Affinia Chicago Hotel
Fun perks like a pillow menu (magnetic therapy, buckwheat and down) characterize this chic hotel on the Mag Mile. Plus, its C-House Restaurant is destination dining. From $159 (312/787-6000; affinia.com).
Allerton Hotel
Though it has a 1920s redbrick Renaissance exterior, the Allerton's interior is contemporary, thanks to a recent renovation. Rooms at this Magnificent Mile spot are comfortable--not plush, but with a functional, calming aesthetic. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, iPod docking stations, pillow-top beds and 400-thread-count linens. From $129 (877/701-8111; theallertonhotel.com).
Best Western River North
This chain option is the only downtown hotel with free parking. A renovation is giving all of the rooms new styling, bedding, furniture and flat-screen TVs. From $95 (800/727-0800; rivernorthhotel.com).
Elysian
632. That's the square footage of a standard king room at this French-inspired boutique hotel known for lavish art, in-room fireplaces and marble baths. From $375 (800/500-8511; elysianhotels.com).
Embassy Suites Chicago-Downtown/Lakefront
A 10-minute walk from Navy Pier, this River North hotel completed an $11 million upgrade to its suites and fitness center. From $159, including breakfast (312/836-5900; chicagolakefront.embassysuites.com).
Hard Rock Hotel Chicago
Music fans love this salute to rock in the 1929 Carbide and Carbon Building on Michigan Avenue (artwork of The Who and other bands hangs throughout the building's 40 stories). From $159 (866/966-5166; hardrockhotelchicago.com).
Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza
This affordable chain hotel in River North recently completed a $20 million ecofriendly renovation. Every room has a view, as the hotel occupies the 14th through the 23rd floors (the 15th-floor CityScape bar is pictured at left). A skywalk connects to the Merchandise Mart. There's also an indoor swimming pool. From $103 (312/836-5000; martplaza.com).
Hotel Allegro
A renovated landmark in the Loop's theater district blends vibrant colors with original Art Deco design. From $139 (866/672-6143; allegrochicago.com).
Hotel Felix
Opened in 2009 after extensive renovation, this River North-area hotel combines a 1927 Beaux Arts brick building with functional, contemporary furnishings. An earthy design palette and friendly staff give this 225-room lodging a comfortable vibe. Motion and heat sensors in the guest rooms control lighting and temperature to reduce energy use when the room is unoccupied. From $129 (312/447-3440; hotelfelixchicago.com).
Hotel Monaco
Found in the Loop along the bank of the Chicago River, this colorful (and pet-friendly) boutique hotel occupies a former hat factory. From $219 (866/610-0081; monaco-chicago.com).
Hotel Palomar
They had us with the Rat Pack-esque doormen, free daily wine reception and the nods to Chicago history, including cool photos of the 1893 Columbian Exposition. From $199 (877/731-0505; hotelpalomar-chicago.com).
Inn of Chicago
You can walk just about anywhere from this hip boutique hotel in Streeterville. The historic 1920s facade complements sleek furnishings. Soak in the view from the 22nd-floor skydeck. From $89 (312/787-3100; innofchicago.com).
JW Marriott Chicago
A $396 million project has transformed a historic Burnham building into a luxe hotel. The property includes 610 guest rooms and a 20,000-square-foot spa; a pool is set to open this spring. From $229 (312/660-8200; jwmarriottchicago.com).
Renaissance Blackstone Hotel
A $128 million renovation has breathed sophisticated life into this Beaux Arts property that once hosted presidents. On South Michigan Avenue. From $159 (312/447-0955; blackstonerenaissance.com).
River Hotel
Opened in 2009 in the Mather Tower, this colorful, contemporary boutique hotel at Wacker and Michigan is within sight of the city's new lighted river walk. From $139 (312/777-0888; chicagoriverhotel.com).
Ritz-Carlton
A $25 million renovation gives this Mag Mile site a fresh look. A battalion of attentive staff stands ready to serve, and guests shop at the Water Tower Place below. From $375 (312/266-1000; fourseasons.com/chicagorc).
Sax Chicago
This high-energy, upscale hotel with a nightclub just off the lobby stands alongside the House of Blues in Marina City. From $179 (312/245-0333; thompsonhotels.com).
Trump International Hotel and Tower Chicago
For people looking to splurge on a special occasion, this is your spot. Even the 600-square-foot entry-level price point rooms come standard with soaking tubs, a kitchen and 10-foot window wall. In-mirror TV portals stand above the bath's limestone counters. From $575 (312/588-8000; trumpchicagohotel.com).
The Wit
Opened in May 2009, this hotel stands in the heart of the Loop's theater district. Your check-in includes a warm chocolate chip cookie, and throughout the hallways, you'll hear the quiet chirping of birds and crickets on your way to your plush guest room. From $179 (312/467-0200; thewithotel.com).