Hotel 55 Chicago Downtown
Art-forward boutique with a contemporary-modern feel. More gallery than grand hotel. The art programming is serious, not decorative wallpaper. Managed by Coury Hospitality and part of Marriott's portfolio, so Bonvoy points earn and burn here.
Interior-facing rooms are noticeably quieter than street-facing ones — worth requesting at check-in
Why It Matters
One of the few hotels in Chicago where the art on display is actually worth seeing. The rotating exhibitions are free and open to the public, and the hotel works with local Chicago artists specifically. Designed by acclaimed architect Deborah Berke Partners. Formerly 21C Museum Hotel Chicago — the art DNA is still very much intact after the 2024–2025 rebrand and renovation.
Hotel 55 sits in a 1927 building in River North, one block from Michigan Avenue, and it's equal parts art gallery and hotel — something the property leaned into hard under its previous life as 21C Museum Hotel Chicago. Rotating free public exhibitions fill the common spaces, every floor features work by local Chicago artists, and even the guest rooms get original pieces on the walls. The rooms themselves are airy and well-built, with Malin+Goetz bath products, premium linens, and metallic accents that nod to the city's industrial past. Lure Fishbar downstairs is genuinely good — the raw bar and sushi hold their own.
Where You'll Stay
10 room types available
1 Bedroom Suite
A full one-bedroom layout with two distinct living areas — a proper bedroom and a separate living room. Custom furnishings, light-filled spaces, and the full art program continue throughout. The hotel has 106 suites total across all suite categories.
1 King
Corner Suite
Corner positioning means windows on two sides and significantly better city views. Bright, expansive layout with a wrap-around couch in the living area. One guest was upgraded to a corner suite as a Titanium Marriott member and described it as simply 'great.'
1 KingDeluxe Queen
Deluxe tier with a more expansive living area — two couches, table, and clearly more square footage than standard rooms. The gallery photo shows a proper lounge setup that makes the room feel like it could double as a small suite.
1 QueenDouble Queen / 2 Double Beds
Two beds for families or those who need more sleeping space. Same design scheme as other standard rooms, with a small table and sitting area. Rollaway beds are permitted only in King rooms per hotel policy.
2 Queens or 2 DoublesExecutive King
A step up from standard with more generous proportions. Separate seating area — armchair, sofa, small table — good for working or unwinding. The same art-centric room design applies.
1 KingPresidential Suite
The top of the house. Multiple rooms — separate bedroom, a dining area that seats 6, a dedicated living room, and a bathroom with both a soaking tub and a walk-in shower. Robes included. Premium bedding, in-room safe, desk. The one room at Hotel 55 where extra beds (rollaway) are permitted.
1 KingQueen Suite
Suite configuration with a queen bed and additional sleeper option, separate living space. Good for a small family or guests needing extra room flexibility.
1 QueenStandard King
The entry point. A proper king bed, sofa or seating area, and enough room to feel like you're not folding yourself in half. Original artwork on the walls, 43-inch HDTV, Malin+Goetz bath products, in-room safe, blackout drapes, and a wellness kit. Metallic finishes throughout nod subtly to Chicago's industrial past.
1 KingStandard Queen
Queen bed configuration with a couch or sitting area. Same art-forward design language as the king rooms — original pieces, premium linens, Malin+Goetz, and the full suite of standard amenities.
1 QueenStudio King
Open-plan studio layout with a king bed and a proper living area on the same floor. The gallery photos show a bright, spacious arrangement with a large TV and comfortable lounge seating. Good pick for extended stays.
1 KingThe Property
Eat & Drink
1 venue on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Nearby — the hotel recommends and lists Wendella Boats and Shoreline Sightseeing for architecture tours along the Chicago River. A classic way to see the city's design history from the water.
Rotating exhibitions displayed throughout the hotel's common areas, galleries, and floors — free and open to the public, not just guests. Each floor showcases work by local Chicago artists specifically. The hotel operates over 10,000 sq ft of art-filled exhibition space. Guests have stumbled into fashion shows and installations happening on the second floor.
The hotel offers guided docent tours of its art exhibitions and cultural programming. An elevated art program curated with a focus on local Chicago artists.
24-hour gym with cardio machines, free weights, weight machines, treadmills, a stretching area, and two Peloton bikes with access to live and on-demand classes. Well-equipped according to guest reviews, though exercise mats have drawn some cleaning complaints.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Full business center with computer and photocopy machine available around the clock.
8 meeting rooms totaling over 10,000 square feet of art-filled exhibition, meeting, and event space. Suitable for corporate meetings, weddings, private dinners, and large-scale events. Catered group breakfast available starting at $25+ per person.
Free in-room and property-wide Wi-Fi for Marriott Bonvoy members who book direct. High-speed and available throughout guest rooms and meeting space.
Lure Fishbar's acclaimed menu is available via in-room dining, 24 hours a day.
Fully equipped gym with cardio machines, free weights, weight machines, treadmills, stretching area, and two Peloton bikes. Complimentary for all guests.
Pets welcome for a $75 non-refundable fee. Check with the front desk for details.
Same-day dry cleaning and laundry service available.
On-site convenience store for snacks and essentials.
Daily housekeeping service included. Fresh linen provided in all rooms and suites.
Unlock your room via the Marriott Bonvoy app. Mobile key available to app users.
On-site valet parking at $80 per day. Self-parking also available adjacent to the hotel. No EV charging stations on site.
BUILD YOUR HOTEL 55 CHICAGO DOWNTOWN PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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