theWit Chicago, A DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel
About theWit Chicago: History & Design
Situated on a historic 9,500-square-foot footprint at the bustling corner of State and Lake, the location of theWit Chicago carries a rich legacy. In the mid-20th century, 201 N. State Street was home to Fritzel's, a legendary restaurant heavily favored by celebrities and local luminaries. Despite its prime downtown location, the lot remarkably sat vacant for 30 years before its modern transformation.
Development & Milestones
- The Vision: Led by developer Scott Greenberg and the ECD Company, the property was conceived as a "visionary hotel" designed to break away from traditional boutique hospitality norms.
- Grand Opening (May 2009): theWit officially debuted under the DoubleTree by Hilton brand. Brought to life by acclaimed Chicago architect Jackie Koo, the building stands out with a boldly modern, art-forward architectural spirit.
- Major Renovation (2023): To maintain its status as a premier downtown destination, the hotel recently completed a comprehensive top-to-bottom renovation. All 310 guest rooms and public spaces were completely reimagined, featuring an elevated, sophisticated design aesthetic inspired by the travels of a "worldly collector."
Use the Chicago Pedway
The Chicago Pedway can help you move through parts of downtown without staying outside the entire time. It is especially useful during cold, rainy, or windy weather when walking between the hotel, nearby offices, transit stops, shops, and Loop attractions.
Ask for North or Northeast
North or northeast-facing rooms may provide the strongest chance of views toward the Chicago Riverwalk, River North, and downtown skyline.
Expect an Urban Theater District View
This is a State and Lake hotel in the Theater District, so some rooms may face streets, theaters, elevated train lines, or neighboring towers instead of open landmark views.
What Will I See From My Room?
Room views vary by which direction your window faces. Use this as a guide when selecting your floor in the viewer above.
North-facing rooms point toward the Chicago River, Riverwalk, Wacker Drive, and River North skyline direction. Higher floors should have the best chance of a more open city or river-adjacent view.
South-facing rooms look deeper into the Loop and State Street corridor. Higher floors may see downtown towers and portions of the business district, while lower floors may feel more enclosed by nearby buildings and Lake Street activity.
East-facing rooms point toward Michigan Avenue, Millennium Park, Grant Park, and the lakefront direction. Higher floors may offer better skyline or partial lakefront-oriented views depending on building obstruction.
Enjoy an up-close look at Chicago's striking downtown skyscrapers, framed with partial, angled views of the Chicago River.
Most corner rooms have strong views, especially on higher floors. Rooms 2504, 2512, 2412, and 2400 appear to be good view options and should be considered preferred rooms when available.
Avoid west-facing rooms on the 21st floor and below. A nearby skyscraper blocks most of the view, making these rooms a weaker choice. For the best view, west-facing rooms should generally be avoided.
What time is check-in and check-out at theWit Chicago, a Hilton Hotel?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM, and check-out is until 12:00 PM. Early check-in and late check-out are subject to hotel availability.
Is theWit Chicago, a Hilton Hotel cashless?
Yes. theWit Chicago uses a cashless policy for room bookings and hotel fees at the front desk. Credit and debit cards are accepted. Cash may still be accepted at State & Lake Tavern and ROOF on theWit.
Does theWit Chicago, a Hilton Hotel offer parking?
theWit Chicago, a Hilton Hotel offers 24-hour valet parking at the main entrance on State Street. Overnight valet parking is $86 per night and includes full in-and-out privileges. The hotel does not have its own self-parking garage, but nearby off-site parking options are available, including garages such as iParkit Garage at 20 East Randolph.
Is theWit Chicago, a Hilton Hotel pet-friendly?
Yes. theWit Chicago, a Hilton Hotel is dog-friendly and allows up to 2 dogs per room, with a 25-pound weight limit. A $150 non-refundable pet fee applies per stay.
Does ROOF on theWit have a dress code?
Yes. ROOF on theWit enforces a “Summertime Casual, Dress to Impress” policy. Athletic wear, hoodies, sweatpants, beachwear, and excessively ripped jeans are prohibited.
What are the age requirements and cover charges for ROOF on theWit?
ROOF on theWit becomes a 21+ venue on Friday and Saturday nights after 9:00 PM and all day on Sundays. Cover charges also apply during those times. Overnight guests at theWit Chicago, a Hilton Hotel may receive complimentary first-come, first-served entry with a room keycard, valid for the cardholder plus one guest.
Is theWit Chicago noisy because of the train?
The hotel is located directly next to the elevated CTA 'L' train tracks at State and Lake streets. While the windows are sound-proofed, lower-floor rooms facing south and east may still experience noticeable train noise. Light sleepers should request high-floor rooms.
What is the mandatory daily fee at theWit Chicago, a Hilton Hotel, and what does it cover?
theWit Chicago, a Hilton Hotel charges a mandatory daily destination fee. The fee is listed by Hilton as covering premium guest internet access, a daily $25 food and beverage credit for hotel outlets excluding in-room dining, and either a $25 spa credit for services over $100 from Thursday through Sunday or a spa gift basket from Monday through Wednesday. Hilton lists the charge as a daily mandatory destination charge, while some booking sites show the total as about $29.35 per room, per night after taxes and fees. Guests should confirm the current amount before booking because hotel fees can change.
What is the best room view at theWit Chicago, a Hilton Hotel?
The best room views are generally found on higher floors and corner rooms, which can offer wider sightlines than standard rooms. Rooms 2504, 2512, 2412, and 2400 appear to be strong view options when available. RoomView recommends avoiding west-facing rooms on the 21st floor and below because a nearby skyscraper blocks much of the view.
Does theWit Chicago, a Hilton Hotel offer free breakfast?
No, standard room reservations at theWit Chicago do not include free breakfast. Full breakfast is available for a fee at the on-site State & Lake Tavern or through in-room dining. However, guests can receive breakfast by booking a specific "Breakfast Included" rate package or by utilizing the daily Food & Beverage credit available to eligible Hilton Honors Gold and Diamond members.