The Wade
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The Wade 1

Axel’s take

Choose it for the lake views, not flawless upscale polish.

Read Axel’s full review

Axel’s rating: 7.8/10 · an upscale lakefront high-rise, formerly the W Chicago–Lakeshore

The Wade is an upscale lakefront high-rise, formerly the W Chicago–Lakeshore, whose biggest selling point remains its setting. We'd pick it for a Chicago sightseeing break, especially in a lake-view room overlooking Navy Pier. Expedia and Tripadvisor guests repeatedly praise the views, convenient location and helpful staff; recent Expedia reviews are particularly positive about cleanliness and comfortable beds. An indoor pool, gym and restaurant round out the essentials.

The trade-off is uneven polish. Tripadvisor reviews and Booking.com feedback reproduced on Planet of Hotels describe tired rooms and inconsistent upkeep, alongside plenty of satisfied stays. Service can also be patchy, and breakfast draws complaints about value. Parking costs extra, and an incidental deposit applies. It's a good location-first choice, but we'd skip it for a special occasion where consistently fresh rooms and seamless service matter most.

Rooms
Lake-view categories are the draw; guests often like the space and beds, but dated finishes recur.
Cleanliness
Generally positive across aggregate ratings, with recurring housekeeping lapses in some recent Tripadvisor reviews.
Service
Many warm staff mentions, tempered by reports of slow or unhelpful problem handling.
Amenities
Indoor pool, fitness center, Current restaurant and bar; breakfast is not universally included.
Fees and surprises
Paid valet, pet charges and an incidental deposit; Marriott ties complimentary in-room Wi-Fi to direct-booking Bonvoy membership.

Axel’s opinion, from the hotel’s website and guest reviews, scored for what the hotel is. Sources: Hotel website · Expedia · Tripadvisor · de.planetofhotels.com · Trip.com. Reviewed Oct 24, 2026.

The location

644 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago

Strong for Navy Pier, Ohio Street Beach and Michigan Avenue; less convenient for immediate train access.

Amenities and check-in

Indoor pool, fitness center, Current restaurant and bar; breakfast is not universally included.

Check-in

after 4:00 PM

Check-out

before 12:00 PM

  • Indoor pool
  • Restaurant
  • Bar
  • Fitness center (free)
  • Valet parking (extra charge)
  • Pet-friendly
Additional hotel policies
  • Hotel policies: Extra bed: $25 per guest per night; Deposit: $200 per room per stay; Pets: $25 per guest per stay
AI-readable version · facts, comparisons and links

The Wade: from $405 for Nov 21–22, 2026, 2 adults (1 night)

From $405 total for Nov 21–22, 2026, 2 adults at The Wade on Axel (1 night), checked Nov 6, 2026.

The Wade is an upscale lakefront high-rise, formerly the W Chicago–Lakeshore in Chicago, United States.

Address: 644 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago. Property ID: 1040917. Canonical property page: https://helloaxel.com/en/hotels/chicago/the-wade-1040917

Source: https://helloaxel.com/en/hotels/chicago/the-wade-1040917/2026-11-21/2-adults

Axel vs Expedia and Booking.com

Same hotel, same dates, 2 adults, 1 room, USD stay totals. Axel's total is this page's price for those dates; the other total is what that site listed for the same stay on the day shown.

StayAxel totalExpedia or Booking.comDifferenceSeenLinks
Jan 1 to Jan 3, 2027 · 2 nights$345$409 on Booking.com$64 less (16%)Nov 2Select · Share this stay · Check guest price
Dec 4 to Dec 6, 2026 · 2 nights$366$427 on Booking.com$61 less (14%)Nov 2Select · Share this stay · Check guest price
Dec 15 to Dec 17, 2026 · 2 nights$503$568 on Booking.com$65 less (11%)Nov 2Select · Share this stay · Check guest price

Prices change daily; the Select link opens The Wade with those dates and guests and shows the current rooms.

Axel private rates — common stay lengths

Based on recent rates. Prices refresh when you view rooms.

1 night

Total price: $405 USD

2026-11-21 to 2026-11-22 · 1 night · 2 adults · 1 room.

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2 nights

Total price: $527 USD

2026-11-21 to 2026-11-23 · 2 nights · 2 adults · 1 room.

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3 nights

Total price: $642 USD

2026-11-21 to 2026-11-24 · 3 nights · 2 adults · 1 room.

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4 nights

Total price: $763 USD

2026-11-21 to 2026-11-25 · 4 nights · 2 adults · 1 room.

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5 nights

Total price: $878 USD

2026-11-21 to 2026-11-26 · 5 nights · 2 adults · 1 room.

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6 nights

Total price: $1,010 USD

2026-11-21 to 2026-11-27 · 6 nights · 2 adults · 1 room.

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7 nights

Total price: $1,397 USD

2026-11-21 to 2026-11-28 · 7 nights · 2 adults · 1 room.

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8 nights

Total price: $1,705 USD

2026-11-21 to 2026-11-29 · 8 nights · 2 adults · 1 room.

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9 nights

Total price: $1,953 USD

2026-11-21 to 2026-11-30 · 9 nights · 2 adults · 1 room.

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10 nights

Total price: $2,247 USD

2026-11-21 to 2026-12-01 · 10 nights · 2 adults · 1 room.

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11 nights

Total price: $2,514 USD

2026-11-21 to 2026-12-02 · 11 nights · 2 adults · 1 room.

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12 nights

Total price: $2,758 USD

2026-11-21 to 2026-12-03 · 12 nights · 2 adults · 1 room.

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13 nights

Total price: $2,973 USD

2026-11-21 to 2026-12-04 · 13 nights · 2 adults · 1 room.

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14 nights

Total price: $3,163 USD

2026-11-21 to 2026-12-05 · 14 nights · 2 adults · 1 room.

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Choose other dates

Axel's take: 7.8/10

Choose it for the lake views, not flawless upscale polish. an upscale lakefront high-rise, formerly the W Chicago–Lakeshore, scored for what it is.

The Wade is an upscale lakefront high-rise, formerly the W Chicago–Lakeshore, whose biggest selling point remains its setting. We'd pick it for a Chicago sightseeing break, especially in a lake-view room overlooking Navy Pier. Expedia and Tripadvisor guests repeatedly praise the views, convenient location and helpful staff; recent Expedia reviews are particularly positive about cleanliness and comfortable beds. An indoor pool, gym and restaurant round out the essentials.

The trade-off is uneven polish. Tripadvisor reviews and Booking.com feedback reproduced on Planet of Hotels describe tired rooms and inconsistent upkeep, alongside plenty of satisfied stays. Service can also be patchy, and breakfast draws complaints about value. Parking costs extra, and an incidental deposit applies. It's a good location-first choice, but we'd skip it for a special occasion where consistently fresh rooms and seamless service matter most.

  • Best for: sightseers prioritizing lake views; Navy Pier and lakefront visitors; travelers comfortable with an older upscale hotel

  • Watch out for: dated rooms and uneven upkeep; inconsistent service; extra parking and breakfast costs

  • Location: Strong for Navy Pier, Ohio Street Beach and Michigan Avenue; less convenient for immediate train access.

  • Rooms: Lake-view categories are the draw; guests often like the space and beds, but dated finishes recur.

  • Cleanliness: Generally positive across aggregate ratings, with recurring housekeeping lapses in some recent Tripadvisor reviews.

  • Service: Many warm staff mentions, tempered by reports of slow or unhelpful problem handling.

  • Amenities: Indoor pool, fitness center, Current restaurant and bar; breakfast is not universally included.

  • Fees and surprises: Paid valet, pet charges and an incidental deposit; Marriott ties complimentary in-room Wi-Fi to direct-booking Bonvoy membership.

Axel's opinion of The Wade, from the hotel's website and recent guest reviews. Sources: Hotel website · Expedia · Tripadvisor · de.planetofhotels.com · Trip.com. Reviewed Oct 24, 2026.

About The Wade

  • Property type: Hotel
  • 4-star hotel
  • W Hotels
  • 644 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago
  • Guest rating: 4.1/5 on Google from 4,139 reviews (location 3.7/5)
  • Getting around (travel times from Google's hotel listing): Millennium Station: 6 min by taxi · Navy Pier: 9 min walk · Chicago Union Station: 12 min by taxi · Chicago Midway International Airport: 29 min by taxi · Chicago O'Hare International Airport: 31 min by taxi · Millennium Park: 5 min by taxi
  • Hotel policies: Extra bed: $25 per guest per night; Deposit: $200 per room per stay; Pets: $25 per guest per stay
  • Amenities: Indoor pool, Restaurant, Bar, Fitness center (free), Valet parking (extra charge), Pet-friendly, Dogs allowed, Full-service laundry, Wi-Fi (free), Wi-Fi in public areas, Business center, Meeting rooms
  • Check-in from: 16:00
  • Check-out by: 12:00
  • City page: Hotels in Chicago
  • Chain: Marriott. Axel's Marriott rating: 6.0/10

Room types

Room types and selected features reported for this hotel. Check your dates for availability.

Source: ETG room descriptions.

Economy room

Economy room with lake view

Economy room with water view

Economy Single room

Economy Triple room

Economy Double room (full double bed)

Standard room

Standard Duplex room

Standard room with city view

Standard room with lake view

Standard room with water view

Standard room with view

1 Bedroom Standard room

1 Bedroom Standard room with city view

1 Bedroom Standard room with lake view

2 Bedrooms Standard room

Standard Single room

Standard Single room with city view

Standard Single room with lake view

Standard Single room with water view

Standard Single room with view

Standard Triple room

Standard Triple room with city view

Standard Triple room with lake view

Standard Triple room with sea view

Standard Triple room with water view

Standard Quadruple room

Standard Quadruple room with city view

Standard Quadruple room with lake view

Standard Quadruple room with water view

Standard Quadruple room with view

Standard Quintuple room

Standard Family room

Standard Family room with city view

Standard Family room with sea view

Standard Family room with water view

Standard Double room (full double bed)

Standard Double room with city view (full double bed)

Standard Double room with lake view (full double bed)

Standard Double room with sea view (full double bed)

Standard Double room with view (full double bed)

1 Bedroom Standard Double room (full double bed)

1 Bedroom Standard Double room with city view (full double bed)

1 Bedroom Standard Double room with lake view (full double bed)

1 Bedroom Standard Double room with view (full double bed)

2 Bedrooms Standard Double room with city view (full double bed)

Standard Double Family room (full double bed)

Standard Double Family room with city view (full double bed)

Standard Double Family room with lake view (full double bed)

Standard Twin room (twin beds)

Standard Twin room with city view (twin beds)

Standard Twin room with lake view (twin beds)

Standard Twin room with pool view (twin beds)

Standard Twin room with view (twin beds)

1 Bedroom Standard Twin room with lake view (twin beds)

Standard Triple room

Standard Quadruple room

Standard Quadruple room with city view

Standard Quadruple room with lake view

Standard Quadruple room with view

1 Bedroom Standard Quadruple room with city view

1 Bedroom Standard Quadruple room with lake view

2 Bedrooms Standard Quadruple room with city view

2 Bedrooms Standard Quadruple room with lake view

Standard Quintuple room with city view

Standard Sextuple room

Standard Sextuple room with city view

Standard Sextuple room with lake view

Standard Sextuple room with view

Standard Quadruple Family room with city view

Standard Quadruple Family room with lake view

Standard room with water view (sofa)

Comfort room

Comfort Double room (full double bed)

  • Beds: full double bed

Comfort Double room with city view (full double bed)

  • Beds: full double bed

Superior room

Superior room with lake view

Superior room with water view

Superior room with view

Superior room with balcony and with pool view

Superior Double room with lake view (full double bed)

Superior Double room with view (full double bed)

Superior Quadruple room

Deluxe room

Deluxe room with city view

Deluxe room with water view

Deluxe room with view

Deluxe Single room with water view

Deluxe Triple room

Deluxe Triple room with water view

Deluxe Quadruple room

Deluxe Quadruple room with water view

Deluxe Quadruple room with view

Deluxe Family room

Deluxe Family room with water view

Deluxe Double room with city view (full double bed)

Deluxe Twin room (twin beds)

Executive room

Executive room with city view

Executive Double room (full double bed)

Executive Twin room (twin beds)

Premium room

Premium room with lake view

Premium room with view

Premium Single room

Premium Single room with lake view

Premium Single room with view

Premium Triple room

Premium Quadruple room

Premium Quadruple room with lake view

Premium Quadruple room with view

Premium Quadruple Family room

Premium Double room (full double bed)

Premium Double room with lake view (full double bed)

Premium Double room with partial sea view (full double bed)

Premium Double room with view (full double bed)

Premium Twin room (twin beds)

Premium Twin room with lake view (twin beds)

Premium Triple room with lake view

Premium Quadruple room

Premium Quadruple room with lake view

Premium Quadruple room with view

Premium Sextuple room with lake view

Premium Sextuple room with view

Premium Quadruple Family room with lake view

Classic room

Classic Single room

Grand room

Grand room with city view

Grand room with lake view

Luxury room

Junior Suite

Junior Suite with balcony

Double Junior Suite (full double bed)

Double Junior Suite with city view (full double bed)

Suite

Suite with lake view

Suite with ocean view

Suite with water view

Suite with view

1 Bedroom Suite

1 Bedroom Suite with lake view

1 Bedroom Suite with view

Single Suite

Single Suite with lake view

Single Suite with water view

Single Suite with view

1 Bedroom Single Suite with lake view

1 Bedroom Single Suite with view

Triple Suite with lake view

Triple Suite with water view

1 Bedroom Triple Suite with lake view

Quadruple Suite with lake view

Quadruple Suite with water view

Quadruple Suite with view

1 Bedroom Quadruple Suite with lake view

1 Bedroom Quadruple Suite with view

Double Suite (full double bed)

Double Suite with lake view (full double bed)

Double Suite with view (full double bed)

1 Bedroom Double Suite (full double bed)

1 Bedroom Double Suite with lake view (full double bed)

1 Bedroom Double Suite with view (full double bed)

Twin Suite (twin beds)

Twin Suite with lake view (twin beds)

1 Bedroom Twin Suite with lake view (twin beds)

1 Bedroom Twin Suite with view (twin beds)

Quadruple Suite

Quadruple Suite with lake view

Quadruple Suite with view

1 Bedroom Quadruple Suite with lake view

1 Bedroom Quadruple Suite with view

Sextuple Suite with lake view

1 Bedroom Sextuple Suite with lake view

Standard Suite

Standard Suite with lake view

Standard Suite with view

Standard Double Suite (full double bed)

1 Bedroom Standard Double Suite with lake view (full double bed)

Presidential Suite

1 Bedroom Presidential Double Suite (full double bed)

Grand Suite

1 Bedroom Grand Suite with lake view

  • Bedrooms: 1

Apartment

1 Bedroom Apartment

2 Bedrooms Apartment

3 Bedrooms Apartment

Studio

Villa

Villa with view

Quadruple Villa with view

Double Villa with view (full double bed)

Quadruple Villa with view

Cottage

Cottage with view

Quadruple Cottage

Quadruple Cottage with view

Bungalow

Chalet

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