After renovations in April 2008, the Swissôtel Chicago—the sole stateside outpost of the Swiss hotel chain—is more appealing to business travelers. Upgrades included larger desks, ergonomic chairs, tech docking stations to use various media devices simultaneously and 37-inch split-screen plasma TVs. (Okay, maybe that last one isn’t business-specific, but who doesn’t love tricked-out televisions?) Renovations will continue in 2009, adding 30,000 square feet of meeting space and about 32 guest rooms. But families will be at home here, too. Your little ones will enjoy holing up in the Kids Room, which has child-sized beds, toys, a play area and books. Parents can hunker down within their heather gray and ivory striped walls and rest in a white bed with an oversized fabric headboard. Whether you’re there for business or pleasure, be sure to take a dip in the 45-foot indoor pool. It’s on the 42nd floor and offers a nice view of Lake Michigan, as well as a wall that features a beautiful tiled mural of the Chicago skyline.

Swissotel Chicago Amenities:

• 632 rooms. High-speed Internet access. Restaurant, bar. Fitness center. Pool. Business center.