Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk: event and exhibition space

Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk, located at 301 E North Water St, Chicago, IL 60611, USA, is more than a hotel. It’s a stunning and versatile conference center that blends urban architectural elegance with panoramic views of the Chicago River. Situated in the heart of the city, between Navy Pier, Millennium Park, and the Magnificent Mile, Sheraton Grand offers impeccable conditions for hosting business events, exhibitions, weddings, gala dinners, and private celebrations.

Whether it’s an international forum, a VIP reception, or an intimate ceremony, every guest feels part of a grand occasion, surrounded by luxury and world-class professionalism.

History of Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk

The hotel opened in 1992, becoming one of the first major conference hotels along the Chicago River. Designed for large-scale events, it features elegant architecture, high ceilings, and expansive window facades. In 2016, a full renovation aligned it with Marriott standards, establishing it as one of the largest event industry hubs in downtown Chicago.

Advantages of Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk

• Total area—over 125,000 square feet (11,600+ m²) of event space.
• Capacity—from intimate meetings for 10 to large events for up to 4,600 guests.
• Prime location—on the riverbank with direct access to the Chicago Riverwalk.
• 1,218 luxurious rooms—perfect for accommodating delegations, guests, and conference attendees.
• State-of-the-art equipment: high-speed Wi-Fi, multimedia, projection screens, conferencing systems, and simultaneous interpretation.
• Panoramic views of the Chicago River, Lake Michigan, and city skyscrapers from event spaces.
• Green Meetings certification—sustainable events meeting environmental responsibility standards.

Video About Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk

Event Halls and Spaces

• Chicago Ballroom—the hotel’s flagship venue, spanning over 21,000 square feet. Ideal for major conferences, gala dinners, and forums. Capacity: up to 2,400 people.
• Riverwalk Ballroom—featuring natural light and river views, perfect for weddings, exhibitions, and banquets. Capacity: up to 1,200 guests.
• Mayfair Room—designed for corporate presentations and business meetings. Capacity: up to 300 people.
• Executive Boardrooms—multiple VIP meeting rooms with premium furniture and a private atmosphere.
• Pre-Function Areas—spacious foyers for registration, coffee breaks, and exhibitions.

How to Get to Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk

• By car: Conveniently located near Lake Shore Drive, with access to the hotel’s underground parking.
• Public transport: A 5-minute walk to CTA Red Line stations (Grand, State/Lake).
• Airports: O’Hare International (ORD) and Midway (MDW)—30–45 minutes by taxi or shuttle.
• By bike/on foot: Adjacent to the Riverwalk pedestrian path and lakefront bike trails.

Tips for Organizers and Guests

• Book event spaces 6–12 months in advance, especially during peak seasons (spring, fall).
• Leverage Sheraton’s in-house coordinators for logistics, decor, tech, and catering support.
• For banquets, order catering from Chicago Burger Company or Shula’s Steak House, located on-site.
• Host an evening reception on the Riverwalk or a cocktail party on the terrace.
• Reserve room blocks for guests early through Marriott Bonvoy corporate packages.

Notable Events and Achievements

• Host venue for Fortune 500 conferences, TEDx Chicago, international diplomatic meetings, and design exhibitions.
• Hundreds of weddings and celebrations with river views and Navy Pier fireworks.
• Ranked among Chicago’s top event hotels by TripAdvisor and Cvent.

Event Participant Requirements

• A signed contract, deposit, and insurance policy are required for external vendors.
• Entire floors or specific zones can be reserved with controlled access.
• All services (catering, tech, security, decor) are provided through Sheraton partners or with prior approval.