Best hotels for RSNA 2020 with complimentary airport shuttles
RSNA 2020 took place at McCormick Place in Chicago from 29 November to 4 December 2020, drawing tens of thousands of radiologists, technologists, and researchers from every continent. Australian delegations from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth have attended the meeting in growing numbers over the past decade, often bringing posters, prototype imaging equipment, and collaborative study proposals.
For travellers leaving Australia in late November, the journey involves roughly twenty hours of flight time, usually with a stopover in Los Angeles, San Francisco, or Dubai. After that long haul, the last thing anyone wants is to queue for a taxi, navigate rideshare surge pricing, or wrestle with luggage on the Chicago Transit Authority. Complimentary airport shuttles therefore become a deciding factor when choosing where to stay.
The official RSNA 2020 accommodation portal offered curated properties across the 3-, 4-, and 5-star categories, all vetted for proximity to McCormick Place and ease of access from O'Hare and Midway airports. Group coordinators could lock in room blocks to keep colleagues together, and every listed hotel had been confirmed for shuttle availability during conference week. Browse the full catalogue and live rates at rsna2020.com.
Why complimentary shuttles matter for international delegates
Most flights from Australia touch down at O'Hare in the late afternoon, leaving delegates tired and eager to reach their rooms before dinner. A pre-arranged shuttle removes the stress of bargaining with rideshare drivers or finding the pickup lane at O'Hare's sprawling multi-terminal complex. Travellers from Brisbane, who often fly via Doha or Sydney, particularly appreciate a vehicle waiting with a name placard.
Many Australian institutions send sizable teams to RSNA, and group bookings ensure every member of the delegation is collected at the same time even if their flights land within an hour of each other. This coordination is invaluable when staff rotations span six days and every presenter needs to be rested, fed, and ready for early-morning scientific sessions.
Downtown hotels offering complimentary airport transfers
Several properties in the Chicago Loop and River North districts include 24-hour shuttle service in their standard room rate. The Hilton Chicago on Michigan Avenue, the Palmer House, and the Hyatt Regency all operate scheduled shuttles to both O'Hare and Midway, usually departing every thirty minutes from a dedicated hotel bay. For Australian visitors used to the orderly queues at Sydney Airport's domestic terminals, this predictable rhythm feels reassuring.
Rooms at these hotels range from around USD 219 to USD 349 per night during the meeting week, which is competitive for the location. Booking through the dedicated portal typically unlocks these rates plus the option to add breakfast, a bonus given that scientific sessions begin at 7:30 am and most hotel kitchens do not open that early.
Mid-range stays near McCormick Place with shuttle perks
Delegates who prefer to stay within walking distance of the convention centre often select hotels along South Lake Shore Drive or in the Hyde Park neighbourhood. The Marriott Marquis Chicago, the Hilton Chicago South Loop, and the Best Western Grant Park all offer complimentary shuttles to and from O'Hare, with journey times of roughly forty-five minutes depending on traffic.
These properties tend to be priced between USD 159 and USD 229 per night, an attractive band for university departments and small private practices sending one or two attendees. Their shuttle drivers are familiar with the conference lanes that RSNA arranges around McCormick Place, meaning arrivals and departures line up smoothly with the venue's traffic flow.
Luxury options with premium shuttle benefits
Five-star hotels such as the Four Seasons Chicago, the Langham, and the Conrad Chicago extend their concierge service to airport transfers. Many include a private sedan for arrivals, with complimentary upgrades to SUVs for delegates carrying presentation equipment, laptops, or oversized poster tubes.
Rates at these properties start near USD 450 per night and climb quickly during RSNA week. However, the included transfers, daily breakfast, and access to executive lounges often offset the higher sticker price, particularly for senior consultants who need a quiet workspace between oral sessions and committee meetings.
Comparing the top shuttle-inclusive hotels
| Hotel | Star rating | Distance to McCormick Place | Shuttle frequency | Approx. nightly rate (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hilton Chicago | 4 | 6 km | Every 30 min | 229 |
| Marriott Marquis Chicago | 4 | 1.5 km | Every 45 min | 189 |
| Hyatt Regency Chicago | 4 | 5 km | Every 30 min | 219 |
| Palmer House Hilton | 4 | 6 km | Every 30 min | 209 |
| Best Western Grant Park | 3 | 3 km | Hourly | 159 |
| Four Seasons Chicago | 5 | 7 km | On demand | 489 |
| Conrad Chicago | 5 | 7 km | On demand | 459 |
Booking room blocks for Australian delegations
Coordinating a group of ten or more radiologists used to involve dozens of confirmation emails spread over several weeks. The RSNA housing platform streamlines the process, allowing one contact to reserve a block, set a release date, and monitor pick-up rates in real time. Australian universities and teaching hospitals regularly use this approach, since finance teams back home require a single invoice and a clear audit trail.
The portal also handles deposits in Australian dollars where supported, removing the headache of converting corporate travel cards at unfavourable bank rates. Group leaders can add colleagues' names, room preferences, and arrival flight numbers directly into the system, which the hotels then use to schedule shuttle pickups and prepare welcome packets.
Travel logistics and practical tips from down under
Chicago in late November is genuinely cold, with average daytime temperatures hovering around freezing and snow flurries a daily possibility. Delegates packing for an Australian summer should leave the thongs at home and bring a heavy coat, gloves, and waterproof shoes. Most hotel shuttles accommodate luggage trolleys, but smaller vans may require you to fold away bulky winter gear during the trip.
Australian travellers should also remember that US Customs and Border Protection operates stricter biosecurity screening than the Australian Border Force, particularly regarding food items, wooden souvenirs, and untreated timber. Even a sealed muesli bar in your hand luggage can be confiscated, so pack factory-sealed snacks and declare everything honestly on arrival. Jet lag from Australian Eastern Standard Time to Central Standard Time runs about seventeen hours, so schedule key presentations for the middle of the conference rather than day one.
Ready to lock in your stay for RSNA 2020? Reserve your room block, compare shuttle-inclusive rates, and confirm your airport transfers through the RSNA 2020 accommodation portal before the official housing deadline closes.