The Magnificent Mile - River North center is approximately the area of Hancock Tower and the area of Water Tower Place.
The best time to visit Chicago is in spring. In April and May, you'll enjoy moderate temperatures in the high 50s to low 70s, which are ideal for exploring the city on foot. If you visit early in the season, you can avoid both the heavy crowds and the sweltering temperatures that come with summer. The Chicago Improv Festival hits the city in April, followed by Mayfest the next month.
Summer is a popular time for vacationers on their summer break from school, but it brings average highs in the 80s and lows in the 60s, with the occasional heat wave sending temperatures soaring over 100. Hotel prices are highest during this season, but the wealth of summer festivals can make it worth the expense. June brings the Chicago Blues Festival and Puerto Rican Parade & Festival. In July, you'll find the Taste of Chicago and Square Roots Festival, while August heralds the Chicago Jazz Festival.
Fall is another prime time for heading to Chicago; as children head back to school, temperatures drop, and hotel prices fall with them. September brings Oktoberfest Chicago and the Hyde Park Jazz Festival as added incentives to visit. Winter is a harsh season in Chicago, with chilly temperatures and biting winds. If you're willing to brave the weather, you can enjoy rock bottom hotel prices and holiday events like The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival and Winter WonderFest at Navy Pier.
Hilton hotels like the Hampton Inn Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile participate in the Hilton HHonors loyalty program that lets you earn points redeemable for discounted rates and other exclusive specials. These hotels offer discounts for AAA members, AARP members, military families, government personnel, and seniors as well.
Marriott hotels like the Fairfield Inn & Suites Chicago Downtown/River North and Courtyard by Marriott Chicago Downtown River North participate in the Marriott Rewards program. These hotels offer discounts for AAA and CAA members, seniors, government employees, and military personnel.
Even luxe hotels like the Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago offer special deals that include added perks like extended stay discounts or special rates on local attractions. The Peninsula offers special packages with everything from afternoon tea to access to Beats by Dr. Dre products.
The James Chicago is a top value pick, offering luxe amenities like full-size Intelligent Nutrients bath products, triple-filtered water, and Starbucks Via coffee prepared with a European-style water boiler. Greenery, HD Smart TVs, and Keetsa pillows give each room a special touch. An on-site bar, lounge, steakhouse, and spa provide everything you might need.
The Hotel Felix Chicago is an eco-friendly hotel with features like energy-saving CFL bulbs and free trade coffees. Recycling and linen reuse programs make nearly every aspect of operation more sustainable here. The on-site spa and fitness center are eco-friendly as well with recycled or sustainable bamboo flooring and other sustainable products.
The Dana Hotel and Spa is the ideal choice for travelers who want a midpriced room with plenty of relaxation and pampering. This hotel offers an MP3 player, Serta Enrapture Eurotop mattress, Keurig coffee maker, and private chilled wine reserve in every room. You can cozy up in slippers and a bathrobe for a quiet evening in or head to the spa for massage, skin care, or nail services. The 24-hour gym offers another way for you to keep up with your wellness at this elegant hotel.
If you're only interested in the Magnificent Mile and River North, you can traverse the area easily on foot. For trips that are a bit longer, you may want to try Chicago's bike share system. You can purchase a 24-hour pass with Divvy bike share for less than $10. This includes unlimited trips of 30 minutes or less, with an additional $2 for trips between 30 and 60 minutes, and $6 for trips between 60 and 90 minutes. Each additional half-hour is $8.
If you're making a longer trip around the city, Chicago's L Train, bus, and Metra rail offer extensive service around the city. Public transportation is so readily available in Chicago that you can easily reach your destination without a rental car, and with the expensive parking and heavy traffic, you may not want the expense of renting one.
If you're looking for an unforgettable stay in the Windy City, the standout hotels around the Magnificent Mile and River North will suit your agenda perfectly. With a seemingly endless range of options, this area has something for every taste.
Below are reviews of the city of Magnificent Mile - River North, IL from an actual visitor's perspective.
I love the location. So easy to get around the city from this hotel!
All the big stores and the Water Tower department store are on the Magnificent mile. Great deals and variety.
I loved sitting by the river and the amazing parks (the route walking south to get to McCormick Center to pick up the number before the Chicago Marathon)