Guests should always check with hotels for special rates or promotions, and at the Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau (tel: 1 877 244 2246/CHICAGO); www.choosechicago.com), particularly during busy times. Hotel rooms can be reserved through the Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau and other discount bookings are available from the no-fee discount hotel reservation service, Hot Rooms (tel: (773) 468 7666 or 1 800 468 3500; www.hotrooms.com), or through the Online Illinois Reservation Service (www.ghotw.com/list/country1/home/illinois.htm). Hotels in Chicago add a room tax and sales tax to all bills, which currently stands at 15.4%.

The hotels below, all located Downtown, have been listed alphabetically within four different price categories:
$$$$ (over US$300)
$$$ (US$200 to US$300)
$$ (US$100 to US$200)
$ (under US$100)
These prices are for one night in a double room, excluding room tax and breakfast unless otherwise specified. Travellers should be aware that winter rates are sometimes less than half the cost of summer and convention rates. Beginning rates listed reflect this.

The Fairmont Chicago
This 37-floor, Rosetta-pink granite structure, which overlooks both Grant Park and Lake Michigan, has a spacious lobby that mixes contemporary furnishings with antiques and original art. A bath sommelier is just one of the luxurious amenities offered by this 5-star hotel. Guests can relax after a busy day with a choice of candles, scents and bubbles in their drawn bath. The large and comfortably furnished rooms include premium mattresses, dressing areas, marble baths, built-in bars, multi-line phones, modem points and fax machines. Its chic Aria restaurant features a wide selection of wines and an interesting selection of regional American cuisines and its lounge has become a unique sushi bar.

200 North Columbus Drive
Tel: (312) 565 8000.
Website: www.fairmont.com
Price: $$

Hilton Chicago
Overlooking Grant Park, Millennium Park, the Museum Campus and Lake Michigan, the Hilton Chicago combines modern amenities with historic splendour. When it opened in 1927, it was the world's largest hotel with an in-house hospital, ice rink, bowling alley, rooftop golf course and theatre. Through the years it has played host to Queen Elizabeth and 11 US presidents. The hotel's long Renaissance lobby oozes elegance. Each of its 1,544 comfortable rooms, decorated in warm earthy colours, has state-of-the-art business facilities, classic cherry furnishings and marble bathrooms. Its facilities include four restaurants, a 24-hour business centre and fitness centre.

720 South Michigan Avenue
Tel: (312) 922 4400.
Website: www.hilton.com
Price: $$

Trump International Hotel & Tower
Modern and chic, Chicago's newest hotel soars. At 92 stories, it is the city's second highest building. State-of-the-art guestrooms are spacious, with contemporary furniture, LCD TVs, DVD players, iPod adapters, complimentary Wi-Fi, remote-controlled lighting and drapes, plus 3.04m (10-foot) floor-to-ceiling windows sporting views of Lake Michigan, the Chicago River and the city skyline. Available upon request are Amazon Kindles, the hand-held wireless reading device which allows guests to comfortably read their favourite novels or magazines. Other amenities include Attaché Concierge Services for making travel, theatre or dining arrangements, a spa, health club, upscale dining at Sixteen and the sophisticated lounge, Rebar.

401 North Wabash
Tel: 1(312) 588 8000 or 1 877 458 7867 for reservations
Website: www.trumpchicagohotel.com
Price: $$$$

Four Seasons Hotel Chicago
At the Four Seasons, personal service, attention to detail and elegant appointments are basics. The opulent seventh-floor lobby has a French art deco look, while spacious guest rooms include 1940s French décor and, for viewing stunning city and lake vistas, some have leather window seats. Marble bathrooms are spa-like. Expect twice-daily housekeeping services, in-room Wi-Fi access and 24-hour technical support. At the posh Seasons restaurant, American cuisine is flavoured with a bit of France. There is an elegant spa and fitness centre and, just an elevator ride away, is the upscale shopping mall anchored by Bloomingdale's.

120 East Delaware Place
Tel: (312) 280 8800.
Website: www.fourseasons.com/chicagofs
Price: $$$$

The Peninsula Chicago
Service, discretion, understated elegance and attention to detail have made The Peninsula Chicago a sanctuary. Guest rooms are spacious while bathrooms have a steam-free TV screen and hands-free telephone that eliminates the sound of water. The Lobby, with its 6m- (20ft-) high ceilings and elongated French windows, is the place to meet for a meal or cocktails. During afternoon tea, there is live classical music. The Bar, Pierrot Gourmet, a wine bar and European cafe, the Asian-flared Shanghai Terrace and the upscale Avenues complete the hotel's gourmet offerings. The spa and fitness centre serve the needs of the tired traveller or fitness fanatic.

108 East Superior Street
Tel: (312) 337 2888.
Website: www.peninsula.com
Price: $$$$

Ritz-Carlton Chicago
The Ritz has always been a symbol of luxury and the Ritz-Carlton Chicago is no exception. An award-winning dining room, oversized rooms with a view, L'Occitane bath toiletries, state-of-the-art business facilities and 24-hour concierge service are some of the reasons its reputation is deserved. The hotel provides special rooms for allergy-sensitive guests, a full service spa, cookies and toys for kids and, for four-legged visitors, pet services that include gourmet room service. The hotel also has its comp-cierge service - at just a moment's notice, a technician will render personal computer assistance to guests.

160 East Pearson Street
Tel: (312) 266 1000.
Website: www.fourseasons.com/chicagorc
Price: $$$$

Best Western River North
The friendly-staffed Best Western River North is a find. It has a great location, a little west of the Magnificent Mile, and is exceptional value. Spacious, pastel coloured, modern-styled rooms are well appointed with a work area. Many amenities are fee free like high-speed Internet access, in-room movies, coffeemakers and 30 minutes of local calls. In addition and at no cost, the hotel provides parking, fitness room and indoor pool. Pizzeria Ora, its onsite restaurant, specialises in Chicago-style deep dish pizza. Fine restaurants, shopping, attractions and Navy Pier are all within walking distance.

125 West Ohio Street
Tel: (312) 467 0800.
Website: www.rivernorthhotel.com
Price: $

Congress Plaza Hotel
Built in 1893, to accommodate visitors to the World's Columbian Exposition, the Congress Plaza Hotel still retains much of its old charm. This Chicago landmark is located across from Grant Park and is an easy walk to The Loop, Auditorium Theater, Art Institute, Millennium Park and the Museum Campus. Guestrooms are small but adequate, with two doubles or one king-sized bed, table and two chairs. Sip a brew at Tavern Tap or eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the casual Gazebo Restaurant. The atmosphere at Rafael's is a bit more intimate.

520 South Michigan Avenue
Tel: 312 427 3800.
Website: www.congressplazahotel.com
Price: $

The Drake
Long before the plethora of luxury hotels sprang up on Michigan Avenue, there was The Drake. Its elegance made it the destination of famous people, such as Princess Diana and before her, Marilyn Monroe. The Palm Court is still the place to meet for afternoon tea, and The Cape Cod Room serves excellent seafood. Public areas have been revitalised and now include wireless access. Newly enlarged rooms, half of which face the lakefront, have been equipped with in-room high-speed Internet access. Extras include fresh fruit on every floor, workout facilities and the use of the Red Door Spa.

140 East Walton Place
Tel: (312) 787 2200 or 1 800 553 7253.
Website: www.thedrakehotel.com
Price: $$

The James
Modern, sleek, compact and comfortable, The James is a nice departure from the big, glitzy chains. The narrow lobby has a clean and clubby look about it as does the adjacent, complimentary business centre and the J Bar. Rooms are designed to be more homey than hotelish. They are minimalist but comfortable with platform beds covered with down comforters, snack and cocktail bar, a dining niche, plasma TV, stereo with iPod/MP3 hook-ups, free Wi-Fi and marble bathrooms. Located next to the spa is a state-of-the-art workout room. The hotel restaurant, David Berk's Primehouse, is a meat-eater's delight.

55 East Ontario
Tel: (312) 337 1000.
Website: www.jameshotels.com/chicago
Price: $$