The Congress Plaza Hotel & Convention Center

Overlooking Grant Park, this landmark Downtown hotel and convention center was built in 1893 and is a 7-minute walk from the Art Institute of Chicago. Elegant rooms come with free Wi-Fi, coffeemakers and cable TV; suites add separate living rooms with dining tables and sitting areas. Some rooms and suites have views of Lake Michigan, and marble bathrooms with whirlpool tubs. The hotel has 50,000 sq ft of event space, including a gold-leafed, Renaissance-style reception hall. Additional perks include a 24-hour exercise room and a barbershop. Dining options consist of an on-site steakhouse, a contemporary restaurant and a lounge.