The Pool at The Peninsula Chicago

"The pool, surrounded by glass and offering jaw-dropping views, is quite simply the best in town, while the fitness center is the place to sweat and be seen"

"The hotel takes up a full city block, and you could spend days sampling all of the offerings: tea service by day, a chocolate buffet Friday and Saturday night, three onsite restaurants, a large gym, an indoor pool, 30 different fitness classes, the spa, and, in the winter, a skating rink, which donates all proceeds to charity"

"View the entire 2011 Gold List of the world's best places to stay › Also appeared in the Gold List in 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005 Amenities: Pool, Spa"

"One of three American branches of the venerable Hong Kong–based chain, Chicago's Peninsula features a rooftop lap pool enclosed in a Zen aerie with stunning views"

"The Peninsula Chicago, a classic 339-room Chicago hotel right on the Magnificent Mile, exudes elegance and luxury -- from the bright and welcoming interior decor, to the immaculate indoor pool and sunbathing terrace"

"Enjoy “Asian allure with Midwestern hospitality” at this “world-class” outpost of the Hong Kong chain, replete with “large”, “richly appointed” rooms (and bathrooms with marble fixtures and TVs at the foot of soaking tubs that some say “are worth the price alone”); though it's located “steps away” from the Magnificent Mile, there may be no need to leave this "magical" place thanks to an on-site spa, rooftop Olympic pool and terrace with “spectacular” views, and four “phenomenal” restaurants -- “if you can swing the price, you won't be disappointed"

"Be sure to check out the pool, set on the top floor of the tower: The glass-enclosed space comes with some of the best views of the city, and some serious eye candy to distract you from those morning laps"

"Two-story walls of glass enclose the pool, where you can swim after your essence-of-rubies spa facial"

"Large, light-filled rooms with French doors separating lounge and sleeping areas especially suit families with kids, as does the large indoor pool and hotel activities such Cantonese dim sum cooking lessons and weekend chocolate buffets"

"With tech-laden rooms, a view-tastic pool, luxurious spa and location smack bang in the middle of the fancy commercial district, who can blame them?"