VOCO CHICAGO DOWNTOWN - RIVERWALK BY IHG, Chicago

The hotel sits at the confluence of the Chicago River's three branches, directly across from Merchandise Mart with a skybridge connection. Millennium Park, the Art Institute of Chicago, Navy Pier, and Magnificent Mile are within a 15-minute walk or a short ride on the L train. The Ogilvie Transportation Center and Merchandise Mart subway station (US$2.50 fare) are within a 5-minute walk, providing direct Blue Line service to O'Hare and Orange Line service to Midway (18 km away). The immediate area around Wolf Point is somewhat removed from the busiest tourist corridors, but the riverfront path and nearby restaurants make the location feel both central and quieter than the Loop. The walk to the train offers some of the best city views, and the area is generally safe and well-lit.

Room categories include Standard (King or Queen), Premium (city or skyline views on higher floors with chaise lounges and Conair steamers), Corner Suites (extra living space, river and city views, Keurig, mini fridge, chaise lounge), and accessible rooms (27 wheelchair-accessible rooms with roll-in showers and portable bathtub seats). All rooms feature air conditioning, a work desk, a flat-screen TV, a safe, ironing facilities, and a private bathroom with a walk-in shower (bathtub available only in select Premium King rooms upon request). Some rooms have interior views facing the atrium pool area, which offer natural light but less privacy. Road-facing or elevator-adjacent rooms can experience noise, particularly on weekends. The double-room doorways are narrow. The bed is comfortable, and the bedding is high quality, but some travelers find the firmness too hard. The Nespresso machine is a valued feature, though only coffee pods are provided - there is no tea maker in the room. Mini-fridges are in every room, and a microwave is available for shared use at the Riverbend market on the 15th floor. In-room heating and cooling units can be loud, especially on low fan settings; some units have reported inconsistent temperature control.

Breakfast is a full American buffet served 6:30-10:30 AM at Waterview Kitchen + Bar, featuring farm-fresh eggs, breakfast meats, potatoes, an oatmeal bar, assorted breads and pastries, a yogurt parfait bar, fresh fruit, and locally roasted coffee. The cost is US$27 per adult and US$16 per child. The buffet is well-stocked but hot items can sometimes be lukewarm, especially when the serving area is across the room from the dining tables. Dinner is served daily 4:00-10:00 PM, with dishes ranging from Tuna Tartare and Lamb Kabobs to Lake Michigan Perch and Classic Bolognese, plus pizzas and burgers. Bar snacks and craft cocktails are available at the 24-seat bar, with happy hour weekdays 4:00-6:00 PM offering specials on drinks and snacks. The Riverbend Market in the lobby is a 24-hour grab-and-go option for coffee, beverages, snacks, and light meals. There is no room service. The 15th-floor dining area also provides a shared lounge/TV space with city views, open late.

The indoor swimming pool is one of the largest in Chicago, open daily 5:00-23:00, with pool/beach towels and sun loungers provided. The glass ceiling floods the area with natural light, and the pool is heated and has lap lanes. The fitness center, accessible 24 hours, includes Peloton bikes, free weights, treadmills, and a stationary bicycle. The dry sauna is located inside the fitness center. Purezza filtered water stations are available on every floor, including near the pool and gym, allowing refills of the provided glass bottles instead of single-use plastic. The pool area is popular with families and can be busy on weekends. The pool changing rooms and bathroom are kept clean and well-stocked with towels.

The hotel offers a 24-hour front desk, express check-in/out, a concierge, ATM on site, and luggage storage (available before check-in and after checkout). Daily housekeeping is provided (typically between 9-10 AM), with dry cleaning available for an additional charge. The business center has a PC, printing, copying, scanning, and shipping services. Over 2300 m² of event space includes the Wolf Point Ballroom (400 m²), Sauganash Ballroom (suitable for trade shows up to 45 booths), and 11 additional meeting rooms ranging from 14.1 to 100 m², all with modern AV technology. A dedicated events team coordinates catering, room blocks, and bridal suites. The hotel is fully accessible with wheelchair-accessible rooms, roll-in showers, accessible parking, and wheelchair-accessible public areas (restaurant, pool, fitness center, business center, and restrooms). Service animals are allowed; other pets are not. The hotel has a security deposit of US$200 per room per stay and requires a minimum check-in age of 21.