Chicago offers plenty to explore as a popular hub for iconic and modern buildings, dazzling streets, fantastic attractions, and museums. 360 Chicago & Skydeck Chicago are some of them that allow visitors to see the breathtaking panoramic view of the city. But if you’re trying to get into any of the two sky-high observation decks while carrying your luggage then you may be disappointed as neither of these attractions offers any luggage storage.
Also, handling your luggage yourself can be something you regret minutes after doing it. In fact, it can make your trip experience horrible instead of ‘incredible’ becuase carrying heavy backpacks doesn’t only ruin your day but also takes all your energy. That’s why we are here with a detailed guide on “how to store luggage near 360 Chicago?” to help you overcome the luggage storage challenge.
And don’t worry! While you read this post, we are searching for the best luggage storage options for you. So keep reading this guide till the end, you will get your bags stored somewhere safely.
Wait, what about gathering some useful information and getting to know 360 Chicago before finding luggage storage near it? Well, let’s take a quick tour of 360 Chicago first.
About 360 Chicago
360 Chicago is an observation deck located on the 94th floor of the John Hancock Center which is a supertall skyscraper located in Chicago in the Magnificent Mile district. You get a chance to go to the highest floors of this supertall building while visiting 360 Chicago as the observatory floor is 1,030 feet (310 m) off the street level below. 360 Chicago offers incredible panoramic views of the Windy City from 1,000 feet above. The 360 Chicago, previously known as John Hancock Observatory, has been independently owned and operated since 2014 by the Montparnasse 56 Group, a company based in Paris.
In 2014 360 Chicago added its TILT attraction as an addition to your tour to the observation deck which offers visitors unique, downward-facing views from 1,030 feet up. And this is something that makes 360 Chicago only one of its kind with this unique experience. With all the incredible views and thrill of height, TILT is considered Chicago’s highest thrill ride offered by 360 Chicago.
The John Hancock Center- the 100-story building is located at 875 North Michigan Avenue which is a 12 min drive from Chicago Union Station and around 10 minutes away from Downtown Chicago. With so many attractions inside the building including 360 Chicago, A restaurant on the 95th floor, and an indoor swimming pool on the 44th floor, this building hosts millions of visitors every year, and It has been one of the most famous attractions in Chicago for years.
Where to Store Luggage near 360 Chicago?
Although Chicago has a lot of things to enjoy and 360 Chicago itself is known for offering a birds-eye view which is fantastic, for security reasons Chicago isn’t open to store your luggage like any other city. And if you’re looking for luggage storage inside the John Hancock Center, then the answer is, there isn’t luggage storage inside. They only allow visitors with normal-size backpacks but all personal items and backpacks need to go through the security check where they will be searched by security staff at the entrance of 360 Chicago.
But don’t worry, there is an alternative method that will surely help your bags get to a safe place. There are different affordable options for luggage storage near 360 Chicago provided by storage brands such as BagsAway, and Nannybag. Several bag-drop locations are located close to the attraction, the one that is closest to 360 Chicago is just 250m away and opens between 9 am to 9 pm every day. These companies do make it very easy to store luggage anywhere you want within Chicago. And once you drop your luggage off, You are ready for the ultimate thrilling experience at 360 Chicago observation deck.
What is the cost of Luggage Storage?
You may have some doubts about the charges for luggage storage near 360 Chicago, but to clarify your doubts about prices we have to say you better not expect much from the lockers and luggage storage facilities. Becuase there aren’t many public lockers available inside attractions and stations you only get luggage storage at Union Station and one at Greyhound Chicago and both cost higher than average.
If you are storing your luggage at the luggage parcel at Union it can cost you $20 per item a day. It has different pricing for passengers with a valid Amtrak train ticket, which is $10/day per item. Going with any of these two options will be expensive and take a lot of bucks out of your pocket.
What’s not expensive is the luggage storage by companies like BagsAway, NannyBag, and Stasher. The cost of these luggage storage companies may vary depending on the location and the duration of the storage, as well as the number of items you’re storing. But the thing which is common in all of these brands is that they all offer almost similar pricing. You will be charged around a $1-2 hourly rate if you choose an hourly duration, or you will be charged around $6-10/day for your item. There is no limit on the weight of the item, and at the same price, you get free insurance that gives you peace of mind about your item’s safety.
Quick Details About 360 Chicago
Attraction: 360 Chicago (Observation Deck)
Location: 875 N Michigan Avenue, 94th floor, Chicago
Opening Hours: 9 AM – 11 PM, Daily
Last Entry: 1 hour prior to closing
Contact: +1 888-875-8439
More Info: Visit the official website of 360 Chicago
Lost & Found: There isn’t much mentioned about the support offered on lost items, But while visiting the building if you have lost something you better contact them for assistance. For all queries on tickets, lost and found items, or others, you can reach the support at +1 888-875-8439 or [email protected].
What to Expect at 360 Chicago?
If you looking for the ultimate adventure while exploring Chicago, then 360 Chicago Observation Deck is the perfect spot to commence your adventure. Holding its base on the 94th floor of the John Hancock Center, the 360 Chicago Observatory offers a mesmerizing and panoramic view of Chicago’s skyline, Lake Michigan, and the all-around Chicago. This is the one of best observation decks that rotate 360 degrees, which offers a unique experience you’ve experienced before.
There is also much more to expect at 360 Chicago other than the views and tilting thrill ride. On the same floor, you will find Bar 94 which is also considered a popular attraction for tourists as well as for locals. The 44th-floor sky lobby of the John Hancock Center features America’s highest indoor swimming pool. On the 95th floor, you will find one of the most iconic restaurants in Chicago offering another experience unlike anything you’ve ever tried before, diners can look out at Chicago and Lake Michigan while having a fresh meal with their loved ones. There is a lot to explore at 360 Chicago and inside 875 North Michigan Avenue – one of the super-tall buildings in Chicago.
The last entry is allowed one hour before the closing of the 360 observation deck. Ticket prices are generally $30.00 for adults and $20.00 for children. They offer different ticket options for both the observation and TILT rides. Visitors can book tickets online directly from their website. In case you want to cancel your ticket you can contact them and ask for support on cancellation, but most tickets are non-refundable. There are other facilities offered such as public toilets, disabled access, parking, and more inside the building to add convenience for the visitors.
Best Place to Stay near John Hancock Center
Another great option to store luggage could be a hotel which also offers you the convenience of staying. If you couldn’t store your bags near 360 Chicago and are not yet ready for the tour of the attraction just because of your bags and luggage, then booking a nearby affordable hotel will surely help you overcome two challenges at once. The first is finding luggage storage, and the second one is obviously finding a suitable hotel at your ideal location. In Chicago most cases hotels do offer dedicated luggage storage for their guests and visitors, you can also bring your normal size trolleys inside the room as well. And here are some of the best hotels near John Hancock Center
HI Chicago Hostel
Your hotel shouldn’t be at the cost 30 times luggage storage costs, but finding a cheap hotel is both hard and bothering, but this hostel at a cost of $110 is one of the best deals. Situated in the south Loop area and moments away from beautiful Lake Michigan, HI Chicago Hostel provides easy access to some of the area’s top attractions Museums, restaurants, shopping districts, and a vibrant nightlife are all within walking distance.
Travelodge Chicago by Wyndham
Being a hotel which is offered by Wyndham, Travelodge is a bit expensive but becuase it offers a dedicated place to store your items safely, this might be the best hotel for you. Just 1 block away from Millennium Park, Travelodge by Wyndham Downtown Chicago offers contemporary guest rooms with free WiFi in the heart of the city’s South Loop neighborhood. Navy Pier and the Magnificent Mile are both a 10-minute drive away from the hotel. It’s located at a distance of 1.2 km from 360 Chicago.
Other Hotels
If you’re finding a more affordable hotel you can do so by putting some research on the spot, most hotels are in downtown Chicago, but booking a hotel outside the Chicago loop can help you reduce the cost. There are several options that cost less than $100 if you are comfortable staying a little far away or within 5-10 km of the Chicago Downtown. But if the budget isn’t a problem and the goal is to store your bags as soon as possible you can book any hotel in Downtown Chicago.
Frequently Asked Questions!
Where can I store luggage near 360 Chicago?
You can’t store luggage inside the John Hancock Center where 360 Chicago is located. However, you can store luggage at Union Station’s luggage parcel or you can store luggage with companies like BagsAway, Stasher, or any other.
Can you bring a backpack to 360 Chicago?
Yes, you can bring backpacks, as they are allowed, but they will be searched by security staff at the entrance of 360 Chicago. But luggage and trolleys are not allowed inside the building for security reasons.
How long do people spend at 360 Chicago?
There is no time limit, You are welcome to stay as long as you like. Most guests spend about 45 minutes to an hour on the 94th floor. But 1-2 hours of the tour will be enough to experience everything inside.
Are Willis Tower and Chicago 360 the same?
Not, Both are different attraction and offers different experiences, The Observation Deck at 360 Chicago is 94 stories high, and Willis Tower is 103 stories high. It’s a difference of roughly 300 feet, but 360 is more popular because it offers a unique experience along with TILT.