Renaissance Blackstone Hotel Chicago

Housed in a 1910 beaux arts building across the street from Grant Park, this ornate hotel is 0.8 miles from natural history exhibits at the Field Museum. It's also a mile from Willis Tower.

Sophisticated rooms (some with lake views) offer flat-screens TVs, iPod docks and Wi-Fi (fee), as well as minifridges, coffeemakers and room service. Club rooms provide access to a lounge with complimentary continental breakfast and snacks. Suites add separate living spaces, and some have fireplaces.

There’s a contemporary Spanish restaurant and a coffee shop. Other amenities include a 24-hour exercise room, a business center and 9 meeting rooms.