Worth a stay just for its superb location, the Hotel 71 also has a friendly staff, good amenities and generously sized rooms. Standing along the south side of the Chicago River, just a long block from Michigan Avenue, the hotel sports an outdoor cafe for breakfast through nightcaps. There's a small lobby with separate business center and a bar-restaurant on the other side of the guest elevators. Rooms are ridiculously spacious and sparsely but tastefully furnished. If possible, get a river room—the view, including some of Chicago's most iconic buildings, is worth every dollar.