citizenM Chicago Downtown

80 E Wacker Pl, Chicago, IL 60601, South Chicago, United States

4-star hotel

Guest rating: 4.4 / 5

Overview

citizenM Chicago Downtown is a hip, 4-star hotel set among the skyscrapers and shops of the Loop, distinguished by its glass facade and streamlined, design-forward interior. It brings the brand's signature compact, tech-driven room concept to a South Chicago address just steps from the Chicago Riverwalk. The property blends a boutique feel with efficient, modern service aimed at design-conscious and business-savvy travelers.

Rooms

Rooms are compact and streamlined, styled in a modern 'dorm-like' layout with the bed set against the wall beneath the window, which maximizes space efficiency but means rooms run small. Each room is fitted with soundproof windows and blackout blinds for a quiet night's sleep, plus a smart TV and Wi-Fi for entertainment and connectivity.

Dining & Amenities

The hotel houses a contemporary restaurant with a bar, and a breakfast buffet is available each morning, though some guests note the breakfast selection could be broader. A 24-hour fitness center serves early risers and night owls alike, and the fourth-floor communal 'living room' area is open around the clock, offering grab-and-go food and drink along with sparkling and still water on tap for refilling bottles.

Location

Positioned at 80 E Wacker Pl, the hotel is just 225m from the Chicago Riverwalk and within a few minutes' walk of Millennium train station, the Chicago Theatre, and the Chicago Cultural Center. Major attractions including Cloud Gate, Millennium Park, and the Art Institute of Chicago are all under a kilometer away, with Willis Tower/Skydeck Chicago and the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago roughly 1.2km away, and Navy Pier, the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, and Grant Park reachable within a couple of kilometers on foot.

Best for

This hotel suits solo travelers and business travelers well, thanks to its efficient, tech-equipped rooms, fast Wi-Fi, workspace-friendly design, and a lobby desktop area, plus a downtown location within walking distance of Millennium train station. It also appeals to design-minded city explorers who want to be near Millennium Park, Cloud Gate, the Chicago Theatre, and the Riverwalk without needing a car.

Travel tips

The hotel's location near the Chicago Riverwalk and Millennium train station makes it easy to explore on foot or connect to public transit, with Millennium Park, Cloud Gate, and the Art Institute of Chicago all within a 10-minute walk. The 24-hour fourth-floor lounge and fitness center are useful for guests with late arrivals or early flights, and travelers should note that rooms run compact, so packing light can make the stay more comfortable.

What guests say

Guests consistently praise the friendly, considerate staff, the clean and well-maintained rooms, and the unbeatable downtown location within easy walking distance of major Chicago landmarks. Solo and business travelers in particular highlight the hotel's efficient, modern setup, fast Wi-Fi, and the round-the-clock fourth-floor lounge with complimentary water. Value for price is repeatedly mentioned as a strong point. The main recurring criticism is that rooms feel small and dorm-like, with beds positioned against the wall by the window, and a few guests felt the breakfast buffet options were limited.

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