Destination Guide: Chicago

First-time visitors to Chicago can't go wrong with the hotels in Lakeshore East, the Loop and River North — all have notable fitness amenities and are central to shopping and sightseeing. Though the South Loop seems a little removed from the action, the neighborhood is close to Museum Campus and Millennium Park.

Lake-lovers should consider the establishments listed under Near North: You can walk to the beach from all three hotels. Architecture buffs might like the Peninsula or the Public: Close to the 1,127-foot-high John Hancock Center, with its observation deck, both hotels are also convenient for exploring the Old Town Triangle Historic District and the 19th-century mansions of the Gold Coast.

If you have Cubs tickets or simply want to tour 99-year-old ballpark Wrigley Field, stay in Lincoln Park or Lakeview. These northern 'hoods are also home to bars, restaurants and intimate theater companies like Steppenwolf, Theatre Wit and Victory Gardens. The lodgings in this category are near public transportation and either have access to a gym or are located near green space.

*Note that low-season starting rates can easily double during busy times.

Lakeshore East

Radisson Blu Aqua Fitness is king at this sleek hotel inside the Aqua, a tower famous for its rippling, wavelike balconies. Swing kettlebells in the gym, shoot hoops on the basketball half-court or practice your breaststroke in the 25-yard swimming pool. The jaw-dropping 80,000-square-foot terrace features an outdoor pool, Jacuzzi and a 1/5-mile running track. In inclement weather, you can even navigate the Pedway (Chicago’s system of underground tunnels) from the lobby all the way to Macy’s, six blocks away on State Street! Millennium Park is close, and a short walk will take you to the docks for the architecture river tour (during which guides will enthusiastically point out… the Aqua). From $160.

Loop & South Loop

Essex Inn On a budget? There may be no better deal than this overhauled hotel across from Grant Park. The rooftop fitness area and landscaped sundeck are made for both lounging and lifting, with a well-equipped gym, a sizable pool ringed with chaises — and even a small library cart. Each room has an empty mini fridge (stock it with your healthy go-tos). Take the one-way shuttle to the Art Institute, Navy Pier, the John Hancock Center and Museum Campus. There’s free Wi-Fi, and the in-house Brasserie by LM offers Plan-friendly items like an egg-white omelet and salmon with citrus vinaigrette. From $89.

Palmer House Hilton Every city needs a grande dame, and this gilded 1873 hotel fits the bill. Stretch your neck as you gawk at the opulent ceiling frescoes, then stretch the rest of your body in the full gym with lots of natural light. Regular classes in everything from dance to body-weight bootcamp are included in the $10 fee (free for Silver, Gold, or Diamond Hilton HHonors members). Note: the modest pool is not for laps. From $159.

Wyndham Grand At this property on the banks of the Chicago River, if you snag a room facing the water, you could end up with one of the most breathtaking views in the city. If not, the fitness center has guaranteed views and is open 24 hours. Feeling flush? Book one of four Fitness Suites: At 780 square feet, each comes with a yoga mat and fitness DVDs — and either an elliptical machine or a treadmill. Originally intended as condos, the Premier units have a more residential feel. All guest rooms boast mini fridges and complimentary Wi-Fi. From $129.

River North
The James Fido and Junior are both welcome at this family- and pet-friendly hotel. In the lobby, the complimentary orange bicycles are a reminder that fitness and fun go together (kids' bikes are also available, as are loaner car seats, kids’ books and movies, and Nintendo Wii). The 2,000-square-foot gym is good for strength-training, and you can also book a session with Jim Karas trainers. Reserve an apartment suite or penthouse and you can arrange in-room sessions with Lululemon ambassadors; everyone else is free to reserve a spot in the 4.25-mile guided City Running Tour. David Burke's Primehouse, the on-site meatery, offers plenty of seafood, a petit filet at lunch, and a kids’ menu. From $179.

Hotel Palomar At this laid-back, contemporary boutique hotel, health-minded early birds can go “Running with the Manager” Tuesdays at 6:15 a.m. or take in a Barre Bee Fit class (a blend of yoga and pilates) on the terrace. In colder months, tune your TV to the in-room yoga channel and call down for a kit, complete with yoga mat, block and strap, or visit the 24-hour gym and lap pool. Loaner bikes and in-room spa services round out the amenities. Nightly happy hour in the lobby includes complimentary wine. Room service features light options developed by Today show nutrition expert Joy Bauer. From $169.

Near North

The Peninsula The wellness theme at this elegant skyscraper resort extends to every detail, from spa treatments to healthful menu options at its three restaurants. There are more than 30 fitness classes per week (including BOSU blast and aqua Pilates), a 25-meter lap pool and an intimate gym with city views (the vibrating Power Plate machine is said to stimulate muscle contractions). The spa menu is available through room service. Non-guests who book two hours of spa services can use the fitness facilities at no charge. From $395.

Public Ian Schrager’s boutique stunner, with bright white guest rooms and a trendy lobby lounge , is a glamorous home base for exploring Oak Street Beach and the Gold Coast. Though the fitness center is open 24 hours, guests also have access to nearby David Barton Gym, as well as free bikes for cycling the lakefront trail. (The Marilyn Monroe suite has its own treadmill.) From $150.

Embassy Suites Downtown/Lakefront This all-suite hotel — each unit has a microwave, fridge and separate living room — is a good bet for groups and families who plan to hit the Navy Pier or a cruise out of Ogden Slip. Stock the fridge with groceries from the market across the street, or grab a bite at nearby gourmet grocer Fox & Obel. Hotel amenities include a lap pool and gym, and Bobby’s Bike Hike — with its bike tours and rentals — is a mere block away. From $109.

Villa d’Citta This Lincoln Park B&B inside an updated 1887 graystone will make you feel like one lucky local, with access to a communal kitchen, fireplace and sundeck with hot tub. On the patio, a grill and smoker await your alfresco cooking skills. Guests can play tennis or baseball in nearby Oz Park or head east to the trails in Lincoln Park. Attention, shoppers: For a parade of boutiques, turn right as you exit the inn on Halstead Street. A five-minute walk south is Lululemon, with its free Sunday Salutations yoga class. Rates from $154.

Days Inn Chicago Lincoln Park Located on busy but convenient Diversey Parkway, this breakfast-included Days Inn is famous for once hosting musicians like Alanis Morissette and Kurt Cobain early in their careers. There’s a small workout room, but guests can also get passes to the LA Fitness around the corner. The larger Business Place units have microwaves and fridges (head across the street to Trader Joe’s to stock up). Stay here and you’re a short stroll from Lincoln Park’s year-round Diversey Driving Range. Aross the street from the range you can rent a Schwinn and pedal the nearby lakefront. From $100.