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From89US$ /night
Check-in
23Mar2026Select date
Check-out
24Mar2026Select 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
8.6
/10
4.6
3.4
/5

Rooms Amenities

The air-conditioned double room provides a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a tea and coffee maker, a wardrobe, and a safe deposit box. Bathrooms include spring water baths and complimentary toiletries. Some units feature a sitting area.

Dining

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

Leisure Facilities

Hotel Essex features a rooftop indoor pool and two outdoor decks. Guests can work out in the fitness room, which offers treadmills, elliptical machines, and free weights. There is a 20-mile path along Lake Michigan for running, walking, biking, or skating. The hotel includes a terrace with city views and free high speed WiFi access.

Location & Transportation

Chicago's Essex Inn is on the southern end of Michigan Avenue Cultural Mile. It is a seven-minute drive away from Magnificent Mile. The Museum of Contemporary Photography is within walking distance. The hotel provides a free shuttle to the Museum Campus, North Michigan Avenue, the Art Institute, and Navy Pier. Le Meridien Essex Chicago is just a 5-minute walk from Harrison and 15 km from Chicago Midway International Airport.

Hotel Services

The hotel features a rooftop garden with views of Lake Michigan. Additional amenities include complimentary wireless Internet access, concierge services, and tour/ticket assistance. Event facilities at this hotel consist of conference space and meeting rooms. Guests can make themselves in one of the 254 air-conditioned rooms featuring refrigerators and iPod docking stations.

“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
Quinn SullivanEditor, UsChicago
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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
Classic Double Room Two Double Beds
2 persons
270 sq. feet 
2 Double beds
Coffee machine
Heating
Deluxe King Room Limited View Hearing Accessible
2 persons
230 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Coffee machine
Heating
Deluxe King Room Limited View
2 persons
230 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Coffee machine
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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
Facilities: Great
8.7/10Review score

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.

Le Meridien Essex Chicago 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
Wireless 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

Guest ratings and reviews

Guest feedback from past stays
Review score
Based on 413 verified reviews
9.3/10
Perfect
93%
Recommend
Breakfast
10.0/10
Cleanliness
8.9/10
Comfort
8.9/10
Facilities
8.7/10
Free Wi-Fi
8.0/10
Location
9.1/10
Paid Wi-Fi
10.0/10
Staff
8.7/10
Value for money
8.4/10
Pros
Clean rooms
Friendly staff
Great location
Cons
Poor sound insulation
Guest reviews
based on 398 reviews
4.5/5
based on 341 reviews
8.6/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
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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.

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