Curator’s statement
Chicago will always hold a special place in my heart, and staying at the Thompson Chicago made this trip feel even more memorable. There’s something about being high above the city with Lake Michigan on one side and the skyline on the other that reminds me why I love big cities so much. The Gold Coast location lets you step right into the energy of the Magnificent Mile while still feeling tucked away in a refined, cozy space. For me, this stay was the perfect balance of city buzz and elevated comfort—exactly how I love to experience Chicago.
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Thompson Chicago is a really solid option on the Gold Coast if you want to be close to everything without feeling like you’re in the middle of chaos. It’s a quick walk to the Magnificent Mile and Lake Michigan, and there are plenty of restaurants, shops, and transit options nearby. From a location standpoint, it makes exploring Chicago incredibly easy, whether you’re walking or hopping on the L.
The overall vibe is warm, cozy, and upscale—polished but not intimidating. My room on the 20th floor had floor-to-ceiling windows with views of both the lake and the downtown skyscrapers, which felt very “Chicago.” Even being on a busy street, there was zero noise from the downtown area cacophony below. It was surprisingly peaceful. The rainfall shower with strong water pressure was a highlight, and I loved the softer night lighting options, so you didn’t have to blast all the overhead lights in the evening.
The view of downtown
Service-wise, the front desk really stood out. We arrived early, and our room wasn’t ready yet, but they happily stored our luggage so we could start exploring right away. On our last day, we had a late flight, and they again held our bags after checkout, which made the day feel relaxed instead of rushed. It’s small touches like that which make a stay smoother.
The Tavern attached to the hotel was also worth noting—great food and service, and convenient after a long day out. Overall, Thompson Chicago feels best suited for couples, friend trips, or business travelers who want a refined stay in a prime location, with thoughtful service and a calm atmosphere to come back to at the end of the day.
Breakfast from The Tavern
Need to know
Getting around
The Thompson Chicago’s location makes public transit super easy. The closest Chicago “L” train stops are:
Red Line – Chicago Station: About a 10- to 12-minute walk north—great for heading toward Wrigley Field or North Michigan Avenue.
Blue Line – Grand Station: Roughly a 10- to 15-minute walk west—good for quick access to O’Hare Airport and downtown.
Other nearby stations like State/Lake or Washington/Wells can be useful depending on where you’re headed, but those two (Red Line Chicago and Blue Line Grand) are the most walkable from the hotel.
For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Chicago page.
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Teya Reasoner
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