InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile is arguably one of the city’s most recognizable historic landmarks. Situated on North Michigan Avenue in the heart of the River North district, this hotel embraces its historic origins. Built in 1929, the hotel today features an airy lobby, an impressive marble staircase and marble mosaic floors. Of course, this four-star hotel has all of the modern touches as well. Visit the 32nd-floor lounge for impressive views, enjoy a treatment at the on-site spa, or dine on gourmet cuisine at Michael Jordan’s Steakhouse. Don’t forget to take a dip in the crown jewel: the original 1920s indoor swimming pool.
InterContinental Chicago: Best For… History and Architecture Buffs
If you appreciate good design and a historic building, there is arguably no better in Chicago than the InterContinental. Originally built in 1929 as the Medinah Athletic Club, the building on 505 North Michigan Avenue featured such impressive architectural details as a bronze doorway, marble columns, and a painted ceiling featuring Celtic and Meospotamian motifs.
The InterContinental purchased the property in 1988 and meticulously renovated the space to its original splendor. Rooms were replicated down to the last detail from the Medinah Athletic Club’s 1930 yearbook. Murals were restored, and draperies and carpets were replicated. Today, you can still see the hotel’s two original marble lions, Spanish Majolica tiles and a terra-cotta fountain in the expansive conference halls.
The Medinah Athletic Clubs original facilities were removed with the exception of one important feature: the original 14th-floor Olympic swimming pool. The architectural phenomenon is the oldest in Chicago, featuring Spanish Majolica tiles supported by a system used by railroad bridges. It is one of the most beautiful pools in the world, making a stay at InterContinental worth it for that alone.
InterContinental Amenities
Luxury accommodations at the InterContinental offer an opportunity to sleep in a Chicago Icon. One- and two-bed rooms and suites offer an array of views, layout options, and space—all the way up to the most luxurious Presidential Suite. All rooms feature the highest luxuries: goose-down bedding from the Pacific Coast Feather Company, Itialian marble bathrooms, products by Agraria, and stocked premium minibars. There are also Keurig coffee makers, blackout curtains, an iHome phone dock and speaker, and a writing desk with ergonomic chair. For entertainment, enjoy more than 40 channels and HBO access on your flat-screen HDTV.
The hotel itself has some pretty upscale amenities as well. Spa InterContinental offers an array of treatments like body wraps, antioxidant facials, and aromatherapy massage. And, in honor of its roots, the hotel features an impressive athletic club with TRX bands, BOSU balls, free-weight stations, cardio machines and cable machines. Yogies can enjoy complimentary poolside, sunrise yoga every Wednesday.
The hotel also has an array of highly rated dining options. Enjoy the best, locally sourced ingredients at Michael Jordan’s Steakhouse, known for its prime, dry-aged, hand-cut beef. There’s also the ENO wine room with the feel of an intimate wine center. Stop in to taste cheese, chocolate and wine from around the globe. For breakfast and brunch, Center Court serves up the classics with a twist. Plus, there’s an on-site Starbucks so that you don’t have to miss your morning fix.
InterContinental Neighborhood
InterContinental has one of the most coveted locations in Chicago in a historic 1929 building. On Michigan Avenue in the heart of Magnificent Mile, the hotel offers access to all of the entertainment on the strip and in the River North district. You can also walk East a few blocks for Ohio Street Beach, Chicago Children’s Museum and Navy Pier. The Chicago Riverwalk is just across the DuSable Bridge to the South, where you can enjoy tons of dining and live entertainment in warmer months. The Chicago Architectural Tours and river taxi is found here, as well.
Nearby hotels include the Kimpton Hotel Palomar, Chicago Marriott Downtown, and DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel. InterContinental offers a competitive price for this hot area.
InterContinental Chicago: The Verdict
There really are no cons to a stay at the InterContinental Chicago. It may not be the cheapest option in the city, but it offers good value for an impressive location on Magnificent Mile in a historic building. Its original 1929 Olympic swimming pool is reason alone for a sleep in this Chicago landmark. Plus, there are all of the modern conveniences like HDTVs, upscale restaurants and an on-site spa as well.