The Chicago Lake Shore Hotel is located near Navy Pier along Lake Michigan. The hotel is just 10 minutes south of Navy Pier on Lake Shore Drive. Navy Pier has been a Chicago landmark since it first opened in 1916. Originally designed as both a shipping and recreational facility, the Pier also served as a military training site during two world wars, a venue for concerts and exhibitions, and the temporary home for a once-fledgling University of Illinois’ Chicago campus.