River North, a vibrant neighborhood in Chicago, is renowned for its art galleries, trendy restaurants, and pulsating nightlife. This district attracts travelers from all over the world, offering an eclectic mix of culture, entertainment, and upscale living. For those planning a visit, finding the perfect accommodation is crucial to making the most of your trip. This guide will help you discover top-notch hotels that cater to all your needs, ensuring a comfortable and memorable stay.

Why Choose River North for Your Stay?

A Prime Location
River North’s prime location makes it an ideal base for exploring Chicago. Situated just north of the Loop, this neighborhood offers easy access to many of the city’s iconic attractions. Whether you’re visiting for business or leisure, staying in River North ensures you’re never far from the action. Tophotels.com features an array of accommodation options that put you right in the heart of this bustling area, close to landmarks such as the Magnificent Mile, Navy Pier, and Millennium Park. You’ll find an array of accommodation options that put you right in the heart of this bustling area, close to landmarks such as the Magnificent Mile, Navy Pier, and Millennium Park.
Vibrant Art and Culture Scene
One of River North’s most compelling features is its rich artistic heritage. Home to the highest concentration of art galleries in the United States outside of Manhattan, this neighborhood is a paradise for art lovers. Stroll through its streets and discover contemporary masterpieces, avant-garde installations, and classic works. Many accommodations are within walking distance of these cultural hotspots, allowing you to immerse yourself in the creative energy of the area.

Top Accommodation Picks in River North

Luxury and Comfort Combined
For those seeking luxury, River North boasts several high-end hotels that offer exceptional service and amenities. From stunning skyline views to world-class dining experiences, these hotels ensure a stay that is both lavish and comfortable. Tophotels.com lists a variety of affordable accommodations, making it easy to find a place that fits your budget while still allowing you to enjoy all that River North has to offer.
Budget-Friendly Options
Traveling on a budget? River North offers numerous budget-friendly hotels that do not compromise on quality. Enjoy clean, comfortable rooms, and essential amenities without breaking the bank. A variety of affordable accommodations make it easy to find a place that fits your budget while still allowing you to enjoy all that River North has to offer.
Making the Most of Your Stay

Dining and Nightlife

River North is a culinary haven, offering a diverse range of dining options from gourmet restaurants to cozy cafes. Whether you’re craving international cuisine or classic American dishes, you’ll find something to satisfy your palate. After a delicious meal, explore the vibrant nightlife scene with its chic bars, lively clubs, and intimate lounges. Hotels in this area are conveniently located near the best dining and nightlife spots, ensuring you can experience the local flavors and entertainment with ease.
Shopping and Entertainment
Shopaholics will delight in the proximity of River North to the Magnificent Mile, Chicago’s premier shopping district. Here, you’ll find everything from luxury boutiques to popular retail chains. Additionally, the neighborhood is home to various entertainment venues, including theaters, comedy clubs, and music halls. Many accommodations offer easy access to these shopping and entertainment hubs, making your stay even more enjoyable.

Plan Your River North Adventure with Ease

When planning your trip to River North, choosing the right accommodation is essential. Tophotels.com offers a comprehensive selection of hotels to suit every traveler’s needs, from luxurious suites to budget-friendly rooms. With a comprehensive selection of hotels to suit every traveler’s needs, from luxurious suites to budget-friendly rooms, you can ensure a hassle-free and enjoyable trip.
Booking Made Easy
Booking your stay should be a seamless process. Comparing prices, checking availability, and securing your reservation with just a few clicks makes travel planning as smooth as possible.
Trustworthy Reviews and Ratings
Understanding the importance of trustworthy reviews, you can rely on genuine reviews and ratings from real travelers. This transparency helps you make informed decisions and choose accommodations that truly meet your expectations

Experience River North Like Never Before

River North is a dynamic and exciting neighborhood that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a foodie, a shopaholic, or someone looking to explore Chicago’s vibrant culture, this area has it all. Finding the perfect accommodation ensures you can fully enjoy your River North adventure.

A Memorable Stay Awaits

By choosing the right accommodation for your needs, you’re not just booking a hotel; you’re ensuring a memorable stay. Extensive listings, reliable reviews, and an easy booking process make it simple to find the ideal place to stay in River North. Start planning your unforgettable trip to one of Chicago’s most exciting neighborhoods today.

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Chicago is the third largest city in the United States and is home to many famous architectural structures, including more than 1,300 high-rise buildings and the famous Trump International Hotel and Towers. As the second tallest building in Chicago and the fifth tallest in the United States, this 98-story building is located on the main arm of the Chicago River, in the River Gallery North neighborhood. The all-glass building features a hotel, apartments, and retail space.

Along the river is also Bertrand Goldberg’s famous Marina City neighborhood, home to the Chicago House of Blues. This famous building is a stunning music hall with interiors modeled after the Estavovsky Opera House in Prague. Every Sunday, the House of Blues hosts the Gospel Branch brunch, featuring local talent. Brunch is filled with mouthwatering dishes like made-to-order omelets, but their “world famous” chicken and waffles are not to be missed!

Not far from the Michigan-Wacker Historic District is the Wrigley Building, a National Historic Landmark. Helping to define the Magnificent Mile, chewing gum magnate William Wrigley Jr. laid out the landscape as Michigan Avenue was extended north of the river. This shimmering skyscraper is made up of six different shades of gleaming white terra cotta, all of which are beautifully illuminated at night.

If you’re an art aficionado, you might be surprised to learn that the River North gallery district has quietly become the location of the largest concentration of art galleries outside of Manhattan. Located between Orleans and LaSalle, mainly along Chicago, Superior, and Huron, many of these galleries were inspired by the large industrial areas that have been continuously redeveloped since the 1970s.

If you’re less of an artist and more of a pick-up artist, you should check out First Fridays, a not-to-be-missed party where galleries stay open late on the first Friday of every month. It’s definitely a cultural favorite for singles! In the summer, you won’t want to miss the Midsummer Art Walk, Chicago’s largest art event with live music and delicious local food.

In a pocket near the Merchandise Mart is the River North Design District, which offers interior design suggestions for both designers and consumers. There are many showrooms in this bustling neighborhood featuring everything from lighting to tile to furniture, all to help you create a unique space.

Get to know River North Gallery and River North Design District through their annual gallery walk to experience a full lineup of openings and events. This year’s River North Design District (RNDD) event will take place on September 6, 2019.

Another “neighborhood within a neighborhood” is the River North Cathedral District, which gets its name from the high density of churches in the area. Stretching less than two square miles, the neighborhood boasts new high-rise developments and famous churches, such as the Holy Name Cathedral and the famous St. James Cathedral. A blend of old and new, this popular neighborhood is also home to many prestigious luxury apartments and high-rises.

Located on the North River, just steps away from the Magnificent Mile, the Richard H. Drighouse Museum is housed in one of Chicago’s most monumental 19th century residential buildings, the Gilded Age home of Samuel Mayo Nickerson (founder of Chicago’s first national bank). The artworks on display in the museum are a collection of American and European decorative arts from the late 19th and 20th centuries.

Although there is not much green space on the North River, Ward (A. Montgomery) Park is a 3.10-acre oasis that stretches along the north bank of the river. Bring a picnic lunch, let Fido take a walk in the fresh air in the dog-friendly area, and enjoy the riverfront promenade on the west side of the North River.

Each season, more than 35,000 people come together to experience the Taste of the River North, located in Ward Park. This summer festival offers food from dynamic restaurants, live music, and activities. Sip on a beer, feast on a variety of culinary bites, and enjoy this annual outdoor summertime fun.

Vibrant and exciting, with a mass of young professionals, artists and entrepreneurs, River North has successfully established itself as a sought-after Chicago neighborhood for both work and play.

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It may not be the Loop, but River North has some of the city’s top landmarks, such as the two corn cobs in Marina City, the 330 N. Wabash by Mies van der Rohe and the Gilded Age Marble Palace. Here are a few more ideas for things to do in River North Chicago if you are an architecture or urban design enthusiast:

• The Merchandise Mart: This is the largest building in the world, which was opened in 1930 on the Chicago Riverfront. It hosts events such as Art on the MART, Art Chicago International Art Fair and NeoCon;
• Nicholas J. Melas Centennial Fountain: The famous Centennial Fountain is located on the north bank of the Chicago River.

Want to know what to do in River North Chicago that will appeal to the whole family? Luckily, you have more than enough options:

• Navy Pier: Enjoy a variety of family-friendly activities and take in the panorama of Chicago from Navy Pier. Highlights include the Chicago Children’s Museum, the original Ferris wheel, an 18-hole miniature golf course, Pier Park, and other old-fashioned carnival rides;
• Ward Park A. Montgomery : Ward Park was designed to highlight the Chicago River and includes the famous Chicago Riverwalk. Enjoy the abundance of green space in the center of the city, as well as a large playground, an adjacent dog-friendly area, and a mosaic mural;
• Karl Hammer Gallery: This unique gallery showcases modern and contemporary art from the 20th and 21st centuries. Carl Hammer is known for its focus on historically significant outsider and self-taught artists, as well as artists from the Monster Roster and Chicago Imagist traditions;
• Chicago Riverwalk: The Riverwalk offers many family-friendly outdoor activities to enjoy during the warmer months. Check out kayak rentals, boat tours, bike rides, walking architecture tours, and more.

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At the end of the 20th century, the North River was named Smoky Hollow due to the many factories and forges in the area. The smoke was often so thick that sunlight was blocked. At the time, Smoky Hollow was a major transportation hub with railroad tracks connecting ports along the Chicago River to surrounding areas. The Merchandise Mart still has railroad tracks under the building. Massive coal bunkers were all over the neighborhood, both bringing coal into the area from ships and providing storage for the many factories and forges on the North River. Merchandise Mart was the main warehouse for storing goods. Later, the Kennedy family purchased the Merchandise Mart. Former retailer Montgomery Ward also had a large transportation and warehousing facility in River North.

Little Sicily

Little Sicily in Chicago was also located on the River North. The first Italian Roman Catholic Church in Chicago was the Assumption Parish on Illinois Street, which had a mandate to be the parish for all Italians living between Lake Michigan and the Mississippi River. Later, Sicilians began to move north from the immediate vicinity of Assumption and began to form their own parishes. Italians whose family roots were from other parts of Italy tended to move west along Grand Street and established parishes west of Assumption.

Prohibition

In 1921, Dean O’Banion married Viola Caniff and purchased an interest in William Schofield’s flower shop on the North River, near the corner of West Chicago Avenue and North State Street. O’Banion needed a legal cover for his smuggling operation. He also had a passion for flowers and was an excellent arranger.

Schofield’s became the florist of choice for many funerals.

The shop was directly across the street from the Holy Name Cathedral, where O’Banion and Weiss attended mass. The rooms above Schofield’s were used as the headquarters of the North Side Gang, which controlled smuggling in what would later be called River North and the Gold Coast neighborhood of Chicago.

On the morning of November 10, 1924, O’Banion was pruning chrysanthemums in Schofield’s back room. Frankie Yale entered the store with Torrio and Capone’s gunmen John Scalise and Albert Anselmi. When O’Banion tried to greet Yale with a handshake, he tightened his grip on O’Banion’s hand. At the same time, Scalise and Anselmi fired two bullets into O’Banion’s chest, two into his cheek, and two into his throat, and Dean O’Banion died instantly.

Development of the River North neighborhood

The River North neighborhood got its name from Chicago real estate developer Albert Friedman (CEO of Friedman Properties Ltd.), who in 1974 began buying, renovating, and building commercial properties in the southeast sector. Most of the area at that time was ironclad, so in an effort to attract tenants, Friedman began calling the area “River North.” Over the course of several years, Friedman found photographers, advertising agencies, and art galleries willing to rent inexpensive space and coalesce into what is now known as the River North Gallery District, which has the largest concentration of art galleries in the United States. States outside of Manhattan.

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