PRICE:
Frommer's Very Highly Recommended

The colorful history of the Hilton -- open since 1927 -- includes visits by every president since FDR, as well as riots outside its front door during the 1968 Democratic Convention. The classical-rococo public spaces -- including the Versailles-inspired Grand Ballroom and Grand Stair Lobby -- are magnificent, but the rest of the hotel falls into the chain-hotel mold: comfortable and well-run but fairly impersonal. Some rooms are on the small side, but all feel homey thanks to the warm cherry furniture, and many have two bathrooms. Rooms facing Michigan Avenue offer sweeping views of Grant Park and the lake. The Hilton is a great choice for families thanks to its vast public spaces, proximity to major museums and Grant Park (where kids can run around), and policy of children 17 and under staying free in their parent's room. Because the Hilton depends heavily on convention traffic, however, those seeking a cozy, romantic getaway should head elsewhere. Facilities: 4 restaurants (cafe, American, steakhouse, Irish pub w/live music); 2 lounges; indoor pool; health club w/indoor track, hot tubs, sauna, and steam room; concierge; business center; 24-hr. room service; massage; babysitting; laundry service; 24-hr. dry cleaning; executive rooms

Copyright: Excerpted from Frommer's Chicago 2009, (c) 2008, Wiley Publishing, Inc.

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