The Penthouse at Grand Plaza
540 N State St, Chicago, IL 60654, South Chicago, United States
4-star hotel
Guest rating: 3.5 / 5
Overview
The Penthouse at Grand Plaza offers upscale, apartment-style penthouse units inside a modern high-rise in River North, a four-minute walk from the Magnificent Mile shopping district. The property carries a 4-star classification and is positioned directly across the street from an El Train stop, making it a well-connected base for exploring downtown Chicago. Units are designed for groups, sleeping anywhere from 4 to 7 guests.
Rooms & Units
Each penthouse comes with free WiFi, a flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen, a dedicated dining area, and in-unit laundry facilities. All units feature scenic city and/or lake views, and some offer distinctive layouts such as two-story living areas, floor-to-ceiling windows, fireplaces, and wraparound balconies. Housekeeping is available for an additional fee rather than included as standard.
Amenities & Recreation
On-site recreation includes a fitness center with an indoor resistance pool, a seasonal rooftop pool, a steam room, and a basketball court, giving guests a range of ways to stay active without leaving the building. A business center is also available, along with parking for a surcharge, rounding out the property's practical amenities.
Dining Nearby
The location puts guests within a few hundred meters of a dense cluster of dining options, including Quartino Ristorante, Eataly, and Labriola Ristorante for Italian fare, Doc B's Restaurant and River North Bistro for American food, The Purple Pig and Yasemi for Mediterranean cuisine, and the classic Billy Goat Tavern for a quick burger. Copper Fox Gastropub and State and Lake Chicago Tavern are also within easy walking distance.
Location & Attractions
Beyond dining, the hotel sits close to major Chicago landmarks, with Cloud Gate roughly 1.1 km away, Millennium Park about 1.2 km away, the Art Institute of Chicago around 1.5 km, and Navy Pier just under 2 km away. Chicago Midway International Airport is roughly 15.6 km from the property, making ground transport a consideration for arriving and departing guests.
Best for
This property suits groups, extended families, or friends traveling together who want apartment-style space with full kitchens and multiple sleeping arrangements rather than a standard hotel room. It also appeals to travelers who value walkability, given its proximity to the Magnificent Mile, an El Train stop, and dozens of restaurants and downtown attractions within a mile.
Travel tips
Take advantage of the El Train stop directly across the street to reach other parts of Chicago without needing a car, especially since on-site parking carries a surcharge. Plan to walk to nearby landmarks like Millennium Park, Cloud Gate, and the Art Institute of Chicago, all within about 1.5 km, and book dinner reservations early given the density of popular restaurants such as Eataly and Quartino Ristorante nearby. Since Chicago Midway International Airport is about 15.6 km away, factor in time for ground transportation to and from the airport.
What guests say
Reviews for The Penthouse at Grand Plaza are mixed, averaging 3.5 out of 26 ratings. Some guests praised the overall atmosphere and service they received during their stay, suggesting positive experiences with staff and the property's ambiance. However, other reviewers raised concerns about the booking process feeling untrustworthy, with at least one guest canceling before ever staying and cautioning future travelers to be wary. This split suggests inconsistency between the in-person guest experience and aspects of the reservation or communication process.
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