Starwood Hotels Starwood Preferred Guest

W Chicago Lakeshore Hotel

The appeal of the W Chicago Lakeshore is its location adjacent to Lake Michigan. No other hotel I saw in downtown Chicago had such close proximity to the lake for unobstructed views to the east.
a window with a view of the ocean
W Chicago Lakeshore view

The disadvantage of the W Lakeshore is its location is less convenient for transportation and activities aside from being near the Navy Pier with the Children’s Museum, rides, attractions, and restaurants.

a high angle view of a beach
W Chicago Lakeshore view of Navy Pier

The hotel is about four blocks east of Michigan Avenue in a mostly residential area of tower blocks.

a view of a city from a window
Chicago W Lakeshore city view to Michigan Avenue from 33rd floor Altitude

The serene beauty of viewing the lake from a bedroom at the W Lakeshore is better than a lakeshore walk due to the eight lanes of traffic on North Lakeshore Drive bordering the bike and walk path alongside Lake Michigan. My room on the 23rd floor of the 33 floor hotel did not have any noticeable road noise.

a long shot of a beach
Chicago W Lakeshore 33rd floor Altitude lake view north

The hotel bar Wave at the lobby was fairly packed with finely dressed gents and ladies. I did not fit in with my jeans attire. That didn’t inhibit me from redeeming my coupons for two free beers while I read a poorly written book with great hotel photos.

a long shot of a lobby
W Chicago Lakeshore lobby

Whiskey Sky is the 33rd top floor hotel bar open in the evening, but there was nothing happening there on a Sunday night at 9pm.

a room with a large sign
W Chicago Lakeshore Whiskey Sky 33rd floor bar

The bar has primarily a south and west facing view.

a view of a city from a window at night
W Chicago Lakeshore view of Navy Pier from Whiskey Sky

In contrast, the large room Altitude also on the top floor of the W Lakeshore had a roaring party, however, this wonderful viewing space is only for private events.

a room with a large ceiling and many tables
W Chicago Lakeshore Altitude room on 33rd floor

I found daytime access and snapped a few photos from Altitude.

low view of a tall building
W Chicago Lakeshore, Altitude is circular room on 33rd floor

The Bliss Spa, WET pool and fitness room SWEAT are located on Floor 7.

a indoor pool with a blue sign
W Chicago Lakeshore WET, 7th floor indoor pool

There is a small lakeside outside deck by the indoor pool.

a gym with weights and exercise equipment
W Chicago Lakeshore sweat

The W room had all the mod cons, but I wasn’t really inspired by the layout and design.

a bathroom with open shutters
W Chicago Lakeshore bath shutters

As a Cash & Points room I received good value for $60 and 4,000 points for a $350 or so room rate after tax.

a bathroom with black tile walls
-W Chicago Lakeshore bath

The double beds made for a cramped space, but there were no lake view rooms with King beds available.

a hotel room with two beds
W Chicago Lakeshore double beds

The usual nice Bliss bath amenities were present and I received one of the three pricey Fiji bottled waters in the room complimentary as a SPG Platinum elite.

a bathroom with a mirror and sink
W Chicago Lakeshore bathroom

The seating was adequate for one person, but not for two with only one cushion chair by the window and one desk chair.

a brown chair next to a lamp
W Chicago Lakeshore chair

The TV was large with some HDTV channels. Internet worked easily and was complimentary for me as SPG elite.

a tv on a table in a room
W Chicago Lakeshore desk space and TV

I liked the rooms and lobby better at the W Chicago City Center, but that location and hotel is a totally different Chicago experience.

a large metal sculpture with a letter n
W Chicago Lakeshore

Related Post: Loyalty Traveler – W Chicago City Center in Blue Ray (Oct 27, 2010)

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