
Aloft Chicago Mag Mile
Best for shoppers, families, and social travelers who want a compact, energetic Magnificent Mile location and a top-floor indoor pool.
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Aloft Chicago Mag Mile is a youthful, social Marriott-brand hotel on the Magnificent Mile with a top-floor pool and grab-and-go dining; it's a good pick for shoppers, weekenders, and families who want a lively downtown base. Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk is a large riverfront Marriott/Sheraton property that serves leisure, business, and convention travelers — read this if you want rooms with river/skyline views, lots of meeting space, and a central Riverwalk address.
Updated · about 0.5 km apart

Best for shoppers, families, and social travelers who want a compact, energetic Magnificent Mile location and a top-floor indoor pool.

Best for business groups, conference attendees, and travelers who prefer a larger hotel with river views, extensive meeting facilities, and on-site restaurants.
When Aloft Chicago Mag Mile wins: choose Aloft if you want a younger, more social vibe close to Michigan Avenue shopping, a complimentary top-floor indoor pool, and simple 24-hour grab-and-go dining.
When Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk wins: pick the Sheraton if you need lots of meeting or event space, prefer river or lake views, or want more on-site restaurant and lounge options for business or convention travel.
Bottom line: Aloft is the smaller, livelier Magnificent Mile option for leisure and family stays; Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk is the larger riverfront property better suited to conventions, groups, and travelers who value multiple full-service outlets and meeting rooms.
| Category | Aloft Chicago Mag Mile | Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Youthful, social urban hotel | Large, riverfront full-service hotel |
| Location | 243 E. Ontario St (Magnificent Mile/Streeterville) | 301 E North Water St (Riverwalk; near Michigan Ave and Millennium Park) |
| Size | 337 rooms, 19 floors | 1,218 guestrooms (large property) |
| Audience / age policy | All ages welcome; primary guest must be 21 to check in | |
| Pools | Indoor pool 'Splash' on 19th floor (complimentary; verify current hours/status) | Indoor pool (listed; hours 6:00 AM–10:00 PM reported) |
| Restaurants & bars | Re:Fuel (24-hour grab-and-go) and W XYZ Bar (lively bar, live music) | Three restaurants including Shulas Steak House, plus 2 bars/lounges and a cafe |
| Spa | No standalone spa published | Not published |
| Meeting & events | 7 event rooms, ~5,500–5,609 sq ft (Warhol is largest) | Extensive conference space — 125,000 sq ft and 43 meeting rooms |
| Fitness center | Re:charge — 24-hour top-floor fitness with Peloton, free weights | 24-hour fitness facilities |
| Parking & transport | Valet parking (fee); no airport shuttle listed; near Red Line at Grand | Covered self parking (surcharge) and central downtown access; preferred airport ORD |
Aloft sits on the Magnificent Mile in Streeterville — an immediate walk to shopping, the lakefront, and museums.
Aloft is a compact, walkable Magnificent Mile address for sightseeing and shopping.
Sheraton Grand is a large riverfront property adjacent to the Chicago Riverwalk and within easy walking distance of Michigan Avenue and Millennium Park.
Sheraton Grand puts you on the Riverwalk and close to Loop attractions while offering larger hotel services.
Aloft offers 12 room types across 19 floors, from Superior rooms to Junior Studios with sofa beds.
Aloft provides modern, compact rooms aimed at leisure and family travelers near the Magnificent Mile.
Sheraton Grand lists many room types, including Deluxe and Club-access rooms and multiple river or lake-view suites.
Sheraton Grand offers a wide range of room categories and views that suit business travelers and guests wanting upgraded views or club access.
Aloft focuses on quick, flexible dining plus a social on-site bar.
Aloft suits travelers who want 24/7 grab-and-go options and a social bar scene rather than full-service restaurants.
Sheraton Grand has multiple on-site restaurants and bars, including an American steakhouse.
Sheraton Grand provides more full-service dining variety for groups, business travelers, and guests wanting on-site meals.
Aloft's signature amenity is its 'Splash' indoor pool on the 19th floor, complimentary to guests.
Aloft's top-floor pool is a distinctive, family-friendly perk — check current open status before you travel.
Sheraton Grand lists an indoor pool as a recreational option for guests.
Sheraton Grand offers indoor pool access as part of a broader set of guest amenities suitable for business and leisure travelers.
Aloft emphasizes a 24-hour fitness center and an energetic bar with live music.
Aloft is better if you want late-night social energy and a round-the-clock workout room rather than on-site spa treatments.
Sheraton Grand supports wellness with a 24-hour fitness center and quieter lounges but focuses heavily on meetings and events.
Sheraton Grand fits travelers who need reliable fitness access, business services, and multi-outlet lounges for meetings or group stays.

Aloft — walk straight onto Michigan Avenue and many flagship stores within minutes.

Sheraton Grand — 125,000 sq ft of conference space and 43 meeting rooms for big events.

Aloft — W XYZ Bar and 24-hour Re:Fuel give you a lively evening scene and always-available snacks.

Sheraton Grand — riverfront address on the Chicago Riverwalk and many rooms with river/skyline views.
Both welcome families, but Aloft's social spaces, game areas, and top-floor pool often appeal to families; Sheraton Grand has larger rooms and more on-site dining if you prefer full-service options.
Sheraton Grand is geared toward conventions and business groups with extensive meeting space; Aloft is better for smaller groups or leisure travelers.
Aloft does not publish a standalone spa. Sheraton Grand’s supplier listing does not publish a named spa; specific spa services are not confirmed.
Yes. Aloft offers on-site valet parking (fee) and nearby self-park options; Sheraton Grand lists covered self parking (surcharge).
Explore how Aloft Chicago Mag Mile stacks up against other hotels nearby:
vs. sites like Expedia, Hotels.com and other OTAs ·