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Fodor's Expert Review JW Marriott Chicago

Name: JW Marriott Chicago
Address: 151 W. Adams St., Chicago, Illinois, 60603, USA
Telephone: 888-238–2427;312-660–8200
Price range: $$$

151 W. Adams St., Chicago, Illinois 60603, USA See on Map

Carly Fisher

There's no point in messing with a classic, especially when your property has historic status as an architectural gem from Daniel Burnham. Nestled in the financial district, the former Continental & Commerical National Bank still retains its turn-of-the-century charm with a bit of renovated modernity, from its stunning marble lobby to its sumptuous luxury spa.

YOU SHOULD KNOW There's no beating the location, which is the closest luxury hotel to the city's major sports stadiums and a stone's throw from the theater and financial districts. Those in town for a sports game who really want to go all out, the property has a skydeck package for two express tickets to the game.

room

Recently updated, rooms are outfitted with luxe black and white modern treatments, updated tech amenities like iHome and smart TVs with streaming services. Don't expect major views in the financial district and soft sleepers should definitely make sure to opt for the interior rooms to avoid city noise with double-paned windows over original glass muting outdoor noise and black out drapes that extend further past windows for total darkness.

YOU SHOULD KNOW Coming in for a wedding party or want some separation from the kids? Suites can be connected, and feature full sofas with pull out in living rooms.

bathroom

Unwind with some bath time. Rooms come standard with generously-sized deep soaking tubs, standing showers with rainfall heads, two terrycloth robes and products from Aromatherapy Associates. The grand prize is the luxury corner suite featuring a walk-in closet and stunning marble infinity tub with TV and corner-view windows—but expect to cough up a pretty penny for that one.

lobby

Enter off LaSalle street into a gorgeous two-story entrance decked out wth ornate black and brace curved staircases. Clean, white with splashes of dramatic red and black, and marble floors are peppered with black and white images of Chicago as a nod to its architectural heyday.

pool

The half-sized lap pool is better suited for exercise than a pool party, but the 90 PSI massage jet hot tub is always worth a dip.

spa

Boasting one of the city's top spas, the JW is a destination for celebrities, NFL players and those that just want to get pampered. Within the 14 slate-colored treatment rooms is a specialty Turkish bath known as a hamman, infrared sauna and steam room, stone beds with heated floors and fireplace. Along with wraps and massages, the spa is among the few that offer hydrofacials for those on the cutting-edge of beauty services.

gym

As the only hotel gym in the city to have dumbbells up to 100 pounds plus exclusive Nike trainers on property, it's no surprise it's a popular spot among local and traveling athletes. Along with cardio and weights, the property hosts free classes like yoga and kickboxing in its studio for group fitness. VIPs can also pay extra for the JW's private studio (Katy Perry has been among the elite to use the room).

dining

Find fresh pastas and regional Italian dishes at the second floor restaurant, The Florentine, which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus grab-and-go lunch specials.

drinking

The Lobby Lounge isn't much of a unique drinking destination, but manages to pull in the local business crowd after work for a casual happy hour during the weekday. If it's ambiance you're after, it's better to head up to the bar at The Florentine for wine and cocktails.

Beer fans can also take advantage of a special Lagunitas brewery tour and flight of beer in your room for an added local experience.

LOCATION

Getting Around

Conveniently central in the Loop, the property is steps away from all Chicago L trains and buses. Taxis are easily accessible in this area, as well as ride-hailing apps if you need to get somewhere quickly. Valet and parking garages are nearby, but can be quite pricey and a hassle if you're spending most of your time downtown.

Restaurants

The once-sleepy Financial District dominated by lunch restaurants is finally seeing up-and-coming restaurants like Cochon Volant Brasserie (1-minute walk) and trendy food halls like Latincity (4-minute walk) and Revival Food Hall (2-minute walk). Classic standbys abound like Italian Village (1-minute walk) or The Grillroom Chophouse & Wine Bar (3-minute walk), but foodies seeking the latest hotspots should head to River North.

Bars

Most of the after-work crowd heads to Revival Food Hall (2-minute walk) to grab a drink, but the upscale wine bar Townhouse Restaurant & Wine Bar (6-minute walk) and divier Franklin Tap and Cactus Bar & Grill (8-minute walk) continue to be local haunts.

WHY WE LIKE IT

If you're looking for luxury, JW Marriott makes sure to pull out all the stops so that every guest feels like a VIP. Business travelers and VIP guests will get the most of out of the property, given its central location to the financial and theater districts—though younger travelers trying to access the city's nightlife scene will have a bit of a longer commute to find it. Arguably one of the best spas in town, it's well worth the investment for the hamman treatments secluded in a setting that seems a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city.