When you’re at the Ritz, which rests atop shopping mecca Water Tower Place, the city view from the large-windowed rooms is hard to beat. The spacious accommodations go for old-school elegance with floral-patterned duvets, mustard and blue accents, and dark wood furniture. If you don’t want to leave (totally understandable), send up for the spa’s in-room signature aromatherapy massage or have a customized fragranced bath drawn for you in your marble bathroom. After your treatment and soothing bath, you’ll just want to rest your heavy head on the down pillow and bury yourself underneath the down blanket. But force yourself to grab a cocktail in the Greenhouse, where you won’t have to sacrifice the view or being comfortable, as you can enjoy the lakefront panorama from sofas and comfy chairs.

The Ritz-Carlton Chicago, A Four Seasons Hotel Amenities:

• 435 rooms. High-speed Internet access. Restaurant, bar. Fitness center. Spa. Pool. Business center. Pets accepted.