Name: Best Western Chicago Downtown-River North
Address: 125 West Ohio Street, River North, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America, Chicago, Illinois, US
Price range: US$162–US$642 per night
Rating: 7.68

What guests think

At Best Western Chicago Downtown-River North, travellers praise the walkable River North location and helpful staff, but many describe an aging, noisy property with small slow elevators, occasional facility closures, dated rooms, and extra costs for tight on site parking.

Rooms are generally clean and beds often comfortable, but maintenance issues, thin walls, and loud air conditioners are mentioned. Some rooms lack a fridge or microwave unless requested, Wi‑Fi can be weak, and housekeeping may not occur automatically. Expect solid value near the action if convenience matters more than modern finishes and quiet.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Facilities

Indoor pool and rooftop deck are popular when open, but multiple guests report closures, confusing access, and small or slow elevators. On‑site parking is convenient yet tight and pricey for many.

Related guest reviews

6

Peter

21 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

This is a nice if somewhat outmoded hotel. The elevators are tiny, slow and cramped. One of them that you need to get to the rooftop fitness center didn't work, which meant you needed to climb seven floors to get to the pool. At $50 per night parking is a bit dear. The pizzeria in the hotel is only okay. I doubt a true Chicagoan would say it's good deep dish. The shrimp fettucine was good.

4

Jason

25 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Elevator was broke had to walk up five flights of stairs with all of our luggage when we got there and when we left. Also had to walk up and down every time we left and wanted to go somewhere. It was very inconvenient.

8

Karen

23 Aug 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

We had a nice stay at BW River North. The concierge was friendly and helpful. Our room was clean and comfortable. The coffee maker came in handy with no breakfast available. Being able to park on the grounds was convenient and the Magnificent Mile was an easy walk. We ordered room service one evening which was great. The kids loved the pool and we enjoyed the rooftop patio. The internet was a bit sketchy but everything else was great.

6

Terry

19 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The Pool was closed for three days while we were there. As we selected it because it said it had a pool, we were very disappointed. Thei is a nice place. There is no reason for them to advertise a pool, be paid for a pool, and then have no pool.

6

James

10 Apr 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Pool and fitness center were not available, and there was no communication or warning provided on the website. We would have stayed somewhere else had we known that.

6

Sharon

22 Nov 2023

·

Stayed 3 nights

Why is the pool So hard to find? There is almost no direction as to how to get there. Multiple elevators, some of which were out of order. Stairwells not labelled. The pool itself was beautiful but I took three attempts and two calls to staff to be able to find it. Spoke with several other people who had the same complaint.

10

Benjamin

2 Jan 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

The room was clean and the hotel was quiet. Staff was helpful. Parking was easy and cost $49 per night.

6

Delores

9 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Parking was very tight here. Cars were way too close to each other. Stalls need to be wider.

2

Michael

7 Jul 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

No rooftop access! Pool closed! Over the long holiday weekend!

8

Sachin

15 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

Elevator was a bit bad, everything else was good and just worked for me

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Cleanliness

Many note clean rooms, but hallways and some areas smell musty or of smoke, and occasional stained linens or maintenance wear appear. Cleanliness feels inconsistent between rooms and public spaces.

Related guest reviews

4

NICOLE

14 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

The whole bilding has an odor. You didnt smell it as much in the rooms but you could still smell it. All through the hallways was horrible. There was mold starting in the bathroom above the tub behind and uptop of the bathroom door and in the tile grout where you hang your towel. Beds and pillows was not comfortable.

6

Brooklyn

26 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The staff was friendly and helpful during check in, but there was only one working elevator that was old, not air conditioned and only fit 2-3 people. The hallways and stairwells were not air conditioned and had a very musty and damp smell. They were also not very clean. The room was average and clean for the most part but it was dated and old, there was paint chipping all around in the bathroom. They offered just coffee, no waters, it was an overall average to below average stay for the price.

2

Jennifer

1 Apr 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

Found a bed bug in our bathroom and took it to the front desk manager and they told us they can’t do anything about it. They were rude. We had to leave the hotel with our 4 kids (youngest being 3) at 11 pm and drive around down town Chicago looking for another hotel to stay at. Didn’t find one until 4 am.

8

Benjamin

15 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Kind of dirty public areas. Room was clean.

4

Sandra Sosa

5 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

It was really dirty and has been for years. The room had nothing to do with pictures and besides the cleaning lady never clean and front desk guy never answer by the time I reported, just turned around. My parents are old and the elevator was out of service

6

Leah

14 Feb 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

The hotel has a no smoking rule, however the whole floor and room smelled of pot. I went to the front desk and they were very helpful to put me on a new floor and they very graciously upgraded my room. However that floor spelt very moldy and the overall cleanliness of the hotel (carpets, dusting) was below standard in my books. You do get what you paid for - and for Chicago this was a great price. So decide on what you prefer! The mold/damp smell was only in the hallway and not in the upgraded room.

4

Khaleelah

22 May 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The property was as basic as it can be. I discovered that my bedding had several yellow stains on it, it was white. The stains were hidden under a white sheet. When i informed the front desk. No apologies. Just someone who showed up an hr later to hand me sheets and a thin throw blanket. The appropriate customer service should have been an apology, a replacement of the same comforter but clean and stain free. And the staff should have made the bed with the new comforter instead of handing me a bag.

4

Eden

24 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The halls smelled of urine. The hotel room had a strange smell and stained carpet

4

James

12 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

I had my children with me and my daughters comforter had a blood stain that obviously was washed but didn’t come out.

4

Caroline

19 Jan 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Was not clean, room had a foul smell

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Rooms

Rooms are dated and vary in size; street noise and loud AC are common, and Wi‑Fi can be weak. Fridges and microwaves are often not included unless requested, though some guests still find the beds comfortable.

Related guest reviews

4

Simon

8 Aug 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Noisy air conditioner and ducts, no wifi connection, slow draining tub, dingy rooms.

10

Tina

17 Sept 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

We came to Chicago to celebrate my daughter’s 20th birthday on a tight budget. The hotel was basic, clean and it was extremely affordable in a very assessable area. No fridge or microwave in the room, however they gladly provided both when we called and requested them. Customer Service was AWESOME, staff were friendly and helpful. The rooftop lounge area was nice! Able to check in early which was very helpful. A walk to Chicago Riverwalk was about 10 minutes. We had tons of restaurants, Jewel, CVS and Walgreens nearby, so if we needed personal things we could easily get them. Would definitely stay here again for the price and would recommend to others! Thank you Best Western River North!

6

Mary

25 Oct 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

It was good enough and I will stay here again. This was my fourth stay here and I was in the section of the building off to the side with the door in the parking area. The room wasn’t quite as nice as rooms I’ve had in the main section. It was clean and pretty spacious. But it was right on Ohio Street which was busy and noisy. The wifi was terrible. But the location is excellent and the bed was pretty comfortable. The bathroom was fine.

8

Michael

9 Jan 2023

·

Stayed 19,362 nights

Right in the center of town, it’d be hard to ask for a better location for the price. The hotel has some “unique” “design quirks”. The indoor pool was nice but unheated, the room was spacious but lacked a mini-fridge, and the in-room bathroom had a zero-clearance door that required standing in the shower to close - though the rest of the room was very up-to-date.

6

Dora

19 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Our room was noisy. With the windows closed and the air conditioning running loudly, the noise of traffic and car horns vibrated in the room. I think we managed to sleep for two hours.

6

Neal

17 Jun 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

I wasn't sure why there were earplugs on the nightstand, until I was asleep. The traffic outside was very loud.

8

Masaaki

12 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 6 nights

Good location and many restaurants nearby. Not too quiet, hear street noise. It seems old, but the condition is very good. The bathroom is a little small, and no refrigerator in the room.

6

Shiu Wun

29 Nov 2023

·

Stayed 5 nights

Everything is fine, except the wifi. It's basically no connection during my stay. The building close to the reception has a good signal, however, the other side of the building sucks. The staff noticed the problem but didn't fix it before I left. I wasted lots of data during these dates.

8

Daniel

21 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Convenient location. The only disappointment was not having a microwave or refrigerator in the room.

8

Juliana

12 Nov 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

I couldnt connect to the internet, the sign was very weak

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Service

Service is a strong point, with numerous mentions of friendly, helpful front‑desk and concierge staff. A few guests reported delays or miscommunications, but most interactions were positive.

Related guest reviews

10

Ashley

20 Feb 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Wallace was so friendly to us, he gave lots of recommendations to us and he’s right about them, they’re super awesome. This place hold your luggage before and after check ins and outs. I would recommend this place to everyone, the furthest we walked was 25 minutes to the bean.

8

Lori

25 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Desk staff was exceptionally friendly and helpful. The location is fantastic, close to public transport and walkable to the River.

10

Nina

30 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Craig thank you for making this stay enjoyable! We came down for a concert and he took care of us right away at check in and through our stay! We will be back for sure! :)

10

Ozzie

16 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Customer service was excellent, Wallace is awesome! So friendly and helpful. We will stay here again!

10

Oliver Zachary

29 Aug 2023

·

Stayed 7 nights

Great walkable location. Excellent front desk team—Jordan and colleagues were always helpful and friendly. The housekeeping team were also very good and I appreciated the high standard of cleanliness and service in this area.

10

Philip

26 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

We had a great stay in Chicago. Main point to make is how friendly all the staff were at the hotel.

10

Julie

14 Oct 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

The front desk gentleman and the gentleman that showed us where to park were both very helpful and friendly!

10

Richard

23 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Reasonably priced, cleanliness of room, restaurant and bar within, and staff was friendly. Would highly recommend this Hotel!

10

MATTHEW

18 Oct 2024

·

Stayed 4 nights

Excellent location and a comfy 4 nights spent. The staff are wonderful and Jordan was especially helpful.

10

Amanda

3 Aug 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Always enjoy staying here. The staff is friendly and very helpful. Especially Jordan at the front desk. The attached restaurant is delicious. Rooms are always clean as are all public areas. Roof top view is beautiful!

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Location

Excellent River North location with easy walking to restaurants, the riverwalk, and transit. City and traffic noise are frequent, so light sleepers may want earplugs.

Related guest reviews

10

Aida

16 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 6 nights

For us, everything was incredible. The bed was a lovely place to recover from a busy day. Only if you have sensitive ears, bring earplugs; it's a very busy area.

10

aaron

8 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

It was in a good spot in river north and was reasonable

10

LaTisha

24 Oct 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

Great hotel, great location!

8

alexa

12 Jan 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Walking distance from train station and lots to do nearby. Hotel is right in the middle of everything great location.

10

Jazmine

28 May 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Every big attraction was about a 15 minute walk. We walked everywhere for two days. Loved the area. Room was clean. No complaints. We didn’t check out the pool or any amenities so can’t speak on that. We did parked down the street for half the price of parking at the hotel - only thing is at the hotel you can go and come from the garage, where we decided to park there was no reentry but we were okay with that since we walked everywhere.

10

Clifford

1 Aug 2023

·

Stayed 3 nights

Excellent location. Walkable to many very good River North restaurants. Very clean and easy parking.

10

Joseph

30 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

It was conveniently located.

10

Adam

17 May 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

It was a good place if you just needed a place to sleep for the night. It's in a great location. It's a little old and could use some updates to the rooms and hallways. It would be nice if the parking was free too, but I know that's hard to come by in larger cities.

8

Keiko

19 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

The hotel is very conveniently located. But the noise of the air conditioning and outside (the road) are not good.

10

JOSE

13 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The Hotels location was perfect, also my son and we feel very safe, front desk services professional and friendly; for sure we will choose this hotel again. Thank you.

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Dining

Attached pizzeria/restaurant and room service are convenient and receive mixed feedback from phenomenal to just okay. Several guests note no free breakfast, with only coffee available at times.

Related guest reviews

8

Jennifer

23 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 5 nights

It would be nice to offer breakfast like many other Best western properties do

8

Stefanie

12 May 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Our receptionists on arrival and departure were exceptional. Amazingly friendly and helpful The rooms are quite outdated, which the pictured really don’t show and is therefore a bit of a mislead. Chipped furniture an old aircon that’s all flaked etc Also a massive shoutout to our waiter in the restaurant. We had lunch and he was THE BEST! Thank you so much

8

Julie and Mark

8 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

This is an older hotel but the price acknowledges that. It’s not upscale, but it’s nice and every staffer we came in contact with was friendly and courteous. Having a decent restaurant in house was really handy. Lots of places to eat all around but crowds/lines and lots of $$. We enjoyed the food right here then went on adventures!

10

May

19 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Our room was comfortable and clean, but the best part was the restaurant next to the hotel! We ordered room service for breakfast, and it was super tasty. Great location overall.

4

Kelly

10 Oct 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

They didn't give us breakfast because we booked the hotel through expedía.com

8

Robert

3 Jul 2023

·

Stayed 6 nights

Generally very good value. Only complaint is that the "free" coffee is only from 6am to 9am. Good pool and workout facilities, good room service, friendly and helpful staff, generally much better than expected. Safe neighborhood for walking, lots of cool stuff nearby, 15-minute walk to the riverwalk.

10

Richard

23 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Reasonably priced, cleanliness of room, restaurant and bar within, and staff was friendly. Would highly recommend this Hotel!

4

Yohan Raphaël

1 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

For 350$ the night No real breakfast No view Basic building

10

Alexander

5 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The rooftop pool was amazing. But omg. The restaurant/bar, pizzeria Ora is phenomenal. The soup, the wings, the PIZZZAAA

8

Rasmyah

14 Jun 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Front desk staff were very sweet and nice. Parking valet staff were great! There's a restaurant attached to the hotel that stay open late, great food and customer service. Close to everything. Nice rooftop deck.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Month	Average price
January	US$75
February	US$81
March	US$113
April	US$119
May	US$213
June	US$259
July	US$232
September	US$196
October	US$205
November	US$114
December	US$88

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
		1	2	3	4	5
6	7	8	9	10	11 $181	12 $231
13 $215	14 $508	15 $602	16 $642	17 $408	18 $379	19 $425
20 $240	21 $219	22 $299	23 $327	24 $296	25 $268	26 $319
27 $179	28 $181	29 $176	30 $178

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
				1 $178	2 $248	3 $346
4 $198	5 $200	6 $170	7 $262	8 $313	9 $453	10
11 $483	12 $223	13 $187	14 $187	15 $222	16 $261	17 $440
18 $305	19 $427	20 $438	21 $357	22 $225	23 $223	24 $225
25 $162	26 $173	27 $187	28 $187	29 $187	30 $238	31 $225

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Monthly average prices

About this property

Location

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What guests think

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