
Hotel 505 River North
Best for travelers who prefer a smaller, more social downtown stay with an on-site modern American brasserie and convenient River North access.
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Hotel 505 River North is a 4.5-star, recently rebranded River North property with 261 rooms, a social on-site brasserie and a 17th-floor heated pool—good for travelers who want a boutique, family-friendly downtown base. InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile is a historic 4.5-star, major-brand hotel on Michigan Avenue with roughly 792 rooms, a full-service spa and stronger corporate/event facilities—best for travelers wanting a large, recognizable luxury address near the Magnificent Mile.
Updated · about 0.4 km apart

Best for travelers who prefer a smaller, more social downtown stay with an on-site modern American brasserie and convenient River North access.

Best for guests seeking a landmark Magnificent Mile address, extensive meeting space, and full-service spa and club facilities.
When Hotel 505 River North wins: choose Hotel 505 if you want a smaller, more intimate downtown stay (261 rooms), easy walkability to River North dining and nightlife, on-site CBR restaurant and a heated 17th-floor pool with rooftop sun deck—especially good for families and couples wanting a social neighborhood-feel.
When InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile wins: choose the InterContinental for large-group meetings or events (dozens of meeting rooms and ballrooms), the reassurance of a long-running major brand, on-site spa services, two restaurants and a wider set of full-service hotel amenities across nearly 800 rooms.
Bottom line: both put you within a short walk of the Magnificent Mile; pick Hotel 505 for a boutique, neighborhood-focused stay and the InterContinental for scale, brand recognition and full-service facilities.
| Category | Hotel 505 River North | InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Boutique-ish, social River North hotel with a modern brasserie and rooftop pool deck. | Historic, large-scale 4.5-star hotel with major-brand presence and formal public spaces. |
| Location (to Magnificent Mile / Michigan Ave) | About a 3–5 minute walk to Michigan Avenue (River North). | On Michigan Avenue (listed address: 505 N Michigan Ave); immediate Magnificent Mile access. |
| Size | 261 rooms and suites. | About 792 guestrooms. |
| Family-friendly / age policy | All ages welcome; primary guest must be 21 to check in. | |
| Pools | Heated indoor pool on 17th floor plus rooftop sun deck; some sources list an outdoor pool as well. | One indoor pool listed in supplier facts; sauna and fitness center available. |
| Restaurants & bars | CBR — one on-site modern American brasserie and cocktail/whiskey bar (breakfast–dinner, happy hour). | Two on-site restaurants, plus a bar/lounge and a coffee shop/cafe; room service during limited hours. |
| Spa / wellness | No standalone spa; offers in-room spa treatments and Spa Suites with jetted tubs; 24-hour fitness center with Peloton bikes. | Spa services on site, sauna and fitness facilities; full-service spa treatments available. |
| Meetings & events | About 8,000–8,150 sq ft of meeting space across 10 rooms; ballroom and banquet facilities. | 34 meeting rooms and extensive event/banquet facilities. |
| Parking & transit | Valet parking (≈ $80/night); very walkable to CTA Red Line (Grand/State). | Valet parking (surcharge listed); centrally located with easy walking access to downtown transit and attractions. |
| Known for | River North location, CBR restaurant, heated 17th-floor pool and a smaller, boutique feel. | Historic Michigan Avenue address, large guestroom count, brand recognition and full-service amenities. |
Hotel 505 sits on North State Street in River North, steps from galleries, nightlife and the Chicago Riverwalk.
Choose Hotel 505 if you want a lively River North neighborhood base with quick walkability to local dining and galleries.
InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile is located directly on Michigan Avenue, putting you immediately on the Magnificent Mile.
Pick the InterContinental for the convenience of staying on Michigan Avenue itself and easy access to major downtown sights.
Hotel 505 has 261 individually decorated rooms and Spa Suites focused on in-room relaxation.
If a smaller room inventory and some rooms with in-room spa features appeal, Hotel 505 fits that preference.
InterContinental lists about 792 guestrooms across multiple room and suite types, from Classic Rooms to Executive and one-bedroom suites.
InterContinental suits guests who want many room-type options and large-suite availability at a landmark hotel.
Hotel 505’s on-site restaurant CBR serves modern American brasserie food throughout the day with a cocktail and whiskey focus.
Hotel 505 is a good pick if you plan to rely on an approachable on-site restaurant and bar for much of your stay.
InterContinental has two restaurants, a bar/lounge and a coffee shop/cafe, plus room service during limited hours.
Choose the InterContinental if you want more on-site dining variety and the convenience of multiple outlets.
Hotel 505 highlights a heated indoor pool on the 17th floor with a rooftop sun deck; some sources also list an outdoor pool.
Hotel 505 is aimed at guests who want a visible rooftop/pool combination and family-friendly swim options.
InterContinental’s supplier listing includes an indoor pool and sauna as part of its recreational facilities.
InterContinental works for travelers wanting indoor pool and sauna access as part of a full-service stay.
Hotel 505 provides in-room spa treatments and Spa Suites rather than a dedicated spa facility, plus close access to River North nightlife.
Pick Hotel 505 if in-room spa-style relaxation and easy access to local nightlife are priorities.
InterContinental offers on-site spa services, a sauna and extensive meeting/ballroom capacity that supports conferences and events.
InterContinental is better if you need a staffed spa, larger meeting setups, or prefer full-service hotel amenities.

Hotel 505 River North — smaller inventory, CBR brasserie and a 17th-floor heated pool with rooftop sun deck.

InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile — extensive meeting rooms (34) and large banquet/ballroom facilities.

InterContinental — supplier facts list spa services on site plus sauna and full wellness options.

Hotel 505 River North — family-friendly pool options, kid-friendly facilities and Spa Suites for family relaxation.
Both are very close. The InterContinental sits on Michigan Avenue; Hotel 505 is a short 3–5 minute walk to the Magnificent Mile.
InterContinental lists on-site spa services and a sauna; Hotel 505 offers in-room spa treatments and Spa Suites but not a standalone spa facility.
No. Both properties are family-friendly and welcome guests of all ages; the primary guest at Hotel 505 must be at least 21 to check in.
InterContinental has more meeting rooms (34) and larger event facilities. Hotel 505 has about 8,000–8,150 sq ft of meeting space across 10 rooms and is suitable for small-to-medium events.
Explore how Hotel 505 River North stacks up against other hotels nearby:
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