Best Bath Houses in Chicago

"Richly appointed guest rooms with sophisticated furnishings, fireplaces, and massive bathrooms welcome guests at the Waldorf Astoria Chicago. Situated in the Gold Coast neighborhood, this five-star, pet-friendly property offers 215 elegant rooms and suites with balconies overlooking the Lake Michigan shoreline. Take advantage of the on-site health club offering pilates and gyrotonic classes, and the 14,000-square-foot Spa & Health Club complete with an indoor lap pool and treatments tailored for you."

"The award-winning Waldorf Astoria Spa and Health Club is one of Chicago’s best. Therapists tailor treatments to your physical and mental needs, with highlights including the lava shell massage and Waldorf cleanse body treatment. There’s also a variety of waxing, nail and men’s services available."

"Boasting Parisian-inspired elegance in downtown Chicago’s premier Gold Coast, the Waldorf Astoria Chicago offers luxury travelers an urban sanctuary featuring spacious apartment-style accommodation..."

"While Donald Trump is making headlines, the real story is taking place at his international hotel. The Terrace sits in the shadow of the Wrigley Building, giving it a daunting view of the majesty around it, but also serves color-changing cocktails infused with odd fruits from around the world for a drinking experience that is downright transcendent."

"The Four Seasons' Chicago upholds the chain's reputation for luxury and service and staff makes your visit an effortless experience. After a hotel-wide transformation, the limestone and glass building is home to spacious fully-appointed guest rooms as well as one-and-two bedroom suites and two-and-three bedroom apartment units (plus excellent views of the skyline and Lake Michigan). The hotel is family-friendly, with an indoor pool and visits from the Ice Cream Man."

"Now, Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts have been delivering on luxury for decades. So, it is most likely a brand you’ve heard of if you’re a true lifestyle enthusiast. And as expected, Chicago’s Four Seasons Spa is an absolute treasure."

"You’d have to try really hard to not be pampered at the Peninsula. From the opulent lap pool (its floor-to-ceiling views are worth Instagramming) to the facial treatments featuring Biologique Recherche (the holy grail of French skin care), everything is a little extra. We suggest you take it as a challenge and book not one but two treatments for a half-day retreat."

"With an indoor swimming pool, hot tub, cozy lounge by the fireplace, fitness center, and yoga room, The Peninsula Spa offers a wide range of amenities. They even carry an extensive menu of both current and classic treatments, from Hot-Stone to Bamboo massages. And they’re highly skilled and attentive, making sure that you leave totally revived."

"Source: Photo by Flickr user Lou Stejskal used under CC BY 2.0. The Peninsula Spa is the epitome of urban luxury. If you need to de-stress, relax or just let loose then you must visit this spa."

"Every treatment at the Langham’s Chuan Spa begins with a bathing ritual that progresses from herbal sauna to salt stone sauna to aromatherapy shower to chamomile steam room. The series boasts a range of benefits, like loosening muscles, opening the respiratory system and easing skin ailments. On the downside, it might take some of the glow off your normal morning shower-loofah routine."

"The view of the Chicago River is the crown jewel in the signature Chuan Spa, known for its serenity. The décor and treatments are based on an East-meets-West spa concept, with many of the services—massage, facials, and an array of well-known traditional Chinese medicine treatments, including cupping and acupuncture, designed to restore balance and increase overall energy."

"We hope your New Year resolutions are off to a wonderful start!. At Chuan Spa we are here to aid your recovery process. Take advantage of one of our signature massages for ultimate results."

"With its dramatic white draperies and warm uplighting, Allyu is the kind of place we’re tempted to loiter. So it’s a good thing that loitering, lingering and general lounging are encouraged for all spa guests. After your hot stone massage or chakra balancing, curl up in an armchair with an herbal tea and take it all in."

"Allyu Spa dedicates a tremendous effort to giving you a truly relaxing environment. Modern and luxurious, the spa is the ultimate getaway that doesn’t require a passport. They provide unique services, valuable to your health and wellbeing, and are designed to alleviate discomfort and stress symptoms."

"A post shared by Allyu Spa (@allyuspa) on Nov 22, 2016 at 10:18am PST. With an aim to ensure your well, the Allyu Spa is known for its therapeutic massages and treatments. They offer special massages and treatments for expecting mothers as well as couple massages and services."

"Restaurants Mediterranean Streeterville. This Oak Street Beach restaurant’s motto says it all: “Sustenance on the sand.” The seasonal destination has a surprisingly robust menu with options like fried calamari, coconut shrimp, a cheeseburger, fish tacos and chocolate molten lava cake—everything you need to soak up a few margaritas in the sun."

"Restaurants Mediterranean Streeterville. It doesn't get much more summery than the lakefront venue at Caffè Oliva, located on Ohio Street Beach. Cabana seating and light, seafood-heavy bites—think fish tacos and calamari—make for an almost resort-like feel (and views of the sandy lakeshore certainly don't hurt, either)."

"Located right on the lakefront, you can stick your toes in the sand as you admire the soaring skyline before you. It’s the perfect place to grab a bite while you’re hanging out at the tiny but less-crowded-than-North-Ave Ohio Street Beach, and there is no shortage of perspective of our vastly diverse Chicago architecture."

"Walk by the cashier and pass through two bars with old-school charm. Find a deep beer selection, classic cocktails, and even beer from the owners’ brewery, Marz. Food comes from Kimski, the Ko-Po fusion spot the meshes Korean and Polish, and Pizza Fried Chicken Ice Cream."

"Maria's has been in operation for years as what they call a 'slashie' - half tavern, half liquor store. Recently remodeled with recycled and refurbished hardwood floor-to-ceiling, this joint has been shaking up the Chicago suburbs ever since.[Learn more]"

"Don’t even bother coming to this homey Bridgeport staple if you’re not interested in making new friends and toasting to warm Chicago nights. There’s also outdoor seating at Kimski next door if you need a food-filled break from the bar."

"Located in one of Chicago’s quieter neighborhoods, Ada Street is a stylish and contemporary restaurant that serves New American-Mediterranean cuisine in a refined and elegant setting. Owners Michael Kornick and David Morton provide guests with a menu of Mediterranean-inspired dishes such as pan-seared Arctic char, grilled baby octopus, and agave glazed lamb ribs. Ada Street also has an eclectic selection of handcrafted cocktails, local and imported brews and beers on tap, and fine red and white wines."

"Twinkly nights and a pretty patio are pretty much a slam dunk for any successful date night, and Ada Street delivers on it all. Sit outside and share small plates in a cute little courtyard if you can, but know that the inside offers a similarly pleasant experience."

"If you weren’t actively looking for this restaurant, you wouldn’t find it. But you should look for it, because the food is delicious and the cozy interior is the perfect escape on a winter night."

"Known to many as QXY, this Chinatown mainstay is the dumpling authority of Chicago. Why we love it: When it comes to dumplings, we're of the mindset that more is always better. It's why we flock to QXY for the seemingly endless menu that details dozens of fillings that are sorted by protein—from pork and pickled cabbage to scallop and lotus root."

"The Chinatown restaurant won the Readers' Choice Award for Best Chinese Takeout. (E. Jason Wambsgans / Chicago Tribune). “Before the pandemic, we were not really focused on takeout,” says Jesse Li, general manager at QXY Dumplings in Chinatown."

"Great money wise and you get a huge variety of things to eat--not just Chinese food. Their Won Ton Soup is the bomb!"