In the world of Chicago rooftop bars and pools, there are two you should definitely check out: THE VICEROY CHICAGO pool and THE ROBEY CABANA CLUB pool. Summer season may be coming to a close soon, but there is still time to lounge poolside, drink in hand.
Below are the latest picks for best hotel pools in Chicago. They just happen to be a couple of the best rooftop bars in Chicago as well. Bonus!
VICEROY CHICAGO POOL + DEVEREAUX
From the street, my first impression of the Viceroy Chicago is charming, unassuming even. Set off the street in a bustling neighborhood, you enter through the original facade of what used to be the Cedar Hotel. You almost don’t notice the very modern 18-story tower shooting up behind it.
There’s a sense of adventure in finding your way up, and once you do, you’ll finally arrive at the hotel’s rooftop bar, Devereaux. The bar is a great place for drinks and snacks anytime of day, open to the public and hotel guests alike. Hotel guests take note: You’ll be walking through a popular rooftop bar on your way to the pool deck, so strut confidently through in your swimwear, or consider donning a nice caftan.
The pool deck has a fresh feel, with white modern furniture, designer pool loungers, and tastefully placed greenery. Grab the lounger by the corner with greenery. It’s the best seat in the house, complete with a nice view of the city skyline. The margaritas are fresh – made with lemon juice. Not my usual recipe, but a tasty beverage nonetheless. The bar bites were delicious – I’m a sucker for fries by the pool, and these don’t disappoint. The service was exceptional, with servers hustling around making sure everyone was comfortable. The Viceroy Chicago rooftop pool has the recipe down for a perfect afternoon of lounging.
THE ROBEY + CABANA CLUB POOL
It started out a cold and rainy day, then the clouds parted as if the sky was trying to squeeze out the last bits of summer. Ok, a bit dramatic, but still, that sun, as always, put a smile on my face. Vitamin D is good for the body AND the soul. Last day in Chicago and I jet out to Wicker Park to find The Cabana Club – the rooftop bar and pool at The Robey. I find the door to The Robey just off the main drag. Look closely, or you might miss it. After heading up the elevator I find myself on the 6th floor, sunbeams calling my name.
It’s 2pm, so not crowded – totally chill. More patrons start to pop in around 3. Bartender is the server, offering excellent service, tasty bites and a decent margarita. Everyone’s in their jeans like me, likely surprised that it would be warm. But it was HOT. Cabana Club might be keeping summer alive on that cute little rooftop!
It’s more of a chill space for drinks and a dip- very few options to be horizontal, but lots of seating and a tiny pool. Tiny, but hey – as long as there’s a body of water, I can hang. The pool is technically only available for hotel guests, but even they may have to take turns because of the size…
Cabana Club is seasonal and closing at the end of September, so make your way there for one last tostada and to say thank you for adding another desperately needed poolside lounging experience in Chicago. Happy summer!
