
Chicago Athletic Association
Best for travelers who want a historic, design-forward hotel steps from Millennium Park and cultural attractions.
Prices in other currencies are estimates. You’re charged in USD.
Chicago Athletic Association is a restored 1890s Venetian Gothic landmark on Michigan Avenue with athletic-club history, rooftop views of Millennium Park, and game-filled social spaces. LondonHouse Chicago, Curio Collection is a riverfront lifestyle hotel known for its Chicago River views and a popular rooftop scene — read this if you’re choosing between a historic, culture-forward stay and a riverfront lifestyle property.
Updated · about 0.5 mi (0.8 km) apart

Best for travelers who want a historic, design-forward hotel steps from Millennium Park and cultural attractions.

Best for guests who want river views, a lively rooftop scene, and large event facilities in the heart of the Magnificent Mile–Riverwalk area.
When Chicago Athletic Association wins: choose the Athletic Association if you want to be across from Millennium Park, favor a landmark building with historic character, enjoy multiple small-scale food and drink venues (including an intimate 8-seat omakase), and appreciate playful public spaces like the Game Room.
When LondonHouse Chicago wins: choose LondonHouse if you prefer a riverfront base with direct access to the Chicago Riverwalk, larger meeting and conference capacity, and the energy of a lifestyle hotel with multiple restaurants and bars geared toward river views and rooftop activity.
Bottom line: both hotels offer destination rooftops and strong downtown locations; pick Chicago Athletic Association for history, culture, and unique indoor social spaces, or LondonHouse for riverfront energy, larger event facilities, and sweeping river views.
| Category | Chicago Athletic Association | LondonHouse Chicago, Curio Collection |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Historic, clublike, playful social spaces and culture-focused | Riverfront lifestyle hotel with energetic rooftop scene |
| Location | Across from Millennium Park on Michigan Avenue; immediate access to cultural sites | On the Chicago River near Michigan Avenue and the Riverwalk |
| Size (rooms) | 240 rooms and suites | 452 guestrooms |
| Check-in age | 21+ minimum check-in age | |
| Pool | No on-site pool | Not published |
| Restaurants & bars | Multiple venues including The Ives, Midōsuji (8-seat omakase), Cindy’s rooftop, Game Room, Drawing Room, Shake Shack, Fairgrounds | Two restaurants and two bars; riverfront and rooftop dining/drink options |
| Spa & wellness | No on-site spa; discount to nearby Exhale Luxury Spa & Gym; 24-hour fitness center | Full-service spa on site plus fitness facilities |
| Known for | Historic landmark building, rooftop views of Millennium Park & Lake Michigan, social game spaces | Riverfront views, rooftop scene, large event/conference capacity |
| Event space | About 17,000 sq ft including Stagg Court, White City Ballroom and The Tank | About 25,000 sq ft of conference/event space |
| Accessibility to Riverwalk | A short walk to the Riverwalk (roughly 0.5 mi / 0.7 km) | Adjacent to the Chicago Riverwalk |
Chicago Athletic Association sits directly on Michigan Avenue across from Millennium Park and Cloud Gate.
Pick this if you want immediate access to Chicago’s main cultural attractions and a park-facing rooftop.
LondonHouse Chicago occupies a prime spot at 85 E Wacker Drive on the Chicago River near the Magnificent Mile.
Choose LondonHouse for riverfront walks, bridge views, and a Magnificent Mile–adjacent base.
Chicago Athletic Association offers 240 rooms and suites with historic design touches and modern conveniences.
Rooms emphasize landmark architecture and views toward Millennium Park or the city.
LondonHouse has 452 guestrooms with river- and city-facing options and in-room conveniences.
Expect contemporary rooms with river or city outlooks and hotel-level room conveniences.
Chicago Athletic Association is home to several distinct F&B venues, from an omakase bar to a rooftop overlooking Millennium Park.
The hotel’s variety of small-scale, characterful venues suits food-focused travelers seeking variety.
LondonHouse features two restaurants and two bars with an emphasis on river and rooftop dining.
LondonHouse concentrates offerings around river-view dining and a lively rooftop scene.
Chicago Athletic Association’s signature amenity is its rooftop restaurant and social spaces rather than a pool.
Rooftop dining and historic indoor social venues are the hotel's main draw — there’s no pool on site.
LondonHouse is best known for riverfront access and a prominent rooftop scene.
If a rooftop with river views is your priority, LondonHouse delivers; pool details are not published.
Chicago Athletic Association combines a 24-hour fitness center with active, public social venues.
Good for guests who want to work out and socialize in public hotel spaces rather than visit an in-house spa.
LondonHouse offers on-site spa services and a popular rooftop nightlife vibe.
LondonHouse suits travelers looking to combine spa treatments with a rooftop bar and riverfront nightlife.

Chicago Athletic Association — steps from Millennium Park, the Art Institute, and cultural attractions.

LondonHouse — situated on the Chicago River with a lively rooftop and terrace scene.

LondonHouse — larger total conference and event capacity (about 25,000 sq ft listed).

Chicago Athletic Association — historic Stagg Court, White City Ballroom and other landmark venues.
Chicago Athletic Association is directly across from Millennium Park; LondonHouse is a short walk but focused on the riverfront.
Both properties list a 21+ minimum check-in age for the primary guest.
LondonHouse lists a full-service spa on site; Chicago Athletic Association does not have an on-site spa or pool (it offers a discount to a nearby spa).
Both hotels have rooftop dining/drink venues; Chicago Athletic Association’s rooftop faces Millennium Park and Lake Michigan, while LondonHouse’s rooftop emphasizes river and bridge views.
Explore how Chicago Athletic Association stacks up against other hotels nearby:
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