When I stay in Chicago, I want more than just a comfortable bed. A hotel pool is a big bonus, whether I’m traveling for fun or work.
A hotel with a great pool makes my trip feel more relaxing and fun. Chicago has plenty of hotels with cozy indoor pools and rooftop spots with a view.
1) InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile, an IHG Hotel
When I walked through the lobby at the InterContinental Chicago, I felt like I had stepped into a piece of history. The hotel is in a building from 1929, with beautiful marble columns and painted ceilings that make it feel really special.
The pool here stands out. It’s spacious and elegant, perfect for relaxing after a day exploring Chicago’s Magnificent Mile. The classic vibe feels welcoming, whether I’m swimming laps or lounging on a chair.
The hotel has great dining options. Michael Jordan’s Steak House serves excellent steaks, and Casa Chi offers Japanese-inspired drinks and food. I liked being able to grab a bite without leaving the hotel.
It’s close to the best shopping and attractions in Chicago. I spent my mornings walking along Michigan Avenue and my evenings listening to live jazz at the hotel.
Rating: 4.4 (5027 reviews)
Location: 505 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
Contact: (312) 944-4100
Website: Visit Website
2) Nobu Hotel Chicago
When I visited Nobu Hotel Chicago, the pool area stood out to me. The space felt clean and quiet, making it easy to relax away from the busy city streets. Big windows brought in lots of natural light, helping me unwind as I swam.
The hotel has a modern Japanese style. The decor is simple but stylish, and the pool follows that theme. Crisp towels and helpful staff made me feel welcome from the start.
After my swim, I checked out the rooftop restaurant nearby. Having a snack with a nice city view made the experience better. The gym sits right next to the pool, so it’s easy to mix workouts with downtime.
Rating: 4.5 (498 reviews)
Location: 155 N Peoria St, Chicago, IL 60607
Contact: (312) 779-8888
Website: Visit Website
3) The Hoxton, Chicago
I enjoyed hanging out at The Hoxton’s rooftop pool. It’s in the Fulton Market District, so the city vibe is always around you. The pool area is stylish but feels laid-back, making it easy to relax and take in skyline views.
The hotel has a trendy, modern look. My room had big floor-to-ceiling windows, so I could people-watch or enjoy the Chicago sunshine from bed. The design leans on mid-century style, which made everything feel cool and comfortable.
Food was another highlight. There’s a popular Peruvian spot, Cabra, up on the roof near the pool. I grabbed drinks and snacks here a few times—it’s one of those places where you can stay for hours. Downstairs, Cira and Lazy Bird offered more options, whether I wanted a big meal or just a quick coffee.
The neighborhood is full of places to explore. Galleries, coffee shops, and some of the best restaurants in Chicago are just steps away. Getting out for a walk or hopping to a new spot was easy.
Rating: 4.3 (796 reviews)
Location: 200 N Green St, Chicago, IL 60607
Contact: (312) 761-1700
Website: Visit Website
4) Sentral Michigan Avenue | Chicago Apartments
I stopped by Sentral Michigan Avenue last weekend, and I was impressed by how modern everything felt. The pool area has clean lines, plenty of seating, and a cool view of the city. It felt like a relaxed spot to lounge, even though it’s part of an apartment building.
The pool was never crowded during my visit, and the water was heated just right. Some people swam laps while others relaxed on the edge with a book or chatted. I liked that it didn’t feel busy or noisy.
Pool towels were available, which made things simple if you forgot yours at home. The staff were friendly and quick to answer questions, making it easy to enjoy the space.
They offer options for both short and extended stays, so you don’t have to be a full-time resident to enjoy the pool. The building’s location is easy to get to, which is a plus for visitors looking for convenience.
Rating: 4.8 (1011 reviews)
Location: 808 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605
Contact: (833) 372-4625
Website: Visit Website
5) Four Seasons Hotel Chicago
I loved the pool at Four Seasons Hotel Chicago. It’s on a high floor, so you get amazing views of the city while you swim. The windows let in lots of sunlight, which makes the space feel bright and welcoming.
When I visited, the pool area was very clean and peaceful. There were plenty of lounge chairs, so relaxing after a swim was easy. Families and couples enjoyed the vibe.
The hotel feels both classy and comfortable. The staff took care of everything, and there were nice extras like spa services and a fitness center nearby. I also tried the food at the restaurant, which was delicious after spending time at the pool.
Rating: 4.7 (1629 reviews)
Location: 120 E Delaware Pl, Chicago, IL 60611
Contact: (312) 280-8800
Website: Visit Website
6) The Peninsula Chicago
I recently spent a day at The Peninsula Chicago and was impressed by the rooftop pool and spa. The pool area sits high above the city, so I got amazing views while I swam and relaxed. Lounging by the water with the Chicago skyline around me felt special.
Inside the hotel, the vibe was classy but not stuffy. Walking through the beautiful lobby made the visit feel like a treat. The staff were friendly and helpful, always ready to answer questions or suggest things to do.
For food, I checked out both Shanghai Terrace and The Lobby. They’re known for great Chinese dishes and contemporary American fare, so there was plenty to choose from after a swim. Afternoon Tea at The Lobby was a nice touch too.
Families enjoyed the kid-friendly touches around the hotel. I saw little ones in their own robes and slippers, plus some fun activities just for them.
Rating: 4.7 (2645 reviews)
Location: 108 E Superior St, Chicago, IL 60611
Contact: (312) 337-2888
Website: Visit Website
7) Soho House Chicago
I recently had the chance to hang out at Soho House Chicago, and the rooftop pool is one of my favorite spots in the city. The pool area feels private and relaxed, with good city views and plenty of lounge chairs. Even on busy days, it still feels chill.
There’s a lively but laid-back energy. The staff are super friendly, and you can order snacks and drinks right by the pool. You can relax in the water, grab a bite, or stretch out with a book.
Inside, Soho House has different hangout spots, like an artsy lounge, a cozy bar, and a spa. Some areas are for members only, but hotel guests get access to the rooftop pool.
Rating: 4.6 (1,646 reviews)
Location: 113-125 N Green St, Chicago, IL 60607
Contact: (312) 521-8000
Website: Visit Website
8) Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk
I just checked out the Sheraton Grand’s pool, and it’s a great spot if you want to swim indoors in the city. The pool area has big windows that let in a lot of sunlight, so it doesn’t feel dark or crowded. The water was warm, and there were plenty of spots to relax after swimming.
The hotel is right along the river, so you get nice views just walking around. The lobby and common spaces felt welcoming and were easy to get around. I saw a few people headed to their conferences, but there was still plenty of space for hotel guests to enjoy the pool.
It’s convenient for exploring downtown Chicago, with restaurants and landmarks all nearby. The staff was friendly when I asked questions about using the pool, which made it easy for me as a first-time guest.
Rating: 4.3 (6441 reviews)
Location: 301 E North Water St, Chicago, IL 60611
Contact: (312) 464-1000
Website: Visit Website
9) Viceroy Chicago
I stopped by the Viceroy Chicago, and the rooftop pool really stood out. The pool area sits up high, so you get amazing views of both the city skyline and Lake Michigan. It’s a great spot to take a swim and relax without feeling crowded or rushed.
The atmosphere felt classy but not stuffy. There’s also a bar right by the pool, so grabbing a drink and hanging out with friends is easy. The space stayed clean and the chairs were comfortable, which made it even more enjoyable.
The whole hotel has a cool art deco vibe, which makes it feel different from the usual spots.
Rating: 4.6 (1118 reviews)
Location: 1118 N State St, Chicago, IL 60610
Contact: (312) 586-2000
Website: Visit Website
10) Waldorf Astoria Chicago
When I stepped into the Waldorf Astoria Chicago, the first thing I noticed was how calm and upscale the atmosphere felt. The lobby had a relaxing vibe, and everything looked spotless. The staff greeted me right away and made me feel welcomed.
The pool area stands out because it’s bright and very inviting. Large windows let in a lot of natural light, which makes swimming here extra nice. The water felt comfortably heated, and I always found plenty of fresh towels nearby.
I liked that I didn’t have to worry about finding a spot to relax. After swimming, I could stop by the spa or grab a bite at the bistro nearby. The private and quiet pool area made it easy for me to unwind after a busy day.
Rating: 4.7 (1877 reviews)
Location: 11 E Walton St, Chicago, IL 60611
Contact: (312) 646-1300
Website: Visit Website
What Makes Chicago Hotel Pools Stand Out?
Chicago hotel pools aren’t just places to swim. They offer unique features that make them worth checking out, especially if you love great views and want options all year.
Architectural Designs and Skyline Views
I notice right away that many hotel pools in Chicago are built with design in mind. Some of the best ones are up on rooftops or next to tall glass windows. When I take a dip, I get amazing views of the city skyline, Lake Michigan, or famous landmarks.
The layout and furniture look stylish too. I see modern loungers, deck chairs, and creative lighting. At pools like the one at Trump Chicago, huge windows frame the skyline while I swim. The aesthetic makes swimming feel special, not just like any regular indoor pool.
Some hotels use art and unique tiles to decorate their pool space. When I visit these pools, I feel like I’m at a city landmark, not just a hotel amenity.
Seasonal Features and Year-Round Enjoyment
Chicago hotel pools work for all kinds of weather. Because of the city’s cooler climate, many hotels offer heated indoor pools for swimming even in the winter. Many also have saunas or hot tubs, making things extra cozy when it’s cold outside.
During summer, rooftop pools open up for sunbathing, complete with umbrellas, drinks, and sometimes DJs. Some hotels bring in poolside service and host events just for their guests. These pools often have retractable roofs or heated decks to keep things comfortable no matter what.
With these features, I can enjoy the pools any time of year. Whether I want a warm swim after a snowy day or a sunny afternoon with city views, there’s a good option in Chicago.
Tips for Enjoying Chicago Hotel Pools
I’ve picked up some helpful ideas to make swimming at Chicago hotel pools more relaxing and fun. Timing your visit and packing the right items can really upgrade your pool day.
When to Visit for the Best Experience
I always look at the hotel’s pool hours first. Most hotel pools are quietest in the early morning or late evening, so I try to swim around those times when I want more space and calm. Weekdays are usually less crowded than weekends, since a lot of families stay during the weekend.
If I’m hoping for a warmer pool, I call ahead to ask about water temperature, since some pools keep it warmer than others. It’s also smart to check if there are special hours for adults or if the pool closes for cleaning or events.
During busy summer days, I avoid afternoons because that’s when the pool gets packed. If I plan to use the pool during winter months, I pick hotels with indoor pools. Many have big windows, so I still get lots of sunlight, even when it’s cold outside.
What to Bring for Poolside Comfort
Here’s my basic packing list for a hotel pool day:
- Swimsuit
- Flip-flops or sandals
- Towel (some hotels provide them, but I pack one just in case)
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen, even indoors, because glass can let in UV
- Water bottle to stay hydrated
I also bring a light cover-up for walking around the hotel and a plastic bag for my wet swimsuit after swimming. If I want to relax for a while, I pack a book, headphones for music, and some snacks since hotel pool food can be expensive.
