llinois’ continental climate makes for hot summers and even colder winters. In the Chicago Park District alone, there are 27 year-round indoor swimming pools. On this list, we’ll zero in on eight of them.
Compared to outdoor pools, indoor swimming pools may be cleaner and better maintained without the constant dirt and debris falling in from trees and nature. In the winter months of the windy city, an indoor heated pool may be a haven to keep warm, and in the summer months, it’s a refuge from the blazing sun.
Elevated indoor swimming pools showcase impressive engineering and ornate detailing. Chicago has so many historical buildings, and some of the city’s oldest pools have been operational since the late 1920s.
The amenities don’t stop at the aquatic facilities; Chicago’s best hotels offer complete fitness facilities, full-service spas, and tasty eateries. Hotel pools make it convenient to relax by the pool by providing changing rooms and on-site dining restaurants for an affordable, all-inclusive type of experience.
Where Are Chicago’s Best Indoor Pools?
These Chicago hotels are conveniently located in popular parts of the city, so you can make a quick escape after touring art museums all day or carrying your shopping bags from a day on the Magnificent Mile.
Whether you need an Olympic-sized pool to work on your stroke or just a place to zen out from the city noise, this guide to Chicago’s best pools will point you in the right direction.
Let’s take a peek into Chicago’s best indoor swimming pools that stay open, rain or shine.
1. Four Seasons Hotel Chicago
Right on the Gold Coast and close to Lincoln Park, the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago is made for self-care. Take a dip in this heated indoor infinity pool and admire its opulent design with plenty of natural light to put you at ease.
Soak away your troubles in the soothing hot tub and delight in complimentary towel service. Adorn Bar & Restaurant’s delectable menu has plenty of options to dine poolside.
Access the spa and 24-hour fitness center to use the locker rooms, top-of-the-line saunas, a steam room, and a full gym with skyscraper views. Pamper yourself with a mani-pedi and take advantage of the relaxation lounge.
2. InterContinental Chicago
Just a 10-minute drive from Gold Coast on the famous Michigan Avenue, aka Magnificent Mile, is one of America’s Historic Hotels, the InterContinental Chicago. Not much has changed at this resort since 1929 — you can feel its vintage charm.
Hang poolside on the unique old-school bleachers and sip on a discounted Michael Jordan-themed cocktail from Michael Jordan’s restaurant.
This is the perfect pool to work on your stroke. The 10-foot-deep indoor junior Olympic-sized lap pool lined with Spanish blue tile is site to behold. After a few laps in the pool and a workout in the gym, use the sauna to jump-start recovery on your sore muscles.
3. Hyatt Lodge and Spa at Oak Brook Reserve
A 30-minute drive from the Chicago O’hare airport on the outskirts of Chicago by a picturesque lake is the Hyatt Lodge and Spa at Oak Brook Reserve. On 88 acres of forest, this resort offers trails through a serene lush landscape.
The wall-length surrounding windows of the heated indoor pool lets you take in the surrounding scenery without going outside. Spoil yourself with a spa pass and book a facial to refresh your skin. Kick your feet up on a lounger because the tranquil ambiance of this hotel will allow you to rest and unwind.
This resort is fully equipped with locker rooms and showers, day saunas and steam rooms, and spa treatments for additional fees. Oak Brook is a quieter, family-friendly alternative to downtown’s hustle and bustle.
4. Hilton Chicago Downtown
Another member of the Historic Hotels of America is the Hilton Chicago Downtown, located on South Michigan Avenue in the lively River North neighborhood.
The fitness center is like nothing you’ve experienced before. This fitness playground includes state-of-the-art equipment like peloton bikes, treadmills, ellipticals, and more. There’s a dedicated weight-lifting section with free weights for you to work it out, and best of all an indoor track with views of Chi-town.
After breaking a sweat, follow it up with a complimentary shower and sauna session. Snap a selfie before the Chicago skyline on the rooftop deck. Take advantage of discounts at Herb & Kitchen restaurant and the historic Kitty O’Sheas authentic Irish bar, which is open until midnight.
5. JW Marriot Chicago
Pamper yourself with a full-service spa day at the five-star JW Marriott Chicago near the hip West Loop neighborhood. The spa and gym amenities are endless at this resort. Keep up on your workout routine in the modern fitness center bedecked with treadmills, ellipticals, and free weights.
The main attraction at this resort is the blue mosaic-tiled swimming pool and whirlpool, where you can unwind. Rest easy under the dim lighting on the soft poolside daybeds. Elevate your experience by booking a massage or facial for maximum pleasure.
Feel revived with a session in the infrared sauna or a calming aroma-therapeutic shower. Once you let loose with a complimentary glass of champagne in the relaxation lounge, you’ll never want to leave.
6. Palmer House
Get your fitness on at the Palmer House, A Hilton Hotel in the Theater District. This elegant hotel houses an expansive 10,000-square-foot health club with a high domed glass ceiling that reveals a skyline view. The facility is stocked with state of the art equipment like peloton bikes and cardiovascular equipment so you can make the most of your workout.
Finish off your workout with a lap swim. The heated indoor pool has private poolside nooks shaded by giant skylights.
Enjoy pristine locker rooms and complimentary towel service. For additional fees, you can book a variety of spa treatments to top off the perfect self-care day.
7. Westin Chicago Lombard
Nestled in the western Chicago suburbs is Westin Chicago Lombard. This resort includes a lavish hot tub to sink into and a wide heated lap pool for the whole family to splash around in.
The pool is surrounded by chairs and tables to snack poolside and lounge chairs for relaxing. The Westin Workout Fitness Studio is an intimate facility with strength training equipment and a mirror wall where you can practice your form with dumbbells and balance balls.
Recover from an invigorating workout in the dry sauna then cool off with a shower in the locker rooms. The Westin Chicago Lombard has a committed staff to make you feel right at home.
8. The Spa at Trump & Fitness Club
Sophistication is the theme at The Spa at Trump & Fitness Club. The stylishly modern spa and fitness facilities prioritize health and wellness at this resort. This resort has an extensive 75-foot indoor heated pool for lap swimming that stays open late. Enjoy a workout with spectacular views of Downtown Chicago.
Prepare to cozy up in a complimentary robe and slippers. With a day pass, you can earn discounts to the spa and restaurants. Luxurious saunas and steam rooms will help you sweat out the toxins from the busy city. A special feature at this resort is a variety of fun group fitness classes.
What Are the Benefits of Indoor Swimming?
Swimming pools aren’t just for lap swimming. They’re also good for aquatic exercise like aqua pilates and using water weights. Indoor pools can be easily accessed through locker rooms for those with low mobility.
Swimming is a full-body workout that’s easy on the joints. Indoor swimming pools have many benefits for all ages.
Your skin is protected from the sun, so you don’t have to worry about sunscreen. Young swimmers can take swim classes in heated comfort away from Chicago’s strong winds. Swimming may even support mental health.
Jump In With ResortPass
From high-end historical hotels to spa resorts, you’ll find quality aquatic facilities year-round in Chicago. The whole family can enjoy a pool day, no matter the weather, with a family day pass.
ResortPass offers day passes to access Chicago’s best indoor swimming pools and hot tubs, spas, and fitness centers. You can raise the bar of the greatest pool day by splurging on spa treatments like massages and facials.
Chicago’s best hotel indoor pools aren’t just for the locals. With ResortPass, you can go from the airport straight to the swimming pool without the fuss of booking a room. Download the ResortPass app to scroll through dozens of Chicago’s best hotels with indoor pools and select the one with the best reviews and amenities you can cross off your wishlist.
If you’d like to tour a little piece of American history, the InterContinental Chicago will transport you back in time. But, the Westin Chicago Lombard might be best for Chicago locals to gather after a long day at school or work.
With ResortPass, the possibilities are endless. Pack your swimsuit, goggles, and cap because the perfect hotel indoor pool awaits.
