Intercontinental Hotel Pool

Total and utter letdown. This hotel is good only for its pool. So we booked it with the kids for the pool. What they fail to tell you is that THE POOL is CLOSED because «this is not our busy season.» It’s an indoor pool. Now we are STUCK with a roomful of angry and bored kids. This hotel blows. No lobby… nothing to do. I asked if they can give us passes to another hotel pool. «Ah, no» The people don’t care AT All that you paid $ 200 for a old tiny room in a hotel with NO POOL and rude, incompetent front desk staff. No apology. No warning. We should have stayed at the Radisson Blu because they are nice there and have A POOL. this is THE WORST hotel. A total bait and switch scam. Thinking of just going home because we are so bored here!!!

Beautiful Hotel, They charged us $ 125 per day, that’s only if you eat the snacks! And they take out the money in advanced. And if you don’t eat/​drink the stuff in your room then you get your money back at check out. The pool is beautiful there’s free wifi and a fitness center!

When I started researching where I would be staying during a trip in Chicago for a conference, I was excited when I read about this historic pool. I believe they told me that it has been around since the 20s. You reach the pool from the gym. I was working out at the gym and the attendant told me to go ahead and take a look since I was already there. If you are going to swim, be sure to get under the shower quickly before getting in. The pool room is very lovely. It is definitely a throwback to an earlier time. Oh, what could have occurred here over the years. The pool is heated so I imagine it must be lovely, but I cannot rate it on this as I did not get in. If I recall exactly, the depth ranged from 4 feet to 12 feet.

Beautiful historic pool that makes you feel like a 1920s socialite enjoying summer in the midst of the harsh Chicago winter. Lovely structure.

This pool has historical design on it’s side, but it’s lacking in some modern touches that could take it to the next level.
As many before me have said, it’s got some beautiful tiles, windows, views, etc. The staff was friendly and were gracious enough to give us extra day passes because we only used the pool for a couple of hours. I also enjoyed access to the sauna.
Now for the suggestions:
1. Take all but one of lane lines out on weekends. We were sharing the pool with mostly children who wanted to splash, play, etc and the lane lines were just in the way.
2. Allow room service in the pool area. More than half of the space is seating and this would be a gorgeous place to have a casual lunch and enjoy the historical design. In addition, it would have been great to relax and have a cocktail.
3. Find some way to incorporate a hot tub. This is something guests have come
to expect in a hotel of this caliber.

Perfect central area, very modern and clean. The only con was that you paid for wifi which I expected was already included in the price which wasn’t cheap. The staff was nice but condescending they could learn a thing or two about killing their guest with kindness. When I go to stay at a hotel I expect to to feel at home but instead they made me feel like I was bothering them. The only great customer service was at the bell desk. I felt like I was a part of the family and that they would go above and beyond the call of duty.

The view of this pool from the 14^th floor is striking (if you want to see it and missed pool hours).
The pool itself and the pool room are heated. The mosaic tile work is evocative of Turkey or India with a distinctly Arts & Crafts flair.
The fountain isn’t working but is painted so beautifully that it is still the iconic centerpiece. The pool room spans at least two floors or split-​levels and it perhaps that’s why it seems like an open air facility (none of that chlorine or close/​claustrophobic quality of a normal indoor hotel).
I understand it was built in the 20s and is original to the building which was a Mason temple (??). I’m coming here again!
Gorgeous.

I stayed at the Intercontinental in part because it was in downtown Chicago, but also because of the pool. The hotel is wonderful, and the pool is fabulous. It’s very distinctive and historic, with beautiful unique architecture… architecture you can swim in! It’s also very clean and well-​maintained. Tereza is a wonderful and charming hostess/​caretaker. I do not have words for how wonderful this place is in the heart of Chicago, like stepping into a different world.

What a beautiful pool! The history is really incredible. Thanks tons to Intercont employee Robert for all the help and history. Truly a rich experience and one we will never forget.

I loved swimming in this gorgeous pool! They also have a very nice clean sauna available. The locker rooms were also very clean and neat.
The environment is quite beautiful and I highly recommend going for a swim here if you are looking for a good pool on North Michigan Avenue. It is pricey, so make sure you check their web site or call ahead first before you venture over there.

The Intercontinental Hotel might not look like much, but it’s a Chicago landmark. And you cannot have any doubt about it when you venture on the 12^th floor of the so-​called ‘Historic Tower’.
What is also referred to as the ‘South Tower’ was built in 1929 and was destined to be a luxurious athletic club. But then… BOOM. Great depression. Change of plans. You know…
The façade is pretty ornate and if you have time during your next Michigan avenue shopping spree you should raise your eyes and have a look. It’s worth it.
(and since we are not in France you are not at risk for any ‘canine’ accident… those of you who have been in Paris know what I am talking about. When you are there you pay close attention to the pavement, believe me)
The masterpiece of the Medinah Athletic Club at the time was without a doubt the swimming pool, one of the largest indoor ones in the world. And a little wonder of architecture and engineering so high up in the sky.
Nowadays the size is of course not really impressive anymore, but I can assure you that it can still take your breath away. Its blue Spanish majolica tiles and the terra-​cotta fountain of Neptune on its east wall, the rows of seats on its west, the ornate stained-​glass windows, the wicker furniture all combine to make this place oh-​so special. You are guaranteed to travel back in time, and maybe see the ghostly silhouette of Johnny Weismuller doing laps.
Yes — you know him. Tarzan??? It was him.
You can buy a $ 25 day pass or sign up for the very nice gym attached to it, and enjoy the splendors of the past.
A must do.