Intercontinental Chicago #MurphysDoChicago
Disclosure : We received a complimentary stay, but as always, opinions are totally mine.
First of all…location is key! This is one of few hotels actually on the Magnificent Mile strip and right by all the fabulous shopping and the Chicago river. The view from our room as we arrived towards sunset was just what we needed to unwind and feel the beat of the city. There are plenty of hotels in Chicago but our group agreed that the InterContinental has the win when it comes to the location. Sure you could walk a block easily to get to the action, but with kids in tow we were able to make quick pit stops between the many attractions we had on our list.
Even before we arrived, I was aware of the historic charm that was still in place today. The InterContinental Chicago used to be a luxury men’s athletic club for those of the Shrine Organization. While many of the original activity rooms have been converted there’s still plenty of original elements still in place. Old world elegance with 21st century craftsmanship can be seen throughout the property. Hotel guests and passerbys can get free a self-guided tour of the hotel by signing out a pre-loaded ipad from the concierge during working hours. While I wasn’t able to do this tour, my friends were and they said it was very informative. A definite must do for history and architecture buffs. How else can you learn all about the world’s first above ground junior Olympic pool that’s still in use 85 years later?
I took a quick walk through one late evening (can we say midnight?) with the hubs, Little Monkey and sleeping Baby Boy and loved the cozy private meeting space that is Hall of Lions. Pop by if you have a chance. If I lived in Chicago, that would be my zen spot. A water fountain is accompanied by dark cozy spaces and family crests of the original founders of the Medinah Athletic Club. There’s so much history that I could go on and on about the decor, the original paintings and the Baccarat Crystal Chandeliers. But I won’t. But I will tell you that the Little Monkey was BEYOND thrilled when our concierge returned her backpack! We had left it at the reception the night before and totally forgot about it until she woke up at 8 a.m looking for Elsa…needless to say it was an emotional two hours as we figured out what to do, now that we had lost ALL the toys we brought for the trip!
Here’s a tip…sign up for an IHG members program and not only will you get free internet you will also get Starbucks vouchers for tea or coffee! That was a great surprise! Yes folks, there’s a Starbucks IN the hotel. I heard amazing things about hotel dining options, ENO and the Michael Jordan Steakhouse, but sadly did not get to try them. Given our bad luck at getting in to our top resto pics, I probably should have dined in the hotel itself! Another tip if you’re driving in, there’s parking at the back of the hotel which is $45 a day vs. the $65 at the hotel. However you don’t have in and out privileges. We were exhausted after our drive in so valet parked the first night but moved it to the back after a chat with the concierge who advised us on the new spot as we weren’t driving around the city. Cabs are too cheap to bother with driving in Chicago!
If you’re heading to Chicago and looking for a luxury family friendly spot, rich in culture, history and architecture in the middle of it all, check out the InterContinental Chicago. There’s plenty of packages, including an American Girl one ( I wasn’t into American Girl and only heard about this phenomena a few weeks ago.. so undoubtedly, the Little Monkey will be crazy over this soon!) that gives your little one a bed to take home! Shopping, a river cruise and taking the city hustle is all a step away!
June 12, 2014 @ 7:57 pm
I love those high-rise views in Chicago. This hotel has one of the prettiest pools I’ve seen and in general such beautiful details everywhere!
June 15, 2014 @ 11:45 am
This hotel looks like a real winner, and the pool photo is amazing. Love it. Thanks for sharing, and thanks for mentioning me. 🙂
Leigh
June 18, 2014 @ 1:11 pm
Ah, looking for suitable accommodation in a city can take me AGES! Happy you found this spot, looks great and I have never heard of Starbucks in a hotel! Here in Norway we have the first one now at the main airport, but it’s “slightly” overpriced…..
Chicago: A Road Trip to the Windy City - masalamommas
June 19, 2014 @ 1:41 pm
[…] visit. There are many hotels in the area but only one actually opens its doors onto Mag Mile, the InterContinental Chicago. If you’re a history buff, you’ll enjoy the old world elegance and original architecture that […]
December 11, 2014 @ 11:07 am
My Granddaughter keeps telling me she wants us to go to Chicago with her. I have never been to that city, but have driven past it.
December 11, 2014 @ 1:52 pm
It’s a great spot Terry! Especially if you love architecture, food and drink!
December 11, 2014 @ 11:30 am
I have been dying to go go Chicago. I have never been and would love to go check it out.
December 11, 2014 @ 12:59 pm
What some gorgeous looking places – I would love to spend time exploring more of America. x
December 11, 2014 @ 1:28 pm
Looks like an amazing place! I think it’s great that you’re traveling along with your kids!
December 11, 2014 @ 2:28 pm
What nice perks to be part of their reward program. Very detailed review I appreciate it so much!
December 11, 2014 @ 3:50 pm
Chicago is such a neat city. I’ve never stayed long, but I have passed through quite a few times in life.
December 11, 2014 @ 4:19 pm
I’ve always wanted to visit Chicago. Love a great room!
December 11, 2014 @ 4:33 pm
That looks like an amazing place to stay in Chicago. I love the combination of modern amenities and historic charm.
December 11, 2014 @ 5:43 pm
I really want to go to Chicago some day. My daughter with my parents not that long ago and she had a blast. Your pictures are very nice, makes me feel like I am there.
December 11, 2014 @ 6:37 pm
Wow looks like a wonderful to me. Beautiful hotel and photos!
December 11, 2014 @ 8:14 pm
My husband and I love Chicago and we travel there in the summer because he loves to watch his Cubs play. We are always looking for different places to stay and this looks like a great place. We will have to put this on our list. Thank you!
December 11, 2014 @ 9:29 pm
Chicago is such a great city, and I love the Intercontinental. Seeing these photos makes me want to get on a plane right now!
December 11, 2014 @ 10:40 pm
This looks like a beautiful place to stay. It can be so hard to find a great hotel.
December 12, 2014 @ 1:01 am
Looks amazing, I should visit Chicago some day!
December 12, 2014 @ 1:11 am
I have only spent a long weekend in Chicago but it is close enough that I can go back often. I would love to check out more places.
December 12, 2014 @ 2:11 am
Looks so beautiful, I’d like to go to Chicago!
December 12, 2014 @ 1:53 pm
I have always wanted to go! Hopefully one day. This place seemed cozy!
December 12, 2014 @ 3:03 pm
That’s a good tip on signing up for the membership. We missed our annual trip to Chicago this year, and I’m still bummed about it.
December 12, 2014 @ 4:31 pm
I so do LOVE Chicago! I visited for the first time last year and it is an amazing city and it looks like you picked a great hotel to stay at!
December 12, 2014 @ 8:56 pm
I love Chicago. It’s only a few hours from us so we try to go once a year.
December 12, 2014 @ 10:03 pm
Wow so how exactly do they know if something has been moved. I have never heard of that before. Now I will say that place looks amazing I have never stayed in Chicago before.
December 12, 2014 @ 11:13 pm
We visited Chicago two years ago. It is a beautiful city with gorgeous views.
December 13, 2014 @ 5:14 pm
I have never been to Chicago and have always wanted to visit the windy city. Your post just makes me want to visit even more.
December 14, 2014 @ 11:09 am
That pool is spectacular! Hubby and I stay at the InterContinental whenever possible and are gold members. Chicago is on our weekend getaway list, but I think we will wait until it gets a little warmer.
December 15, 2014 @ 6:28 pm
I think that’s a good idea! LOL.