
Swissotel Chicago
Best for large events, river-and-lake views, and a high-floor fitness center and spa.
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Swissotel Chicago is a 43-story glass tower where the Chicago River meets Lake Michigan, aimed at travelers who want large rooms, river/lake views and full event facilities. The Westin Chicago River North is a 4.5‑star branded upscale hotel on the Chicago River for travelers who prefer a central River North location with familiar Westin beds and fitness amenities.
Updated · about 0.6 km apart

Best for large events, river-and-lake views, and a high-floor fitness center and spa.

Best for a central Riverwalk base with predictable Westin service, many accessible features and a single on-site American restaurant.
When Swissotel Chicago wins: Choose Swissotel if you want dramatic river/lake views, a 42nd‑floor fitness center and on‑site Spa 42, larger meeting and wedding ballrooms, or more on‑site dining options (The Palm and Amuse).
When The Westin Chicago River North wins: Choose The Westin if you want a River North address steps from the Chicago Riverwalk, a consistent Westin product with many accessible features, and one easy on‑site restaurant (320 RiverBar) plus 24‑hour room service.
Bottom line: Both are upscale, river‑area hotels within walking distance of downtown attractions. Pick Swissotel for larger scale meetings, high‑floor amenities and a fuller in‑hotel dining and spa program; pick The Westin for a compact River North location and a familiar branded stay with strong accessibility and business facilities.
| Category | Swissotel Chicago | The Westin Chicago River North |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Large, business-and-events oriented glass tower with skyline and water views | Branded upscale hotel focused on comfort and Riverwalk access |
| Location | Where the Chicago River meets Lake Michigan; steps from Millennium Park and the Magnificent Mile | On 320 N Dearborn St, steps from Chicago Riverwalk and close to River North nightlife |
| Size (rooms) | About 661–662 rooms across 43 floors | 445 guestrooms |
| Ages / family policy | All ages welcome; family-friendly (children 17 and under may stay free with existing bedding) | All ages welcome (children 12 and under stay free when using existing bedding per supplier note) |
| Pools | No on-site pool (removed during renovations) | Not published |
| Restaurants & bars | The Palm (steakhouse, breakfast/lunch/dinner) and Amuse (coffee shop/lobby bar) plus 24‑hour room service | 320 RiverBar (American), 24‑hour room service; full breakfasts available for a fee |
| Spa & wellness | Spa 42 on-site (massages, facials, sauna, steam room, outdoor treatment area) and 42nd‑floor Penthouse Fitness Center open 24 hours | Not published |
| Known for | High-floor fitness center with lake views, Spa 42, large ballroom/event facilities | Central Riverwalk location, accessibility features, and consistent Westin bedding/amenities |
| Meeting & event space | About 65,000 sq ft and multiple ballrooms (including 42nd‑floor Élevé and a 14,000 sq ft Zurich Ballroom) | 13 meeting rooms and a business center |
| Check‑in / check‑out | Standard check‑in 3:00 PM, check‑out before 12:00 PM | Check‑in begins 4:00 PM per supplier listing; check‑out 12:00 PM |
Swissotel sits where the Chicago River meets Lake Michigan in the Loop, very close to Millennium Park and the Magnificent Mile.
Swissotel is best if you want immediate access to both the river and the lakefront plus museum and shopping walks.
The Westin Chicago River North sits on N Dearborn St next to the Chicago Riverwalk with River North nightlife within easy reach.
The Westin is ideal if you want to be based in River North with quick access to the Riverwalk and evening entertainment.
Swissotel has a large room inventory with room categories that emphasize city, river and lake views plus larger suites.
Choose Swissotel for more room-type variety and higher‑floor view options.
The Westin offers a typical Westin room mix with river and city view deluxe rooms and several accessible room variants.
The Westin is a solid, predictable choice for comfortable rooms with accessible options.
Swissotel has two primary outlets—The Palm steakhouse and Amuse lobby bar—plus 24‑hour room service.
Swissotel works when you want a more traditional steakhouse dinner and a lobby bar with local touches.
The Westin’s main on‑site restaurant is 320 RiverBar, with breakfast available for a fee and 24‑hour room service.
The Westin is suitable if you plan to eat out in River North often or want one straightforward on‑site dining option.
Swissotel previously had an indoor pool but it was permanently removed during renovations; the hotel emphasizes Spa 42 and the Penthouse Fitness Center.
Swissotel’s signature amenities are the high-floor fitness center and Spa 42 rather than an on‑site pool.
The Westin highlights fitness, terrace and garden spaces but supplier listing does not publish a pool.
If an on‑site pool is essential, neither hotel is confirmed to offer one based on available listings.
Swissotel focuses on wellness via Spa 42 and a 24‑hour Penthouse Fitness Center; nightlife is more about nearby downtown venues and an in‑hotel bar.
Swissotel combines a full spa program with close access to downtown nightlife.
The Westin emphasizes fitness and has easy access to River North nightlife; supplier listing notes fitness classes and 24‑hour front desk.
The Westin serves guests who want to exercise and then walk straight into River North nightlife.

Swissotel — far more total meeting space and larger ballrooms (Élevé, Zurich Ballroom and multiple divisible venues).

The Westin — steps from the Chicago Riverwalk and central to River North restaurants and bars.

Swissotel — Spa 42 and a 42nd‑floor Penthouse Fitness Center with lake views.

The Westin — extensive wheelchair-accessible features and several accessible room options.
Swissotel is closer — it’s a short walk to Millennium Park; The Westin is a longer walk from the park.
Swissotel no longer has a pool (it was removed during renovations). The Westin’s supplier listing does not publish a pool.
Swissotel — it has much larger and more flexible meeting and ballroom space; The Westin has meeting rooms but on a smaller scale.
Yes. Both properties welcome children; Swissotel explicitly notes family programs and complimentary stays for younger children using existing bedding.
Explore how Swissotel Chicago stacks up against other hotels nearby:
vs. sites like Expedia, Hotels.com and other OTAs ·