Downtown Mich Ave gym plus rooftop 10
Guest rating: 4.7 / 5
Overview
This is a one-bedroom loft-style apartment set on the 12th-floor penthouse level of a residential building on Michigan Avenue in Chicago's South Loop, directly across from Grant Park and Lake Michigan. The unit is self-check-in with contact-free arrival, and access requires walking through the building to a dedicated service elevator that serves the penthouse floor. It's a private, full-unit rental rather than a traditional hotel, with guests given exclusive use of the apartment plus shared access to a rooftop deck and fitness center.
Rooms & Layout
The loft-style bedroom features a comfortable double bed, sky-high ceilings, and expansive windows that flood the space with natural light. The apartment also includes a living room with cable TV and an HDMI cord for streaming, a modern bathroom, and sky views over Grant Park and the lake. Note that a flight of stairs is required to reach the service elevator that accesses the 12th floor.
Amenities & Recreation
Guests have access to a shared rooftop deck with skyline and lake views and a shared fitness center, in addition to in-unit amenities like air conditioning, heating, free Wi-Fi, and a washer for en-suite laundry. The fully equipped kitchen includes a microwave, oven/stove, and standard cookware, making the space suitable for longer stays or self-catering. The property is smoke-free and pet-friendly (with pet fees applying), and a crib is available for traveling families.
Location & Surroundings
The apartment sits on Michigan Avenue at the edge of Grant Park, within walking distance of the Art Institute of Chicago, Soldier Field, and the Museum Campus (Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium). It's about three blocks from the Red Line 'L' subway and within easy walking distance of the Harrison and Roosevelt CTA stations, and it's also near the historic Prairie Avenue district and Printer's Row. No car is needed to explore the South Loop or greater downtown Chicago from this location.
Best for
This apartment suits urban explorers and culture-focused travelers who want to walk to major lakefront museums, Grant Park, and Soldier Field without needing a car. It also works well for guests who value self-sufficiency, thanks to the full kitchen, in-unit laundry, and shared gym and rooftop, making it a solid fit for longer city stays or small groups wanting apartment-style independence.
Travel tips
Skip renting a car — the location is three blocks from the Red Line 'L' and within walking distance of the Harrison and Roosevelt CTA stations, and most major South Loop attractions are walkable. If driving anyway, budget $18-30 per night for nearby garage or valet parking within two blocks. Note that access to the 12th-floor unit involves a flight of stairs before reaching the dedicated service elevator, so plan for this with luggage.
What guests say
Guests consistently praise the location, citing easy walking access to the Art Institute, Field Museum, Adler Planetarium, Shedd Aquarium, the Riverwalk, and Magnificent Mile, along with standout views of the lake and park. Comfort of the sleeping arrangements, including a sleeper sofa, was highlighted positively, and the presence of a small on-site grocer was noted as a convenient perk. The one recurring minor gripe was the unconventional access route between the 11th and 12th floors, though reviewers framed it more as a quirky part of city living than a serious complaint. Overall sentiment is strongly positive, reflected in the high 4.7 rating.
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