Chicago Spas Guide

Along the Magnificent Mile in downtown Chicago, the Five-Star, Five-Diamond award-winning Peninsula Chicago blends the luxury brand's Far Eastern graciousness and trademark sophistication with Midwest hospitality. ESPA holistic treatments and exclusive wellness ceremonies are taken at the two-story Peninsula Spa, and other hotel enticements include the Pen Academy Program for kids, the four-star Avenues restaurant and an indoor pool overlooking the cityscape.

Explore Chicago

The third most popular city in the U.S., with 9.8 million inhabitants, Chicago has brought a wealth of notable political, pop culture and sports icons to the world, and though we may be biased, we think the immense array of spa and wellness locations is up to par as well in this inviting Midwestern city along Lake Michigan's southwestern shores. Sightsee, then spa - you have a variety to select from.

Spa Chicago

Like NYC and L.A., the Chicago spa scene is a vast compilation of wellness, fitness and beauty businesses, from day, med and mobile spas to yoga and barre method studios to salons and more. Chicago's hotel spas, catering to both leisure and business travelers, include high-end properties like Peninsula, Trump and Waldorf Astoria; the Trump furthers the wellbeing experience with select spa guest rooms that include use of a personal nutritionist.

Places to Go

Chicago attracts 40 million visitors annually, and it's easy to see why: This walkable city hosts landmarks such as Willis Tower, John Hancock Observatory and Millennium Park (Chicago is home to 500-plus parks, with 19 miles of lakefront bike paths), and sports fans can cheer on their favorite teams at sites like the legendary Wrigley Field. There are more than 200 theaters and art galleries to explore, and the Magnificent Mile's lined with upscale shops.

Best Time to Visit

When it comes to Chicago's climate, what comes to mind, is well, windy, right? Chicago's weather pattern is so much more than that, however, as the city experiences four distinct seasons. Summers are humid and hot, while winters are cold (and yes, windy) with ample snowfall. The best seasons to visit may be spring and autumn, which can be quite mild and lovely, with low humidity.

Food for Thought

Chicago caters to all types of foodies offering everything from several Michelin-Star restaurants to the Taste of Chicago festival held annually in Grant Park. Regional dishes to be sure you try include the famous deep-dish pizza (Chicago-style thin crust is also found on most pizza menus here), as well as the Chicago-style hot dog topped with various fixings, giardiniera included.

U.S. spas typically expect a gratuity of 15-20% for a treatment provided; check with the spa in advance, as many accept cash tips only and some include gratuity in the price. Leave tips at the reception desk, which will have gratuity envelopes that will be passed along to the therapist. If you've had services from more than one therapist, leave a separate tip for each one. Find more spa etiquette advice here.

SpaFinder^® Wellness Partners in Chicago

SpaFinder Wellness is proud to have the following spas in our network: the Five-Diamond and Forbes Five-Star Peninsula Chicago; the über-stylish, boutique-style dana hotel and spa; the historic Wicker Park district's Ruby Room Inn Spa Salon Shop; and the Five-Diamond urban Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago. See more Chicago spas in the SpaFinder Wellness network, and discover which Chicago wellness locations accept SpaFinder Wellness Gift Cards.