Intercontinental Hotels Chicago Magnificent Mile By Ihg

The hotel offers a memorable stay, distinguished by its spectacular historic indoor pool, a true architectural marvel that provides a unique recreational experience. Its prime location on the Magnificent Mile places guests at the heart of the city, making it an ideal choice for sightseers, shoppers, and business travelers seeking convenience and accessibility. Families particularly appreciate the pool's features, including movie nights, while couples can enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and nearby dining. Guests consistently praise the hotel's overall cleanliness and the generally attentive staff. To enhance your visit, consider requesting a room in the renovated Grand Tower for a more modern feel, and be prepared for potential street noise, which is common in such a central urban setting. Be aware that some rooms may vary in size and condition, so managing expectations regarding room type is advisable.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests consistently highlight the hotel's impressive indoor pool, often described as spectacular, historic, and one of the best in the city. Its unique art deco design and deep sections (ranging from 4 to 10 feet) make it suitable for both relaxation and lap swimming, with some reviews mentioning enjoyable movie nights complete with popcorn and lemonade. The hotel also features a well-equipped fitness center offering a good mix of cardio and weight equipment, along with a sauna and steam room for guest use. For quick refreshments, a convenient Starbucks is located in the lobby, though it can be busy. While the elevators are generally functional, some guests experienced slow service and long wait times, particularly during peak hours. Additionally, Wi-Fi connectivity was occasionally reported as spotty, and ice machines were noted to be available on certain floors, though not always consistently stocked.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The hotel generally receives high marks for its cleanliness, with many guests describing rooms as immaculate and well-maintained. However, feedback on room comfort and condition is mixed. While some guests enjoyed spacious, beautifully appointed, and recently renovated rooms, others found their accommodations to be small, dated, or in need of refurbishment, with issues like flickering lights or dirty windows. Bed comfort is often praised, ensuring a restful sleep, though some found beds to be too firm or linens thin. A significant recurring concern is noise levels, with frequent mentions of street noise from traffic and sirens, even on higher floors. Internal noise from loud heating systems, air conditioning units, or neighboring rooms also impacted some stays. Bathrooms are noted for good shower pressure and ample counter space, but some experienced issues with rusty water, low pressure, or showers lacking proper enclosures, leading to wet floors. Motion-sensitive lights in bathrooms were also a point of contention for some guests.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel offers diverse dining options, with Michael Jordan's Steakhouse frequently praised for its delicious food, excellent cocktails, and vibrant atmosphere, making it a popular choice for both casual and celebratory meals. Room service is highlighted for its promptness, fresh offerings, and professional delivery, though some found certain items, like burgers, to be overly salty. Feedback on breakfast is notably varied; many guests describe it as excellent, plentiful, and varied, with high-quality fruit and successful hot dishes. However, a significant number of reviews found the breakfast buffet to be disappointing, describing it as small, limited, uninspired, or overpriced, with some suggesting opting for the on-site Starbucks or nearby external options instead. The bar within the steakhouse is also a popular spot for happy hour and evening drinks, contributing positively to the overall dining experience.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location on the Magnificent Mile is consistently lauded as a major advantage, placing guests within easy walking distance of numerous attractions, including shopping districts, diverse dining options, the Riverwalk, Millennium Park, and various entertainment venues. This prime spot makes it an ideal base for exploring the city without the need for extensive transportation. However, parking is a significant point of concern for many guests. The hotel primarily offers valet parking, which is frequently described as very expensive, and some guests reported issues with valet availability, particularly late at night, leading to the inconvenience of finding alternative public parking. Despite the urban setting, the area is generally perceived as safe and convenient for pedestrians, enhancing the overall accessibility to Chicago's key landmarks.

Staff & Service
The hotel's staff generally receives high praise for their friendliness, professionalism, and attentiveness. Many guests commend the helpful staff at the front desk, bell desk, and in housekeeping for their willingness to assist with requests, provide recommendations, and ensure a comfortable stay. The check-in process is often described as smooth and efficient, with some guests appreciating the flexibility of early check-ins or late check-outs. However, a few reviews noted inconsistencies, with some front desk interactions described as less welcoming or unhelpful regarding specific issues like room key problems or booking discrepancies. Housekeeping is generally effective in maintaining cleanliness, though some guests reported missed service or a lack of certain in-room amenities. Overall, the staff's commitment to providing a positive guest experience is a recurring theme, contributing significantly to guest satisfaction.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of various additional fees that may be applied, such as a destination or amenity fee, which some found to be unexpected or not clearly explained at booking. There were also reports of erroneous charges for minibar items not consumed. While the hotel is a popular venue for weddings and events, guests should note that certain facilities, like the pool, may be closed for private functions, impacting availability. Loyalty program members, particularly those with Ambassador status, often receive benefits like room upgrades or late check-outs, though some experienced issues with these benefits being recognized or fulfilled, sometimes requiring persistence with staff. The hotel's rich historic architecture and beautifully maintained common areas are frequently admired, offering a sense of grandeur and a glimpse into the city's past, making it a unique destination beyond just accommodation.