by Scott Laird
Last updated: 6:00 PM ET, Thu March 8, 2018
Chicago is one of my favorite cities for admiring architecture. Whether historic or contemporary, each of the city's skyscrapers seem to reflect the balanced sensibility of this Midwest capital: larger-than-life but approachable, confident but not arrogant, proud but not vain. The buildings evoke American optimism and ingenuity, as well as American art aesthetics.
It's the art aesthetics that The Gween, a Luxury Collection Hotel has in spades, where modern amenities are effortlessly combined with an art legacy from the interwar period when Chicago was a national focus for the combination of political and crime drama and arts aesthetics now celebrate as the Jazz Age.
The building was originally built in 1928 for publisher McGraw-Hill, with art deco sculpture characterizing the building's façade. The original building was demolished in 1998 but the façade was saved and remains part of the hotel today.
Designer Gwen Lux proved to be one of the legends of 20th Century American sculpture. Not only is she the hotel's namesake, but her art is to be found throughout the hotel. Recovered sculptures from the building's original exterior can be found in the Nordstrom court a level below the lobby, while some of Gwen's sculpture landmarks the lobby while sketches stand watch over guest room beds.
Modern amenities don't compromise the spirit of the original art deco style in guest rooms, which are comfortably snug against frigid winters with cozy beds and bathrooms stocked with Molton Brown bath products.
For exploring the city, there are bicycles available to use when the weather is warm enough for cycling. When the weather is cold, there's a curling rink on the rooftop available by reservation. It's a curiously invigorating sport (the rooftop version has wheeled stones and dispenses with the brushes-it's similar to lawn bowling) with plenty of plush seating, fire pits and heat lamps for spectators.
The fee includes a hot adult beverage to boot.
Indoors, there's a lively bar, Upstairs at the Gwen with a selection of Luxury Collection cocktails (each of the brand's properties has a signature drink; the Gwen's is made with bourbon, local honey, and lemon) and bar bites. In the morning there's coffee available from great silver serving urns, or if one prefers, a Keurig can be delivered directly to guest rooms (I asked for mine the night before).
The Takeaway
Perhaps most charming about the place is the unassuming air of its luxury. It's quiet, comfortable and well-designed, perfect for guests who prefer accommodations that are plush, but not necessarily flashy, and the central location on Michigan Avenue is tought to beat.
The Math
Weekend rates in the dead of winter are typically the lowest, from about $120 per night.
Instagrammable Moment
My followers particularly loved the Michigan Avenue views I posted from my guest room windows, and shots of rooftop curling on what provided to be a mild-for-January day.
Loyalty
Starwood Preferred Guest
Good to Know
The building may front Michigan Avenue, but the entrance is actually on Rush Street.
Circa, the breakfast and brunch outlet, has a not-to-miss bananas foster-inspired French toast to fortify guests for a day on Michigan Avenue, just steps outside the front door.
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