Getting around downtown Chicago from the hotel
From the InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile (505 N Michigan Ave) you can walk to the Magnificent Mile shops and the Chicago River in minutes, use the nearby CTA Red Line/Blue Line connections for longer trips, or ask the concierge for taxis and private cars. The hotel concierge can also book architecture boat tours and help with transit directions.
In this guide
Getting to and from O'Hare and Midway airports
The hotel does not provide an airport shuttle. From O'Hare (ORD) most travelers take the CTA Blue Line into downtown (transfer options exist) or arrange a taxi/rideshare or private car. Trip times and transit connections vary by time of day and luggage.
From Midway (MDW) a common route is the CTA Orange Line into downtown, then a transfer to the Red Line or a short taxi/rideshare to the hotel. GO Airport Express and other shuttle services also run between the airports and downtown stops.
- No hotel airport shuttle available — confirm transportation before arrival.
- CTA Blue Line from O'Hare is a budget option into downtown; travel time varies (roughly 38–51 minutes reported on some sources).
- Taxis and rideshares are convenient; expect variable traffic times depending on hour.
| Airport | Typical public option |
|---|---|
| O'Hare (ORD) | CTA Blue Line to downtown; taxi/rideshare or private car |
| Midway (MDW) | CTA Orange Line then transfer or taxi/rideshare |
| Shuttle services | GO Airport Express and other private shuttles serve downtown |
Using CTA trains and local transit
The hotel's listed public-transit connection is the CTA Red Line; several Red Line stations (Grand, Chicago) are within a short walk of Michigan Avenue. The CTA network is the easiest way to reach neighborhoods and many attractions without traffic.
From O'Hare you can also take the Blue Line to downtown and transfer as needed. Metra commuter trains serve the downtown area as well; Millennium Station is a walkable option for some regional rail arrivals.
- Red Line: closest stations include Grand or Chicago — walk east to Michigan Avenue.
- Blue Line: direct from O'Hare into downtown (transfer to reach hotel area).
- Metra: Millennium Station is roughly a 10-minute walk from the hotel for some suburban arrivals.
| Line / Station | How to reach hotel |
|---|---|
| Red Line (Grand / Chicago) | Walk east a couple blocks to Michigan Avenue and the hotel |
| Blue Line (from O'Hare) | Ride into downtown, then transfer to reach Red Line or walk from Lake-area stations |
| Metra (Millennium Station) | About a 10-minute walk to the Magnificent Mile area |
Walking around the Magnificent Mile and nearby sights
InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile sits directly on Michigan Avenue with a designated entrance to the Magnificent Mile shopping district, so many attractions are best reached on foot.
Nearby highlights within a short walk include the Chicago River and Riverwalk, Tribune Tower, the Wrigley Building, and State Street. For longer walks, Millennium Park, the Art Institute, and the John Hancock/360 Chicago are all walkable or a short transit ride.
- Michigan Avenue — hotel entrance onto the Magnificent Mile (1-minute walk per hotel info).
- Tribune Tower — about a 1-minute walk.
- Chicago River / Riverwalk — roughly a 5-minute walk.
- State Street — roughly a 5-minute walk.
- John Hancock / 360 Chicago — roughly a 10-minute walk.
- Millennium Park / Art Institute — walking options (roughly 11–16 minutes as reported).
| Destination | Reported walk time from hotel |
|---|---|
| Tribune Tower | 1 minute |
| Chicago River / Riverwalk | 5 minutes |
| John Hancock (360 Chicago) | About 10 minutes |
Taxis, rideshares, and parking
Taxis and rideshare services (Uber/Lyft) are readily available in downtown Chicago; the hotel concierge can request a car for you. Travel times by car depend heavily on traffic, especially during rush hours and event times.
Valet parking is available on-site for a fee; free self-parking is not offered. The hotel also lists an on-site electric vehicle charging station.
- Valet parking only; free self-parking is not available.
- Electric vehicle charging station available on property.
- Ask the concierge to call a taxi or help with a rideshare pickup location.
| Service | Hotel note |
|---|---|
| Valet parking | Covered valet available for a fee (no free self-parking) |
| EV charging | Electric vehicle charging station on site |
| Taxis / Rideshare | Concierge can arrange pickups; expect variable traffic times |
Hotel services that help you get around
The 24-hour concierge can arrange taxis, private cars, architecture-boat tour bookings that depart near the hotel, and directions for public transit. Luggage storage is available if you plan to explore on arrival or after check-out.
Front-desk and concierge staff can also confirm local transit directions, walking routes to attractions, and nearby taxi/rideshare pickup points; BookResorts agents are available 24/7 at +1 (888) 605-1350 for booking assistance.
- Concierge: transit directions, tour bookings, taxi/ car requests.
- 24-hour front desk: check-in support and luggage storage.
- BookResorts agents (24/7) at +1 (888) 605-1350 for booking questions.
| Service | Availability / Note |
|---|---|
| Concierge | 24-hour desk can assist with local bookings and directions |
| Luggage storage | Available through front desk to explore before check-in or after check-out |
| Room service | Available (in-room dining hours listed on property pages) |
Accessibility and mobility considerations
The hotel provides wheelchair-accessible paths of travel, accessible parking, and accessible routes to elevators, plus Braille or raised signage and assistive listening devices in some areas. If you have specific mobility needs, contact the hotel in advance so staff can confirm accessible room options and arrival arrangements.
If you plan to use the pool or spa, note that the indoor Junior Olympic-size pool operates without a lifeguard on duty and that children must be accompanied by an adult when using the pool.
- Accessible paths, parking, and signage are available; request accessibility details at booking.
- Pool: historic indoor Junior Olympic-size pool; no lifeguard on duty — children require adult supervision.
- Contact the hotel ahead of arrival to confirm accessible-room location and any special assistance.
| Facility | Accessibility note |
|---|---|
| Public paths & elevators | Wheelchair-accessible paths of travel and elevators available |
| Pool | Junior Olympic-size indoor pool; operates without a lifeguard |
| Guest rooms | Accessible rooms offered; confirm needs before arrival |
