
The Langham, Chicago
Best for modern riverfront design, a dedicated Chuan Spa and a well‑known afternoon tea tradition.
Prices in other currencies are estimates. You’re charged in USD.
The Langham, Chicago is a five-star, riverfront-modernist luxury hotel in a landmark Mies van der Rohe–designed tower, suited to travelers who want contemporary rooms, Chuan Spa and afternoon tea. The Peninsula Chicago is an iconic, five-star Magnificent Mile classic with a large-room inventory, in-house Chinese dining and a long-standing luxury-hotel profile—read this if you’re choosing a downtown Chicago five-star near top shopping and museums.
Updated · about 0.6 km apart

Best for modern riverfront design, a dedicated Chuan Spa and a well‑known afternoon tea tradition.

Best for a classic Magnificent Mile address, larger room inventory and a straightforward central location for shopping.
When The Langham, Chicago wins: Choose The Langham if you want a modernist riverside setting, a notable signature spa (Chuan Spa), a built-in indoor pool and a focus on refined dining including Pavilion afternoon tea.
When The Peninsula Chicago wins: Choose The Peninsula for a traditional Magnificent Mile experience, a very central shopping-and-sightseeing location and a large set of room types and suites near Michigan Avenue.
Bottom line: Both are five‑star downtown hotels with excellent service; pick The Langham for river views, spa‑forward wellness and modern design, or pick The Peninsula for a classic Magnificent Mile base with broad room options.
| Category | The Langham, Chicago | The Peninsula Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Riverfront-modernist, contemporary luxury | Iconic Magnificent Mile classic luxury |
| Location | On the south bank of the Chicago River; steps from Michigan Avenue and river cruises | On East Superior Street beside the Magnificent Mile, a short walk to Lake Michigan and top shopping |
| Size (rooms) | 316 guestrooms and suites | 339 guestrooms and suites |
| Opening year / building | Opened 2013 in a landmark Mies van der Rohe–designed tower | Not published |
| Pools | 67-foot indoor pool (Level 4) with hydrotherapy hot tub; spa facilities adjacent | Indoor pool (1) listed in supplier facts |
| Restaurants & bars | Travelle (seasonal American) and Pavilion (afternoon tea) plus a lounge/bar | Two restaurants including Shanghai Terrace and a bar/lounge; a coffee shop/cafe on site |
| Spa & wellness | Chuan Spa (only U.S. Chuan location), fitness studio with Peloton, saunas and hydrotherapy | Full-service spa, health club and indoor pool listed |
| Known for | Afternoon tea (Pavilion), Chuan Spa and riverside architecture | Classic Magnificent Mile address and prominent downtown profile |
| Family / age policy | Adults 21+ required to reserve/check in (hotel otherwise an all-ages property per policy sources) | Family-friendly per supplier listing; children policy details not fully published |
| Transport & walkability | Short walk to river cruise departures, Millennium Park and shops; valet parking available | Steps from Michigan Avenue, Water Tower Place and public transit; valet and limo/town car service listed |
The Langham sits on the Chicago River in a Mies van der Rohe–designed tower, a short walk to the Magnificent Mile and river cruises.
Choose The Langham for direct riverfront access and easy walking access to downtown attractions.
The Peninsula is located on East Superior Street, immediately adjacent to the Magnificent Mile shopping district.
Choose The Peninsula for the most straightforward Magnificent Mile shopping and sightseeing base.
The Langham offers 316 rooms and suites in modernist, river-facing layouts across several club and river-view categories.
The Langham suits travelers who want modern rooms with river or lake views and a Club option.
The Peninsula lists 339 rooms across many room and suite categories, from Deluxe Rooms to multiple Premier and Grand Deluxe suites.
The Peninsula is a good pick if you want more variety of room and suite categories on the Magnificent Mile.
The Langham’s dining centers on Travelle (seasonal American) and Pavilion (afternoon tea).
Pick The Langham for afternoon tea and a contemporary American menu with river views.
The Peninsula lists two restaurants including Shanghai Terrace, plus a bar/lounge and an on-site cafe.
Pick The Peninsula for a classic downtown hotel dining program and a prominent Chinese restaurant on site.
The Langham’s pool and adjacent wellness facilities form a key part of its guest experience.
The Langham is spa- and pool-forward with detailed wellness facilities on the same floor.
The Peninsula lists an indoor pool and full-service spa as part of its recreational offerings.
The Peninsula provides standard full-service spa and pool facilities as part of its downtown luxury offering.
Wellness at The Langham centers on Chuan Spa, the Health Club and group fitness offerings.
Choose The Langham for a branded spa program, fitness classes and calm riverfront evenings.
The Peninsula lists a health club, spa and concierge services to arrange local nightlife and tours.
Choose The Peninsula if you want a central base for downtown nightlife with in-house spa and fitness support.

Chuan Spa (unique U.S. Chuan location), hydrotherapy tub and specialized sauna treatments.

A short walk to Michigan Avenue, Water Tower Place and premium retail on the Magnificent Mile.

Pavilion afternoon tea and Travelle's seasonal American menu with river views.

A larger published room inventory with many Premier, Grand Deluxe and suite options.
Both are walkable to the Magnificent Mile, but The Peninsula sits directly on East Superior Street adjacent to Michigan Avenue while The Langham is riverfront a few blocks away.
If you want a branded, signature spa experience, The Langham’s Chuan Spa (the only U.S. Chuan location) is the clearer choice; The Peninsula has a full-service spa but branded details aren’t published in the supplier listing.
Supplier sources list The Peninsula as family-friendly; The Langham requires guests who reserve and check in to be 21 or older per its policy sources. Verify age and bedding requirements with the hotel before booking.
Yes. The Langham publishes a 67-foot indoor pool with adjacent hydrotherapy facilities; The Peninsula lists one indoor pool in its supplier facts.
Explore how The Langham, Chicago stacks up against other hotels nearby:
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