Frequently Asked Questions
Learn More About the Hotel
Review our FAQs to learn more about what to expect on your upcoming stay. If your question is not answered below, please feel free to contact us at info@theblackstonehotel.com or at 312-447-0955. We look forward to your stay at our Michigan Ave hotel.
General Information
Check In and Check Out Times
Check in is after 4pm and check out is at 12pm.
How many rooms does the Blackstone have?
The Blackstone has 335 total guest rooms, including 4 signature suites.
What do I need in order to check in to The Blackstone?
All guests checking into The Blackstone will need a credit/debit card and a valid ID.
A temporary hold of $150 per night on your credit/debit card will be placed for use towards incidentals. Unused funds, will then be released upon check-out.
Please note that it can take up to 10 business days for a bank to release the funds back to you.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations can be made through the Marriott Bonvoy App as well as through contacting the hotel directly.
Cancellations must be received by 12:00am central time prior to the arrival date to avoid the fee of one night’s room and tax.
If using a third party booking site please refer to your confirmation email.
I need to make a change to my reservation. Who should I contact?
If you made a reservation on a website other than the hotel website, you’ll need to contact the booking agent/website that you went through in order to make any changes. If you booked directly through The Blackstone or Marriott website or made your reservation by calling the hotel, adjustments can be made by calling the hotel directly (312) 447-0955.
Parking
Parking information can be found here.
Do you provide ADA-compliant accommodations?
Yes, we offer accessible rooms. To reserve an accessible room, please request availability at time of booking.
Does the hotel allow smoking?
Per Chicago ordinance our hotel and public areas are SMOKE FREE. Head outside to the designated smoking areas 15 feet from the entrances on Balbo and Michigan Avenues. A $250 recovery fee will be applied to your bill for smoking in the guest rooms.
Are pets allowed at the hotel?
The Blackstone is a dog-friendly hotel. We even offer a special package called the Stay, Fetch, Love to accommodate your furry friends!
The hotel charges a $75 per stay pet cleaning fee. Unfortunately, your other furry friends will have to stay home, as we currently only allow dogs up to 75 pounds. Maximum two dogs per room.
These restrictions do not apply to service animals.
Donation Requests
Blackstone is proud to support the Chicago community. To request a donation, please contact info@theblackstonehotel.com.
Media Requests
For press inquiries, please reach out to info@theblackstonehotel.com
How does our hotel commit to environmental sustainability and social responsibility - ESG?
At The Blackstone Hotel, Chicago we are dedicated to integrating sustainability and ethical considerations into every facet of our business.
Our efforts in this arena are a testament to our belief that success is not solely measured by financial performance, but also by our positive impact on the world around us.
We recognize that our efforts in this regard will never cease and will only continue to expand in the years ahead.
Please check-out our most recent initiatives.
Amenities
Do you have a fitness center?
Our Fitness Center is located on the 6th Floor overlooking Grant Park. The space is accessible by guests 24 hours a day.
Looking to get active outside? Leave the treadmill behind and join Fit Tours for an exhilarating running tour through the city of Chicago! Enjoy a casual paced running tour through a curated 5K course along which we stop to talk about the fascinating history of the "Second City" and take unforgettable photos with you in the most iconic Chicago sights including Buckingham Fountain, Navy Pier and the Bean! Book the the tour here.
Also available is our Book Now, Run Later Package which includes a running tour during your stay at the Blackstone!
Do you provide dry cleaning or laundry services?
Laundry and dry cleaning is available daily. Use the laundry ticket and bag located inside the closet in your room. Instructions for pick up are below as well as on the ticket on the bag. Pricing varies depending on items and quantity.
Please drop off the bag at the Front Desk at least 30 minutes prior to your selected pick up time. The pick up times are 9am for regular service and delivery will be by 8pm same day. We also offer Overnight Service which is pick up by 10pm and delivery by 8am next day. Express Service is picked up between 9am and 2pm with a five hour return.
On the ticket please select which service you would like and mark any special instructions needed for the clothing, as well as the Date/Name/Room Number. Additionally, please enter in how many of each item on the lines listed below which also has the pricing shown next to each item.
Please call the hotel directly at 312-447-0955 for more details.
Do you provide concierge services?
Our team is ready to curate your Chicago journey! Please contact us by calling (312) 542-3415 or visit us in the hotel lobby Tuesday to Saturday.
View our Calendar of Events to discover local events and new happenings!
You can also discover the Insider's Guide to Chicago's Best Visitor Experiences by visiting this website: https://www.choosechicago.com/
What other services to you provide?
Other services include:
- In-Room Spa Services can be booked through Leaf Spa
- Shoeshine is available upon request – please coordinate through the Front Desk
- Business Center work stations and printers are available on the Lobby Level
Transportation & Parking
What is your street address?
The Blackstone
636 South Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60605
(312) 447-0955
How do I get to the hotel?
We are delighted to organize a car service through our Front Desk team. Prices vary based on type of vehicle and timing required.
A taxi costs approximately $50-$75 (one-way) to/from O’Hare and $30-$50 (one-way) to/from Midway.
Driving Directions
Driving directions from the West:
Take I-290 E. It will turn into Congress Parkway. Continue East on Congress Parkway to Michigan Ave. Turn Right on Michigan Ave. Drive 2 blocks South on Michigan Ave to Balbo Ave. Turn Right on Balbo Ave. Our hotel is located on the Northwest corner of Michigan Ave and Balbo Ave.
Driving Directions from the South:
Take I-90/94 N toward Chicago. Take EXIT 52B toward Roosevelt Rd. Turn Right on Roosevelt Rd. Take Roosevelt Rd to Michigan Ave. Turn Left onto Michigan Ave. Drive 5 blocks North to Balbo Ave. Turn Left on Balbo Ave. Our hotel is located at the Northwest corner of Michigan Ave and Balbo Ave.
Driving Directions from the North:
Take I-90/94 S toward Chicago. Take the I-290 W/Eisenhower Expy exit, EXIT 51H-I, toward Congress Pkwy/Chicago Loop/West Suburbs. Merge onto I-290 E/IL-110 E/Eisenhower Expy E via EXIT 51I on the Left toward Congress Pkwy/Chicago Loop. Continue East on Congress Parkway to Michigan Ave. Turn Right on Michigan Ave. Drive 2 blocks South on Michigan Ave to Balbo Ave. Make a Right on Balbo Ave. Our hotel is located at the Northwest corner of Michigan Ave and Balbo Ave.
Parking details can be found here.
Are you close to public transportation?
The Blackstone is located just 3 blocks from the Harrison stop on the Red Line L-Train. We are also walking distance to Blue, Orange, Green, Purple and Brown lines.
The Blackstone is also located along several main bus lines including the 3, 4, 6, 22, 28, 126, 147, and more.
Union station is 1.1 miles away which runs Amtrak and Metra service.
The Greyhound bus station is just 1 mile away.
Does your hotel have parking facilities and valet parking?
We currently have valet service available Friday beginning at 12PM until Sunday at 4PM. For special arrangements and accommodation for valet scheduling, your Event Manger can assist.
Self-Parking: COVERED GARAGE AVAILABLE ACROSS FROM THE BLACKSTONE (BALBO DRIVE) ENTER NEXT TO THE HILTON; 721 SOUTH WABASH AVE, CHICAGO IL
CURRENT OVERNIGHT RATE: $79
DAILY RATE FOR EVENT PARKING: $35 (See Event Manager for validation sticker)
ADDITIONAL OPEN AIR AND STREET PARKING AVAILABLE WITHIN STEPS OF THE HOTEL
Parking
Overnight Self- parking garage available across the street from the Blackstone (Balbo Drive) entrance, next to the Hilton Chicago. 721 South Wabash Ave, Chicago IL 60605.
Please note that for your convenience, when you park in The Hilton Chicago garage, overnight parking can be validated directly at the the Blackstone Hotel Front Desk - see the agent with your ticket for validation. Unfortunately, we are unable to validate any other parking garages.
Parking fees will apply - Current self-parking charge is $70 and valet-parking is $79 for overnight parking with in and out privileges.
The Neighborhood, The Cultural Mile
What is The Cultural Mile?
The Cultural Mile in Chicago refers to a stretch of Michigan Avenue (specifically, from Roosevelt Road to Randolph Street) that is home to a concentration of world-class museums, cultural institutions, and architectural landmarks. It is a designated cultural district that showcases the city's rich artistic, historical, and cultural heritage. Attractions include:
- Millennium Park: Millennium Park is one of Chicago's most visited and celebrated outdoor spaces. The park features a range of public art, gardens, and cultural institutions. The centerpiece is Cloud Gate, also known as "The Bean," a striking stainless-steel sculpture by artist Anish Kapoor. This reflective sculpture has become one of the city's most iconic symbols. Millennium Park also includes Pritzker Pavilion, a state-of-the-art outdoor concert venue designed by architect Frank Gehry, and Lurie Garden, a beautiful urban green space.
- Grant Park: Often referred to as "Chicago’s front yard," Grant Park is a large urban park that stretches from Millennium Park south to Congress Parkway. Grant Park hosts a wide variety of public events, including festivals, concerts, and celebrations, such as the Taste of Chicago food festival. The park's lush gardens, fountains, and iconic Buckingham Fountain make it a central gathering spot for both locals and tourists.
- The Art Institute of Chicago: One of the oldest and largest art museums in the United States, known for its vast collection of artworks spanning thousands of years, from ancient to contemporary art.
- The Symphony Center: Home to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, this venue hosts a variety of classical music performances and events.
- The Joffrey Ballet: Renowned for its performances of classical and contemporary ballet, the Joffrey is a cultural institution located near the southern end of the Cultural Mile.
- The Chicago Cultural Center: A free public cultural venue that hosts art exhibits, performances, and other cultural events, known for its stunning architecture, including a large stained-glass dome.
- The Field Museum: A world-renowned natural history museum that features exhibits ranging from dinosaur fossils to ancient Egyptian artifacts.
- The Shedd Aquarium: Located along the lakefront, the Shedd Aquarium is one of the largest indoor aquariums in the world, offering a wide array of marine life exhibits.
- The Chicago Architecture Center: Offering insights into the city's famous architecture through exhibits, tours, and educational program
Is there shopping near The Blackstone?
Located just a few blocks west of the Blackstone Hotel, State Street offers an accessible shopping experience with a mix of mid-range department stores, chain retailers, and specialty shops. Key stores include:
Macy's (formerly Marshall Field's): A historic flagship store known for its wide range of fashion, home goods, and beauty products.
Uniqlo: Popular for its casual, modern clothing.
The Magnificent Mile (North Michigan Avenue)
While it's a bit further north (about a 10-15 minute drive or a 30-minute walk from the Blackstone), the Magnificent Mile is Chicago's premier shopping destination. This iconic stretch of Michigan Avenue is home to a wide array of luxury retailers, department stores, and high-end boutiques, including:
Nordstrom
Neiman Marcus
Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Prada, and other designer brands
Apple Store
3. Printers Row
While not a traditional shopping destination, Printers Row, located just a short walk west of the Blackstone, is a charming neighborhood with independent bookstores, vintage shops, and small boutiques. It's perfect if you're looking for unique finds or a more personalized shopping experience.
4. Chicago's South Loop
The South Loop area, where the Blackstone is located, also offers various local shops, art galleries, and smaller boutiques. You’ll find a mix of fashion, home decor, and art galleries along streets like Wabash Ave and Indiana Ave.
Dining
Does The Blackstone provide room service?
While, room service is not available, we invite you to discover the famous Chicago restaurant scene, all available for delivery directly to the hotel. Visit this website for more dining options in the area: https://www.choosechicago.com/
Does the hotel offer any dining options?
The Blackstone has an on-site restaurant, Mercat a la Planxa, which is a modern interpretation of timeless Catalan traditions. Located on Michigan Avenue, Mercat offers an authentic dining experience that combines fresh meats and produce with the energetic spirit of a Barcelona market. The interiors boast bright, rich fabrics and weathered mosaic tiles, accented by dynamic sculptural furniture and distinctive art murals. Visit the Mercat website for menus and hours.
Weddings
Number of Venues/Maximum Capacity
- Crystal Ballroom with a maximum capacity of 225 people
- Art Hall, maximum capacity of 200 people
- English Room, maximum capacity of 80 people
- The Barbershop, maximum capacity of 60 people
Who do I reach out to for a quote?
Please reach out to our Senior Catering Sales manager, Carly Kirschner: carly.kirschner@theblackstonehotel.com, or visit our weddings RFP page.
Can I get a hotel room block for our wedding?
Request a wedding room block by sending an email to info@theblacktonehotel.com
Rates and amount of rooms will be based on hotel availability.
Do you offer on property catering services?
Learn about our on property catering services in our wedding kit.
What are some activities for wedding guests on property?
- Art - Browse more than 1,600 contemporary artworks, primarily created by local Chicago artists. Use the QR code located throughout the hotel for more in-depth information.
- Dining - Feast on Spanish cuisine inspired by an open-air Barcelona market at our onsite restaurant Mercat a la Planxa.
- Touch Points – Type a letter to family or friends on our Oliver Typewriter in the lobby or take a selfie in our vintage Barbershop Chair
- Fitness - Keep up with your exercise routine by visiting our state-of-the-art Fitness Center
- Sport - Enjoy our one-of-a-king pool table in the Concourse level - inquire with the Front Desk for pool cues and balls
What are some activities for wedding guests off property?
The Blackstone Hotel is centrally located on Michigan Avenue. Conveniently fixed across from Grant Park, within walking distance to the lakefront, and central to all the fun things to do in downtown Chicago. Please take a look at our Activities and Attractions page to learn about all the fun things to do around The Blackstone Hotel.
Meetings
What is the process for shipping boxes to the hotel prior to a meeting?
The hotel is not responsible for storage or handling of materials. Please ensure that prior arrangements for storage or materials handling have been made with Hotel before any shipment of materials to the Hotel. If Group is approved to ship packages to Hotel, Group agrees that all packages will be properly labelled with Group’s name, the name of the Event, the dates of the Event and the assigned Event Manager’s name.
Packages will arrive no more than three (3) business days prior to the start of your meeting or event.
Please contact your Event Manager for additional information.
INBOUND PACKAGES - One Time Handling Fees:
1.0 – 20.0 lbs.…………...$10.00/ Box
20.1 – 50.0 lbs……….….$20.00/ Box
50.1 – Over……………...$30.00/ Box
Pallet………………….....Not permitted
Does the hotel offer complimentary early check-in and late check-outs for meeting attendees?
Early check-in and late- checkouts are based on availability and cannot be guaranteed.
Is Wi-Fi offered in the meeting rooms?
Wi-Fi is available in the meeting space and is handled through our In-House Audio-Visual provider, Encore Global.
A price quote for Wi-Fi and any AV services will be provided by Encore Global at the time of contracting.
Does the hotel allow outside food and beverage to be brought into the meeting rooms?
Unfortunately, we do not allow outside food and beverage. Your event manager as well as our culinary team are delighted to curate a menu designed to your program's needs. View the full menu here.
Do you have Audio Visual service on property or is outside AV permitted?
The Blackstone Hotel has an exclusive partnership and In-House AV services with Encore Global. As a leader in the industry, Encore provides state-of-the art Audio Visual for any size program as well as experienced onsite technicians. If another AV provider is requested, additional fees will be charged according to the equipment and services provided.
Team Building Activites
Experience meaningful group activities through The Blackstone's partnership with Clean The World. All activities must be booked directly with Clean The World website.
Available Kit Building Activities:
- Hygiene Kit Building (Saves Lives Experience): Create essential hygiene kits for those in need
- Comfort Kit Building (Delivering Dignity Experience): Assemble comfort kits for those in need
- School Backpack Assembly (Empowering Education Experience): Support educational efforts with school backpack
*pricing varies
Kit Building Styles:
Flow-Through Style: A day-long, relaxed pace event where participants assemble 3-5 kits on average.
Break-Out Style: A fast-paced 60-90 minute session, with participants assembling about 20 kits per hour.
For a tailored event proposal, please specify your event date, location, volunteer count, and preferred duration. Secure your event without a rush fee by signing the Agreement Form 30 days prior. Full payment is required one week before the event.
Important Note: Inform your hotel's Conference Service Manager about your kit building activity to ensure a seamless integration into your meeting agenda. Pricing must be reconfirmed directly with Clean The World.
Fit Tours
Leave the treadmill behind and join Fit Tours for an exhilarating running tour through the city of Chicago! Enjoy this incredible running experience as we take you on a casual paced running tour through a perfectly curated, 5K course along which we stop to talk about the fascinating history of the "Second City" and take unforgettable photos with you in the most iconic Chicago sights including Buckingham Fountain, Navy Pier and the Bean! More information about the tour can be found here.
Please reach out to your event manager to book your group running tour.