Where to Stay - Chicago - page 43

Tower (the original building) have a more old-world feel: elaborately
carved headboards, gold accents, and deep-red-and-cream drapes
and bedding. The bathrooms, however, are completely modern;
most come with both a tub and separate, large shower stall. (You'll
pay about $50 more for rooms in the Historic Tower).
The InterContinental's main claim to fame is its junior Olympic-
size pool on the top floor, a beautiful 1920s gem surrounded by ele-
gant mosaics (residents of nearby high-rises buy memberships to the
hotel's fitness center just so they can swim here).
505 N. Michigan Ave. (at Grand Ave.), Chicago, IL 60611. & 800/327-0200 or 312/
944-4100. Fax [phone]. http://chicago.intercontinental.com. 790 units. $235-
$350 double; from $500 suite. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Valet parking $43 with in-out
privileges. Subway/El: Red Line to Grand. Amenities: Restaurant (American); 2
lounges; indoor pool; 24-hr. fitness center w/sauna; concierge; 24-hr. business cen-
ter; 24-hr. room service; massage; babysitting; laundry service; same-day dry clean-
ing. In room: A/C, TV w/pay movies, high-speed and Wi-Fi Internet access, minibar,
coffeemaker, hair dryer, iron, safe.

Sofitel Chicago Water Tower The Sofitel aims to impress
by drawing on the city's tradition of great architecture. French archi-
tect Jean-Paul Viguier created a building that's impossible to pass
without taking a second look: a soaring, triangular white tower that
sparkles in the sun. But the place doesn't take itself too seriously, as
you'll see when you walk in the airy lobby and check out the lumi-
nescent floor tiles that change color in a never-ending light show.
The hotel's bright, stylish Café des Architects has become a favorite
business lunch spot for locals.
The guest rooms feature contemporary decor with natural beech-
wood walls and chrome hardware. All the rooms enjoy good views of
the city (but the privacy-conscious will want to stay on the upper
floors, where they won't be on display to surrounding apartment
buildings). The standard doubles are fairly compact—but thanks to
large picture windows, the spaces don't feel cramped. The luxurious
marble bathrooms are quite spacious.
20 E. Chestnut St. (at Wabash St.), Chicago, IL 60611. & 800/SOFITEL or 312/324-
4000. Fax [phone]. www.sofitel.com. 415 units. $240-$555 double; $370-
$685 suite. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Valet parking $40. Subway/El: Red Line to Chicago.
Small pets accepted. Amenities: Restaurant (French cafe); bar; fitness center;
concierge; business center; 24-hr. room service; babysitting; laundry service; same-
day dry cleaning. In room: A/C, TV w/pay movies, high-speed Internet access, mini-
bar, hair dryer, iron, safe.

Talbott Hotel With the feel of an upscale European
inn—and service that competes with upscale properties such as the
Ritz-Carlton—the Talbott is one of the city's best small, independent

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