InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile

The honest review

The InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile sits at the intersection of architectural history and genuine family utility in a way that few downtown city hotels manage. The building opened in 1929 as the Medinah Athletic Club, and its crown jewel — the junior Olympic indoor pool on the 14th floor — has been mesmerizing guests ever since. The pool is tiled in hand-painted Spanish Majolica and topped with arched windows and gilded details; it genuinely looks like something out of a Roman bath house, and kids who expect a standard hotel rectangle absolutely lose it when they first walk in. The pool runs about 75 feet and is deep enough for real swimming, not just splashing.

On Friday and Saturday evenings the hotel runs Dive-In Movie nights, where family-friendly films play poolside with complimentary refreshments and oversized floats available. This is not a gimmick — families who happen upon a movie night routinely cite it as a trip highlight. Pool hours are 7 AM to 10 PM daily, which gives parents meaningful morning swim time before the city crowds arrive.

Location is close to perfect for a Chicago family trip. The hotel sits on Michigan Avenue at the top of the Magnificent Mile, putting you within walking distance of Millennium Park (about 10 minutes south), the Chicago Riverwalk, Navy Pier, and the Art Institute. The Chicago Children's Museum at Navy Pier and the Maggie Daley Park climbing ribbon are easy walks or a short rideshare. Shedd Aquarium and the Field Museum require a quick cab or rideshare south, but that is true of virtually every Magnificent Mile hotel.

Rooms are classic and well-maintained rather than modern-minimalist. Standard rooms are comfortable for two adults and one child sharing a bed, but families with two or more kids will want to request connecting rooms at booking — availability is not guaranteed, so call ahead. The Premium Lake View rooms add meaningful window real estate and views of the lake that older kids and teens tend to appreciate. Suites offer separate sitting areas that help with bedtime logistics.

Dining on property is led by Michael Jordan's Steak House, which has genuine menu appeal for sports-obsessed tweens and teens and does not feel like a novelty trap — the food is solid. Parents who want a quiet dinner after the kids are asleep will find the restaurant atmosphere adult enough.

Pricing is solidly in the upper-mid-to-luxury tier for Chicago, which is a real consideration. Summer weekends push rates up sharply, and valet parking at $88 per day adds up fast. That said, the location reduces the need for constant ridesharing, which partially offsets the cost. For families who prioritize a landmark pool experience combined with walkable Chicago sightseeing, this hotel delivers in a way that newer, blander city properties simply cannot match.