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The Bubble River isn’t just a river—it’s a magical night spectacle! As darkness falls, thousands of glowing bubbles rise gently from the water, turning the sky into a dreamy, shimmering canvas. Perfect for couples, families, or anyone craving a little magic under the stars.
Everything you need to know about Bubbly Creek
Marriott Chicago Riverfront is ideal for breathtaking night views of the Chicago River, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering unobstructed sightlines to the illuminated waterway. Located just steps from the riverwalk, it provides easy access to evening events like the Lights on the River show, where bridges light up in synchronized displays. Guests can enjoy cocktails at the riverside rooftop bar while watching boats glide past iconic landmarks like the Cloud Gate sculpture and Millennium Park. Its central location makes it a prime base for exploring downtown Chicago after dark.
Take a guided Chicago River Sightseeing Cruise—a 60-minute journey led by knowledgeable narrators who reveal the stories behind historic buildings like Wrigley Field and the Art Institute of Chicago. During summer, join the Night Lights Tour, where illuminated bridges and moving boats create a dazzling spectacle. Some cruises even include gourmet dining options with local specialties such as deep-dish pizza and craft beer. For a more intimate experience, rent a paddleboat or book a private charter, allowing you to explore hidden corners of the river at your own pace.
The Chicago River lies at the heart of downtown, making it a seamless hub for exploration. Walk just 5–10 minutes to The Loop, where you can hop on the CTA Blue Line for quick access to Michigan Avenue, Union Station, and Navy Pier. Multiple Divvy bike stations and bus routes run along the riverbanks, connecting to Millennium Park, Gardner Museum, and Shedd Aquarium. Many hotels also offer complimentary shuttle services during peak hours, ensuring efficient and comfortable travel between attractions without needing a car.
Near the Chicago River, Bistro 1880 offers an elegant French-inspired menu with a terrace overlooking the water, perfect for sunset dining. Another top pick is Morton’s The Steakhouse, known for premium cuts and panoramic river views from its indoor and outdoor seating. For casual bites, visit the Chicago River Market, open weekends, featuring local food trucks serving everything from tacos to artisanal donuts. All venues are within walking distance of the riverwalk, combining delicious cuisine with scenic urban ambiance.
Yes, several luxury hotels near the Chicago River offer complimentary shuttle services. Marriott Chicago Riverfront operates a daily shuttle to Union Station and Millennium Park, while InterContinental Chicago provides a dedicated riverfront transfer to key downtown destinations. These shuttles typically run every 30–60 minutes and are especially useful during peak tourist seasons. Reservations are recommended, particularly on weekends, to ensure availability and avoid delays when planning day trips.
Winter transforms the Chicago River into a magical destination. From December to February, the Chicago Winter Festival features ice sculptures, snow slides, and hot cocoa markets along the riverwalk. Illuminated lighting installations remain active, turning the river into a glowing corridor at night. Guided winter walking tours highlight how the city maintains its infrastructure during cold months. Some hotels even offer cozy river-view suites with fireplaces and heated blankets, creating a warm retreat amid the frosty landscape—perfect for romantic getaways or quiet reflection.
See what other travelers say about Bubbly Creek
Staying at the Hilton Chicago was an absolute delight. The front desk staff were incredibly warm and welcoming—especially helpful when I struggled with English, as they patiently used translation tools to assist me without any rush. My room offered a city view, not the lakefront, but it had fantastic views of downtown skyscrapers, especially at night. The space itself was generously sized, and while the decor felt a bit dated, cleanliness was top-notch—everything was spotless and well-maintained. Bottled water isn’t provided in-room; you need to pick it up at the front desk, which is a minor inconvenience but totally manageable. Location-wise, this hotel is unbeatable—right across from the lakefront and Grant Park. Walking distance to Millennium Park and the Art Institute makes exploring effortless. The Magnificent Mile and Chicago Riverwalk are a bit farther, but a quick 3-line bus stop right outside the hotel gets you there in minutes. Being near the business district, close to the subway, and just steps from Macy’s adds to the convenience. There are countless restaurants nearby, and even a Starbucks on the ground floor—perfect for grabbing a coffee or snack anytime. Established in the 1920s, this historic property has hosted countless famous guests over the decades, giving it real character and charm. If I’m ever back in Chicago, I’ll definitely choose this hotel again.
Staying here for two nights was an absolute delight! The location is unbeatable—just a short walk from major attractions and easily accessible via public transit. The room was spacious, comfortable, and well-appointed with everything I needed: plush bedding, reliable Wi-Fi, smart TV, and excellent climate control. The breakfast buffet was a standout—fresh, diverse, and delicious, offering a great mix of American classics and local flavors. Cleanliness, modern design, and friendly staff made the experience even better. I loved every moment, which is why I decided to extend my stay by another night. Highly recommend this hotel for both business and leisure travelers—it’s a true gem in downtown Chicago.
This was an absolutely fantastic stay! I’d definitely come back to this hotel on my next trip to Chicago. The rooms are spacious, clean, and incredibly comfortable—perfect for a family getaway. The location is ideal: just minutes from downtown via public transit, making it super easy to explore the city. The breakfast buffet is outstanding—huge variety and fresh, delicious options that everyone in the family loved. But what really made the kids happy was the pool area; they spent hours splashing around and having fun every evening. It’s such a great place to unwind after a day of sightseeing. Highly recommend this hotel for families or anyone looking for comfort, convenience, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Staying here for three nights was a great experience overall. The location is excellent—just a short walk from Michigan Lake and convenient for getting around downtown Chicago via public transit. My room had a side view of the lake, which was absolutely beautiful, especially in the morning light. While the hotel is established with older-style decor, it’s well-maintained and spotlessly clean. The double-bed room was surprisingly spacious—perfect for four people without feeling cramped. The staff were friendly and helpful, and the value for money was excellent. Despite its vintage charm, the comfort and convenience make it a standout choice. I’d definitely stay here again when visiting Chicago.
Staying at this Hampton Inn was an absolute delight! The location is unbeatable—just a 5- to 6-minute walk to McCormick Place, making it super convenient for conferences or events. Right on the ground floor, there’s a cozy Italian restaurant and even a Haidilao hot pot spot—perfect for a quick bite or a fun meal without leaving the building. Across the street is a convenience store, so grabbing snacks or essentials is never an issue. It’s also just a 15-minute stroll to Chinatown, ideal if you want to explore local food or shops. What really stood out was the valet parking service—so helpful, especially when arriving by car. The room isn’t huge, but it’s well-designed, clean, and comfortable with everything you need. Overall, the value and convenience here are outstanding. I’d definitely stay again and recommend this hotel to anyone visiting Chicago.
Staying at this hotel was a fantastic experience, especially for business travelers. The location is incredibly convenient—just a short walk from McCormick Place, making it easy to get to meetings or events without hassle. I appreciated the complimentary breakfast, which offered a good variety of options and helped start my day right. The fitness center was well-maintained and had everything I needed for a quick workout. Plus, the room had a nice view of the city skyline, adding a touch of charm to the stay. Clean, comfortable, and efficient—this place truly delivers on comfort and convenience. Definitely my go-to choice when visiting Chicago again.
This hotel is fantastic—my favorite part was the view from the window, with the lake on one side and stunning sunsets on the other. It’s not right in the heart of downtown Chicago, but it’s super close to Chinatown and the central business district, making everything easily accessible. There’s a Starbucks, Haidilao, and a supermarket just steps away, so convenience is top-notch. The nearby subway station makes commuting effortless, and getting to the airport is a breeze. The only downside? Prices skyrocket during events like the marathon—up to $3,500 per night! That’s definitely steep, but if you’re visiting outside peak times, the value is solid. Overall, this place offers great comfort, excellent location, and unforgettable views—definitely a standout choice for travelers.
Staying at the Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Central Loop was a fantastic experience. The room size is just right—not too small, not overly large—perfect for a comfortable stay. Cleanliness and facilities were top-notch; the bed was incredibly cozy, and everything from the bathroom to the amenities felt fresh and well-maintained. What really stood out was the location: right across from a popular chain deep-dish pizza spot—perfect for a quick bite. The train station is just a short walk away, and major attractions like the Art Institute and Millennium Park are both within a 10-minute stroll. I especially enjoyed walking along the riverwalk, enjoying the views while heading toward Magnificent Mile for some shopping. It’s rare to find such convenience combined with comfort and great value. This hotel is definitely a highlight of my trip to Chicago.
I stayed at the Hampton Inn & Suites Chicago Medical District UIC and was thoroughly impressed with my experience. The room was spacious and well-designed, offering plenty of comfort for a relaxing stay. The breakfast buffet was excellent—fresh, varied, and delicious, especially the hot options. While parking comes at an additional cost, it’s worth it given how close the hotel is to downtown Chicago and major medical facilities. The fitness center is large and well-equipped, and having a pool on-site is a nice bonus for those who want to unwind after a long day. One thing to note is that daily housekeeping isn’t provided, so I’d recommend bringing your own essentials if you’re staying longer. Overall, this hotel offers great value, convenience, and a clean, modern atmosphere. I’d definitely return and highly recommend it to travelers looking for a reliable, no-frills stay in the area.
I absolutely loved my stay at Chicago South Loop Hotel—this is definitely my go-to choice for future business trips. The location is excellent, just a short walk from the train station and surrounded by quiet, clean streets. The room was spotless, cozy, and well-appointed with a comfortable bed that made for a great night's sleep. What truly stood out was the breakfast—huge variety, delicious flavors, and beautifully presented. From fresh pastries to hearty American classics, every bite was satisfying. It’s rare to find such a high-quality experience at this price point. I’ll be back again and would highly recommend it to anyone visiting downtown Chicago.
Staying at the Best Western Grant Park Hotel was an absolute delight. The location is unbeatable—right next to Millennium Park, with easy access to nearby attractions like museums, the aquarium, and the observatory. I loved how convenient it was to walk to everything without needing a car or public transit. Plus, the hotel connects directly to Paris Baguette, so grabbing breakfast on the go was effortless. The room was clean, comfortable, and well-maintained, and the staff were friendly and helpful throughout my visit. It’s rare to find such a great balance of location, convenience, and value—this place definitely stands out. I’ll be coming back for sure.
Staying at Chinatown Hotel Chicago was an absolute delight! The room features floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the space with natural light—every morning felt like a fresh start. What stood out most was the excellent air circulation; even on warmer days, the room stayed refreshingly cool without relying heavily on the AC. The location is unbeatable—just a short walk from downtown and surrounded by great local eateries, making it perfect for exploring the vibrant neighborhood. Clean, well-designed rooms with thoughtful touches make this hotel a hidden gem in Chicago. If you're looking for comfort, convenience, and a true local vibe, this place is a must-try.
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