You can’t miss the stylish Sofitel—look for the triangleshaped building near downtown. The glass and steel structure looks like it leapt out from the pages of Wallpaper and into the Gold Coast. The rooms aren’t too shabby, either. They are a tad small but airy, thanks to light wood furniture, cream walls, bedding and mirrored closet doors. The bathrooms are roomier, with separate showers and tubs. This hotel goes Francophile all the way, with Café des Architectes, a French restaurant, and Le Bar, which has floor-to-ceiling glass walls and is the perfect place for a wine flight and a cheese plate.

Sofitel Chicago Water Tower Amenities:

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