
Hotel 505 River North
Best for travelers who prefer a compact River North base with a lively neighborhood feel, an on-site brasserie (CBR), a rooftop/17th-floor pool and pet-friendly policies.
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Hotel 505 River North is a compact, recently rebranded 4.5-star River North hotel with a rooftop/17th-floor indoor pool, CBR restaurant and family- and pet-friendly policies. Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk is a large 4-star riverfront hotel with extensive meeting space, multiple restaurants/bars and amenities for business and convention travelers — read this if you’re choosing between a neighborhood boutique feel and a big-brand riverfront option.
Updated · about 1.0 km apart

Best for travelers who prefer a compact River North base with a lively neighborhood feel, an on-site brasserie (CBR), a rooftop/17th-floor pool and pet-friendly policies.

Best for visitors who need large meeting space, predictable brand services, riverfront views and on-site options (multiple restaurants, bars and extensive event facilities).
When Hotel 505 River North wins: choose Hotel 505 if you want a smaller, neighborhood-style River North stay with a heated 17th-floor indoor pool and rooftop sun deck, an on-site modern American brasserie (CBR), and flexible family- and pet-friendly policies.
When Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk wins: pick the Sheraton for large-group stays, conferences or when you need riverfront rooms, a club/concierge offering and many meeting rooms plus multiple dining outlets on the property.
Bottom line: Hotel 505 is the better pick for social, neighborhood stays and families or pet owners who value a rooftop pool and a single well-regarded restaurant; Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk is the practical choice for business travelers, groups and anyone prioritizing riverfront scale and meeting facilities.
| Category | Hotel 505 River North | Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Compact, neighborhood-focused River North hotel with boutique service | Large-brand, riverfront 4-star hotel oriented to business and events |
| Location | 505 N. State Street — River North, a short walk to Magnificent Mile and Chicago Riverwalk | 301 E North Water St — riverfront near the Chicago Riverwalk and Michigan Avenue |
| Size | 261 rooms and suites | 1,218 guestrooms |
| Who’s allowed / age policy | All ages welcome; primary guest must be 21 to check in | |
| Pools | Heated indoor pool on the 17th floor plus rooftop sun deck (hotel also listed with an outdoor pool by some sites) | Indoor pool (number of pools: 1 indoor listed) |
| Restaurants & bars | CBR — modern American brasserie, breakfast/brunch/lunch/dinner and happy hour; single on-site restaurant | Three restaurants and 2 bars/lounges (including Shulas Steak House, plus cafe and room service options) |
| Meeting & events | About 8,000–8,150 sq ft meeting space across ~10 rooms; ballroom and banquet hall | Approx. 125,000 sq ft of conference space and 43 meeting rooms |
| Wellness / fitness | 24-hour fitness center on 17th floor with Peloton bikes; fitness access bundled into destination fee | |
| Pets | Dog-friendly (up to two dogs; fees: $75 up to 7 nights, $150 for 8+ nights per dog) | Pets: Not published |
| Known for | Rooftop/17th-floor pool, CBR restaurant, neighborhood River North location | Riverfront location, large meeting/conference facilities and multiple dining outlets |
Hotel 505 sits on North State Street in River North within easy walking distance of the Magnificent Mile and Chicago Riverwalk.
Choose Hotel 505 for a neighborhood feel with very short walks to shopping and Riverwalk.
Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk is positioned directly on the riverfront, steps from the Chicago Riverwalk and very near Michigan Avenue.
Choose Sheraton for the convenience of on-the-river placement and immediate riverwalk access.
Hotel 505 offers 261 individually decorated rooms and spa-focused suites, marketed as 4.5-star accommodations.
Hotel 505 suits travelers who want a smaller inventory with spa-style suite options and boutique touches.
Sheraton Grand offers a wide range of traditional, deluxe and suite room types, including river- and lake-view options and club/concierge rooms.
Sheraton works well for guests who want many room types, view options and accessible room variants at a large property.
Hotel 505’s on-site restaurant is CBR, a modern American brasserie that handles most guest dining needs.
If you want a single reliable on-site restaurant with daily service windows and happy hour, Hotel 505 delivers.
Sheraton Grand lists three restaurants and two bars/lounges, including Shulas Steak House and a coffee shop/cafe.
Sheraton is better if you want more on-site dining variety or need options for groups with varied tastes.
Hotel 505 promotes a heated indoor pool on the 17th floor with an adjacent rooftop sun deck and some listings note an outdoor pool as well.
Hotel 505’s rooftop/17th-floor pool and deck are a standout for leisure travelers who want an elevated pool experience in downtown Chicago.
Sheraton Grand offers at least one indoor pool and a 24-hour fitness center among its recreational features.
Sheraton provides conventional pool and fitness options appropriate for business and leisure guests but emphasizes other large-scale amenities.
Hotel 505 doesn’t operate a dedicated spa but offers in-room spa treatments and Spa Suites with jetted tubs; River North nightlife is steps away.
Hotel 505 fits guests who prefer in-room spa options and quick access to River North bars and restaurants.
Sheraton Grand focuses on conferences and scale, with concierge services and business facilities; riverfront evenings and dining are nearby.
Sheraton is geared to travelers who value business services, event support and immediate riverfront promenading after meetings.

Hotel 505 — boutique size, rooftop/17th-floor pool and a single polished restaurant (CBR) make it better for small-group or couples stays.

Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk — far more meeting space (125,000 sq ft and 43 meeting rooms) and event support for conferences.

Hotel 505 — family-friendly policies, a shallow/guest-noted pool and a dog-friendly policy (fees and limits published).

Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk — riverfront address with a wider selection of on-site restaurants and bars.
Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk — supplier listing shows about 125,000 sq ft of conference space and 43 meeting rooms versus ~8,000 sq ft at Hotel 505.
Hotel 505 is explicitly family-friendly and dog-friendly (up to two dogs, specified fees); Sheraton accepts families but pet policy is not published in the supplier listing provided.
Hotel 505 does not operate a standalone spa but offers in-room spa treatments and Spa Suites with jetted tubs; Sheraton’s supplier listing does not show a dedicated spa (Not published).
Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk has a riverfront address and direct proximity to the Chicago Riverwalk; Hotel 505 is a short walk from the Riverwalk in River North.
Explore how Hotel 505 River North stacks up against other hotels nearby:
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