You’re walking down Michigan Avenue, dodging tourists and trying to catch the light at Grand, and there it is. The big, limestone tower with the dome on top. Most people just see another luxury stay, but honestly, the Hotel Intercontinental Magnificent Mile Chicago is basically a time machine that happens to have high-speed Wi-Fi and really good pillows. It isn’t just a place to crash after a day of shopping. It's a weird, beautiful mix of 1920s excess and 2020s convenience.
I’ve spent a lot of time looking into why some hotels feel soul-less and others feel like they have a heartbeat. This one has a pulse. Originally built in 1929 as the Medinah Athletic Club, it was a "men’s only" playground for the Shriner organization. Think about that for a second. In the middle of the Great Depression, they were building a 42-story skyscraper with a miniature golf course on the 23rd floor and a shooting range in the basement. They didn't do anything small back then.
The Pool Everyone Talks About (And For Good Reason)
If you haven't seen the pool here, you haven't really seen Chicago. Located on the 14th floor, the junior Olympic-sized swimming pool is a literal work of art. It’s often called the "Johnny Weissmuller" pool because the famous Tarzan actor used to train there.
The walls are covered in hand-painted Spanish tiles. There’s a marble fountain of Neptune. It feels like you’re swimming inside a billionaire’s private grotto from a century ago. Most modern hotels stick their pools in a windowless basement or a generic rooftop deck, but this place treats swimming like a religious experience. Even if you don’t plan on doing laps, you have to go up there just to look at the architecture. It’s stunning.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Two Towers
Here is where it gets kinda confusing for first-timers. The Hotel Intercontinental Magnificent Mile Chicago is actually two very different buildings joined together. You have the Executive Tower and the Historic Tower.
The Executive Tower is what you see facing Michigan Avenue. It’s modern. It’s sleek. The rooms are exactly what you’d expect from a high-end InterContinental—clean lines, big windows, very corporate-chic.
But the Historic Tower? That’s the north side, the original 1929 structure. If you want the "vibe," stay there. The elevators have brass doors that look like they belong in a museum. The rooms have higher ceilings. Sometimes the floorplans are a bit quirky because, well, the building is nearly a hundred years old. I’ve talked to travelers who were disappointed because they booked a "standard" room and ended up in the modern wing when they really wanted the Gatsby experience. Always check which tower your room is in before you click "confirm."
The Secret Details in the Lobby
When you walk into the lobby, don't just rush to the check-in desk. Look up. The ceiling in the Grand Ballroom is covered in 22-karat gold leaf. Not paint. Actual gold.
The hotel underwent a massive renovation, but they kept the original details that make it unique. There are stone carvings of Mesopotamian figures and Celtic designs scattered throughout the common areas. It’s a mish-mash of styles—Moorish, Greek, Byzantine—which sounds like it shouldn't work, but it does. It feels expensive. It feels like the era of "The Big Shoulders" that Carl Sandburg wrote about.
Eating and Drinking on the Mile
You’re on the Mag Mile, so you aren't hurting for food options. But Michael Jordan’s Steak House is right there in the building. Is it a bit "touristy"? Maybe. Is the steak actually good? Yeah, it really is. They have this garlic bread with blue cheese fondue that is frankly dangerous.
If you want something a bit more low-key, you’re a three-minute walk from some of the best deep dish in the city, but honestly, staying in and hitting the bar at the InterContinental is a solid move if it’s raining or snowing—which, let’s be real, is like 60% of the time in Chicago.
The Reality of Staying Here in 2026
Let’s talk about the "old building" problems. Because it’s a historic landmark, the walls in the North Tower can be a bit thin. You might hear the faint hum of the city or a neighbor's TV if they’ve got it cranked. The elevators in the historic wing can be a little slower than the high-speed ones in a brand-new glass skyscraper.
But you aren't staying here for hyper-modern minimalism. You’re staying here because you want to feel like you’re part of Chicago’s history. The service is generally top-tier—InterContinental doesn't mess around with their concierge staff. They know the city better than most locals.
💡 You might also like: SLC to Oakland CA: Why This Route is the Secret Backdoor to the Bay Area
Why This Location Wins Every Time
Location is everything. You are literally steps away from:
- The Chicago Riverwalk (do the architecture boat tour, seriously).
- The "Bean" at Millennium Park (about a 15-minute walk south).
- Every high-end shop you can imagine.
- The Museum of Contemporary Art.
If you’re in town for business, the Loop is right across the bridge. If you’re here for fun, you’re at the epicenter.
Actionable Tips for Your Stay
Don't just book the cheapest rate you see on a discount site. To get the most out of the Hotel Intercontinental Magnificent Mile Chicago, you need to be strategic.
- Request the North Tower if you want the historic, ornate experience. If you prefer a more predictable, modern business hotel feel, stick to the Executive Tower.
- Visit the pool at night. The lighting against the Spanish tiles is incredible and it’s usually much quieter.
- Join the IHG One Rewards program. Even if you don't stay at IHG hotels often, members usually get better Wi-Fi speeds and sometimes a late checkout, which is huge in a city where flights are constantly delayed.
- Check the event calendar. This hotel is a massive wedding and gala destination. If there’s a huge event on Saturday night, the lobby will be packed with people in tuxedos and gowns. It’s great for people-watching, but it can make grabbing an elevator a bit of a wait.
- Skip the expensive hotel breakfast and walk two blocks to a local spot. You’re in one of the best food cities in the world; go explore it.
Staying here is about embracing the contrast. It’s the sound of the L-train in the distance mixed with the silence of a marble hallway. It’s a slice of 1929 tucked into the heart of a 21st-century metropolis. It isn't perfect, but it’s definitely Chicago.
💡 You might also like: National Park of American Samoa: Why You Might Actually Hate It (And Why I Love It Anyway)
To make the most of your visit, book your room at least three weeks in advance to avoid the massive price hikes that happen during convention season at McCormick Place. If you can, aim for a room on a higher floor in the Historic Tower to get a better view of the Michigan Avenue skyline without the street-level noise. Always confirm your tower preference directly with the front desk via phone after booking online to ensure you get the specific vibe you're looking for.