Why stay at the conference hotel?
The staff at the Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk is excited to welcome Drosophilists back to this popular hotel. Near everything, the hotel has beautifully updated rooms and something for everyone. Equidistant from both Chicago Midway and O’Hare Airports, you are able to easily take a cab, rideshare, or public transit with the Chicago Transit Authority to get to the hotel. Surrounded by green space on the banks of the Chicago River, you are just a few blocks from Navy Pier and Lake Michigan. Miles of walking trails start just outside the front door, and a variety of restaurants from fast-casual to fine dining are steps away. Or you can visit Whole Foods for a quick bite or to stock up on snacks. Enjoy the complimentary indoor pool and exercise facility. Be sure to become a Marriott Bonvoy member to take advantage of special benefits including complimentary WiFi in your guest room.
Reservations
Room descriptions and pictures are available here.
Room Rates
Single – $209
Double – $209
Triple* – $229
Quad* – $249
All rates are per room, per night and do not include state, local, and occupancy taxes (currently 17.4% per room per night). Maximum occupancy per room is four people.
* Single-person rollaway beds may be requested for triple and quad rooms, but availability is limited and an additional charge will apply.
To reserve a hotel room, you may either make your reservations online at the Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk site or by calling the hotel directly at +1 877/242-2558. Please note that reservations will be accepted only when accompanied by a credit card guarantee or a deposit of the first night’s room and tax.
The deadline to reserve a room is February 3, 2026. When contacting the hotel by telephone, identify yourself as an attendee of the 67th Annual Drosophila Research Conference.
Room Reservation Guarantee and Cancellation
Room reservation fees are fully refundable. However, you must cancel your reservation at least 72 hours prior to your scheduled arrival date and time to receive a credit or refund of the required first night’s room and tax deposit.
Room Sharing Forum
Welcome to the Dros 2026 Room Sharing Forum, where you may post or reply to notices seeking a hotel roommate for the conference. GSA will delete offensive or abusive content but does not otherwise moderate or screen posts or users.
GSA is providing this room sharing forum as a courtesy to assist attendees of the 67th Annual Drosophila Research Conference in finding potential roommates to reduce hotel costs. Participation in this forum is entirely voluntary. By using this forum, you acknowledge and agree to the following:
- GSA is not responsible for screening participants, nor does it verify the identity, background, or suitability of any individual.
- All arrangements made through this forum are strictly private agreements between individuals.
- GSA assumes no liability or responsibility for any issues that may arise before, during, or after the conference, including but not limited to personal disagreements, payment disputes, property damage, or safety concerns.
Users are advised to exercise caution and discretion when communicating with and selecting potential roommates. We encourage participants to conduct their own due diligence and to communicate clearly about expectations and logistics. By participating in this forum, you agree to release and hold harmless the Genetics Society of America, its officers, staff, volunteers, and affiliates from any and all claims, demands, and damages arising out of or in connection with your use of this room-sharing forum. If you do not agree to these terms, please do not use this service.
To use the site, you must first register:
- Create an account using your name and email.
- Click the link in the activation email to view your password.
- Log in to the forum.
- Post your room sharing notice as a “New Topic” or reply to an existing post. You will receive email notification of any replies.
Meals
Meals are not included in the conference registration fee, but there are plenty of dining options, with cash concessions at the hotel and the surrounding area that can accommodate all dining preferences and budgets. Light snacks will be served at the Welcome Reception on Wednesday, March 4.
Accessibility
The Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk is handicap accessible; guests should advise the hotel of accessibility needs as far in advance as possible. Every effort will be made to accommodate your needs.
If you have difficulty walking long distances, you can consider renting a scooter from Scoot Around. They will deliver your scooter to your hotel and pick it up when you no longer need it. For more details, visit www.scootaround.com or call (888) 484-1804.
Childcare
If you need childcare while a guest at the Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk, the front desk can help you find a recommended childcare service.
Nursing Mothers
The Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk offers two rooms for nursing mothers conveniently located on the lobby level. Access is 24/7.
Looking for travel funding?
Undergrad student, grad student, and postdoc GSA members from any country can apply for travel awards.
