The hype
Guests are obsessed with the lake views and the staff's energy but consistently disappointed by the wear and tear.
The Wade
$180-350/ nacht
Boek dit als You want a high-energy, club-like atmosphere with killer Lake Michigan views and don't mind a bit of grit.
Waarom mensen ervan houden
- Unbeatable views of Navy Pier and Lake Michigan from 'Spectacular' rooms
- Indoor heated pool (a rare find in downtown Chicago)
- The 'Living Room' bar has a genuine Friday night scene
Snel Overzicht: It’s a 2000s-era party hotel that’s fun if you're 25 and tipsy, but frustrating if you want 5-star maintenance.
Beoordeeld door @sowheresnate: I stayed at The Wade and it was such a mood. The room felt like a chic downtown apartment with that huge sofa and bold art. My favorite part was definitely opening the curtains to that incredible night view of the lake and Navy Pier. Perfect spot for a city break.
Gast die hier verbleef zei
Reality check
The 'luxury' label is doing heavy lifting; expect peeling vinyl, scuffed furniture, and spotty housekeeping.
- You are in town for a bachelorette party or boys' weekend
- You prioritize a pool and a gym over silence
- You want to walk to Navy Pier or Ohio Street Beach in 5 minutes
Schoonmaak & Onderhoud
6
- Housekeeping: Inconsistent. Many reports of 'missed spots,' trash left under beds, and service not coming unless begged.
- Bathroom hygiene: Major weak point. Reports of black mold in grout, hair in drains, and 'broken glass' found by guests in 2024.
- Maintenance: Tired. Peeling vinyl on headboards, scuffed walls, and vents that rattle are common complaints.
- Linens & towels: Generally clean and crisp, though some guests mention they feel 'thin' or worn.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells like signature perfume; hallways often smell like weed or stale smoke.
Sleepability™
6GEMATIGD
0-4LUID
4-7.5GEMATIGD
7.5-10STIL
- Hallway chatter/music
- Neighboring rooms (thin walls)
- HVAC rattling in older rooms
Voordat je boekt
Goed om te weten
- The 'Wade' moniker is often used in third-party listings, but signage says 'W Chicago - Lakeshore'.
- The minibar is sensor-triggered; moving a water bottle will charge you.
- Lobby bar 'Current' gets very loud on weekends; not great for quiet meetings.
Wat je mee moet nemen
- Swimsuit for the indoor pool (open year-round)
- Earplugs or a white noise machine
- Slippers (carpets can feel a bit worn)
Kamer Genie
Beste keuzes
- Spectacular Room (High Floor) for the guaranteed Navy Pier/Lake view
- Cool Corner Room for extra space and dual-aspect windows
Kamers om te vermijden
- Wonderful Rooms on floors 2-5 (mostly stare at a brick wall or alley)
- Rooms near the elevator bank (high foot traffic noise)
Kamer Aanvraag Genie – kopiëren en plakken
“I am celebrating a special occasion and would love a 'Spectacular' category room on a high floor (20+) facing the lake to avoid street noise. Please ensure the room is away from the elevators.”
Veelgestelde vragen & Verborgen tips
Alles wat je eigenlijk wilt weten voordat je boekt.
Is the pool actually open?
Yes, the indoor heated pool is a highlight and open year-round, usually 6am-10pm.
How bad is the parking fee?
Brutal. Valet is ~$79/night. Self-parking isn't available on-site. Use an app to find a garage on Ohio St for half the price.
Can I walk to the Magnificent Mile?
Yes, it's about a 10-12 minute walk west to Michigan Avenue shops.
Is breakfast included?
No, unless booked in a specific package. The buffet is around $20-$30 per person.
Are the rooms updated?
They were refreshed years ago with an 'industrial' look, but many guests now report scuffs, peeling vinyl, and dated bathrooms.
Is it pet friendly?
Yes, very. They have a 'PAW' program, but expect a non-refundable pet fee (~$100) + daily fee (~$25).
Tips van Insiders
- ✨
Ask for a 'white noise machine' from the 'Whatever/Whenever' service if the hallway is loud.
- ✨
The 33rd-floor 'Altitude' room is for events, but if it's unlocked and empty, the views are the best in the city.
- ✨
Walk 5 minutes to 'Cafecito' for a Cuban coffee and sandwich instead of paying hotel breakfast prices.
5 dingen die je moet weten voordat je gaat
💡The 'open concept' bathrooms have a peek-a-boo window that offers zero privacy from your roommate.
💡Elevator wait times can be 10+ minutes during peak checkout (11am Sunday).
💡The 'Destination Fee' includes bike rentals, but they are often all checked out by 9am.
💡Housekeeping is sometimes 'on request' only—you have to ask specifically for daily service.
💡The air conditioning vents in some rooms are caked with dust (check before you unpack).
Lokaal Playbook
Kaart
Bekijk waar The Wade zich bevindt en wat er in de buurt is.