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InterContinental Chicago: 23 photos without Michael Jordan

Here are 23 hotel photos of the InterContinental Chicago in honor of Michael Jordan’s Steak House opened last month on the second floor of the hotel. Who knows? You might want to sleep after a big meal.

My visit to the InterContinental Chicago in October 2010 impressed me with the hotel staff courteousness, old-style hotel elegance and important looking guests dressed with more accessories than I could buy with last year’s writing revenue.

Nice thing is the InterContinental Chicago was available during my trip at 40,000 points a night as one option or Points & Cash at 30,000 points + $60 or plop down $300+ for a room.

Michael Jordan’s Steak House

The reviews are mixed. The TimeOut Chicago review “An ambitious steakhouse. But not exactly a slam dunk.” by David Tamarkin is a fun entertaining read for a little MJ mystique even for someone like me who rarely eats in restaurants and cares less for restaurant reviews. The Chicago Tribune has kinder dining words.

 

InterContinental Chicago on the Magnificent Mile

There is an historic building and a modern building in the InterContinental Chicago. The hotel property was a $250 million restoration project over 12 years from 1988 to 2,000. The historic building was originally the Medinah Athletic Club from 1929. The swimming pool is one of the finest hotel pools in the city. There is a detailed history of the hotel on the IC Chicago website. And even more details on Wikipedia.

low angle view of a building
Historic building of InterContinental Chicago.

The north building of the hotel is modern.

a building with flags on the front
InterContinental Chicago north tower.

Michael Jordan’s Steak House is located on the second floor of the open lobby. The restaurant is new so I don’t have a picture of it from my hotel visit one year ago. The restaurant there at the time was totally packed with noise carrying across the four-story high ceiling lobby.

a close-up of a building
InterContinental Chicago Main Entrance

There is a lion theme to the historic tower.

a close-up of a sign
Palindrome lion room 1661 - InterContinental Chicago

The room felt comfortable, although the bathroom was a bit small. Most bathrooms have a separate shower.

a red couch with pillows and a lamp
Sitting room in suite - InterContinental Chicago.

Heavy drapes help damper the noise of North Michigan Avenue.

a hotel room with red and gold curtains
Bedroom drapes and chairs in bedroom of suite - InterContinental Chicago.
a hotel room with a bed
King bed InterContinental Chicago
a bathroom with a sink and bathtub
InterContinental Chicago bathroom.
a living room with a couch and a table
Sitting room in InterContinental Chicago suite.

The fitness center on the 11th floor provides access to the historic 25-meter indoor swimming pool. This room is the only remaining piece of the Medinah Athletic Club facilities. The highlight of the InterContinental Chicago for me was the extended time I was the only person relaxing in this space one afternoon.

a swimming pool inside a hotel
InterContinental Chicago pool.
a swimming pool inside a building
InterContinental Chicago historic 25-meter swimming pool.
a close-up of a wall lamp
Mood lighting at mid-day.
a swimming pool inside a building
North wall of pool.
a swimming pool with stairs and railings
Balcony seating around pool entrance.
a close-up of a wall
Pool room wall mosaic.
a swimming pool inside a building
South wall of pool room.

The fitness center offers workout space in addition to the pool room.

a group of treadmills in a gym
InterContinental Chicago Fitness Center equipment.
a gym with several machines
InterContinental Chicago fitness room.
a glass door of a fitness center
Key Accessed Fitness Center InterContinental Chicago.

The InterContinental Chicago is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

a sign on the wall
InterContinental Chicago Elevators.

The InterContinental Chicago is convenient for touring Chicago as it is located just north of the river at the beginning of the Magnificent Mile. As you travel north you’ll encounter the Marriott, The Peninsula, Park Hyatt, Westin Michigan Avenue, the Ritz Carlton that is actually a Four Seasons Hotel, the other Four Seasons Chicago and Hilton Drake Hotel.

a close-up of a building
InterContinental Chicago North Michigan Avenue entrance.
a close-up of a logo
InterContinental Hotels logo.
a close-up of a sign
InterContinental Chicago

1 Comment

  • Gabrielle Mosvani October 6, 2011

    The MJ steak house placed itself in places where people with money will spend to eat. I can say that is a smart move.

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