
Marriott Marquis Chicago
Best for large groups, convention attendees, and travelers who want direct access to McCormick Place and extensive event space.
Prices in other currencies are estimates. You’re charged in USD.
Marriott Marquis Chicago is a large, 4-star, event-focused downtown hotel in the South Loop with direct skybridge access to McCormick Place; read this if you need convention-friendly rooms, big ballrooms, and easy lakefront access. Waldorf Astoria Chicago is a five-star luxury hotel in the Gold Coast; read this if you want refined, smaller-scale luxury and an Art Deco–style stay steps from Michigan Avenue.
Updated

Best for large groups, convention attendees, and travelers who want direct access to McCormick Place and extensive event space.

Best for travelers seeking a refined five-star stay in the Gold Coast with a full-service spa and classic luxury amenities.
When Marriott Marquis Chicago wins: choose Marriott Marquis if you’re attending a conference or event at McCormick Place, need lots of meeting/ballroom options, want many casual dining choices under one roof, or travel with family and need a high-capacity, all-ages hotel.
When Waldorf Astoria Chicago wins: choose the Waldorf Astoria for a smaller, five-star Gold Coast experience with a full-service spa, refined room choices including terraces and fireplaces, and a more traditional luxury hotel environment close to Michigan Avenue shopping.
Bottom line: pick Marriott Marquis for scale, meeting space, and practical lakefront/arena access; pick Waldorf Astoria for classic five-star service, spa amenities, and a central Gold Coast address.
| Category | Marriott Marquis Chicago | Waldorf Astoria Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Large, modern, conference- and family-oriented | Refined five-star hotel with Art Deco touches |
| Location | South Loop, connected to McCormick Place; near lakefront trails | Gold Coast, steps from Oak Street and Michigan Avenue |
| Size (rooms) | 1,205 rooms across ~39–40 floors | 214 guestrooms |
| Ages / Audience | All ages welcome; family-friendly | |
| Pools | No on-site pool | Indoor pool (wheelchair-accessible) |
| Restaurants & bars | Multiple outlets: Woven and Bound, 2121 Pantry, Showroom Food Hall, in-room dining, M Club | One on-site restaurant (Brass Tack), 24-hour room service, bar/lounge |
| Spa / wellness | Complimentary 24-hour fitness center; no verified on-site spa | Full-service spa with treatments, plus fitness and classes (Pilates, yoga) |
| Known for | Convention connectivity and very large event/ballroom capacity | Gold Coast luxury, terraces/fireplaces in rooms, boutique five-star service |
| Meeting & event space | Nearly 90,000 sq ft, ~63 meeting rooms, two ~25,000 sq ft ballrooms, Level 33 venue | Conference space ~7,911 sq ft across 9 meeting rooms |
| Check-in / check-out | Check-in 4:00 PM, check-out 12:00 PM (noon) | Check-in begins 3:00 PM, check-out 12:00 PM |
Marriott Marquis sits in the South Loop directly connected to McCormick Place and close to lakefront trails.
Choose Marriott Marquis for the simplest access to large event venues and practical lakefront access.
Waldorf Astoria Chicago is in the Gold Coast, a short walk to Oak Street and Michigan Avenue shopping.
Choose Waldorf Astoria if you want to stay near Chicago’s primary shopping and Oak Street Beach area.
Marriott Marquis provides a very large selection of modern rooms and suites, many with city or lake views.
Marriott Marquis is about variety and capacity—good for groups and families who need options and views.
Waldorf Astoria’s room list emphasizes refined choices—terrace rooms, fireplaces, and suites are common.
Waldorf Astoria focuses on smaller-scale, luxurious room details like terraces, fireplaces and spacious suites.
Marriott Marquis houses several on-site dining concepts from a full-service restaurant to a food hall.
Marriott Marquis offers a range of casual-to-full-service dining options suitable for families and groups.
Waldorf Astoria emphasizes a single signature restaurant and 24-hour room service.
Waldorf Astoria is better for quieter, higher-end meals rather than casual multiple-concept dining under one roof.
Marriott Marquis does not have an on-site pool; outdoor lakefront access is nearby.
If an on-site pool is essential, Marriott Marquis is not the right pick.
Waldorf Astoria includes an indoor pool and spa facilities as part of its luxury offering.
Waldorf Astoria is the better choice if you want an on-site pool and a full-service spa program.
Marriott Marquis emphasizes a large 24-hour fitness center and convenient casual dining; nightlife is more event-driven nearby.
Marriott Marquis suits guests who prioritize fitness and event access rather than in-house spa services.
Waldorf Astoria pairs a full-service spa with fitness classes and a quieter Gold Coast nightlife within walking distance.
Waldorf Astoria is better for guests who want spa treatments and a walkable, upscale evening scene.

Marriott Marquis — direct skybridge to McCormick Place and nearly 90,000 sq ft of event space make it ideal for conferences and large weddings.

Waldorf Astoria — five-star rooms, terrace suites and a full-service spa suit travelers seeking traditional luxury.

Marriott Marquis — Showroom Food Hall, Woven and Bound, and 2121 Pantry give groups and families varied choices without leaving the hotel.

Waldorf Astoria — steps from Michigan Avenue, Oak Street and boutique shopping in the Gold Coast.
Marriott Marquis — it’s directly connected to McCormick Place via a skybridge and is built to handle large events.
Waldorf Astoria has an indoor pool and a full-service spa; Marriott Marquis does not have a verified on-site pool or spa.
No. Both properties welcome guests of all ages; Waldorf Astoria Chicago is not adults-only.
Marriott Marquis — it’s family-oriented, offers many casual dining options, and can accommodate large family groups.
Explore how Marriott Marquis Chicago stacks up against other hotels nearby:
vs. sites like Expedia, Hotels.com and other OTAs ·