Best Western Grant Park Hotel
1100 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605, South Chicago, United States
3-star hotel
Guest rating: 3.8 / 5
Overview
Best Western Grant Park Hotel is a 3-star property sitting directly across the road from Grant Park in downtown Chicago, in the South Loop area. It's a straightforward, budget-oriented hotel that trades on its unbeatable location rather than luxury finishes, making it a practical base for exploring the city's museum campus and downtown core.
Rooms
Standard rooms and suites are functional, equipped with cable TV, Wi-Fi, desks, and tea and coffeemaking facilities. Upgraded rooms add Lake Michigan views, minifridges, microwaves and/or pull-out sofas, offering more flexibility for longer stays or families needing extra sleeping space. Guests have noted that rooms and bathrooms can run small, so travelers prioritizing space should consider booking an upgraded category.
Dining
An on-site urban restaurant serves Asian and Italian-inspired dishes alongside a wine bar, with a seasonal sidewalk terrace offering park views. There's also a coffee shop on site, and guests frequently single out the pastries, coffee, and breakfast offerings as a highlight of staying here.
Amenities & Recreation
The hotel offers a sundeck and an exercise room for guests wanting to stay active or relax outdoors without leaving the property. These facilities complement the hotel's central location, giving guests a place to unwind after a day of sightseeing.
Location
The hotel is footsteps from Grant Park (669m) and within easy walking distance of major attractions including the Field Museum (711m), Shedd Aquarium (897m), the Art Institute of Chicago (1,185m), Willis Tower and Skydeck Chicago (1,431m), Millennium Park and Cloud Gate (around 1,500m), and the Adler Planetarium (1,511m). Slightly farther but still walkable are the Chicago Cultural Center, The Chicago Theatre, the Chicago Riverwalk, and the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, with Navy Pier about 3km away.
Best for
This hotel best suits budget-conscious travelers and museum-campus visitors who prioritize location over room size, given its position directly across from Grant Park and walkable access to the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Art Institute, and Willis Tower. It also works well for conference or event attendees, as reflected by guests who stayed for congresses and conventions in the area. Couples or solo travelers seeking an affordable downtown base with on-site dining options will also find it convenient.
Travel tips
Book an upgraded room if you want a minifridge, microwave, or Lake Michigan view, as standard rooms and bathrooms are reported to be compact. Most major downtown attractions -- Grant Park, the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, and the Art Institute -- are within a 15-minute walk, so comfortable shoes are more useful than a car or rideshare for sightseeing. Elevators are noted as small, so allow extra time during busy check-in or check-out periods, especially if traveling with luggage or in a group.
What guests say
Guests consistently praise the hotel's location across from Grant Park and its affordability, along with generally helpful and accommodating staff. The on-site coffee shop and breakfast pastries are frequently highlighted as a standout feature. On the negative side, some guests report cramped rooms and small bathrooms, maintenance issues such as a leaking toilet, small elevators, a crowded waiting/lobby area, and disappointing in-room coffee quality. Overall sentiment leans positive for value and location, with recurring complaints centered on room size and dated fixtures.
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