$$$$, Near North
Fodor's Review:
Built in 1920, the grande dame of Chicago hotels presides over the northernmost end of Michigan Avenue. The lobby, inspired by an Italian Renaissance palace, is all deep-red walls and glimmering crystal. The sounds of a fountain and harpist beckon at Palm Court, a traditional setting for afternoon tea. There's live jazz in the Coq d'Or most nights and the Cape Cod Room serves to-die-for crab cakes. The downsides? No swimming pool (a bummer for the price you're paying) and some rooms are tiny.
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