
LondonHouse Chicago
Best for skyline- and river-facing socializing — great if you plan to spend evenings on a rooftop or want immediate access to riverwalk attractions.
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LondonHouse Chicago is a riverfront hotel in a 1923 landmark building with a strong rooftop-and-social focus; this guide is for travelers who want skyline views and a lively bar scene. The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago is a traditional five-star property on Michigan Avenue near the Gold Coast and Magnificent Mile; read on if you want classic luxury, lakeside proximity, and full-service hotel facilities.
Updated · about 0.6 km apart

Best for skyline- and river-facing socializing — great if you plan to spend evenings on a rooftop or want immediate access to riverwalk attractions.

Best for traditional five-star rooms and full-service hotel amenities — ideal if you prioritize a spa, indoor pool, and classic luxury on the Magnificent Mile.
When LondonHouse Chicago wins: choose LondonHouse if you want a dramatic rooftop scene, river views, and a historically interesting property close to the Michigan Avenue Bridge and Riverwalk.
When The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago wins: pick The Ritz-Carlton when you want true five-star service, an on-site indoor pool, an established signature restaurant, and a base in the Gold Coast/Magnificent Mile shopping corridor.
Bottom line: both are central, upscale downtown Chicago hotels. LondonHouse is more rooftop- and river-oriented with a social atmosphere; The Ritz-Carlton is the safer pick for classic five-star amenities and an indoor pool.
| Category | LondonHouse Chicago | The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Lively, rooftop-forward, social riverfront hotel | Classic five-star, formal luxury in the Gold Coast |
| Location | Corner of East Wacker Drive and North Michigan Avenue beside the Chicago River (steps from the Michigan Avenue Bridge) | |
| Size (rooms) | 452 rooms across 23 floors | 434 guestrooms |
| Ages / policy | All ages welcome; rooftop bar enforces 21+ at night; minimum check-in age 21 | All ages welcome; minimum check-in age appears to be 21 |
| Pools | No on-site swimming pool | Indoor pool (1) available on property |
| Restaurants & bars | LH Rooftop (tri-level rooftop), LH on 21, Bridges Lobby Bar — three on-site venues focused on cocktails and contemporary American dining | Torali Italian-Steak plus a coffee shop/café and bar/lounge (supplier lists 1 restaurant and 1 bar/lounge) |
| Spa & wellness | LH Spa by Windy City Massage (4th floor) and 24-hour TechnoGym fitness center; spa credits included in daily destination charge | Full-service spa and fitness facilities; hotel lists spa and indoor pool among recreational amenities |
| Known for | Chicago's only tri-level rooftop bar and riverfront public-facing spaces | Renowned five-star Ritz-Carlton service, proximity to Michigan Avenue and Lakeshore |
| Event & meeting space | About 25,000 sq ft of flexible event space including river-view ballrooms and a rooftop Cupola for private events | Ballroom(s), meeting rooms and wedding services (meeting space and wedding services listed) |
| Parking & transit | Valet parking only; no airport shuttle; walkable to river tours and CTA stations | Valet parking available (surcharge); centrally located with quick walking access to Michigan Avenue and transit |
LondonHouse sits at 85 E Wacker Drive on the corner of Michigan Avenue next to the Chicago River.
Choose LondonHouse for riverwalk access and being literally at the Michigan Avenue Bridge.
The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago is steps from Michigan Avenue, close to Lake Michigan and the Magnificent Mile.
Choose The Ritz-Carlton if you want a classic Magnificent Mile address with easy access to lakeside attractions.
LondonHouse offers 452 rooms in a mix of historic and modern tower spaces with many river or skyline views.
Choose LondonHouse for river- or skyline-facing rooms and wellness-focused room options.
The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago lists multiple room and suite types, including lake-view and club rooms.
Choose The Ritz-Carlton for a wide selection of classic luxury rooms and lakeside viewpoints.
LondonHouse centers its food and beverage around a tri-level rooftop, a 21st-floor restaurant, and a river lobby bar.
Choose LondonHouse if rooftop cocktails, river views while you dine, or afternoon tea matter to you.
The Ritz-Carlton has an on-site restaurant (Torali Italian-Steak), a coffee shop/cafe and a bar/lounge.
Choose The Ritz-Carlton for a single, signature sit-down restaurant experience and a quieter, formal dining setting.
LondonHouse’s signature amenity is its rooftop complex and riverfront gathering spaces rather than a swimming pool.
Choose LondonHouse for rooftop-focused experiences and riverfront social programming.
The Ritz-Carlton pairs classic five-star service with an indoor pool and a full-service spa.
Choose The Ritz-Carlton if an on-site indoor pool and a full spa are priorities for your stay.
LondonHouse emphasizes 24-hour fitness, a dedicated spa with multiple treatment rooms, and a lively rooftop nightlife.
Choose LondonHouse when fitness access plus lively rooftop nightlife matter to you.
The Ritz-Carlton provides spa services, fitness facilities and a calmer evening environment in line with its five-star positioning.
Choose The Ritz-Carlton when you want comprehensive hotel services, a pool and a quieter, refined evening scene.

LondonHouse — the tri-level rooftop and Cupola are the main draw for skyline-focused evenings.

The Ritz-Carlton — has an indoor pool and a full-service spa, matching expectations for five-star wellness.

The Ritz-Carlton — in the heart of Michigan Avenue shopping and close to lakeside attractions.

LondonHouse — immediate access to the Riverwalk and hotel events like rooftop activations and afternoon tea.
LondonHouse — its tri-level LH Rooftop and riverfront Bridges Lobby Bar are built around social evenings; The Ritz-Carlton offers a more formal bar/lounge.
The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago lists an indoor pool on property; LondonHouse does not have an on-site swimming pool.
Yes — both hotels put you within easy walking distance of Michigan Avenue shopping and downtown attractions.
Both have on-site spas. LondonHouse offers LH Spa by Windy City Massage with published treatment menus and credits included in the destination charge; The Ritz-Carlton lists a full-service spa as a featured amenity.
Explore how LondonHouse Chicago stacks up against other hotels nearby:
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