What to pack for a stay at JW Marriott Chicago (seasonal checklist)
Pack layered clothing for Chicago’s season (warm, humid summers; cold, windy winters). Bring city-ready shoes for walking the Loop, a compact umbrella and transit card or payment method, plus swimwear and spa-ready items if you plan to use the heated indoor lap pool or Spa at JW Chicago.
In this guide
Arrival basics & hotel logistics
Bring a photo ID and the credit card you used to book — the hotel requires both at check-in. Standard check-in is 4:00 pm and check-out is 12:00 pm (noon).
The property offers valet parking (no on-site self-park) and no airport shuttle; confirm payment and parking details with the hotel if you need valet. If you booked an Executive Level room, check whether Executive Lounge access was included with your reservation.
- Photo ID & credit card for check-in
- Printed or mobile reservation confirmation
- Any Marriott Bonvoy card/credentials for Wi‑Fi benefits
- Contact number for BookResorts agents: +1 (888) 605-1350
| Item | Why |
|---|---|
| Photo ID | Required at check-in |
| Credit card | Required for incidentals and check-in |
| Reservation confirmation | Speeds up express check-in |
Seasonal clothing — summer and warm months
Summer in Chicago is warm and humid. Pack breathable layers and a light rain jacket — sudden thunderstorms are common.
If you plan to spend time on Lake Michigan beaches or walk the Riverwalk and Millennium Park, bring comfortable walking shoes and sun protection.
- Light shirts/tops, shorts or lightweight pants
- Comfortable walking shoes or sandals
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, wide-brim hat
- Light rain jacket or compact umbrella
| Activity | Recommended item |
|---|---|
| Beach or lakefront | Swimsuit & towel (hotel pool towels provided) |
| Walking tours | Supportive shoes and water bottle |
| Evening dining (Henrietta or Lobby Bar) | Business casual layers |
Winter & cold-weather packing
Chicago winters are cold and often windy and may include snow. Pack a warm coat, insulated boots, hat, gloves and a scarf for outdoor sightseeing.
Also bring an extra layer for indoors; the hotel interior and public areas will be heated but windy streets can feel much colder between attractions.
- Warm coat (insulated/windproof)
- Warm boots with traction for slushy sidewalks
- Warm hat, gloves, scarf
- Thermal layers if you plan long outdoor periods
| Place | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Loop streets near hotel | Wind-exposed, bundle up |
| Transit walks to attractions | Brisk; waterproof footwear helpful |
| Hotel interiors | Heated public spaces and rooms |
Pool, spa and fitness packing
JW Marriott Chicago has a heated indoor lap pool and whirlpool. Note the hotel enforces an age rule for the pool: guests under 16 are not permitted. Spa facilities are named the Spa at JW Chicago and have their own age rules.
Bring swimwear and a cover-up; the spa provides locker rooms and amenities, but you may want slippers or flip-flops and personal toiletries if you prefer your own products.
- Swimsuit and cover-up
- Flip-flops or pool sandals
- Personal bath products if you prefer them (spa supplies are provided)
- Workout clothes and trainers for the 24-hour fitness center
| Facility | Age notes |
|---|---|
| Indoor lap pool | Guests under 16 not permitted |
| Spa at JW Chicago | Spa services mainly for 18+; 16–17 ok for facials with chaperone; under 16 limited to nail services with chaperone |
| Fitness center | Open 24 hours; complimentary for registered guests |
Business travel & events — what to bring
If you're attending a meeting or wedding at one of the hotel's event venues (the property lists many rooms including the Grand Ballroom and Burnham Ballroom), pack business-appropriate attire and any materials you need for presentations.
Rooms on the Executive Level are named Executive Room, Executive Level and may include Executive Lounge access if your booking includes it; confirm that in advance so you know whether to bring lightweight lounge/work clothes for that space.
- Business suits or business-casual outfits
- Adapters/chargers, portable battery, and HDMI adapter if presenting
- Printed materials and USB drive (some meeting rooms offer A/V but confirm with event contact)
- Comfortable shoes for walking between nearby Loop venues
| Event type | Suggested items |
|---|---|
| Conference or meeting | Laptop, chargers, business cards |
| Wedding or reception | Formal attire, comfortable shoes |
| Small boardroom meeting | Printed handouts, presentation remote |
Tech, documents & transit essentials
Carry transit-friendly payment (contactless card or mobile pay) or a preloaded transit card for CTA trips; the hotel does not provide an airport shuttle, so plan transit or rideshare ahead for arrivals from Midway or O'Hare.
Bring chargers, an international plug adapter if needed, and a small travel umbrella for sudden rain. Keep copies of reservations, the hotel address (151 West Adams Street, Chicago, Illinois, 60603) and the BookResorts phone number handy.
- Transit card or mobile payment for CTA
- Phone charger, power bank, plug adapter
- Compact travel umbrella
- Printed/digital address: 151 West Adams Street, Chicago, IL 60603
| Airport | Transit tip |
|---|---|
| Midway (closest listed) | CTA Orange Line to downtown; no hotel shuttle |
| O'Hare | CTA Blue Line to downtown |
| Train to Union Station | About a 10–15 minute walk to the hotel |
Families and kids — extra items to consider
The hotel welcomes children of all ages, but pool rules restrict guests under 16 from using the indoor pool. If you’re traveling with small children, pack entertainment for transit and itinerary breaks.
The hotel offers accessible room types if needed; for specific requests (cribs, rollaway beds) check with the hotel in advance — third-party sites have quoted rollaway fees in some cases, so confirm any availability and fees directly with JW Marriott Chicago.
- Portable charger and tablet or activities for kids
- Lightweight stroller if you plan extensive walking
- Any required child medications and copies of prescriptions
- Confirm crib or rollaway availability with the hotel ahead of arrival
| Room type examples | Notes |
|---|---|
| Room, 1 King Bed | Standard guest room; beds listed on property page |
| Room, 2 Queen Beds | Two-bed option for families |
| Suite, 1 Bedroom | Sleeps families with a Double Sofa Bed available |
