I chose this hotel based almost solely on the location - directly across the street from the House of Blues where I was going to be attending an event. Taking the train into Chicago, I didn't want to have to walk too far late at night and the Westin was in the ideal location for my purposes. Turns out, the Westin River North is in a great location for just about everything. From Union Station, it's a $6 cab ride (taken because I didn't want to haul my luggage through Midtown). Otherwise, just about everything you need is easily within walking distance. Lots of great food options, entertainment venues/bars, and Michigan Avenue.

The hotel itself is very nice. There's a large, welcoming lobby as soon as you walk in (and you'll probably be greeted by some delightful doormen). The elevators even have an oddly pleasant aroma around them. The room was really nice - clean, spacious enough, and the bathroom was fantastic. While I did not find the bed to be as "heavenly" as advertised, it was easily 10x more comfortable than any other hotel bed I've found. The staff was friendly and helpful. My only real complaint was the fee-per-day in-room internet, which I find ridiculous at this point in time. I just grabbed my laptop and went to hang out in the lobby for a few minutes when needed, and used the free wifi there.

Overall, it was a great stay and I'd definitely consider it again if I was going to that part of Chicago again.

This is a really nice Westin in a great locations. Nothing bad to say about this hotel and the location. It has clean spacious rooms and a club floor/lounge...One of the rare Westin's with a club lounge which is always a nice bonus...

I travel a lot and typically spend 30 days a year in Chicago. The Westin Chicago River North is an excellent choice - the rooms are comfy, its close to a ton of great restraunts and its easy to walking distance to the lake and businesses.

I'll also mention that Sam Guiragossian, who runs the Workout Club, is a great guy. He is very approachable, knowlegable - regardless of your fitness level he is the guy to connect with.

Usually we stay up around Water Tower but this part of Chicago has really come into its own with shops and restaurants. And it's not difficult to walk north on Michigan Ave to go to Water Tower etc. The hotel was very nice and the women at the concierge desk was very helpful and patient as was all of the staff. One warning. I parked in a garage close to the hotel thinking it would be cheaper than valet parking ($55). It wasn't. For one day on the weekend I paid $65. Better to park south of the river and take a short walk back to the hotel.