The best thing about this hotel is the location on the Magnicent Mile, just walk outside and stroll down this street and immediately you notice the overwhelming array of shops and department stores. A shopping paradise for serious shoppers. The open top bus tour (hop on/
hop off) station is also just two minutes away.

Check in – We arrived at 5.30am and had booked a room for the previous evening, so check-in was easy and efficient especially at this time of the morning. We did notice later the hotel is extremely busy and queues were often seen.

Room- Our room 556 faced Michigan Avenue “the Magnificent Mile” we had no real view as we were placed on the 5th floor.

The room had a king size comfortable bed with lovely feather down pillows. A huge plasma TV sat on top of a cabinet and a good size-
working desk was handy for catching up on work or e-mails. No broadband but Wireless High-Speed connection, which worked extremely well.

A long red sofa bed was placed beside the large windows. Mini bar, safe and wardrobe were also neatly tucked into the comfortable spacious room.

The room is not modern but had a 1930’s décor, which created a soft and cozy atmosphere. The bathroom was standard size with a shower over the bath; good quality Damana toiletries were also generously supplied.

Breakfast – The breakfast is located on the second floor in the Zest Restaurant. One can order from a menu or have the hot buffet meal, which also includes a chef-cooking omelet’s. We thoroughly enjoyed every meal.

Bars – There is a comfortable lobby bar offering cocktails, beer and wine located just near the reception. Eno is another bar, which is located in the Historical Tower lobby level and offers more than 300 varieties of wine and 35 different types of cheese and a selection of handmade gourmet chocolates.

Next door to the hotel is Starbuck’s coffee shop, which we found incredibly handy.

Facilities – There is a fabulous heated swimming pool located on the 12th floor in the Historical Tower. The pool is a junior Olympic size with beautiful blue Majolica tiles with a fountain of Neptune on the east wall of the pool.

The gym is also located on this floor. An ATM machine is located just near the Business Centre in the Historical Tower on the lobby level.

Overall – I have given the Intercontinental Hotel 5 star rating for being a beautiful landmark building located in a prime position in Chicago offering comfortable quality rooms. There’s nothing I can say I disliked and we thoroughly enjoyed our five day stay.

We actually loved Chicago with its excellent shops/restaurants/cafes it's a fabulous city for any traveller to visit.- highly recommended by Ellemay !!

Shops or food - its hard to decide which gets my 5 star!