ceiling Grant Park
and lake views, and a bi-level sky bar in the South Loop.

Essex Inn1961A. Epstein & SonsChicago Landmark 800 S. Michigan Avenue, facing Grant Park

Le Méridien Essex Chicago. Essex Inn, 1961, A. Epstein & Sons, 800 S. Michigan Avenue. Photo courtesy of Le Méridien Essex Chicago.

Le M\u00e9ridien Essex Chicago exterior
Le M\u00e9ridien Essex Chicago exterior. Photo courtesy of Le M\u00e9ridien Essex Chicago.
Le M\u00e9ridien Essex Chicago exterior
Le M\u00e9ridien Essex Chicago exterior view. Photo courtesy of Le M\u00e9ridien Essex Chicago.
Lobby at Le M\u00e9ridien Essex Chicago
The lobby at Le M\u00e9ridien Essex Chicago. Photo courtesy of Le M\u00e9ridien Essex Chicago.
Lobby at Le M\u00e9ridien Essex Chicago
The Le M\u00e9ridien Essex Chicago lobby. Photo courtesy of Le M\u00e9ridien Essex Chicago.
Lobby at Le M\u00e9ridien Essex Chicago
The Le M\u00e9ridien Essex Chicago lobby. Photo courtesy of Le M\u00e9ridien Essex Chicago.
Lobby at Le M\u00e9ridien Essex Chicago
The Le M\u00e9ridien Essex Chicago lobby. Photo courtesy of Le M\u00e9ridien Essex Chicago.
Lobby at Le M\u00e9ridien Essex Chicago
The Le M\u00e9ridien Essex Chicago lobby. Photo courtesy of Le M\u00e9ridien Essex Chicago.
Lobby at Le M\u00e9ridien Essex Chicago
The Le M\u00e9ridien Essex Chicago lobby. Photo courtesy of Le M\u00e9ridien Essex Chicago.
Restaurant and bar at Le M\u00e9ridien Essex Chicago
Dining and cocktails at Le M\u00e9ridien Essex Chicago. Photo courtesy of Le M\u00e9ridien Essex Chicago.
Restaurant and bar at Le M\u00e9ridien Essex Chicago
The restaurant and bar at Le M\u00e9ridien Essex Chicago. Photo courtesy of Le M\u00e9ridien Essex Chicago.
Amenities at Le M\u00e9ridien Essex Chicago
Le M\u00e9ridien Essex Chicago amenities and facilities. Photo courtesy of Le M\u00e9ridien Essex Chicago.
Guest room at Le M\u00e9ridien Essex Chicago
A guest room at Le M\u00e9ridien Essex Chicago. Photo courtesy of Le M\u00e9ridien Essex Chicago.
Guest room at Le M\u00e9ridien Essex Chicago
Le M\u00e9ridien Essex Chicago guest accommodations. Photo courtesy of Le M\u00e9ridien Essex Chicago.
Guest room at Le M\u00e9ridien Essex Chicago
Le M\u00e9ridien Essex Chicago guest accommodations. Photo courtesy of Le M\u00e9ridien Essex Chicago.
Guest room at Le M\u00e9ridien Essex Chicago
Le M\u00e9ridien Essex Chicago guest accommodations. Photo courtesy of Le M\u00e9ridien Essex Chicago.
Guest room at Le M\u00e9ridien Essex Chicago
Le M\u00e9ridien Essex Chicago guest accommodations. Photo courtesy of Le M\u00e9ridien Essex Chicago.
Guest room at Le M\u00e9ridien Essex Chicago
Le M\u00e9ridien Essex Chicago guest accommodations. Photo courtesy of Le M\u00e9ridien Essex Chicago.
Guest room at Le M\u00e9ridien Essex Chicago
Le M\u00e9ridien Essex Chicago guest accommodations. Photo courtesy of Le M\u00e9ridien Essex Chicago.
Guest room at Le M\u00e9ridien Essex Chicago
Le M\u00e9ridien Essex Chicago guest accommodations. Photo courtesy of Le M\u00e9ridien Essex Chicago.
Guest room at Le M\u00e9ridien Essex Chicago
Le M\u00e9ridien Essex Chicago guest accommodations. Photo courtesy of Le M\u00e9ridien Essex Chicago.
Guest room at Le M\u00e9ridien Essex Chicago
Le M\u00e9ridien Essex Chicago guest accommodations. Photo courtesy of Le M\u00e9ridien Essex Chicago.

Why this building matters

Completed in 1961 to the designs of A. Epstein & Sons, the Essex Inn is one of the few International Style towers along Michigan Avenue, a crisp glass-and-steel counterpoint to the masonry classics of the Historic Michigan Boulevard District. It was named a Chicago Landmark in 2016, with its rooftop “ESSEX INN” sign expressly protected. A full revitalization reopened it as Le Méridien in 2021.

What guests are saying

What guests love

  • Sweeping Grant Park and lakefront views from a genuine mid-century tower.
  • A design-forward revival with a stylish lobby bar and on-site dining.
  • A South Loop address on Michigan Avenue overlooking Buckingham Fountain and Grant Park, a 12-minute walk to the Art Institute.

What to keep in mind

  • A mid-century tower — an aesthetic distinct from the masonry classics nearby
  • A busy Michigan Avenue stretch

Best for Lovers of mid-century design and skyline-and-park views who want a stylish, well-located South Loop base.

Summary of guest reviews. Sources: Le Meridien Essex Chicago, Commission on Chicago Landmarks, Preservation Chicago. Photography courtesy of Le Méridien Essex Chicago, used with permission. Details may change over time.