BookResorts™ is an independent travel network offering over 100,000 hotels worldwide.is an independent travel network.

Hotel 505 River North Chicago, Illinois
Book Now Or call, 24/7+1 (888) 605-1350
Rooms & Suites Dine & Drink Activities Gallery FAQs
Ready to book?Lowest online rate, free perks and upgrades.Book nowCall 24/7 · 888-605-1350
Hotel comparison guide

Hotel 505 River North vs Waldorf Astoria Chicago

Hotel 505 River North is a 4.5-star, 261-room River North property aimed at travelers who want walkable access to galleries, nightlife and the Magnificent Mile. Waldorf Astoria Chicago is a five-star Gold Coast hotel known for residential-style luxury and a full-service spa — read this if you’re choosing between downtown energy and classic five-star polish.

Updated · about 0.8 km apart

Rooftop terrace lounge seating with green cushions at Hotel 505 River North

Hotel 505 River North

Walkable River North · Heated 17th-floor pool & rooftop deck · 261 rooms

Best for travelers who want a lively River North location, straightforward modern rooms, and rooftop pool access without a strict luxury price premium.

Waldorf Astoria Chicago, Chicago, Illinois

Waldorf Astoria Chicago

Five-star Gold Coast luxury · Full-service spa & indoor pool · 214 rooms

Best for travelers seeking classic five-star service, a dedicated full-service spa, and a Gold Coast address near Oak Street and Michigan Avenue.

Quick Verdict: Hotel 505 River North vs Waldorf Astoria Chicago

When Hotel 505 River North wins: pick Hotel 505 if you want to be in the thick of River North’s galleries, bars and quick walks to the Magnificent Mile, plus easy access to a heated 17th-floor pool and rooftop sun deck in a larger, family-friendly property.

When Waldorf Astoria Chicago wins: choose the Waldorf for a more formal five-star experience, a full-service spa, an Art Deco building with concierge-driven service, and a Gold Coast address a short walk from Oak Street and high-end shopping.

Bottom line: both are excellent central options; Hotel 505 leans toward active downtown convenience and pool access across a larger property, while the Waldorf focuses on five-star refinement, a spa, and a slightly smaller, more residential-feeling hotel.

Hotel 505 River North vs Waldorf Astoria Chicago – At a Glance

Side-by-side facts for Hotel 505 River North and Waldorf Astoria Chicago
CategoryHotel 505 River NorthWaldorf Astoria Chicago
Overall vibeLively River North — modern American brasserie, rooftop sun deck, gallery/nightlife focusFive-star Gold Coast residential-style luxury with an on-site full-service spa
Location505 N. State St., River North — short walk to Michigan Avenue and Chicago Riverwalk11 E. Walton St., Gold Coast — steps from Oak Street and Michigan Avenue
Size (rooms)261 rooms and suites214 guestrooms
Who’s welcome / agesFamily friendly; children welcome (main guest must be 21 to check in)
PoolsHeated indoor pool on the 17th floor plus rooftop sun deck (hotel lists indoor & outdoor pool references)Indoor pool (wheelchair-accessible) and health club on site
Restaurants & barsCBR — modern American brasserie and cocktail/whiskey bar serving breakfast through dinner and happy hourBrass Tack — American cuisine with bar/lounge and 24-hour room service available
Spa & wellnessNo standalone spa; in-room spa treatments and Spa Suites with jetted tubs; 24-hour fitness center with PelotonFull-service spa offering massages, body treatments and facials; 24-hour fitness facilities and fitness classes
Meetings & eventsAbout 8,000+ sq ft of meeting space across 10 rooms, ballroom and terrace optionsConference space totalling 7,911 sq ft with 9 meeting rooms
Accessibility & family servicesWheelchair-accessible public areas and pool; pet-friendly (dogs), family amenities and kids welcomeWheelchair-accessible meeting spaces, pool and spa; babysitting and wedding services available
Known forWalkable River North location, rooftop pool deck and value-minded modern roomsFive-star service, residential-style rooms, and a full-service spa in the Gold Coast

A Look Inside Hotel 505 River North

See all photos →

Location: River North energy vs Gold Coast elegance

Hotel 505 River North – Location

Hotel 505 sits on North State Street in River North, within a few minutes’ walk of the Magnificent Mile and the Chicago Riverwalk.

  • Walkable to Michigan Avenue boutiques, Riverwalk dining, galleries and nightlife.
  • Close to CTA Red Line access (Grand/State area) for quick downtown transit.
  • Near attractions like House of Blues, The Escape Game and Marina City.

Pick Hotel 505 for a central, walkable River North base focused on dining, galleries and nightlife.

Waldorf Astoria Chicago – Location

Waldorf Astoria Chicago is in the Gold Coast, a short walk to Oak Street, Michigan Avenue and high-end shopping.

  • Steps from Oak Street and within a 5-minute walk of Michigan Avenue.
  • Close to shopping along 900 North Michigan and cultural spots like the Museum of Contemporary Art.
  • Easy access to lakefront beaches and local boutiques.

Choose Waldorf Astoria for a quieter, more residential Gold Coast address with luxury shopping nearby.

Rooms: modern River North rooms vs residential five-star rooms

Hotel 505 River North – Rooms

Hotel 505 has 261 individually decorated rooms and suites, including Spa Suites with jetted tubs.

  • Room types include Deluxe Room and Deluxe Room, City View; 261 rooms total.
  • Spa Suites offer in-room jetted 'Fuji' soaking tubs and walk-in showers.
  • Free Wi‑Fi in rooms; housekeeping provided on request.

Hotel 505 provides a larger inventory of modern rooms and specific Spa Suite options for in-room relaxation.

Waldorf Astoria Chicago – Rooms

Waldorf Astoria offers 214 guestrooms with five-star finishes and residential-style layouts.

  • Rooms include pillowtop beds with Egyptian cotton sheets and down comforters.
  • Rooms feature 55-inch Smart TVs, minibars and complimentary wired/wireless internet.
  • Private bathrooms with separate tubs and showers and designer toiletries.

Waldorf rooms emphasize five-star bedding, finishes and in-room amenities typical of a luxury hotel.

Dining & drinks: CBR’s all-day brasserie vs Brass Tack’s five-star menu

Hotel 505 River North – Dining & drinks

CBR at Hotel 505 is an on-site modern American brasserie and cocktail/whiskey bar that serves breakfast through dinner and hosts a weekday happy hour.

  • Breakfast Mon–Fri 7–11am; lunch 11am–2pm; dinner 4–10pm on select days.
  • Happy hour Tue–Fri, 4–6pm; brunch service on weekends.
  • Reservations recommended; business-casual dress code.

CBR is a convenient, all-day neighborhood brasserie for guests who plan to dine on property without a formal fine-dining experience.

Waldorf Astoria Chicago – Dining & drinks

Brass Tack provides American cuisine with bar/lounge service and 24-hour room service at the Waldorf Astoria.

  • Full breakfasts are available daily for a fee; 24-hour room service is offered.
  • One on-site restaurant and a bar/lounge; vegan menu options available.
  • Reservations and concierge help are available for off-site dining and experiences.

Waldorf’s dining supports a formal five-star stay with on-site options and 24-hour room service.

Pools & rooftop: year-round indoor swimming vs accessible indoor pool

Hotel 505 River North – Pools & rooftop

Hotel 505 highlights a heated indoor pool on the 17th floor with a rooftop sun deck and mentions both indoor and outdoor pool access in third-party listings.

  • Heated indoor lap pool located with the fitness center on the 17th floor.
  • Rooftop sun deck opens seasonally when weather allows.
  • Pool capacity is managed for guest comfort.

Hotel 505 is a strong pick if a rooftop-adjacent pool and sun deck are priorities.

Waldorf Astoria Chicago – Pools & rooftop

Waldorf Astoria Chicago offers an indoor pool accessible to guests and integrated with the hotel’s health club facilities.

  • Indoor pool is wheelchair-accessible and supported by a health club.
  • Health club offers fitness classes and 24-hour fitness facilities.
  • Spa facilities and pool access are part of the hotel’s wellness offering.

Waldorf’s indoor pool complements its full-service spa and health club for a traditional luxury wellness experience.

Wellness & nightlife: in-room spa options vs full-service spa and classes

Hotel 505 River North – Wellness & nightlife

Hotel 505 does not operate a standalone on-site spa; it offers in-room spa treatments and Spa Suites plus a 24-hour fitness center with Peloton bikes.

  • Spa Suites include jetted tubs; in-room spa treatments can be booked.
  • 24-hour fitness center with modern cardio equipment and Peloton bikes on the 17th floor.
  • Destination/resort fee covers fitness access, Wi‑Fi and seasonal amenities.

Choose Hotel 505 when you want in-room spa-style experiences and a fitness-focused setup without a dedicated spa facility.

Waldorf Astoria Chicago – Wellness & nightlife

Waldorf Astoria features a full-service spa plus fitness classes and a health club for guests wanting a comprehensive wellness program.

  • Full-service spa requires reservations for treatments and offers massages, facials and body treatments.
  • Fitness classes, Pilates and yoga instruction are offered on site.
  • Concierge and spa staff can arrange wellness appointments and packages.

Waldorf is the better fit if you want a dedicated spa and on-site wellness programming backed by five-star service.

Who Wins? Best Pick by Travel Style

Best for nightlife & galleries
Guest seated with a glass of wine by a fireplace at Hotel 505 River North

Hotel 505 River North

Hotel 505 — steps from River North galleries, bars and quick walks to the Magnificent Mile.

Best for a full-service spa
Waldorf Astoria Chicago, Chicago, Illinois

Waldorf Astoria Chicago

Waldorf Astoria Chicago — offers a dedicated full-service spa with reservations and treatments.

Best rooftop/pool access
Person standing with a black tote bag against a red tufted wall at Hotel 505 River North

Hotel 505 River North

Hotel 505 — heated 17th-floor pool with a rooftop sun deck for year-round swimming and seasonal sunning.

Best classic five-star stay
Waldorf Astoria Chicago, Chicago, Illinois

Waldorf Astoria Chicago

Waldorf Astoria Chicago — five-star service, residential-style rooms and formal hotel amenities.

Frequently asked questions

Hotel 505 River North vs Waldorf Astoria Chicago: FAQs

See all FAQs →
Which hotel is better for families?

Hotel 505 is explicitly family-friendly with kid-welcoming pool amenities; Waldorf Astoria accepts children too, but Hotel 505’s layout and pool offerings are more family-oriented.

Which hotel has a full spa?

Waldorf Astoria Chicago has a full-service spa; Hotel 505 offers in-room spa services and Spa Suites but not a standalone spa facility.

Are both hotels near the Magnificent Mile?

Yes. Both properties are short walks to Michigan Avenue and easy to reach the Magnificent Mile shopping corridor.

Which hotel has more rooms?

Hotel 505 has 261 rooms versus Waldorf Astoria Chicago’s 214 guestrooms.

Person carrying a citrus-pattern pool float beside the indoor pool at Hotel 505 River North
Book your stay

Heated 17th‑Floor Pool & Rooftop Deck

  • Lowest rate guarantee
  • Complimentary perks & upgrades
  • 24/7 concierge
Offer terms

Price comparison & offer terms

These terms apply to the price comparison, Lowest Price Guarantee, free perks and concierge service shown on this site.

How we compare rates

The nightly rate shown is the lowest nightly rate we found for Hotel 505 River North after searching every available night up to 12 months in advance, based on single occupancy (one guest). We compared that rate with publicly available rates on other online travel agencies (OTAs), such as Expedia, Hotels.com and similar sites, and show the price difference we found. We don't name the specific site each comparison came from.

Rates and availability change constantly. The rate for your dates, room type and number of guests may be different. The full price, including taxes and fees, is shown before you confirm.

Lowest Price Guarantee

Free perks & upgrades

24/7 concierge

General

BookResorts may change or end these offers at any time. These terms are in addition to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy. BookResorts is an independent travel agency and is not affiliated with Hotel 505 River North.

Legal

Terms & Conditions

Last updated: January 1, 2026

Please read these Terms carefully. They contain important information about limitations of our liability and the resolution of disputes through binding arbitration and a class action waiver (Section 16), and our right to change these Terms (Section 18).

1. Acceptance of these terms

These Terms & Conditions (the “Terms”) govern your access to and use of BookResorts and any booking you make through us. By using the site or making a reservation, you agree to these Terms. If you do not agree, please do not use the site.

2. Definitions

“We,” “us,” and “our” refer to BookResorts, operated by SVH Tours & Travel Services, Inc. “You” refers to the person using the site or making a reservation. A “Supplier” or “Travel Provider” is the hotel, resort, or other provider that supplies the travel services. “Travel Services” means the room stays and related services made available through us. “Content” means text, descriptions, images, reviews, and other material on the site.

3. Who we are

BookResorts is an independent online travel agency that acts as an intermediary between you and Suppliers. We are not a hotel, and we are not owned by, affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any hotel or brand featured on the site. When you book, your reservation is made with the Supplier through us as agent.

4. Eligibility & use of the site

You must be at least 18 years old (or the age of majority where you live) and able to enter a binding contract. You agree to use the site only to make legitimate reservations for yourself or for someone you are authorized to act for, to provide accurate and complete information, and to inform any other traveler of the terms that apply to their reservation.

5. Bookings & confirmation

All reservations are subject to availability and to the rate rules, restrictions, and policies shown at the time of booking. A reservation is confirmed only when you receive a confirmation from us. You are responsible for reviewing the rate rules (including cancellation terms) before you book.

6. Prices, fees, taxes & currency

Prices are shown in the currency indicated and include applicable taxes and fees unless stated otherwise; the total is displayed before you confirm. Our price may include a service fee and may differ from the rate offered directly by the Supplier. Currency conversions, where shown, are estimates. Certain taxes or resort fees may be collected by the Supplier at the property.

7. Cancellations, changes & refunds

Each rate carries its own cancellation policy, shown before you book (for example, non-refundable, or refundable up to a stated deadline). Refund eligibility and timing follow the policy attached to the rate you select. Service fees may be non-refundable. Failure to check in (“no-show”) may result in forfeiture of the amount paid, per the rate rules.

8. Your responsibilities

You are responsible for having valid identification and any required travel documents (such as a passport or visa), and for complying with the Supplier’s policies, including minimum check-in age, occupancy limits, deposits, and identification requirements. You are responsible for the accuracy of all guest information you provide.

9. Suppliers & third-party services

Suppliers are independent third parties. We are not liable for the acts, errors, omissions, representations, warranties, or negligence of any Supplier, or for the quality, condition, or safety of the travel services they provide. Any dispute regarding your stay or the services delivered is between you and the Supplier. Supplier terms and policies apply in addition to these Terms.

10. Third-party links

The site may contain links to third-party websites provided for your convenience. We do not control and are not responsible for those sites, and a link does not imply endorsement. Your use of any linked site is at your own risk and subject to that site’s terms.

11. Intellectual property

The site and its Content (excluding third-party trademarks) are owned by BookResorts or its licensors and are protected by law. Hotel names, logos, and trademarks are the property of their respective owners and are used only to identify the property being booked. You may not copy, scrape, or reuse any Content without permission.

12. Prohibited conduct

You agree not to use the site for any unlawful or fraudulent purpose; not to make speculative, false, or fraudulent reservations; not to use automated tools to access or scrape the site; and not to interfere with the site’s operation or security.

13. Reviews & user content

If you submit reviews or other content, you grant us a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use, display, and distribute it in connection with our services. You are responsible for what you submit, and we may remove content at our discretion.

14. Disclaimers

The site, its Content, and the travel services are provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis, without warranties of any kind, whether express or implied, including as to accuracy, availability, or fitness for a particular purpose. We do not warrant that listings, prices, or descriptions are error-free.

15. Limitation of liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, BookResorts will not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, punitive, or consequential damages arising out of or connected with your use of the site or any booking. If we are found liable, our total liability will not exceed the greater of (a) the fees you paid to BookResorts for the booking at issue, or (b) US$100. This limitation reflects the allocation of risk between us.

16. Dispute resolution

We want to resolve any concern quickly and fairly. Before pursuing a formal claim, you agree to first contact our support team at 888-605-1350 or support@bookresorts.com and give us 60 days to resolve the matter informally. If we are unable to resolve it, any dispute will be handled by the state or federal courts located in California, as set out in Section 17 (either party may still bring qualifying claims in small claims court).

17. Governing law & venue

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of California, USA, without regard to conflict-of-laws rules. Any permitted court action will be brought exclusively in the state or federal courts located in Los Angeles County, California, and you consent to their jurisdiction.

18. Changes to these terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. The version in effect at the time of your booking applies to that booking. Your continued use of the site after changes take effect means you accept the updated Terms.

19. Force majeure

We are not responsible for any failure or delay caused by events beyond our reasonable control, including severe weather, natural disasters, pandemics, strikes, government actions, or Supplier closures.

20. Miscellaneous

If any provision is found unenforceable, the remaining provisions stay in effect. Our failure to enforce a provision is not a waiver. These Terms are the entire agreement between you and us regarding the site.

21. Contact

Questions about these Terms or a reservation? Call our support team, available 24/7, at 888-605-1350.

Legal

Privacy Policy

Last updated: January 1, 2026

This Privacy Policy explains how BookResorts collects, uses, shares, and protects your personal information when you use our site or make a booking. For the purposes of applicable data protection law, the data controller is SVH Tours & Travel Services, Inc. (operating as BookResorts).

1. Information you provide

When you search, book, or contact us, we collect information such as your name, email, phone number, billing and payment details, the names and details of other guests, your travel dates and preferences, and the content of your communications with us.

2. Information we collect automatically

When you use the site, we automatically collect technical and usage data such as your device and browser type, IP address, approximate location, pages viewed, referring URLs, and interactions with the site, using cookies and similar technologies.

3. Information from other sources

We may receive information about you from Suppliers, business partners, fraud-prevention services, and (if you choose to connect one) social media platforms.

4. How we use your information

We use your information to process and manage bookings; communicate with you about reservations; provide customer support; personalize your experience; send marketing where permitted (with the ability to opt out); analyze and improve the site; prevent fraud and secure our services; and comply with legal obligations.

5. How we share your information

To complete a booking, we share necessary details with the relevant hotel and room Suppliers and with payment processors. We may also share information with service providers who support our operations, with advertising and analytics partners, with our corporate affiliates, in connection with a business transfer, with authorities where required by law, and with your consent.

6. Cookies & tracking

We use essential, performance, functional, and advertising cookies and similar technologies. You can manage non-essential cookies through your browser and through our cookie settings. For more detail, see our Cookie Policy.

7. Your privacy rights

Depending on where you live, you may have the right to access, correct, delete, or restrict the use of your personal information, to data portability, and to opt out of marketing.

EEA/UK (GDPR): You may access, rectify, erase, restrict, or object to processing of your data, withdraw consent, and lodge a complaint with your local supervisory authority. We process data based on your consent, the performance of a contract, our legitimate interests, and legal obligations.

California (CCPA/CPRA): You may request to know, delete, or correct your personal information, and limit the use of sensitive personal information, without discrimination. We do not sell or share your personal information as those terms are defined under California law, so no opt-out is necessary. To exercise any of your rights, contact us at support@bookresorts.com; we verify requests before responding.

8. Data retention

We keep personal information for as long as needed to provide our services and to meet legal, tax, accounting, and dispute-resolution obligations.

9. Security

We use reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect your information. However, no method of transmission or storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

10. International transfers

Your information may be processed in countries other than where you live. Where required, we put appropriate safeguards in place (such as standard contractual clauses) for those transfers.

11. Children’s privacy

The site is intended for adults and is not directed to children. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18 without appropriate consent.

12. Third-party links & social features

The site may contain links to, or features from, third-party services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those third parties; please review their policies.

13. Changes to this policy

We may update this policy from time to time. The “last updated” date above reflects the current version, and we will provide notice of material changes where required.

14. Contact us

Questions or privacy requests? Reach our support team, available 24/7, at 888-605-1350 or by email at support@bookresorts.com.

About BookResorts · Independent since 1993

A better way to book your hotel

BookResorts is a full-service, independent travel agency connecting travelers to unforgettable stays since 1993. Detailed hotel information, competitive all-in rates and 24/7 concierge support, all in one place.

Est. 199330+ years
100K+Hotels & resorts
200+Countries
24/7Concierge
This is not the official website of Hotel 505 River North. BookResorts is an independent travel agency and is not owned by, affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by Hotel 505 River North or its parent brand.

Why travelers choose BookResorts

Best available rates

We compare rates from top suppliers. Taxes and fees included, no hidden charges.

100,000+ hotels & resorts

200+ countries and 2,000+ cities, from all-inclusives to boutique stays.

24/7 concierge

Real travel specialists to build, change or help with your reservation anytime.

Full transparency

Honest details on every property: rooms, amenities and policies.

Trusted since 1993

Three decades as a full-service, independent travel agency.

Secure & protected

Every booking is handled securely and your information is protected.

How booking with us works

Questions about a reservation? Our team is here 24/7 at 888-605-1350.
Full details in our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Lowest Price + Free Perks

UsOthers
Nightly rate
Price guarantee✓
No hidden fees✓
Perks & upgrades✓
24/7 concierge✓
Check availability

vs. sites like Expedia, Hotels.com and other OTAs ·

Book by phone888-605-1350
Book nowLowest rates Call usAvailable 24/7
Photo viewer