My girlfriend and I are going to Chicago, August 18 - 25th. I want to stay at a hotel that has a nice workout room (not a tiny room with one bike and a stairmaster) and has a nice large swimming pool. Any recommendations that aren't going to break my budget?

Thanks.

It would be helpful if you shared what your budget is, since they do vary widely. But I do know that the InterContinental on Michigan Ave. has a very, very nice pool that is used for swimming. Don't know about price or workout facilities, though.

I'm looking to spend between $200 - $260 a night for the room. Hope that helps.

I'm sure there are some good ones in other places, but I am familar with these two.

The Intercontinental has a vintage pool on the top floor that is classic. It was used in several movies.

The Swissotel has a work out room, gym and pool that has one of the best views in Chicago, period. Swissotel sticks out into Lake Michigan at a point and there's landfill addition next to it. You can see the entire lakefront, curve all the way to Hyde Park from their gym. I know there is a gym fee.

Chicago Hilton has an outstanding workout facility. Pristine and updated separate locker rooms, showers, walking track, great machines, very nice pool with walkout rooftop access (also hot tub)

The Hilton Chicago has an excellent gym and pool facility.

I like to stay at Swisshotel for the amazing views from the stairmasters! There is a pool. There is a fee.

There is more than one Hilton in Chicago. We just stayed at Hilton Towers and it had a great work out room, large pool and two hot tubs.

We got a great deal on Hot wire for $105 (mid May).

When you shower in the Swisshotel's fitness facility, you have a window looking out over the city. Pretty cool.

Fairmont has use of the huge Lakeshore Althletic Club..connected via a short tunnel from lobby

www.lsac.org

Featured on Oprah.

I've used Lakeshore Athletic Club (the Illinois Center location on Stetson) many times over the past several years. This facility has very nice locker rooms with complete amenities including steam room, dry sauna and whirlpool. The Lakeshore Spa features very favorably priced treatments. You may use the club's facilities at no cost if you have a treatment in the spa, or you may use the club's facilities for the day for a $20 fee. If you have an IHRSA
passport, you may be eligible for a reduced day-use fee. I believe that Fairmont guests are able to use the club, but I don't know if a day-use fee is required for them. In any event, I have used this club when staying at Swissotel, Renaissance Hotel (on East Wacker Drive), Hotel 71 (on East Wacker), and at the Palmer House Hilton (State and Monroe Streets). I have been so impressed with the extensive and well-maintained facilities here that I gladly walk to the club from wherever I'm staying.

You can't beat the pool at the Intercontinental. It is simply gorgeous.

The W has a nice gym with a view of the Lake.