The most popular hotels among RSNA 2020 attendees
Choosing accommodation for RSNA 2020 meant balancing convenient transport, professional networking, room comfort, and access to Chicago’s major meeting areas. The annual meeting brought together radiologists, researchers, exhibitors, clinical teams, and institutional delegations, creating strong demand for hotels near the conference venue and central business districts.
The most practical choices were concentrated around the Magnificent Mile, River North, the Loop, and the Chicago River. These neighborhoods offered short journeys to meeting facilities, restaurants for informal discussions, and room types suitable for both individual visitors and organized groups.
RSNA 2020 ran from 29 November to 4 December 2020. Although the meeting programme was the main priority, the right hotel could make early-morning sessions, poster discussions, evening events, and team coordination considerably easier.
Hotels near the main meeting district
Hyatt Regency Chicago was a natural choice for attendees who wanted a large, full-service property close to the river and central conference areas. Its extensive room inventory made it suitable for radiology departments, university groups, and commercial delegations booking several rooms together.
Swissotel Chicago offered a similarly convenient location, with modern rooms, meeting facilities, and views across the river or city skyline. Its position near the Loop and Michigan Avenue appealed to professionals who wanted to combine conference attendance with access to restaurants, retail, and business services.
Full-service stays for professional groups
Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk was especially well suited to larger teams. Its substantial capacity, meeting infrastructure, and proximity to the river made it a practical base for organizations coordinating multiple attendees under one reservation.
The hotel environment also supported informal networking. Groups could meet in public areas, arrange scheduled discussions, and return to the property quickly after a demanding programme. For delegations, these operational advantages were often more important than selecting the lowest nightly rate.
Hilton Chicago served visitors who preferred a traditional convention hotel near Grant Park and the southern part of the central district. Its scale, broad facilities, and established reputation made it a dependable option for senior delegates, exhibitors, and teams requiring predictable service.
Convenient options around the Magnificent Mile
The Westin Michigan Avenue Chicago attracted attendees who valued a quieter, polished stay while remaining close to the city’s commercial centre. Spacious rooms and wellness-oriented facilities suited visitors managing long days of scientific sessions and professional appointments.
For many RSNA participants, the Magnificent Mile also provided practical benefits outside the programme. Restaurants, pharmacies, shops, and cafés were easy to reach, helping visitors manage meals and personal errands without lengthy journeys across the city.
The Drake Chicago offered a more traditional luxury experience at the northern end of Michigan Avenue. Its historic atmosphere and central location appealed to senior professionals and guests extending their visit before or after the meeting.
Comparing popular accommodation choices
The most popular properties were not necessarily identical in style or price. Some were selected for their room blocks and event capacity, while others stood out because of their location, atmosphere, or premium service. The following comparison shows how different hotel types matched common attendee needs.
| Hotel | Area | Best suited to | Main advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hyatt Regency Chicago | Chicago River and Loop | Teams and individual delegates | Large inventory and central location |
| Swissotel Chicago | Near the river and Michigan Avenue | Business travellers and groups | Modern facilities and convenient access |
| Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk | River North | Large delegations | Extensive meeting and accommodation capacity |
| Hilton Chicago | Near Grant Park | Senior delegates and exhibitors | Full-service convention environment |
| Westin Michigan Avenue Chicago | Magnificent Mile | Individual professionals | Comfortable rooms and retail access |
| The Drake Chicago | Northern Magnificent Mile | Premium travellers | Historic setting and luxury service |
Rates and availability could vary significantly by room type, booking date, and group size. A 3-star property might be ideal for budget-conscious participants, while 4-star and 5-star hotels offered additional amenities, larger workspaces, and a more formal setting for hosting colleagues.
Why location mattered during RSNA week
Chicago’s central districts are well connected, but a hotel’s precise location still affected the daily routine. Staying within a short walk or direct transit journey of the venue reduced travel time and made it easier to attend early sessions, return briefly between appointments, or reach evening networking events.
Professionals following specialist education tracks also benefited from a reliable base. Those planning poster discussions and research-focused sessions could use the poster discussion guide to organize their schedule and select accommodation that kept them close to the relevant programme activity.
Transport access mattered for visitors arriving through O’Hare or Midway airports. Hotels near the Loop and River North offered multiple taxi, rideshare, and public transport connections, while central locations also reduced dependence on private vehicles during a busy meeting week.
Choosing a hotel for your delegation
Room blocks were particularly valuable for hospitals, universities, imaging companies, and professional societies sending several representatives. Keeping a delegation in one property simplified communication, reduced the risk of fragmented reservations, and created a familiar meeting point before and after sessions.
When comparing hotels, organizers typically considered room inventory, cancellation terms, breakfast arrangements, Wi-Fi, workspace, and the distance to the venue. A slightly higher nightly rate could be worthwhile if it reduced daily transport costs or made group coordination easier.
Useful priorities for selecting accommodation included:
- Reserve a room block early when travelling with a department or delegation.
- Compare total costs, including transport, breakfast, taxes, and meeting-related fees.
- Match the hotel category to the needs of executives, speakers, exhibitors, or trainees.
- Check walking routes and public transport connections before confirming rooms.
- Keep the group within one property whenever communication and scheduling are important.
Booking with the RSNA 2020 programme in mind
The best accommodation decision depended on the attendee’s schedule as much as on the hotel itself. A researcher with a full poster programme might prioritize a central, quiet property, while an exhibitor could prefer a large hotel with meeting areas and straightforward access for colleagues.
The official RSNA 2020 event information brought together details about the scientific assembly, venue, dates, and programme. Reviewing those details alongside hotel location and room availability helped attendees create a more efficient itinerary.
For future planning based on the same model, early booking remains essential. Identify the programme commitments, estimate the number of travellers, compare 3-star, 4-star, and 5-star options, and secure the most suitable rooms before demand increases. A well-located hotel can turn a demanding medical congress into a more organized and productive professional experience.