What to pack for a stay at Hotel 505 River North, by season
Pack city-ready layers and a mix of business-casual and casual clothes for Hotel 505 River North; include swimwear and workout gear for the 17th-floor heated pool and 24-hour fitness center, and bring travel documents plus a credit card and photo ID for check-in (primary guest must be 21+). For winter visits add a warm coat, hat, gloves and sturdy shoes; for summer bring light clothes, a sun layer and comfortable walking shoes for River North.
In this guide
What to bring for arrival and check-in
Bring a government photo ID and the credit card you used to book — the main guest checking in must be at least 21 and will be asked to present ID and card at check-in.
Keep a printed or mobile copy of your reservation and any confirmation from BookResorts or your booking site. The 24-hour front desk can handle late arrivals.
- Photo ID (driver’s license or passport)
- Credit/debit card used for reservation
- Printed or digital reservation confirmation
- Any pet paperwork if bringing a dog (see pet rules)
| Service | What to show |
|---|---|
| Check-in | Photo ID + credit card |
| Pet check-in | Reservation note + any required documentation |
| Event/meeting | Name of booking / confirmation |
Pack by season — quick reference
Chicago weather changes a lot across seasons; pack layers and plan for wind off the lake. Below is a short table of typical seasonal guidance to help decide what to put in your suitcase.
If you plan repeated pool or rooftop visits, include swimwear year-round (the indoor pool is heated).
- Bring an umbrella or rain shell in spring and fall — these seasons can be rainy and breezy.
- Summer: light layers, sun protection, comfortable walking shoes.
- Winter: heavy coat, insulated boots, hat, gloves, scarf; some days will be below freezing.
| Season | Typical temps & weather | Pack |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar–May) | Cool, windy, rainy | Rain jacket, layers, umbrella |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Warm to hot, humid | Shorts, tees, sun protection, walking shoes |
| Fall (Sep–Nov) | Mild to cool; September is pleasant | Light jacket, layers, closed shoes |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Cold; often below freezing | Warm coat, boots, hat, gloves |
Pool, fitness and rooftop — what to bring
Hotel 505 River North has a heated indoor pool on the 17th floor and a rooftop sun deck; pack swimwear, a swimsuit cover-up, and flip-flops or pool sandals. Towels are provided by the hotel, but you may prefer a personal microfiber towel for rooftop use.
The fitness center is open 24 hours and includes Peloton bikes; bring gym clothes, sneakers, a water bottle, and headphones if you plan to use the bikes or cardio machines.
- Swimsuit and quick-dry cover-up
- Flip-flops or pool sandals
- Workout clothes and sneakers
- Bluetooth headphones for Peloton or in-room workouts
- Light jacket for rooftop visits (it can be windy)
| Amenity | Suggested item |
|---|---|
| Heated indoor pool (17th floor) | Swimsuit, sandals |
| Rooftop sun deck | Sunglasses, light layer |
| 24-hour fitness center | Gym clothes, shoes, water bottle |
Packing for dining, meetings and business travel
CBR, the on-site restaurant and bar, lists its dress code as business casual; pack at least one business-casual outfit if you plan to dine there or attend events at the hotel.
If you're here for meetings or events (the hotel has over 8,000 sq. ft. of meeting space), bring business essentials: laptop, chargers, adapters, printed materials and any presentation accessories.
- Business-casual outfit (button shirt/blouse, slacks or skirt)
- Laptop, charger, and portable battery
- Notebook, pens, any presentation USB/adapter
- Comfortable shoes for walking to nearby meeting venues
| Event type | Pack |
|---|---|
| Business meeting | Laptop, charger, business attire |
| Wedding or banquet | Formal or cocktail attire (check invite) |
| Dinner at CBR | Business casual outfit |
Family travel and children’s essentials
Hotel 505 River North welcomes children of all ages. Note that rollaway beds and cribs are not available, and children can stay free using existing bedding — plan accordingly if you need separate sleeping arrangements.
Pack basics for kids if you want to swim or use the fitness/pool area: swimsuits, goggles, and a change of clothes; the indoor pool is shallow in parts for families according to guest notes.
- Children’s swimsuits and towels
- Favorites for sleep (portable bedding or sleep sack if needed)
- Entertainment for downtime (tablet, chargers, small toys)
- Any required medications with instructions
| Family item | Why bring it |
|---|---|
| Swimsuit & goggles | Use at indoor pool and rooftop deck |
| Portable night light / favorite bedding | Rollaway beds/cribs not available |
| Snacks & medications | Convenience between dining trips |
Traveling with pets — what to pack
Hotel 505 River North allows up to two dogs per room (each up to 50 lbs) for a fee; service animals are exempt from fees. Bring proof of vaccination documents if you expect the hotel to request them, and be prepared to pay the pet fee at check-in per the hotel's policy.
Pack pet essentials to keep your dog comfortable in a city hotel room and when walking in River North.
- Leash and collar with ID tag
- Food, bowl, treats and measured portions
- Waste bags and a small mat or blanket for the bed
- Any medication, favorite toy, and calming aids if your pet is anxious
| Pet item | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Leash & collar | Required for walks in River North |
| Food & bowls | Hotel may not stock pet food |
| Waste bags | City cleanup rules |
