[The Gwen 4x3] * THE GWEN HOTEL, PART OF MARRIOTT BONVOY'S LUXURY COLLECTION, IS LOCATED RIGHT IN THE HEART OF CHICAGO'S MAGNIFICENT MILE AND IS ONLY STEPS FROM SOME OF THE CITY'S BEST SHOPPING, DINING, AND ATTRACTIONS. * THE RECENTLY RENOVATED, HIGHLY-RATED ART DECO GEM IS FAVORED BY TOURISTS NOT ONLY FOR DESIGN-FORWARD ROOMS, BUT AN ON-SITE RESTAURANT WITH A JAMES BEARD AWARD-WINNING CHEF, AND ONE OF CHICAGO'S MOST POPULAR ROOFTOP LOUNGES. * WITH 311 ROOMS AND 34 SUITES, IT STILL MANAGES TO HAVE A BOUTIQUE FEEL. I SPENT THE NIGHT IN A DELUXE KING SUITE, WHICH STARTS AT $684, BUT ENTRY-LEVEL SUPERIOR KING ROOMS ARE JUST AS WELL-APPOINTED WITH SIMILAR AMENITIES AND ARE PRICED AS LOW AS $169. * READ ALL BUSINESS INSIDER HOTEL REVIEWS HERE. When you live in a big city like Chicago, after a while, you forget to look up. There are so many details that are all too easily missed when you're rushing around. I've been passing The Gwen Hotel for years, but it was only when I stopped to spend the night did I realize that I hadn't given the building the attention it deserved. Centrally located on the city's famous Magnificent Mile, the hotel occupies the 1920s landmark McGraw-Hill building, one of the last remaining Art Deco gems on Michigan Avenue. The hotel is named for Gwen Lux, a Chicago-born, pioneering female sculptor of the 20th century. She was just 20-years-old when she designed the stone bas relief panels that adorn the façade depicting the signs of the Zodiac, as well as a few Greek Gods. The hotel keeps such flair alive inside as well, with old-fashioned glamour and chic modernity seen from the lobby to the rooms. Just sitting in the lobby, I could picture myself in 1920s Chicago prohibition era. The Gwen is part of Marriott's Luxury Collection and attracts mainly business and leisure travelers, with 311 rooms and 34 suites with varying views. Entry-level Superior rooms come with a king or two queens and start at $169 in low winter season. Up from there are Deluxe rooms and the Grand Deluxe rooms which offer either a view of Michigan Avenue, or what they call the "Landmark View Room," which faces north for an iconic reveal straight up the Magnificent Mile. All of these rooms are generously-sized at 375 square feet. Suites range in size from 475 to 1,400 square feet and boast pretty spectacular views. I was upgraded to a King Deluxe Suite, which starts at $684 in low season (my room was comped for review purposes) and is worth the splurge for a special occasion. Though, you can't go wrong with a regular King room, which comes with most of the same amenities. Request a high floor with city views for that special "Chicago" wow factor. NEED MORE CHICAGO HOTEL SUGGESTIONS? READ OUR LIST OF THE BEST HOTELS IN CHICAGO. * The first impression * The room * On-site amenities * What's nearby * What others say * What you need to know * The bottom line * Book The Gwen starting at $169 a night here KEEP READING TO SEE WHY I WAS SO IMPRESSED BY THE GWEN. Business Insider Lisa Lubin/Business Insider The main entrance to the Gwen was a little underwhelming and dark as it sits underneath a pedestrian passageway for a mall above. But once inside the main lobby on the fifth floor, it was like entering a cozy chic oasis world. The lobby was large and open with jeweled-toned velvet couches. Bronze metal screens inspired by the vertical Art Deco fluting on the building's façade created some division between the lobby and the bar. Lisa Lubin/Business Insider Registration was directly in front of the elevators. How I'm treated by any customer service rep makes a lasting impression when I travel, and The Gwen did not disappoint. Ryan greeted me immediately with a sincere welcome and warm smile, which truly set the tone for my entire stay. He was sure to point out some of the amenities included with my platinum elite status with Marriott Bonvoy, such as the breakfast voucher he slipped into my key card holder. I called ahead for an early check-in so I'd have time to soak up the atmosphere and my room was ready within just a few minutes. Ryan clearly explained how to find the elevator on the other side of the floor and I was on my way. SEE THE REST OF THE STORY AT BUSINESS INSIDER SEE ALSO: * This robot teaches kids as young as 5 years old how to code without the use of screens — I recommend it to anyone looking for an affordable STEM robot * The best online deals and sales happening now * Disney Plus now has gift subscriptions — here's how to buy one for the Disney fan in your life SEE ALSO: THE BEST HOTELS IN CHICAGO
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