The Tremont Hotel, with 130 rooms, offers easy access to Michigan Avenue without the hustle and bustle of the crowds. Built in 1923, the hotel features a sitting room off the lobby with Currier and Ives wall hangings, a wooden ceiling, and an inviting fireplace. The guest rooms include two-poster beds surrounded by pale yellow walls and forest green carpets. For a casual dinner, pop into Iron Mike's Grill, named after the legendary former Chicago Bears player and coach. Another advantage is that the Tremont is only about a 12-minute cab ride to the McCormick Place Convention Center.

This towering hotel resides in the heart of Chicago's shopping, dining and financial centers. It is the ideal destination for the business class, considering the size of the convention facilities and the posh business accommodations. The Sheraton benefits from its location, within walking distance from Michigan Avenue and the Navy Pier, which are part of the Windy City's redevelopment renaissance. If your wallet is thick enough, the Presidential and Illinois suites are large and elegantly appointed. Regular rooms are spacious and most have excellent views of the city, Lake Michigan or the Chicago River.

Hyatt Chicago Magnificent Mile is a sophisticated hotel with comfortable rooms. Guests can swim in the indoor swimming pool or work out at the fitness center. If you get hungry head to their tasty on-site restaurant.

For those looking to stay near the heart of Michigan Avenue, but away from the throngs of tourists, this hotel may be the perfect place. The lobby may not be what you would expect from a first-class hotel, but the rooms more than make up for its lack of charm. Comfortable and plush best describe the accommodations, which are reasonably priced. Many of the suites include whirlpool bathtubs. This hotel tends to book up quickly, so call far in advance to make your reservation for this great Magnificent Mile hideaway. The McCormick Place Convention Center is just a 15-minute taxi ride away.

Catherine Edelman opened her gallery in 1987, at the age of only 27. The gallery specializes in the display of photography by living photographers. Proprietor Catherine Edelman, a former working photographer, hopes to educate the public on the medium, offering gallery talks, book signings and other events. Artists regularly on display include Dick Arentz, Tom Baril, Keith Carter, Elizabeth Ernst, Lynn Geesaman, Richard Misrach and Olivia Parker.

Hotel Sax, formerly House of Blues Hotel, is a magnificent downtown Chicago jewel. Hotel Sax is surrounded by fine dining restaurants, sporting events, and the Magnificent Mile. The rooms are sophisticated in design with a bohemian vibe that allows guests to relax in the lap of luxury. When you're done with that day's activities, whether it be a business meeting or a show at the theater, you'll be able to return to your room to rejuvenate for the next day's activities.

This hotel was built in 1929 as the Medinah Athletic Club. Parts of its heritage remain, the most obvious example being the Roman-style swimming pool, which is open to the public. Johnny Weismuller, the Olympic swimmer who later became famous as Hollywood's version of Tarzan, trained at the original club. The landmark exterior adds additional charm and is a central skyscraper along the 'Magnificent Mile'. For truly royal treatment, opt for one of the suites. You just might mingle with the rich and famous. Run by the Inter-Continental Corporation, this first-rate establishment, with its 807 rooms (one of the largest in the Mid-West), will not disappoint, but be prepared to pay first-rate prices. For the business visitor to the Windy City, it's nice to know the Inter-Continental is about a 15-minute taxi trip to the McCormick Place Convention Center.

Sitting high atop the 900 North Michigan Avenue shopping mall, this ultra-luxury 344-room hotel has a vintage, dignified charm all its own, classic in every regard. From the wood-burning fireplace in the lobby to the Italian marble and handcrafted woodwork in the rooms, everything about this hotel assures its rank as one of the top accommodations in Chicago. There are a number of excellent restaurants and bars on the premises, and even a running track on the roof, which is only a portion of the hotel's large fitness facility. The hotel also houses a fully equipped Spa. This is also the most popular hotel with celebrities who visit the city. The business traveler will find that the hotel is just a 20-minute taxi ride from the McCormick Place Convention Center.

Since 1920, this posh Chicago landmark has attracted the jet set and celebrity class with its 537 regal rooms, central location and unparalleled service. If the room rates put a scare to the pocketbook (although on weekends and in the off season you can get good deals), you can still enjoy wandering about the place checking out the beautiful marble and oak-paneled lobby. A large Romanesque fountain in the middle of this room reflects the Renaissance style conceived by Benjamin Marshall, who designed the hotel. It features similarly plush rooms. The executive level rooms and the suites feature excellent views of the city and Lake Michigan. Located in downtown, the Drake is a ten minute cab ride to the convention center.

Like many of the condos in the area, this hotel was once a warehouse. As a result, the rooms are especially spacious, with large floor-to-ceiling windows that provide natural light. The hotel's large indoor pool, outside sun deck, free parking, and desirable location near the Ontario Street restaurants makes it a great choice for families. Business travelers will appreciate the personal work desk.