What to pack for a Chicago stay (seasonal checklist)
Pack layered clothing for Chicago’s variable weather and include smart-casual outfits for Rebar and Terrace 16. Bring swimwear and a gym outfit for The Spa at Trump (75-foot heated indoor pool and 24-hour fitness), plus travel documents, chargers, and any child- or pet-specific items you need.
In this guide
Seasonal essentials at a glance
Chicago weather changes by season and can shift during a single day. Pack layers you can add or remove, and include a compact umbrella for sudden showers.
If you plan to spend time outdoors along the Chicago Riverwalk or on the Magnificent Mile, comfortable walking shoes and a windproof outer layer help most months.
- Year-round: layers, umbrella, comfortable walking shoes, power bank
- Cold months (Nov–Mar): warm coat, hat, gloves, insulated boots
- Warm months (May–Sep): breathable shirts, sun hat, light jacket for evenings
- Rainy/shoulder months (Mar–May, Sep–Nov): waterproof jacket and quick-dry clothes
| Season | Typical temps & features | Pack |
|---|---|---|
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Cold; possible snow and subfreezing temps | Heavy coat, insulated boots, layers |
| Spring (Mar–May) | Cool and windy; rainy spells | Light raincoat, sweater, umbrella |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Warm to hot; occasional storms | Shorts, breathable tops, light rain layer |
| Fall (Sep–Nov) | Cooler evenings, pleasant daytime in early fall | Layering pieces, light jacket, closed shoes |
What to bring for your room and comfort
Guest rooms and suites include minibars and espresso makers, and the hotel provides complimentary Wi‑Fi in rooms and public areas (premium high-speed internet is available for a fee). Pack any specialty power adapters, laptop chargers, or small travel accessories you need.
If you have a specific room type preference, note the exact room names when booking: Deluxe Room, City View; Deluxe Suite, 1 Bedroom, City View; Executive Room, Lake View; Deluxe Room (Spa Grand); Grand Deluxe Lake View Two Bedroom Suite; Superior Room, and others listed by the hotel.
- Electronics: phone and laptop chargers, adapters, headphones
- Comfort: sleep mask, earplugs, small travel humidifier if you need one
- Food/health: any prescription meds, travel-size toiletries (hotel provides amenities), favorite snacks
| Room feature | What you might still pack |
|---|---|
| Minibar & espresso maker | Your preferred coffee pods or sweeteners |
| Complimentary Wi‑Fi | Ethernet cable or hotspot if you need guaranteed high speed |
| Spa-floor rooms (note) | Pets are not allowed in spa-floor rooms — bring pet documents if applicable |
Spa, pool and fitness gear
The Spa at Trump is a 23,000-square-foot facility on the spa floor with a 75-foot heated indoor pool, eucalyptus steam room, sauna, and a 24-hour fitness club. Pool hours are 6:00am–10:00pm; spa treatments run 8:00am–8:00pm.
Bring swimwear, flip-flops, and a light robe or cover-up if you prefer your own. Note that children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian in spa and fitness areas, and spa treatments are not available for children under 12.
- Swimsuit, quick-dry towel (hotel provides towels but some guests prefer their own)
- Waterproof phone pouch, goggles, reusable water bottle
- Gym shoes, workout clothes, resistance band or travel mat if you need specific equipment
| Facility | Bring |
|---|---|
| Indoor pool (75-foot) | Swimsuit, flip-flops, goggles |
| Fitness club (open 24 hours) | Workout shoes, shorts/athletic wear |
| Spa treatments (8:00am–8:00pm) | Photo ID, any medical notes, swimsuit for pool access |
Dining, dress code and reservations
On-site dining includes Terrace 16 (seasonal New American on the 16th floor with an outdoor terrace) and Rebar (Neo-Japanese bar and lounge on the Mezzanine). Both recommend reservations, especially on weekends.
Dress codes: Terrace 16 asks for business and chic casual attire; Rebar maintains a smart casual standard (polished casual rather than athletic wear or beachwear). Pack at least one polished outfit if you plan to dine or enjoy evening drinks.
- Smart-casual outfit for Rebar and Terrace 16 evenings
- Light layers for Terrace 16’s outdoor terrace (it overlooks the Chicago River and Lake Michigan)
- Comfortable shoes for walking to nearby dining options along the Magnificent Mile and Riverwalk
| Venue | Hours (as listed by hotel) | Dress note |
|---|---|---|
| Terrace 16 | Breakfast/brunch/lunch/dinner; dinner daily 4:00pm–11:00pm | Business / chic casual |
| Rebar | Dinner daily 5:00pm–10:30pm; bar hours vary to 11:00pm–1:00am | Smart casual |
| Rebar Experiential Tasting Lounge | By reservation only | Polished attire recommended |
Traveling with family or pets
Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago welcomes children of all ages. Up to three children 17 and under can stay free using existing bedding. The Trump Kids program includes a children’s beverage menu, kids’ robes and slippers, and pool access (some items and activities may carry additional fees).
The hotel is pet-friendly for dogs under 25 lbs with a one-time pet fee of $125, limit two pets per room, and pet amenities such as bowls and beds are available. Pets are not permitted in spa-floor rooms.
- For children: swim toys, favorite snacks, any necessary car seats or strollers
- For pets: proof of vaccination if required by your carrier, small pet bed, travel bowls
- Bring photo ID and the credit card used to guarantee the reservation — the lead guest must be 21+ to check in
| Service | Notes |
|---|---|
| Kids program | Trump Kids features menus, robes, and family spa options (extra fees may apply) |
| Pool policy | Guests under 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian |
| Pet policy | Pets under 25 lbs; one-time $125 fee; max two pets per room |
Business travel and meeting essentials
The hotel offers extensive meeting and event space, including the Grand Ballroom, Skyline Room, and an Executive Boardroom. If you’re attending meetings or hosting an event, bring business attire and any presentation adapters, spare batteries, or printed materials you need.
Meeting rooms have AV capabilities but confirm specifics with the hotel or your event contact. The hotel’s concierge and meeting teams can help arrange transport, catering at Terrace 16 or Rebar, and audiovisual support.
- Pack business/professional outfits and comfortable shoes for event days
- Bring HDMI/USB adapters, portable charger, and a small surge protector
- Have digital copies of presentations and a backup USB drive
| Space | Useful packing note |
|---|---|
| Executive Boardroom | Smaller meetings — still bring adaptors and printed agendas |
| Grand Ballroom / Skyline Room | Large events — confirm AV and staging needs with event team |
| In-room work | Bring laptop charger, travel mouse, and noise-cancelling headphones |
Documents, money and practical extras
Bring a government-issued photo ID and the credit card used to guarantee your reservation — these are required at check-in and for incidental charges. Cash is not accepted for the reservation guarantee.
Confirm parking needs before arrival (self-parking and valet are available for a surcharge). If you need airport transfers or special arrangements, the Trump Attaché concierge service can assist with transportation bookings.
- ID and credit card in lead guest’s name (lead guest must be 21+ to check in)
- Printed or digital copy of your reservation and any dining or spa confirmations
- Parking instructions or confirmations if you plan to use self-parking or valet
| Item | Why |
|---|---|
| Government photo ID | Required at check-in |
| Credit card (lead guest) | Reservation guarantee and incidental charges |
| Reservation confirmations | Dining, spa or event bookings may be useful to present |
