PRICE:
Frommer's Exceptional

If you're looking for a spot with a sense of history, this is it. Formerly known as the Reliance Building (and named for its architect, Daniel Burnham), this was one of the first skyscrapers ever built. The building retains a number of vintage elements -- most obviously in the hallways, with terrazzo tile floors, white marble wainscoting, mahogany door and window frames, and room numbers painted on the translucent glass doors. Rooms are clubby but glamorous, with plush beds, mahogany writing desks, and chaise lounges. Ask for a room on a high floor in the northeast corner -- the views north and east are dazzling. Don't come to the Burnham if you're looking for extensive amenities -- the lobby is tiny, as is the exercise room -- but the on-site Atwood Café serves creative comfort food against a Gilded Age backdrop. There's also complimentary Starbucks coffee in the lobby every morning and a wine reception each afternoon from 5 to 6pm.

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

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