Best Outdoor Hotel Pools In Chicago
By Lauren Wulf
We all know Chicago weather is unpredictable to say the least. For this reason, outdoor pools are few and far between in the city. If you're planning a trip to town, a party or just a weekend in Chicago, here's a round up of the best outdoor hotel pools. There's also a handy key noting which hotel is best for location, luxury, families and the view to help you determine the best hotel for you.
Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel
221 North Columbus Drive
Chicago, IL 60601
(312) 565-5258
www.radissonblu.com
The Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel is the definition of outdoor luxury. The amazing outdoor space features a 25-meter lap pool, wading pool, hot tub, sauna, sundecks, fire pits and cabanas. You won't find a more relaxing pool in the city. With all this relaxation and luxury, you might forget you're not in Las Vegas!
Points For: Luxury
Double Tree Magnificent Mile
300 East Ohio Street
Chicago, IL 60611
(866) 493-3428
www.doubletreemagmile.com
The Double Tree is located in the heart of River North off the Magnificent Mile. It's proximity to shopping and entertainment make it a great spot for vacationing tourists, out of town guests or Chicagoans looking for a little R&R. Aside from it's stellar location, the outdoor pool is definitely the show stopper here. The outdoor pool features amazing city views and plenty of deck space for sunning.
Points For: Location
Best Western Grant Park
1100 South Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60605
(312) 922-2900
bestwesternillinois.com
The Best Western is one the most popular hotels for Lollapalooza, Chicago Bears games, Grant Park concerts and nearby museums. After a long, muddy day at Lollapalooza, a jump in the pool is just what you need. It's proximity to the aquarium and museums make this a very family-friendly pool. It features a great sun deck with some shade for the little ones as well.
Points For: Families
Crowne Plaza Magnificent Mile
160 East Huron Street, Chicago, IL
(312) 787-2900
www.ichotelsgroup.com
The Crowne Plaza definitely wins points for their rooftop view. High above the city, you can enjoy the sun and skyline. The outdoor pool has an open roof surrounded by floor to ceiling windows. Comfortable loungers provide some much needed respite after a long day of shopping on the Mag Mile. A rooftop pool like this is hard to come by in Chicago.
Points For: Rooftop
Outdoor Sun Decks
Since outdoor pools can sadly only be used for a few months in Chicago, an outdoor sundeck is another option when hotel pools are located indoors. The hotels below offer beautiful indoor pools with outside terraces and sun decks. Though it's no outdoor pool, the indoor pool can still be a great way to cool off before heading back to your lounge chair outdoors.
W Hotel
644 North Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 943-9200
www.starwoodhotels.com
Hotel Palomar
505 N State St # 1
Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 755-9703
www.hotelpalomar-chicago.com
Hyatt McCormick Place
2233 South Martin L. King Drive
Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 567-1234
mccormickplace.hyatt.com
Peninsula Hotel
108 East Superior Street
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 337-2888
www.peninsula.com
Lauren Wulf, CBS Chicago
Lauren Wulf writes about living in Chicago on a budget on her website, A Poor Girl's Guide Chicago.
