As anyone who has ever lived in or visited Chicago knows, the weather here can be fickle. Winters are often brutally cold and snowy, while the spring and fall seasons can be downright chilly too. For this reason, it’s always a good idea to book a hotel with an indoor pool while you’re staying in the city to keep the kids entertained, get some exercise, or just relax in the soothing water. Here are some of the best Chicago hotels in the downtown area with indoor pools.
Peninsula Chicago
The Peninsula Chicago is one of the best spa hotels in Chicago with a pool that measures 82 feet long and is 3.5 to 4.5 feet deep. It’s great for swimming morning laps or joining an aqua class. There’s a sun deck next to the pool to enjoy the sunshine on warm days. You can order food to be delivered to the pool and soak in the Jacuzzi at the end of the day. This five-star hotel wins awards every year, boasting a spa on the 19th and 20th floors and a fitness center that has the same hours as the pool. For on-site dining, Peninsula guests enjoy Z Bar for cocktails, Shanghai Terrace for Cantonese and Shanghainese cuisine, and Pierrot Gourmet for European fare and wine.
Key Amenities:
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Pool with sun deck
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Spa on 19th-20th floors
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Fitness center
The Ritz-Carlton Chicago
If you want a great Chicago hotel with an indoor pool and family friendly amenities, consider the fabulous Ritz-Carlton on East Pearson Street. This indoor pool is open daily from 6 a.m. until 10 p.m. All children aged 16 and younger must be supervised here by an adult. Food and beverages are not allowed at the pool. The hotel is at Water Tower Place by Lake Michigan and has a fitness center, luxury spa, and an expansive art collection. Here you’ll also find an outdoor rooftop, business center services, and wellness classes for yoga and Pilates. The on-site spa offers hot river stone massage, facials, manicures, pedicures, and more.
Key Amenities:
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Indoor heated pool with family swim hours
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Luxury spa with hot river stone massages
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Outdoor rooftop
At Water Tower Place, 160 E Pearson St, Chicago, IL 60611, USA— +1 312-266-1000
Royal Sonesta Chicago River North
There’s also a great indoor hotel pool at the Royal Sonesta Chicago River North in Chicago that is heated, open year-round, and on the 17th floor. You’ll enjoy skyline views from here, as well as the rooftop sundeck. There’s a 24/7 fitness center next to the pool that’s complimentary for guests and has all the equipment you need for a great workout. This is a downtown Chicago boutique hotel in the River North neighborhood. It’s a five-minute walk to the Chicago Riverwalk and even closer to the Magnificent Mile, as well as Chicago’s other top attractions.
Key Amenities:
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Heated indoor pool on the 17th floor
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24/7 fitness center
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Rooftop sun deck
Langham Hotel
The Langham Hotel boasts a 67-foot indoor swimming pool and also a hydrotherapy Jacuzzi. The pool is on the fourth floor, and an adult must escort the children. The hotel offers the Chuan Spa and a gym for other wellness offerings. Couples love this Chicago hotel, as you’ll also find a steam room, Himalayan salt stone sauna, herbal sauna, and aromatherapy showers. Multiple dining options are available, while afternoon tea is served at the Langham daily.
Key Amenities:
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67-foot indoor pool
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Hydrotherapy hot tub
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Steam room and Himalayan salt stone sauna
Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel
You can also stay at the Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel to get access to an indoor pool. It is heated, towels are provided, and it’s open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. The Renaissance also has a fitness center. You can also enjoy American cuisine and cocktails at Raised, which has a rooftop setting. There’s also the Staytion Market & Bar for casual dining and light snacks. The hotel is right in the theater district, steps away from the Chicago Theater, and near Navy Pier and the Magnificent Mile.
Key Amenities:
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Indoor heated pool with towels provided
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Fitness center
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Rooftop bar
Waldorf Astoria Chicago
The Waldorf Astoria Chicago’s indoor pool is a nice lap pool with thousands of mosaic tiles that is perfect for leisurely soaking and intense swims. This is also a good place to take a water class to loosen up muscles and boost blood flow. The pool is open until 9 p.m. daily, and children under the age of 16 are required to have parental supervision. There’s a spa on site that offers treatments, packages, and in-room services, as well as two on-site dining options.
Key Amenities:
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Indoor lap pool
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Spa with in-room services available
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Pilates studio
Four Seasons Chicago
Chicago’s downtown Four Seasons hotel offers an excellent indoor pool with Roman-style columns and a dome glass ceiling. The pool is 50 feet long and four feet deep. This is another Gold Coast hotel that puts you in the heart of downtown. There’s also a spa on-site and Adorn Bar & Restaurant for globally inspired cuisine. Guests here can also use the fitness center, business center, kids’ club, babysitting services, airport transportation, and luxury house car service.
Key Amenities:
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Indoor pool with dome glass ceiling
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24-hour fitness center
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Kids’ club and babysitting services
Hilton Chicago Magnificent Mile Suites
Hilton Chicago Magnificent Mile Suites has a top-floor indoor pool that’s great for swimming regardless of the weather. It is by the John Hancock building and the Magnificent Mile. The modern Chicago-themed suites have separate bedrooms and living spaces, and there’s a fitness center here too. Guests enjoy Japanese cuisine at Mirai Sushi Gold Coast.
Key Amenities:
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Top-floor indoor pool
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Pet-friendly Chicago-themed suites
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Fitness center
InterContinental Chicago
The InterContinental’s junior-size Olympic indoor pool is ideal for lap swimming. It is a historic pool that was built in 1929, is on the 14th floor, and features Spanish Majolica tiles. You can enjoy family-friendly pool time with the hotel’s dive-in movie series. This urban resort is within walking distance to the Art Institute of Chicago, Millennium Park, and Navy Pier. Onsite food and drinks are offered by Michael Jordan’s Steakhouse, Center Court, Eno Wine Room, and Starbucks.
Key Amenities:
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Junior-size Olympic indoor pool
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Dive-in Movies on summer weekends
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Michael Jordan’s Steakhouse on-site
