Ritz-Carlton, Chicago

From the sparkling crystal chandelier in the elevator to the sky-lit fountain in the 12th floor lobby, the Ritz-Carlton Chicago welcomes guests with style and grace. When we arrived, we were harried after fighting Friday rush-hour traffic, so we were happy to surrender the car to the attendant. Inside, all was calm as a staffer directed us to the lobby elevator. It opens on the 12th floor to a huge space. Windows and a lounge located on the opposite side invite guests to sip cocktails in wing-back chairs and look out on the city skyline and Lake Michigan. The fountain splashes away as guests mill about -- stopping in the gift shop on one side, reviewing the menu to Deca restaurant on the other. After a $25 million renovation in 2010, the hotel was able put the fresh touches on this property, including a completely new lobby design as well as the addition of the restaurant. Our view from a 25th-floor corner suite, a room decorated in soft topaz-pewter blues with a king-size bed and small living area, draws us to tall windows you can crack open for fresh air. A 14-inch marble windowsill makes a perfect perch to look out on rooftop gardens and down Michigan Avenue. It took us a little while to get used to the sound of the city's famous wind whistling around the building; it must be something to watch a storm roll in off the lake. The staff was everywhere ready to lend hand. We liked our corner room; it had two flat-screen TVs. One was turned to classical Sirius music when we returned from a walk through Water Tower Place to turned-down beds. We love the location, attached to the eight-level Water Tower Place shopping atrium, home to American Girl Dolls and Betsy Johnson, plus, of course, more shopping on Michigan Avenue. From $375.