InterContinental Chicago Hotel, Chicago

Erected in 1929, during Chicago's skyscraper heyday, this hotel is a captivating blend of architectural influences, including Egyptian, Greek, Art Deco, Gothic, and medieval styles. The result is an impressive tower with various intricately carved segments crowned by a dome gilded in gold leaf. Neo-Egyptian low reliefs are carved into three sides of the façade, showcasing masons on the south, builders on the north, and architects presenting a model of the building to the Pharaoh on the west. Originally serving as the Medinah Athletic Club, this 42-story marvel housed a boxing arena, an archery range, and an Olympic-sized swimming pool, which is still intact.

While you're in the vicinity, be sure to swing by the concierge desk, where you can grab an iPod for an audio tour of the original Athletic Club's public spaces. In under half an hour, this tour will lead you to some captivating interior rooms, each exuding a flamboyant and elegant charm steeped in romantic historical ambiance. The Grand Ballroom boasts a centerpiece that's no lightweight – a 12,000-pound Baccarat crystal chandelier, the largest of its kind in North America. There's also a more masculine "smoking lounge" with heavy timbering, lavish stained glass, and a hand-painted ceiling that tells tales of King Arthur and Parsifal.

There is a lot more to see here – last but not least, the elevated full-size indoor pool holding a staggering 120,000 gallons of water and named after Johnny Weissmuller, the famous Olympic athlete and actor who honed his skills in it. The pool's blue Spanish majolica tiles and terra-cotta fountain of Neptune remain unchanged and will make a trip here even more worthwhile. And if you need a caffeine fix or fancy a steak, you're in luck – there's a Starbucks and Michael Jordan's Steak House on the ground level. Plus, just around the corner, you'll find Garrett’s Popcorn and the NBC studios for a well-rounded experience.