52nd Floor Penthouse with Skyline Views and Pool
Guest rating: 5.0 / 5
Overview
This 1-bedroom penthouse occupies the 52nd floor of Grand Plaza in River North, positioned between the Magnificent Mile and River North in Downtown Chicago. Floor-to-ceiling windows and a large private balcony frame sweeping skyline and Lake Michigan views, and the unit accommodates 2-4 guests. It functions as a residential-style retreat rather than a traditional hotel, blending high-rise luxury with home comforts.
Rooms & Comfort
The penthouse is fully air-conditioned and heated, with a smoke-free interior, cable TV, and an in-unit washer for laundry needs. A full kitchen with oven, stove, and microwave, along with an ironing board, gives guests the flexibility to prepare meals and manage longer stays as if at home. The private balcony and patio extend the living space outdoors for taking in the views.
Amenities & Recreation
Guests have access to resort-style building amenities including both an outdoor and indoor pool, a fitness center, and an outdoor grill for al fresco cooking. An elevator serves the 52nd-floor unit, and free Wi-Fi and free parking are included, easing both connectivity and arrival logistics.
Location & Dining
The penthouse sits within a few hundred meters of a dense cluster of dining options, including Quartino Ristorante, Eataly, and Labriola Ristorante for Italian fare, plus The Purple Pig, Havana Grill, Mercadito, Copper Fox Gastropub, and Doc B's Restaurant all within a short walk. Public transit is exceptionally close, with the Grand subway station just 31 meters away and Merchandise Mart and Clark/Lake stations also within walking distance, alongside Millennium Station and Ogilvie Transportation Center for regional rail. Both O'Hare and Midway airports are reachable, at roughly 25km and 15.6km away respectively.
Best for
This penthouse suits couples, small groups, or families seeking a spacious, view-driven alternative to a standard hotel room in the heart of Downtown Chicago. Its full kitchen, laundry, and multiple resort amenities (pool, gym, balcony) make it especially good for longer stays where guests want to self-cater and unwind, while its walkability to Michigan Avenue-area dining and immediate access to the Grand subway station suit travelers who want to explore on foot or by transit without a car.
Travel tips
The Grand subway station is essentially at the doorstep (31m), making it easy to reach the Loop, Magnificent Mile, and other Chicago neighborhoods without a car; Merchandise Mart and Clark/Lake stations are also within a 10-minute walk for additional CTA lines. Millennium Station and Ogilvie Transportation Center are within roughly 1-1.5km for regional Metra trains. Since the unit is on the 52nd floor, guests should plan a little extra time for elevator access during building peak periods, and note that both O'Hare and Midway airports require a taxi, rideshare, or transit connection of 15-25km.
What guests say
Reviewers consistently highlight the spectacular skyline and lake views from the balcony, particularly at night, and describe the unit as spotless and thoughtfully stocked with everything from kitchen appliances to laundry supplies. Multiple guests praise the convenient River North location for walking to attractions and note a nearby grocery store, calling the value strong compared to hotel pricing. The fitness center and overall completeness of amenities are also frequently mentioned as highlights, alongside attentive and responsive hosts. No recurring negative themes appear in the available excerpts.
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