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InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile Chicago, Illinois
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Hotel comparison guide

InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile vs Waldorf Astoria Chicago

InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile is a landmark 1929 hotel on the Magnificent Mile with a large, family-friendly setup and multiple restaurants; this guide is for travelers who want historic character, big event spaces, and easy shopping access. Waldorf Astoria Chicago is a smaller five-star Gold Coast hotel with a focus on quiet, intimate luxury and a full-service spa; read on if you prefer a tranquil, design-forward luxury stay near Oak Street.

Updated · about 0.4 km apart

Bright suite living area with sofa and city views at InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile

InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile

Historic landmark · Family-friendly · Magnificent Mile access

Best for shoppers and groups who want immediate access to Michigan Avenue, large event space, and a historic pool.

Waldorf Astoria Chicago, Chicago, Illinois

Waldorf Astoria Chicago

Five-star · Intimate luxury · Full-service spa

Best for travelers seeking a quieter, boutique-feeling five-star stay with a full-service spa in the Gold Coast.

Quick Verdict: InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile vs Waldorf Astoria Chicago

When InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile wins: choose InterContinental if you want to be literally on the Magnificent Mile, need lots of meeting or ballroom capacity, want multiple on-site restaurants (including a notable steakhouse), or are traveling with family and want a prominent, historically significant hotel with a large indoor pool.

When Waldorf Astoria Chicago wins: pick the Waldorf Astoria for a smaller, quieter five-star experience in the Gold Coast with an emphasis on spa, personalized service, and being steps from Oak Street and high-end boutiques.

Bottom line: both are high-end downtown options within a short walk of each other; favor InterContinental for scale, historic character, and event-focused stays, and favor Waldorf Astoria for a more intimate luxury hotel and stronger spa orientation.

InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile vs Waldorf Astoria Chicago – At a Glance

Side-by-side facts for InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile and Waldorf Astoria Chicago
CategoryInterContinental Chicago Magnificent MileWaldorf Astoria Chicago
Overall vibeGrand, historic 1929 hotel with large public spaces and busy restaurant sceneQuiet, refined five-star hotel with an intimate luxury feel
LocationOn North Michigan Avenue — direct access to the Magnificent Mile shopping districtIn the Gold Coast, steps from Oak Street and a short walk to Michigan Avenue
Size (rooms)About 792 rooms across multiple towers214 guestrooms
Ages / policyAll-ages property; minimum check-in age 21 for the primary guestAll-ages property; minimum check-in age not published
PoolsHistoric Junior Olympic-size indoor pool (family-friendly; no lifeguard)One indoor pool (wheelchair-accessible) listed on supplier details
Restaurants & barsMultiple outlets including Michael Jordan's Steak House & Bar, Casa Chi, Center Court, and an on-site StarbucksOne main restaurant (Brass Tack) plus 24-hour room service and a bar/lounge
Spa & wellnessInterContinental Spa with treatment rooms, Finnish saunas and 24-hour fitness centerFull-service spa on site, fitness classes and 24-hour fitness facilities
Known forHistoric architecture, large ballrooms and direct Magnificent Mile entranceFive-star Gold Coast luxury and an intimate spa-focused experience
Event & meeting spaceExtensive event space (tens of thousands sq ft, many ballrooms and meeting rooms)Conference space of 7,911 sq ft and nine meeting rooms
Complimentary Wi‑FiComplimentary Wi‑Fi in guestrooms and fitness center
Nearby highlightsSteps from Tribune Tower, Chicago River, Riverwalk and major Magnificent Mile shoppingSteps from Oak Street and within a 5-minute walk of Michigan Avenue

A Look Inside InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile

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Location: Magnificent Mile scale vs Gold Coast quiet

InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile – Location

InterContinental sits directly on North Michigan Avenue with an entrance onto the Magnificent Mile.

  • Immediate access to flagship shopping and the Riverwalk; signature location for first-time Chicago visitors.
  • Short walk to architecture boat tours, Tribune Tower, and John Hancock/360 Chicago.
  • Designated entrance onto the Magnificent Mile — convenient for shopping trips and downtown walking routes.

Pick InterContinental for the busiest, most central Magnificent Mile location.

Waldorf Astoria Chicago – Location

Waldorf Astoria Chicago is in the Gold Coast, a quieter neighborhood a few blocks north of Michigan Avenue.

  • Steps from Oak Street boutiques and upscale local shopping.
  • About a 5-minute walk to Michigan Avenue and the Magnificent Mile attractions.
  • Located on E. Walton Street near high-end dining and residential streets.

Choose Waldorf Astoria for quieter, boutique-oriented Gold Coast access while still near the Magnificent Mile.

Rooms: large inventory vs smaller five-star inventory

InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile – Rooms

InterContinental runs multiple towers and a wide range of room types and suites.

  • Approximately 792 guest rooms across Historic and Executive/Grand Towers with 16 room type names in the inventory.
  • Room options include Executive and Premier suites and tower-specific city-view rooms.
  • Many rooms can accommodate families; hotel markets family-friendly policies and amenities.

InterContinental is better if you want many room-type choices and family-friendly configurations.

Waldorf Astoria Chicago – Rooms

Waldorf Astoria offers a smaller inventory of 214 guestrooms focused on five-star comfort.

  • Room count and bedding configurations are published in supplier listing; rooms include minibars and refrigerators.
  • 55-inch Smart TVs and Egyptian cotton sheets are listed in the property description.
  • Property emphasizes refined room amenities and service rather than a large selection of room categories.

Waldorf Astoria suits travelers who prefer a smaller, service-focused room inventory.

Dining & drinks: varied, lively options vs single signature restaurant

InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile – Dining & drinks

InterContinental has several on-site restaurants and bars for different needs and moods.

  • Michael Jordan's Steak House & Bar (steakhouse) plus the Center Court breakfast restaurant and Casa Chi (Nikkei).
  • On-site Starbucks and late-night bar options; room service hours published from early morning through late night.
  • Multiple venues can host private dining and event meals.

InterContinental offers more variety and options for group dining and different meal occasions.

Waldorf Astoria Chicago – Dining & drinks

Waldorf Astoria lists one main restaurant, Brass Tack, supplemented by 24-hour room service and a bar/lounge.

  • Brass Tack serves American cuisine and is the hotel's primary on-site dining outlet.
  • Complimentary wired internet and business-center services are highlighted alongside dining.
  • The hotel advertises full breakfasts available for a fee and 24-hour room service.

Waldorf Astoria is a quieter dining experience centered on its single signature restaurant and room service.

Pools & signature amenity: historic pool vs intimate spa focus

InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile – Pools & signature amenity

InterContinental's standout feature is its historic Junior Olympic-size indoor pool within the fitness complex.

  • Pool retains original 1920s Spanish Majolica tiles and is family-friendly, but operates without a lifeguard.
  • Pool and fitness facilities are part of a multi-level wellness complex (fitness center open 24 hours).
  • Day passes are sold for pool access, and the pool has published hours (various sources report 5:00 AM–10:00 PM).

InterContinental is the pick if the historic pool and a large fitness/pool complex matter to you.

Waldorf Astoria Chicago – Pools & signature amenity

Waldorf Astoria lists a single indoor pool (wheelchair-accessible) and emphasizes spa services.

  • Supplier listing includes a wheelchair-accessible pool and on-site full-service spa with treatments and fitness classes.
  • Spa services, wellness classes (pilates/yoga) and 24-hour fitness facilities are part of the property amenities.
  • Complimentary shuttle within 1 mile is available for guest convenience.

Waldorf Astoria is for travelers who prioritize spa treatments and quieter pool access over a large recreational complex.

Wellness & nightlife: fitness and events vs spa programming

InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile – Wellness & nightlife

InterContinental supports a full fitness program and large-scale event capabilities.

  • 24-hour fitness center with cardio and weights, yoga equipment, and spa treatment rooms and saunas.
  • Extensive event and ballroom options for weddings and conferences (multiple ballrooms and meeting rooms).
  • On-site bars and late-night outlets create livelier in-house evening options.

InterContinental fits guests who want fitness options and an active hotel atmosphere with big-event capabilities.

Waldorf Astoria Chicago – Wellness & nightlife

Waldorf Astoria emphasizes spa programming, fitness classes, and quieter public spaces.

  • Full-service spa offering massages, facials and body treatments with reservations required for treatments.
  • Fitness classes on site (pilates, yoga) and a 24-hour fitness facility listed.
  • Smaller public spaces and fewer on-site late-night venues contribute to a calmer nighttime atmosphere.

Choose Waldorf Astoria if spa treatments and a subdued evening atmosphere are priorities.

Who Wins? Best Pick by Travel Style

Best for Magnificent Mile shoppers
Two-level lobby lounge with chandelier and staircase at InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile

InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile

Direct entrance onto Michigan Avenue and immediate access to flagship stores and the Riverwalk.

Best for small-group luxury & spa
Waldorf Astoria Chicago, Chicago, Illinois

Waldorf Astoria Chicago

Smaller five-star hotel with a full-service spa and a quieter Gold Coast location.

Best for large events and weddings
Overhead view of a two-level lounge with chandelier and seating at InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile

InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile

Extensive ballroom inventory and massive event capacities across multiple historic venues.

Best for a quieter five-star stay
Waldorf Astoria Chicago, Chicago, Illinois

Waldorf Astoria Chicago

A refined, intimate property with fewer rooms and a focus on personalized service and wellness.

Frequently asked questions

InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile vs Waldorf Astoria Chicago: FAQs

See all FAQs →
Which hotel is better if I want to be steps from major shopping?

InterContinental is on the Magnificent Mile with a designated entrance onto the shopping district; Waldorf Astoria is a short walk north in the Gold Coast.

Which hotel has the bigger pool and family facilities?

InterContinental has a historic Junior Olympic-size indoor pool and family-friendly programming; Waldorf Astoria has a single indoor pool and emphasizes spa services.

Which hotel is quieter for a romantic getaway?

Waldorf Astoria tends to be quieter and more intimate; it focuses on five-star service and an on-site spa experience.

Do either hotel include complimentary internet?

Both properties list complimentary wired/wireless internet access in guestrooms or public areas in supplier and property listings.

More InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile Comparison Guides

Explore how InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile stacks up against other hotels nearby:

Child on inflatable float in the indoor pool at InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile
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