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From72US$ /night
Check-in
06Feb2026Select date
Check-out
07Feb2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

Property overview

800 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60605
-
Near the Art Institute of Chicago
Great
8.5
/10
4.5
3.4
/5

Rooms and Amenities

Hotel Essex provides 254 air-conditioned rooms, each with refrigerators and iPod docking stations. Rooms include a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a tea and coffee maker, a wardrobe, and a safe deposit box. Bathrooms have spring water baths and complimentary toiletries. Some units feature a seating area. Rooms offer city or lake views.

Dining at Essex

The in-house restaurant specializes in French cuisine and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Leisure and Recreation

Guests can access a well-equipped fitness center with treadmills, bikes, elliptical machines, weight machines, free weights, and a sauna. The hotel features a rooftop indoor pool and two outdoor decks. A 20-mile path along Lake Michigan is available for running, walking, biking, or skating. There is a rooftop garden with views of Lake Michigan.

Location and Transport

Le Meridien Essex Chicago is on the southern end of Michigan Avenue Cultural Mile, near the Jay Pritzer Pavilion at Millennium Park, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Museum Campus, home to the Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium, and the Field Museum of Natural History. The Museum of Contemporary Photography is within walking distance. Magnificent Mile is a seven-minute drive away. The hotel is 0.5 km from Harrison and 15 km from Chicago Midway International. Chicago Union is 25 minutes' walk away. A free shuttle makes four morning runs to the Museum Campus and afternoon stops at North Michigan Avenue, the Art Institute, and Navy Pier. Landmarks nearby include The Rookery Building (1 km), Old Colony Building (0.5 km), Millennium Park (2 km), Skydeck Chicago (2 km), Grant Park (2 km), The Field Museum (5 km), Monadnock Building (1 km), and Buckingham Fountain (2 km).

Hotel Services

Hotel Essex provides free high-speed WiFi and concierge services. Event facilities include conference space and meeting rooms. Additional amenities include tour/ticket assistance.

“Le Meridien Essex Chicago strikes me as a smart choice, blending luxury with an urban feel near the city's cultural heart. I noted the unique rooftop pool and city landmark views, plus the on-site café adds genuine convenience. While some found the service inconsistent, the modern amenities and pet-friendly policy still suggest a well-rounded experience.”
Hotel logo
Brooks LedgerEditor, Ohotel
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Choose your preferred room

The property features double rooms, family rooms, and suites, often including breakfast, free cancellation, and special offers
Classic King Room
2 persons
230 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Coffee machine
Deluxe King Room Limited View Roll Shower Mobility Accessible
2 persons
230 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Coffee machine
Heating
Superior King Room City View
2 persons
260 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Coffee machine
Classic Double Room Two Double Beds Hearing Accessible
2 persons
270 sq. feet 
2 Double beds
Coffee machine
Heating
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Calendar of room availability and rates

See current availability and pricing for your dates

Facilities

Amenities are designed to ensure comfort and memorable stays

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Free Wi-Fi in public areas
  • Car park
  • Safe deposit box
  • 24-hour reception
  • Pets allowed
  • Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
  • Luggage storage
  • Allergy-free rooms
  • Lift
  • ATM/Cash machine

Sports & Fitness

  • Fitness centre

Services

  • Valet parking
  • Room service
  • Housekeeping
  • Dry cleaning

Dining

  • Restaurant

Business

  • Business centre
  • Meeting/ Banquet facilities
  • Fax/Photocopying

Spa & Leisure

  • Leisure/ TV room

Room features

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating
  • Sitting area
  • Tea and coffee facilities

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Media

  • Flat-screen TV
  • AM/FM alarm clock
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Dining Onsite

Grant Park Bistro at Le Meridien Essex Chicago invites guests to indulge in a taste of French cuisine, where every meal is an invitation to savor the rich traditions of classic culinary art, set against the backdrop of historic charm and modern elegance.
Le Meridien Essex Chicago Restaurant photo
Le Meridien Essex Chicago Restaurant photo
Le Meridien Essex Chicago Restaurant photo

Grant Park Bistro

French
Ambiance
A cozy yet refined setting that combines bistro charm with a modern twist, offering an inviting atmosphere for leisurely meals.
Key Offerings
Enjoy a delightful range of French-inspired dishes, crafted with care, featuring seasonal ingredients that highlight the essence of classic French cooking. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, this bistro creates a perfect spot for any meal of the day.
Reservation
Recommended for dinner.
Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner; specific hours may vary.

Location

800 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60605
Map view
800 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60605
Nearby
610 S Michigan Ave
Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies
900 ft
901 South Michigan Ave
General John Logan Memorial
500 ft
Museum
Museum of Contemporary Photography
1100 ft
701 S State St
The Loop
1400 ft
Restaurants
Grant Park Bistro
100 ft
800 S Michigan Ave 8th St and Michigan Ave.
Chicago Hilton
400 ft
720 South Michigan Avenue
Mercat a la Planxa
700 ft
638 S Michigan Ave Renaissance Blackstone Chicago Hotel
Peet's Coffee & Tea
700 ft
14 E 8th St
720 South Bar
600 ft
720 S Michigan Ave
Yolk - South Loop
1000 ft
1120 South Michigan Avenue
Buddy Guy's Legends
1100 ft
700 South Wabash Avenue
Mei's Kitchen
900 ft
1108 S Michigan Ave
Explore Chicago
Local Insights
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Millennium Park
Millennium Park
20 minutes' walk
Iconic public park featuring the famous Cloud Gate sculpture, beautiful gardens, and free events year-round.
The Art Institute of Chicago
The Art Institute of Chicago
25 minutes' walk
World-renowned museum with an extensive collection of Impressionist and modern art; offers guided tours.
Skydeck Chicago
Skydeck Chicago
20 minutes' walk
Observation deck offering stunning city views from the Willis Tower; unique glass ledge experience included.
Shedd Aquarium
Shedd Aquarium
15 minutes' drive
Aquarium featuring thousands of aquatic animals; perfect for families and offers interactive exhibits.
Lakefront Biking
10 minutes' walk
Biking along Chicago's scenic lakefront trail; bike rentals available nearby, great for adventure lovers.
Wellness Yoga at Grant Park
20 minutes' walk
Relaxing outdoor yoga sessions in Grant Park; check schedules for seasonal classes suitable for all levels.
Grant Park Bistro
Grant Park Bistro
1 minute' walk
Trendy bistro with seasonal dishes and a cozy atmosphere; ideal for casual dining nearby.
Mercat a la Planxa
Mercat a la Planxa
3 minutes' walk
Spanish cuisine with an elegant setting; known for tapas and paella. Reservations recommended.
720 South Bar
720 South Bar
2 minutes' walk
Casual bar with a vibrant atmosphere; perfect for enjoying local beers and light bites.
The Chicago Cultural Center
17 minutes' walk
Historic venue showcasing art exhibitions and live performances; a great spot for culture enthusiasts.
Navy Pier
Navy Pier
30 minutes' walk
Entertainment area with shops, restaurants, and the iconic Ferris wheel; family-friendly and full of activities.
Local transportation
City Centre
Chicago17 min  ·  4600 ft
Airports
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)23 min  ·  9.3 mi
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)47 min  ·  19.1 mi
Train
Van Buren Street Station9 min  ·  2300 ft
Underground
Harrison6 min  ·  1700 ft
Roosevelt8 min  ·  2000 ft
Bus
Bus stop2 min  ·  400 ft
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 16:00-23:59
Check-out
until 11 am
Guest Parking
Public parking is possible at a location nearby at USD 77 per day.
Internet
is available in public areas for free.
Children & extra beds
There are no extra beds provided in a room.  There are no cots provided in a room. 
Pets
Pets are allowed on request.
Languages
English, Spanish, Romanian, Russian, Ukrainian
Year renovated:
2012
Number of floors:
14
Number of rooms:
274
Former name
essex inn
FAQs
About Le Meridien Essex Chicago
What is the check-in and check-out policy at Le Meridien Essex Chicago?
Check-in is at 16:00 and check-out is by 11:00.
How far is Le Meridien Essex Chicago from Midway International Airport?
The hotel is 15 km from Midway International Airport.
What dining options are available at Le Meridien Essex Chicago?
The hotel has an on-site restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Is there a fitness center at Le Meridien Essex Chicago?
Guests have access to a well-equipped fitness center featuring treadmills, bikes, elliptical machines, and weights.
What are some attractions near Le Meridien Essex Chicago?
Nearby attractions include Grant Park (600 m), the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (800 m), and the Art Institute of Chicago (2 km).
How does the shuttle service work at Le Meridien Essex Chicago?
The hotel provides a free shuttle service that operates in the morning to the Museum Campus and returns to several city attractions in the afternoon.
What amenities are included in the rooms at Le Meridien Essex Chicago?
Rooms feature air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, a refrigerator, and tea/coffee making facilities.
Does Le Meridien Essex Chicago have a swimming pool?
The hotel features a rooftop indoor pool.
What languages do the staff at Le Meridien Essex Chicago speak?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English.
Are there any grocery stores or restaurants close to Le Meridien Essex Chicago?
Nearby restaurants include Mercat a la Planxa, Kitty O'Sheas, and Grant Park Bistro, all within 0.5 km.
Check-in
06Feb2026Select date
Check-out
07Feb2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
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