The landmark Hotel Burnham, the first precursor to modern skyscrapers, retains touches of its past life, with mosaic floors, marble ceiling and walls, and ornamental metal grills on the elevators and stairwells. The rooms, well, not so much: Decked out in navy and gold, they take on a nautical look, with the sunburst mirror and gold emblem on the deep-blue headboard mimicking a ship’s wheel. Located kittycorner from the former Marshall Field’s department store (now Macy’s), the hotel is nestled in the middle of the Chicago theater district. Before you catch a show, stop in the Atwood Café, an upscale American restaurant with an inviting jewel-tone dining room that resembles an old Parisian brasserie. Perks for pets are as swanky as those for you: Animals get beds made of hypoallergenic fleece and cedar chips with an optional turndown service. If you left Fido at home and are feeling lonely, the hotel will lend you a goldfish to keep you company.

Hotel Burnham Amenities:

• 122 rooms. Wireless Internet access. Restaurant, bar. Fitness center. Pets accepted.