Overlooking Grant Park, Lake Michigan and Millennium Park, this South Loop hotel is all about grandeur. The sumptuous Renaissance-style Great Hall is decorated in white with towering columns and gold accents to go along with intricate ceiling work. The theme tries to carry to the guest rooms with gold-trimmed wood dressers and cabinets and gold-tinged ornate duvets, but it doesn’t translate as well in a smaller space. Still, the location across from Grant Park is superb, and if you’re in town for St. Patrick’s Day, onsite Kitty O’Shea’s is the place to be.

Hilton Chicago Amenities:

• 1,544 rooms. Wireless Internet access. Restaurant, bar. Fitness center. Pool. Business center. Pets accepted.