Planning trip to Chicago? Learn 5 reasons why hotels near Michigan Avenue offer the best access to shopping, dining and Chicago’s most iconic attractions.
If you’re looking for a convenient location to stay during your upcoming trip to Chicago, a hotel near Michigan Avenue truly has it all.
While you can stay anywhere in Chicago and still visit Michigan Avenue, staying close by allows you to truly soak in all the shopping, dining, history and attractions it has to offer.
Imagine a long morning walk along the river, then digging into some deep-dish pizza for lunch.
A spontaneous shopping trip in the afternoon, followed by a fantastic dinner out at one of Chicago’s best restaurants.
And all of it is just minutes away from your hotel.
Here are five reasons why choosing a hotel near Michigan Avenue is one of the smartest decisions you can make for your next stay in Chicago.
1. You’ll be Steps Away From Chicago’s “Front Yard”
Like exploring cities by foot? One of the biggest advantages of staying near Michigan Avenue is how close you’ll be to many of Chicago’s top attractions.
Chicago’s public transit and rideshares are convenient and can get you everywhere you want to go. But the expense can add up quickly.
Instead, staying centrally will put you within a few minutes’ walk of iconic destinations like:
- Millennium Park: Home to the famous Cloud Gate (“The Bean”) sculpture and outdoor concerts.
- Chicago Riverwalk: With scenic views of the river and plenty of restaurants and bars to choose from, this is the perfect spot for scenic strolls or catching a city tour.
- Grant Park: The grand centerpiece of the city, “Chicago’s Front Yard” has enough landmarks and attractions to keep you going for days. Here you’ll find Buckingham Fountain, lakefront trails, world-class museums and so much more.
- Museum Campus: Located in Grant Park’s southeastern end, Museum Campus is home to the Field Museum of Natural History, Shedd Aquarium and Adler Planetarium.
- The Art Institute of Chicago: Just off Michigan Avenue sits an impressive collection of nearly 300,000 works of art from all over the world.
- The Magnificent Mile: Located along northern Michigan Avenue, this shopping and entertainment district offers something for everybody.
- Navy Pier: A short walk from The Magnificent Mile, Navy Pier is home to impressive views of Lake Michigan and numerous entertainment options.
2. You’ll Step into a Piece of Chicago’s History
Chicago’s history is fascinating to explore, and staying near Michigan Avenue puts you right in the middle of some of the oldest buildings in the city, including the Chicago Water Tower, a former water tower encased in an intricate Gothic Revival-style structure.
Not only is the Water Tower visually interesting, it’s also a symbol of the city’s past, becoming famous when it survived the Great Chicago Fire in 1871, while most nearby buildings perished.
The North Michigan Avenue we know today began development in 1909, and by the 1940s, it had been given the nickname “The Magnificent Mile,” which has stuck around even until this day. Today, it’s celebrated as one of the 10 Great Streets in America.
History buffs will enjoy checking out the architecture in the area, like the Wrigley Building, a Spanish Colonial Revival-style skyscraper completed between 1920 and 1924. The nearby Tribune Tower, finished in 1925, features elaborate limestone carvings.
Continue the journey through history by staying in a historic Chicago hotel, like the Congress Plaza Hotel, which originally opened in 1893 for visitors of the World’s Columbian Exposition.
3. You’ll be Near Chicago’s Top Shopping Locations
Looking for a stylish new look or the perfect souvenir to take home to remember your time in the Windy City? The Magnificent Mile is home to a world-class mix of retail experiences for every taste and budget. You’ll find:
- Major department stores
- Luxury brands and designer boutiques
- Locally-owned Chicago shops and specialty gift stores
- Stores for the whole family, like American Girl Place, Harry Potter Shop and the LEGO Store
- Three multistory malls: 900 North Michigan Shops, Water Tower Place and The Shops at North Bridge
The biggest advantage of staying at a hotel close by? You won’t have to carry your bags around the city for the rest of the day. Instead, drop everything off in your hotel room, then head right back out to enjoy the rest of the day.
4. You’ll Have Endless Dining Options
Chicago is a foodie’s dream, with plenty of restaurants to enjoy. Staying near Michigan Avenue puts you a short walk away from hundreds of delicious options.
Did you know that Chicago is home to 20 Michelin-starred restaurants, several of which are within easy walking distance of Michigan Avenue?
But of course, you don’t need a reservation at a high-end restaurant to eat well here. You’ll find everything from classic deep-dish pizza to global eats to upscale dining, and everything in between.
Chicago also has plenty of cafes and bars to enjoy in between meal times.
5. A Convenient Location for Leisure and Business Travel
No matter if you’re here for work, vacation or a quick weekend getaway, a stay near Michigan Avenue puts you right in the middle of the best Chicago has to offer.
Here for business? Staying centrally in downtown Chicago makes it easy to access offices, event venues and convention spaces. You’ll have easy access to all of Chicago’s transportation options, making it easy to get to meetings on time.
Staying in downtown Chicago is just as convenient if you’re here on vacation. You’re mere steps away from many of the city’s top attractions. And if something is too far away to walk to, downtown hotels have plenty of access to bus and train lines.
Make the Most of Your Stay in Chicago
Staying near Michigan Avenue puts you in the center of historic landmarks, world-class shopping and dining, top attractions and so much more. With everything just steps from your hotel room, you’ll spend less time navigating Chicago’s public transit and more time experiencing all Chicago has to offer.
Ready to plan your trip and experience Chicago’s vibrant downtown? Explore Congress Plaza Hotel’s spacious guest rooms and suites and book your upcoming stay now.
