Travelers comparing high rise hotels in Chicago often want more than a convenient room. They want a location that makes the city easy to explore, a setting that feels distinctly Chicago, memorable views, and places to eat or meet without adding more travel time to the day.
LondonHouse Chicago brings those priorities together in one downtown address. Located at 85 East Wacker Drive at North Michigan Avenue, the hotel pairs the historic London Guarantee Building with a modern glass tower. Its 452 rooms and suites, rooftop experiences, lobby bar, and flexible event spaces give leisure travelers, business guests, and celebration groups several reasons to make it their base in the city.
A Central Downtown Location
A central location can shape the entire pace of a trip to Chicago. LondonHouse Chicago sits beside the river and near the Magnificent Mile, placing guests close to shopping, restaurants, business destinations, and many of the city’s well-known sights. The Chicago River runs through the heart of downtown, making the nearby Riverwalk an especially useful starting point for a walk, an architecture cruise, or an evening along the water.
From this area, guests can plan time around Millennium Park, Navy Pier, the Art Institute of Chicago, Willis Tower, Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium, and the shops along Michigan Avenue. Those planning a culture-focused itinerary can also use the hotel as a convenient base for exploring Millennium Park, home to public art, gardens, and gathering spaces near the Loop.
The advantage is not that every destination is next door. Chicago is a large city. Instead, the hotel provides a downtown starting point that helps travelers balance sightseeing, appointments, dining reservations, and downtime without feeling removed from the action.
Historic Character and Modern Design
LondonHouse Chicago stands apart from a standard downtown hotel because its design brings two architectural eras together. The historic structure supplies visual character and a strong sense of place, while the 22-story glass tower creates a contemporary profile and expands the hotel’s room inventory and views.
This combination matters for travelers who want a stay that feels connected to Chicago rather than interchangeable with any other major city. The contrast between classical architecture and modern glass also carries into the hotel experience, particularly at the rooftop, where the original Beaux-Arts dome is used for the private Cupola dining experience.
Choosing the Right Room or Suite
Rather than choosing only by bed type, consider how the room will support the trip. LondonHouse Chicago offers several categories to suit different travel styles.
- King Rooms: A practical choice for solo travelers or couples who want a comfortable downtown base, including the hotel’s LHLux bed.
- Double Double Rooms: A useful option for friends, families, or guests who prefer two beds and added flexibility.
- Corner Studio Suites: Designed for travelers who want more room to spread out, with additional seating and a separate living area.
- One-Bedroom Suites: A strong fit for longer stays, special occasions, or travelers who value distinct areas for relaxing and sleeping.
- Vista Rooms and Vista Suites: The best categories to consider when floor-to-ceiling windows and expansive city views are a high priority.
For an important detail such as a specific bed configuration, suite layout, or view preference, confirm the room description at the time of booking. Individual room orientation can affect what guests see from the window.
Finding Chicago Views
Views are a major reason travelers look for a high-rise hotel, and LondonHouse Chicago builds that experience into both guestrooms and public spaces. Vista Rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows, while Vista Suites add a separate living area to the view-focused stay. Depending on the room’s location, guests may look out over the river, the downtown skyline, Lake Michigan, or the Magnificent Mile.
The view experience extends beyond the guestroom. Bridges Lobby Bar overlooks the Chicago River through floor-to-ceiling windows, offering a more relaxed setting for cocktails and small bites. Upstairs, LH Rooftop offers a higher perspective on the city, making it a compelling choice for a first-night drink, a celebratory dinner, or a late-afternoon pause between plans.
Dining and Drinks at the Hotel
LondonHouse Chicago gives guests multiple ways to dine or gather without leaving the property. LH Rooftop is arranged across three levels, each with a different atmosphere.
- LH ON 21: Indoor dining and cocktails, along with reimagined American fare.
- LH ON 22: An outdoor terrace with views of the Chicago River and the Magnificent Mile area.
- LH ON 23: The private Cupola experience inside the building’s original dome.
For a lower-key alternative, Bridges Lobby Bar on the second floor offers cocktails, conversation, and small bites beside the river. Having both rooftop and lobby-level choices is helpful when guests want a memorable view one evening and a quieter place to reconnect the next.
Meetings, Weddings, and Events
LondonHouse Chicago is also equipped to host gatherings that require accommodations and event space in the same downtown location. The hotel offers more than 25,000 square feet of meeting and event space, with skyline views from many of its windows.
That setup can simplify logistics for corporate meetings, weddings, social celebrations, and private dinners. Guests can stay on-site, hosts can coordinate catered functions in the hotel, and groups can move from a meeting or reception to rooms, drinks, or dinner without arranging additional transportation. For events with specific technical, catering, accessibility, or guest-room needs, contacting the sales and catering team early is the best approach to planning.
Planning a Chicago Stay
Chicago hotel demand can vary substantially based on conventions, concerts, holidays, and summer weekends. Booking early is especially helpful when a particular room category or rooftop reservation matters to the trip.
Details to Confirm Before Booking
- Your preferred room category, bed configuration, and number of guests.
- Whether a river, lake, skyline, or city view is important to your stay.
- Current dining hours and reservations for LH Rooftop or the private Cupola.
- Parking or valet needs, especially if arriving by car.
- Current hotel policies, packages, destination charges, and cancellation terms.
- Event space availability for coordinating a meeting, wedding, or group trip.
When comparing high-rise hotels, focus on the full experience rather than only the nightly rate. A strong choice should fit the purpose of the visit, whether that means easy sightseeing, room to work, a skyline view, a special dinner, or an event space that keeps a group together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is LondonHouse Chicago a high-rise hotel?
Yes. LondonHouse Chicago includes a modern 22-story glass tower connected to a historic building and offers 452 rooms and suites.
Where is LondonHouse Chicago located?
The hotel is located at 85 East Wacker Drive at North Michigan Avenue, beside the Chicago River and near the Magnificent Mile.
Does LondonHouse Chicago offer rooms with views?
Yes. Vista Rooms and Vista Suites feature floor-to-ceiling windows. Available views vary by room category and location within the hotel.
Does the hotel have a rooftop restaurant or bar?
Yes. LH Rooftop includes indoor dining on LH ON 21, an outdoor terrace on LH ON 22, and private Cupola dining on LH ON 23.
Can LondonHouse Chicago host weddings and meetings?
Yes. The hotel offers more than 25,000 square feet of meeting and event space for business functions, weddings, and social gatherings.
