Best Hotel Pools In Chicago

When cold and snow bring on cabin fever but summer swims and warm weather hikes seem a long way off, plan a getaway or stay-cation where there is a wonderful indoor pool and close-at-hand activities. Several Chicago hotels with pools, spas and fitness centers are near museums, shops and theaters. However, when it's the pool that makes the difference, consider the five listed here that have great views or ambiance.

Four Seasons Chicago
120 E. Delaware Place
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 280-8800
www.fourseasons.com

Swim in a pool fit for a movie set at the Four Seasons Chicago. Indeed, the pool was used in John Hughes' "Home Alone 2: Lost in New York" even thought the hotel in it was the Plaza. The Four Seasons pool stretches 50 feet along Roman columns until it ends at a whirlpool and palm trees overlooking North Michigan Avenue. Add in its center glass dome for starlight nights and the pool is perfect for a romantic evening or dreamy getaway. The hotel will accommodate couples who want to reserve the pool and will include champagne upon request. Located on the hotel's elegant spa floor, the pool becomes a relaxing break from browsing stores in the attached 900 Michigan shopping mall or Water Tower Place a block away. A Forbes five-star hotel, rooms are above the building's offices on floors 30 through 46. Visitors not staying there can use the pool if signed up for spa services or by paying a fee.

The Peninsula Chicago
108 E. Superior St.
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 337-2888
www.chicago.peninsula.com

Talk about a view. The 25-meter (half Olympic length) pool at The Peninsula Chicago has two-story windows looking out on Lake Michigan and the area east of Michigan Avenue. After swimming laps or taking an Aqua Pilates class, guests can relax poolside with light refreshments as they gaze out 20-foot-high windows. Pool entry is from the spa on the 20th floor and then down the stairs to the 19th. A Forbes five-star hotel, the Peninsula's street level entry is appropriately tucked away on Superior Street behind the Tiffany and Company store on Michigan Avenue's Magnificent Mile. The lobby is on the fifth floor. Visitors not staying at the hotel can use the pool if doing spa services or take water classes, or with a fee.

Intercontinental Chicago Magnificent Mile
505 N. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 944-4100
www.icchicagohotel.com

Swimmers won't need an outdoor view to appreciate the pool at the Intercontinental Chicago. They do their laps in a 25-meter pool that has the combined ambiance of a Roman bath and Spanish palace. Picture a fountain that pays tribute to Neptune set against blue Majolica tile and ceiling trim that is reminiscent of Spain's Alhambra. Originally part of the Medinah Athletic Club built just north of the Chicago River in 1929, the Intercontinental organization took over the structure in 1988. It renovated the ornate interior at a cost of a quarter of a billion dollars before a grand re-opening in 2000. So, on the way to the pool, located on the fitness center level in the historic tower, visitors should look for terracotta fountains, knights, murals, marble staircases, lions and columns. As with The Peninsula and Four Seasons, visitors not staying at the hotel can use the pool in conjunction with spa services or for a fee. They should call the hotel main number, dial 0 and ask for extension 8830.

Related: Best Outdoor Hotel Pools In Chicago

Trump International Hotel And Tower Chicago
401 N. Wabash Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 588-8000
www.trumphotelcollection.com

The pool at Trump Chicago definitely has a calming spa feel. At 75x25 feet, the water's somewhat narrow expanse is offset by windows looking out at the Chicago River and Lake Michigan and surrounding deck. The pool features relaxing settees and chairs expected to be in a Forbes five-star hotel. Towering over Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive, the hotel is well located for shopping, theater and Millennium Park. Visitors not staying at the hotel have access to the pool with spa treatments.

Essex Inn
800 S. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60605
(312) 939-2800
www.essexinn.com

For a pool with views of Lake Michigan and Grant Park, check out the Essex Inn. The pool is for guest-use only but it is worth a winter-break stay. An all-season, glass and steel structure encloses a 60-foot lap and splash pool that always has a lifeguard on duty. The pool and fitness center are on the part of the Essex Inn that has a fourth floor rooftop terrace. The hotel is ideal for visiting the Art Institute of Chicago and Orchestra Hall.

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Jodie Jacobs is a veteran journalist who loves writing about Chicago, art, theater, museums and travel. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.