
The Langham, Chicago
Best for guests who prioritize a large spa, a sizable indoor pool and direct river access in downtown Chicago.
Prices in other currencies are estimates. You’re charged in USD.
The Langham, Chicago is a five-star riverfront luxury hotel in a Mies van der Rohe–designed tower, aimed at travelers who want sleek, city-center service and spa-focused amenities. Waldorf Astoria Chicago is a five-star Gold Coast property with a residential feel, for travelers who prefer boutique-style, room-forward luxury near Oak Street and the Magnificent Mile.
Updated · about 0.6 km apart

Best for guests who prioritize a large spa, a sizable indoor pool and direct river access in downtown Chicago.

Best for travelers seeking a quieter, residential Gold Coast address with terrace suites and a boutique hotel atmosphere.
When The Langham, Chicago wins: choose The Langham if a comprehensive spa program (Chuan Spa), a sizeable indoor pool (67-foot), and riverfront proximity to architecture tours and the Magnificent Mile are priorities.
When Waldorf Astoria Chicago wins: choose the Waldorf Astoria if you want a Gold Coast, residential-style five-star stay with terrace-suite options, a smaller-footprint luxury hotel closer to Oak Street and boutique shopping.
Bottom line: both are refined five-star hotels in central Chicago; pick The Langham for a spa-and-amenity-forward, riverfront urban hub, or the Waldorf Astoria for a quieter, Gold Coast residential luxury experience.
| Category | The Langham, Chicago | Waldorf Astoria Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Riverfront modernist luxury with larger spa and public wellness facilities | Residential Gold Coast five-star with terrace suites and an Art Deco/modern mix |
| Location | On the Chicago River near the Magnificent Mile (330 N Wabash Ave) | On Walton Street near Oak Street and Michigan Avenue (11 E. Walton Street) |
| Size (rooms) | 316 guest rooms and suites | 214 guestrooms |
| Audience / age policy | Guests must be 21+ to reserve and check in (all-ages property otherwise) | |
| Indoor pool | 67-foot indoor pool (Level 4) with hydrotherapy hot tub and saunas | Indoor pool on-site (number of pools: 1) |
| Spa & wellness | Chuan Spa (only U.S. location) with treatments rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine | Full-service spa on site with massages, body treatments and fitness classes |
| Restaurants & bars | Travelle (seasonal American) and Pavilion (afternoon tea) plus a lounge | Brass Tack (American) plus 24-hour room service and one bar/lounge |
| Event space | About 15,000 sq ft of event space including the Devonshire Ballroom | Conference space ~7,911 sq ft and 9 meeting rooms |
| Notable room types | Club Suite, 1 Bedroom; Club Suite Lake/River View; Premier Room, River View | DELUXE KING W/ FIREPLACE; TERRACE KING W/ FIREPLACE; ONE BEDROOM TERRACE SUITE W/ FIREPLACE |
| Complimentary Wi‑Fi | Free Wi‑Fi for guests | |
The Langham sits on the south bank of the Chicago River, steps from the Magnificent Mile and architecture cruise departures.
Best positioned for riverfront views and quick access to architecture tours and downtown attractions.
Waldorf Astoria Chicago sits in the Gold Coast near Oak Street and high-end shopping on Michigan Avenue.
A quieter base for guests who want proximity to Magnificent Mile shopping and Gold Coast streets.
The Langham offers 316 rooms and suites in a modernist tower footprint with Club lounges and river or lake views.
Choose The Langham for more rooms, club-lounge service and river/lake-view room options.
Waldorf Astoria Chicago has 214 guestrooms, many with fireplaces and terrace-suite options.
Pick the Waldorf Astoria if terrace suites, fireplaces and a residential room feel matter more than sheer room count.
The Langham centers dining on Travelle (seasonal American) and Pavilion afternoon tea.
The Langham is for travelers who want a riverside restaurant and a formal afternoon tea tradition.
Waldorf Astoria Chicago’s main dining is Brass Tack, serving American cuisine alongside 24-hour room service.
The Waldorf Astoria works well if a single upscale American restaurant and room service cover your needs.
The Langham’s signature amenity is Chuan Spa and a 67-foot indoor pool with multiple thermal facilities.
The Langham is the choice for guests who prioritize an extensive spa, pool and fitness offering.
Waldorf Astoria Chicago highlights on-site spa services, fitness classes and a single indoor pool.
The Waldorf Astoria offers a strong spa program in a smaller, more intimate setting compared with The Langham.
The Langham combines its spa and health club with a lounge and seasonal gelato offering on the river.
The Langham suits guests who want daytime wellness plus a polished lounge scene in the evening.
Waldorf Astoria Chicago mixes a health club with a quieter bar/lounge and concierge-arranged activities.
Pick the Waldorf Astoria for quieter evenings and concierge-arranged wellness or nearby nightlife on the Magnificent Mile.

The Langham — Chuan Spa, a 67-foot indoor pool and multiple thermal facilities.

Waldorf Astoria Chicago — a range of terrace suites and rooms with fireplaces for a residential feel.

The Langham — doorstep access to river cruises and close proximity to architecture-tour departures.

Waldorf Astoria Chicago — centrally located in the Gold Coast near Oak Street shopping and boutique stores.
Both are within easy walking distance of Michigan Avenue; The Langham sits on the river closer to architecture cruise departures, while the Waldorf is a short walk into the Gold Coast and Oak Street shopping.
The Langham has a larger, brand-specific spa (Chuan Spa) and a 67-foot indoor pool with multiple thermal amenities; Waldorf Astoria Chicago also has an on-site full-service spa and an indoor pool but on a smaller footprint.
Neither property is adults-only. Both properties require a guest to be 21 or older to reserve and check in, per property policy.
The Langham offers roughly 15,000 sq ft of event space including multiple ballrooms; Waldorf Astoria Chicago has about 7,911 sq ft of conference space with nine meeting rooms.
Explore how The Langham, Chicago stacks up against other hotels nearby:
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