The InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile on Chicago's N. Michigan Avenue was built in 1929 and was originally a luxury men's club for members of the Shrine organization (known at the time as the Medinah Athletic Club). Unfortunately the club fell victim to the stock-market crash that same year, and was forced to close its doors in 1934.
The hotel is made up of two towers - The historic tower (the "Grand Tower") which was part of the original 42-story building and a 26-story addition (the "Executive Tower"), completed in 1961.
The IHG (InterContinental Hotel Group) purchased the property in 1987, with an interesting backstory - it was re-opened as two hotels, one known as the "Forum Hotel", and the other as the Inter-Continental Chicago, but in 1994, the Forum Hotel was merged into the Inter-Continental Chicago, and it became one hotel once more.
The hotel has undergone a complete renovation of rooms in both towers over the past four years.
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Booking the InterContinental Chicago
I've stayed at the Intercontinental twice in the past 3 months; the first time, I made a cash booking, as the price was only $129 a night; otherwise, it would have cost me 32k points each night. For IHG hotels, the cost for stays using points is dynamic - it can be as little as 22k points a night, or in excess of 45k points a night.
InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile Location
The hotel is conveniently located on North Michigan Avenue, just north of the Chicago River, and right next door to the historic Chicago Tribune building. For first time visitors to Chicago, it's conveniently located near the architecture boat tours along the Chicago River, Navy Pier, Millennium Park, and the major shopping districts of N. Michigan Avenue and Oak Street. (If you're a first time visitor, read this post for recommendations of things to do and see in Chicago!)
For business travelers, it's less than a mile from Chicago's business district (the "loop").
InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile - Lobby & Check-in
I arrived at the hotel after flying into Chicago earlier in the day. Although it was barely 10:30am, I was welcomed warmly at the front desk, and was advised that I had been upgraded to a premium room with view, and that my room was already available. I was welcomed as a Platinum Elite member of the IHG program, and was offered complimentary water, and a late checkout of 2pm on my final day.
I never have expectations of an early checkin, so it's always pleasant when my room is available after flying into town.
King Premium Guest Room
I've had a number of stays at the InterContinental, in both towers. My most recent stay was in the historic Executive Tower, where I was upgraded to a King Premium Premier City View room. I had a corner room, overlooking N. Michigan Avenue and the Chicago River.
Upon entering the room, there was a short hallway, opening up to the bedroom area. At the end of the hall were two armchairs. I was surprised at the placement of the chairs, as they were just facing the door (you couldn't watch TV from the chairs, for example). To the right of the chairs was a console which housed two fridges - one was a fully-stocked mini bar, and the other was an empty fridge, a perfect solution for someone who wanted a place for cold drinks, without paying the mini bar prices.
On the left of the armchairs was a desk with views of Michigan Avenue, and a closet behind the desk.
The King size bed was very comfortable, with views out to the Chicago Tribune Building and the Chicago River.
The bathroom was spacious, with a large shower, and separate bath
Dining Options
The hotel offers a number of dining options including the Center Court Restaurant on the mezzanine level which featured a buffet breakfast (at around $30) or an a la carte menu, a Starbucks on the lobby level, and Michael Jordan's Steakhouse, which was booked out each night I stayed at the hotel. In addition to the restaurant, there was a bar, where you could enjoy the full menu without having to worry about making a reservation at the restaurant.
InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile Swimming Pool
As I wrote earlier, before the InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile opened, the building was previously the Medinah Althletic Club. Although the original facilities are long gone, some striking features remain, including the massive junior Olympic swimming pool complete with its Spanish Majolica tiles.
The pool is located in the historic tower of the hotel, on the 13th floor, and is just gorgeous! In addition to chaise lounges by the pool, one side of the pool has a viewing area (similar to bleachers, but more luxurious!).
The hotel hosts a family movie night at the pool on Friday and Saturday nights; large inner tubes in the shape of swans make great seating areas for watching movies while lazing in the pool.
In addition to the pool, the hotel offers a fitness center, and a spa. I didn't take advantage of either of these, unfortunately.
Final Thoughts
The InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile is my "go-to" hotel in Chicago. It's location makes it ideally situated for tourists visiting Chicago, or those in town for business or conferences, and is a much better choice than the Holiday Inn Express, Magnificent mile, another IHG property where I'm recently stayed.
Have you stayed at the InterContinental? What did you think? Leave your thoughts in the comments.
CPP says
The summary (what pops up when one searches in Google) has an error you might want to fix. You HAVE IT CORRECTLY in the body of your review. The HISTORIC part is called the Executive Tower.
[email protected] says
Thank you for the heads up! I appreciate you visiting and leaving a comment!