When summer finally hits Chicago, we want to stay outside perennially, even if that means our hair fibers sprawling uncontrollably and tiny droplets drenching our forehead. Soaking in the sun all day sounds so appetizing, especially when we can easily dip in the water to cool off.
Although Lake Michigan is practically in everyone’s backyard, we sometimes need an escape from the unpredictable boundless waves for something more serene, and that’s when we can look to higher ground. From luxurious hotels to member-only clubs, Chicago is beaming with rooftop pools, and finding the right one can be tricky, so here is our complete guide to our favorite hotels in Chicago with rooftop pools you can lounge at this summer.
1. The Robey, Wicker Park
While few hotels in Chicago have rooftop pools overall, only one is open to the public. Head to the Cabana Club on the 6th floor of the art-deco boutique Robery Hotel for a lovely rooftop and poolside experience. What pairs even better with a refreshing swim is their happy hour deals Monday-Thursday. Enjoy frozen cocktails and small bites for an affordable price.
📍 Address: 2018 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
💵 Price: Free on a first-come, first-served basis
📲 Website: Visit The Robery here
2. Soho House, West Loop
This beautiful oasis rooftop pool exudes exclusivity right off Randolph Street. To lounge around and sip a thirst-quenching cocktail or flavor bites, you must be a guest staying at the hotel, a Soho House member, or a guest of a Soho House member.
📍 Address: 113-125 N Green St, Chicago, IL 60607
💵 Price: Members only
📲 Website: Visit Soho House here
3. Level Chicago, Various Locations
While Level Chicago is one of the lesser-known hotels in Chicago, it’s elegant to stay with a spectacular outdoor pool. With multiple locations in Chicago, you can stay where you desire but still have unrivaled luxurious amenities, including a spacious, seasonal pool with cabanas and a beautiful view of the city, whether from Old Town or River North.
📍 Address: 1140 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60610, 369 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60654
💵 Price: Guests only
📲 Website: Visit Level here
4. Viceroy Hotel, Gold Coast
The Viceroy Hotel sits a few blocks from the Magnificent Mile and offers an unbeatable panoramic skyline view of the city. While the pool is exclusive to guests staying at the Viceroy Hotel, you don’t need a room key to cosplay as a posh socialite. If you head to the Devereaux, you’ll find an elongated pool with Parsian-inspired tables for intimate seating. Enjoy small plates and distinguished cocktails while being entranced by the sparkling city lights.
📍 Address: 1118 N State St, Chicago, IL 60610
💵 Price: Guests only
📲 Website: Visit the Viceroy Hotel here
5. The Penthouse at Grand Plaza, River North
This sophisticated, artistic hotel has unparalleled views of the city. It is one of the hotels in Chicago with rooftop pools that is pricier when spending time there. However, their modern penthouse will make a memorable time in the Windy City, and their outdoor pool includes a spacious sun deck, an outdoor running track, an indoor resistance whirlpool, and an abundance of other activities that will make it challenging to leave.
📍 Address: 540 N State St, Chicago, IL 60654
💵 Price: Guests only
📲 Website: Visit the Grand Plaza here
6. Hoxton Hotel, Fulton Market District
Nestled in the Fulton Market District, rich colors splash over every inch of The Hoxton Hotel, which is airy and uniquely decorated. On the tenth floor of the hotel, their seasonal rooftop pool awaits, available for hotel guests who want a home away from home; adjacent to the pool is their rooftop restaurant Cabra, which carries vibrant flavors of Peruvian cuisine.
📍 Address: 200 N Green St, Chicago, IL 60607
💵 Price: Day-use rooms
📲 Website: Visit the Hoxton Hotel here
7. Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, Lakeshore East
This iconic hotel is not only sophisticated but also a stylish place to glitter by the poolside. As you splash around the elongated pool, you can take in the scintillating views of Chicago’s skyline. For those who love the lake but need a pool to feel at peace—the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel is only steps from the lake. Not only that, but a hot tub, cabanas, fire pits, wading pool, sauna, and sun decks are sprawled across the hotel.
📍 Address: 221 N Columbus Dr, Chicago, IL 60601
💵 Price: Guests only
📲 Website: Visit Raddison Blu Hotel here
8. Lifetime at One Chicago
While not exactly a pool, this lavish lifetime facility also comes with a large pool, an upper deck with two hot tubs, and multiple bars spread across the outside. Whether you want to rent a cabana or a double seater or doze off on a lounge chair, you can do it all here. What stands out the most is the separation between upstairs and down—whether you need alone time or loud music, you can have the best of both worlds.
📍 Address: 15 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60654
💵 Price: Member or 1-Day Member Pass
📲 Website: Visit Lifetime here
9. DoubleTree MagMile
While the MagMile is where you can go on the ultimate shopping spree, it’s also the quintessential place to lounge on a roof deck and take in Chicago’s exquisite skyline. The DoubleTree MagMile boasts a spacious outdoor pool and lounge deck. It’s one of the more affordable hotels in Chicago, so if you’re looking for a staycation combined with a pool—look no further.
📍 Address: 300 E Ohio St, Chicago, IL 60611
💵 Price: Guests only
📲 Website: Visit DoubleTree MagMile here
10. Fitness Formula Clubs (FFC) West Loop
FFC West Loop, located right by Fulton Market, not only offers the best in group fitness, Pilates, and personal training but also features rooftop pools for guests!
📍 Address: 10 S Clinton St, Chicago, IL 60661
💵 Price: Guests only
📲 Website: Visit Fitness Formula Clubs (FFC) West Loop here