Does the Kimpton Gray Hotel have a swimming pool?

No, the Kimpton Gray Hotel doesn’t have a pool.

Does the Kimpton Gray Hotel have a gym?

Yes, the Kimpton Gray Hotel features a gym equipped with weight and cardio machines, including Peloton bikes.

Who should stay at the Kimpton Gray?

The Kimpton Gray Hotel is ideal for both business and leisure travelers. Families with children, couples, solo travelers, and groups of friends would all have a great stay at the hotel.

Does the Kimpton Gray have yoga mats in the room?

Yes, the Kimpton Gray Hotel does have yoga mats in the rooms.

5 Things To Know About IHG’s Kimpton Gray Hotel in Chicago [Review]

Updated: January 29, 2026, 8:45am CST

Edited by:

Jump to Section

Table of Contents

1. It’s a Relaxing Hangout Spot
2. Rooms Are Quirky and Comfortable
3. The Location Is Perfect for Both Tourists and Business Travelers
4. Skip the Overpriced Parking and Breakfast
5. It’s Family Friendly, and the Hotel Welcomes Kids, Pets, and All Types of Travelers
Final Thoughts

We may be compensated when you click on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

Chicago has numerous hotels, and for my most recent trip, I was seeking one that met a few key requirements. I had an IHG free night certificate and wanted to be close to all the main tourist attractions, while also being relatively close to the United Center to catch an NBA game.

The nearby InterContinenal Chicago intrigued me thanks to its famous indoor pool, but I didn’t feel like swimming in the cold winter weather, and the hotel was further north than I wanted to be, so I instead booked the Kimpton Gray Hotel, which felt more modern and was closer to both the United Center and the West Loop, where I was hoping to head for an intimate, pregame dinner.

My stay was pleasant, but there are definitely a few things to know about booking, especially if you want to save on extras like breakfast and parking. Here are 5 things you should know if you plan to stay at Kimpton Gray Hotel in Chicago.

1. It’s a Relaxing Hangout Spot

Chicago isn’t my favorite destination in the winter for an obvious reason: It’s usually freezing. And this past December 2025 was no different. It was about 11 degrees Fahrenheit outside, so my 1-night stay at the Kimpton Gray Hotel ended up being a mini staycation.

Kimpton the Gray entrance — The entrance was understated but welcoming.

My 4-year-old son was home with family we were visiting for the holidays in the suburbs, and my husband and I decided to use my IHG free night award (a perk that comes with my IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card) to stay in the city, have a nice dinner together (with no one complaining about vegetables or throwing a monster truck across the table), and catch a Chicago Bulls game.

LIMITED-TIME OFFER

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

U.P. Rating

The perfect card for IHG fans, offering a free night every year, automatic Platinum Elite status, and your fourth night free on award stays.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

The perfect card for IHG fans, offering a free night every year, automatic Platinum Elite status, and your fourth night free on award stays.

Welcome OfferEarn 140,000 175,000 Bonus Points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
140,000 175,000 Bonus Points

UP's Offer Valuation*:
$875

Annual Fee

$99

APR

19.24% - 27.74% Variable

Credit Recommended

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

If you regularly visit IHG hotels throughout the year, then the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card is probably a perfect card to have in your wallet.

The IHG Premier card offers a great bundle of perks and benefits, including automatic Platinum elite status, an annual free night certificate, and travel protections.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Up to 26x points per $1 on IHG stays
5x points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, at gas stations, and restaurants
3x points per $1 on all other purchases

Cons

$99 annual fee
Does not earn transferable points

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

Limited Time Offer! Earn 175,000 Bonus Points
Enjoy an Anniversary Free Night at IHG Hotels & Resorts. Plus, enjoy a fourth reward night free when you redeem points for a consecutive four-night IHG^® hotel stay.
Earn up to 26 total points per $1 spent when you stay at IHG Hotels & Resorts
Earn 5 points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, at gas stations, and restaurants. Earn 3 points per $1 spent on all other purchases
Automatic Platinum Elite status as long as you remain a Premier cardmember
Global Entry, TSA PreCheck^® or NEXUS Statement Credit of up to $120 every 4 years as reimbursement for the application fee charged to your card
IHG One Rewards Bonus points are redeemable at Hotels & Resorts such as InterContinental^®, Crowne Plaza^®, Kimpton^®, EVEN^® Hotels, Indigo^® Hotels & Holiday Inn^®
Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

APR: 19.24% - 27.74% Variable
Foreign Transaction Fees: None

All that said, I could have spent the entire day in the lobby of the Kimpton Gray Hotel. It was so cold outside that our plans to ice skate, wander the Loop, or visit the Christkindlmarket were foiled.

Kimpton the Gray holiday cheer — I felt the holiday cheer at the Kimpton Gray Hotel.

Instead, my husband and I wandered the common areas of this art deco hotel, admiring the original Chicago Elevator Company gold elevators, the large marble stairs, and the holiday decorations before dinner.

Kimpton the Gray Elevators — The golden elevators.

The lobby itself, which was on the second floor, was warm and inviting, and not just because of the fireplace and sparkling Christmas tree that gave the space holiday cheer.

Kimpton the Gray lobby tree and chess — I could have spent forever in this hotel lobby.

There were velvet sofas and soft leather chairs set in tiny, semiprivate areas, ideal for waiting for check-in, having a coffee, or just relaxing.

Kimpton the Gray private lobby space — These cute areas in the living room (aka the lobby) were private and serene.

The large windows let in plenty of light, and I wished I’d brought a book.

Kimpton the Gray lobby seating — The lobby felt airy, even at dusk.

There was even a cute co-working space I would have liked to work from — but this trip was all leisure.

Kimpton Co working Space — The lobby co-working space was perfect for my laptop, but I was there for leisure.

Like many other Kimpton properties, the Kimpton Gray Hotel offers a happy hour from 5 to 6 pm, featuring complimentary wine in the living room, which is what the lobby is called (and that’s really what it felt like, a living room).

Kimpton the Gray Christmas tree — The lobby was relaxing and welcoming.

The bar next door, Vol. 39, was super cute and cozy, thanks to its theming as a kind of private social club or dark and dashing library. The floor-to-ceiling, backlit bookshelves inspired conversation.

Volume 39 Bar at the Kimpton Gray — Vol. 39 had bookshelves that inspired conversation.

Unfortunately, the season meant I couldn’t visit the rooftop bar, Boleo, though I would have liked to, especially because I know it would have offered gorgeous views of Chicago’s skyscrapers. I did notice that the bar and restaurant often featured live music.

Hot Tip:

Winter rates at the Kimpton Gray Hotel hovered slightly above $200. Since my IHG Premier card’s annual fee is $99, I consider a free night at any hotel that costs more than that a win, especially since I usually get an upgrade thanks to the IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite status that comes with my card.

2. Rooms Are Quirky and Comfortable

In summer 2025, I stayed at the hotel next door, the Hyatt Centric The Loop Chicago, and while we had a much better view from our room there, the design of the rooms at the Kimpton Gray Hotel was a lot more personal and fun, starting with the giant light fixtures, light blue curtains and room door, and flowered wallpaper lining the closet.

Bed and light fixture Kimpton the Gray — The oversized lighting was a nice touch.

There was even artwork in the bathroom that said “Keep Calm, It’s Just Garlic,” which I didn’t fully understand, but it made the stay more interesting.

Bathroom Kimpton the Gray — The bathroom had lively decor.

Because we received very little natural light in the room (a definite drawback for a longer stay, especially in the summer), I slept very well — the comfortable mattress and pale blue blackout shades were a great help.

Bedroom Kimpton the Gray — The bedroom was cute but lacked light, regardless of whether the shades were open or closed.

Since it got dark around 4:30 p.m. in late December, I didn’t mind the lack of light so much, but I know this would have bothered me if I were staying longer than just a night or visiting during the summer months, when I would have appreciated more natural light.

Building Across the Way — We were only a few feet away from this building, so I closed the shades for privacy.

It’s also worth noting that when the blinds were open, the room looked directly into another building and down into an alleyway. So, for privacy, we kept them closed during our stay. Since there was virtually no natural light anyway, I didn’t mind keeping the shades shut.

Alleyway at Kimpton — I realized after walking around that this is the alley our room looked into. The lack of natural light made sense now.

3. The Location Is Perfect for Both Tourists and Business Travelers

The Kimpton Gray Hotel is in the heart of the Loop in downtown Chicago, offering easy access to museums, theaters, parks, train stations, L stops, shopping, restaurants, and numerous other attractions, including Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower) and the Magnificent Mile.

Area around the Kimpton the Gray — The hotel is in the heart of Chicago’s Loop.

Had the weather been nicer or if I’d had an extra day for wandering, I would have loved to ice skate in nearby Millennium Park or visit one of my favorite cultural attractions, the Art Institute of Chicago, both of which are within walking distance.

Zone around the Kimpton Gray — There’s plenty to do and see within walking distance.

Business travelers should appreciate the proximity to the Loop’s many office buildings, co-working spaces, and more.

4. Skip the Overpriced Parking and Breakfast

Valet parking (with in-and-out privileges) costs $83 per night, which is fairly average in the city. However, I recommend skipping that and downloading the ParkWhiz app instead, which offers discounted parking rates in nearby garages and lots.

After digging through reviews of parking garages and lots (I definitely recommend reading reviews, as some garages are sketchier than others), I selected a garage about 2 blocks away at 131 S. Dearborn St., which offered 24 hours of parking for just $41. Additionally, the garage featured some of the safest and nicest elevators I’ve seen in a Chicago parking garage, which I appreciated (I’m accustomed to the type of Chicago parking garage elevator that’s so creepy you’d rather walk up the stairs).

Breakfast wasn’t included in my rate, since I used my IHG free night, and it’s not a benefit of Platinum Elite status. When I looked at the à la carte menu for La Bella, the Italian restaurant that serves breakfast for the hotel, I estimated I would have spent around $35 to $50 on breakfast for each of us.

Le Bella Restaurant — La Bella looked cute, but I went elsewhere for breakfast at a better price.

I skipped that, heading a block away to my preferred breakfast spot, Goddess and the Baker, where I spent about $40 to $45 total for eggs, avocado toast, and lattes for both of us.

Hot Tip:

There’s a Starbucks in the same building as the hotel, so if you’re in a rush or want a more affordable breakfast or a quick dose of caffeine, just head downstairs and pop in.

5. It’s Family Friendly, and the Hotel Welcomes Kids, Pets, and All Types of Travelers

Although the hotel was missing some amenities I love, like a coffee maker or electric kettle in the room, I can’t ignore some of the other amenities that made me feel welcome.

First off, the hot chocolate station was the perfect respite from the windy, snowy, freezing Chicago weather. I loved adding the tiny marshmallows, and although I was traveling with my husband, my 4-year-old would have adored this welcoming touch.

Hot chocolate station at the Kimpton Gray — All travelers could use a hot chocolate after a wintry Chicago day out and about.

I also loved the board game section in the lobby. It was in an area called a kids corner, but I personally can’t resist a good game of Scrabble, and I think this amenity is appealing to both kids and adults.

Kimpton the Gray kiddie corner — The kiddie corner games were apt for both children and adults.

I made time to use the decently large and well-equipped hotel gym, too. I appreciated the Peloton bikes — it was the first time my husband used one, and he ended up a big fan.

Kimpton Gray gym — The gym was spacious and had plenty of equipment.

I also would have been happy to use this gym if I were traveling for work or on my own. It contributed to the idea that this hotel catered to a diverse range of travelers.

Finally, in line with the Kimpton brand’s general attitude toward pets, this particular property was extremely pet-friendly, going beyond just allowing pets in rooms and even providing a designated space for them to snack and drink water in the reception area while their owners check in.

Hot Tip:

The IHG Premier card offers perks like a generous welcome offer, Platinum Elite status, and room upgrade when available, making it a worthwhile card to get if you frequently stay at Kimpton or other IHG-branded hotels.

Final Thoughts

The Kimpton Gray Hotel is a comfortable, well-located hotel ideal for business travelers, couples, families with children and pets, and solo travelers. The hotel has a rich history and character, as many Chicago buildings do, and I enjoyed the amenities, such as the hot chocolate station and the gym. I also got a comfortable sleep, but if I were going for a longer period or during the brighter months, I would definitely ask for a higher-level room that lets in more daylight.