A landmark 1929 hotel in a magnificent Medinah Athletic Club building on the Magnificent Mile, featuring one of Chicago's most beautiful historic indoor swimming pools and elegant rooms with skyline views.
The InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile occupies the landmark Medinah Athletic Club building at 505 North Michigan Avenue, a 1929 Moorish Revival skyscraper designed by Walter Ahlschlager in the heart of Illinois's most celebrated shopping and cultural corridor. The building's ornate terra-cotta facade, gilded lobby, and dramatic rotunda ceiling make it one of Chicago's finest examples of 1920s architectural ambition. The hotel's Michigan Avenue location places guests at the epicenter of the Magnificent Mile, within walking distance of the Art Institute of Chicago, Millennium Park, and Navy Pier, with the Red Line CTA stop at Grand and State just one block west.
The property's most celebrated feature is its Junior Olympic Swimming Pool, built in 1929 as part of the original Medinah Athletic Club and considered among the most beautiful indoor pools in the United States. Decorated with hand-painted murals, Venetian mosaic tiles, and a barrel-vaulted ceiling, the pool is open to guests and remains one of Chicago's most photographed hotel amenities. Two towers — the Historic Tower and the modern Tower 2 — provide 792 guest rooms in configurations ranging from standard rooms to multi-bedroom suites, with many affording views directly down Michigan Avenue.
Dining at InterContinental Chicago focuses on the Gastronome restaurant and the Circle Bar, a lively lounge with live music programming on weekends. Room service is available throughout the day, and the fitness center is modern and well equipped. The hotel's ample conference and event space serves as one of the city's premier convention venues, accommodating groups of up to 4,000 attendees. The concierge team is experienced in group logistics and in helping individual travelers navigate Chicago's architectural highlights, many of which begin steps from the main entrance.
The hotel's dual identity — a living landmark and a functioning convention hotel — gives it a breadth of appeal unmatched by smaller boutique properties nearby. Guests interested in architecture and Chicago history will find few more rewarding bases in Illinois from which to explore the city.
Amenities
- historic pool
- fitness center
- restaurant
- bar
- concierge
- valet
Location
505 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
41.8926, -87.6244 View on map
Highlights
- Iconic 1929 Medinah Athletic Club building with a Moorish Revival terra-cotta facade and gilded lobby rotunda
- Historic Junior Olympic Swimming Pool with Venetian mosaic tiles and hand-painted murals from 1929
- Prime Magnificent Mile location steps from Navy Pier, Millennium Park, and Chicago River architecture tours
- 792 rooms across Historic and modern towers, many with direct views down Michigan Avenue
- One of Chicago's largest convention hotels, hosting events for up to 4,000 attendees
Tips for visiting
- Historic Tower rooms are larger and more ornate than Tower 2; specify a preference when booking
- The pool is a popular amenity — visit during early mornings or weekday afternoons to avoid peak crowds
- The building's lobby and mezzanine can be explored freely; free guided hotel history tours run on select weekends
- Valet parking is available, but the Grand Red Line CTA stop one block west provides easy and affordable transit access
- The Circle Bar hosts live music on Friday and Saturday evenings — check the events calendar at check-in
Accessibility
The InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile provides ADA-compliant accessible guest rooms in both the Historic and modern towers, featuring roll-in showers, grab bars, and visual alert systems. The hotel's main entrance on Michigan Avenue and all public areas, including the pool and meeting facilities, are wheelchair accessible via dedicated elevator banks. Guests with mobility considerations should notify the hotel in advance to arrange appropriate room placement and transportation.
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Frequently asked questions
Is the historic pool at InterContinental Chicago open to all guests?
Yes, the Junior Olympic Swimming Pool is accessible to all registered hotel guests during set hours. The pool is a popular amenity; visiting during early mornings or weekday afternoons is recommended for a less crowded experience.
What is the history of the InterContinental Chicago building?
The building was constructed in 1929 as the Medinah Athletic Club, an elite members' club featuring a pool, gymnasium, and shooting range. It became a hotel in the 1940s and was designated a Chicago landmark in 1997.
Does InterContinental Chicago have meeting and convention space?
Yes, the hotel is one of Chicago's largest convention properties, offering over 100,000 square feet of event space across 70 meeting rooms and accommodating events of up to 4,000 guests.
How far is the InterContinental Chicago from the Art Institute of Chicago?
The Art Institute is approximately half a mile south along Michigan Avenue, a pleasant 10-minute walk through the Magnificent Mile corridor, passing several notable Chicago landmarks along the way.
Is the InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile pet-friendly?
The hotel accepts pets under certain weight restrictions with advance notice and a per-stay fee. Guests should contact the hotel directly to confirm current pet policies before booking.