Luxury Hotels in Chicago

Exploring Chicago

The world city of Chicago and its glorious setting along the shores of Lake Michigan draw hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. America’s third largest city, it’s famous as the home of the blues as well as for its culture, ethnic diversity, magnificent architecture and as a hub for America’s railways. It’s also a world-class restaurant city, and is a hub for commerce and industry. Exploring the city starts with the Magnificent Mile, Chicago’s iconic business, hotel and upscale shopping boulevard, with rearing skyscrapers, exclusive malls, department stores and the best in hotel accommodation. The Hyatt Chicago, the Four Points by Sheraton and the Marriott Downtown magnificent Mile are all here, and offer luxury accommodation and fine dining. The city is divided into three major regions, North Side, West Side and South Side, with diverse communities and contrasting environments in each. Getting around is straightforward, with subway, overground and elevated rail lines taking the strain. Driving outside the central area is reasonable, as the city is planned on a grid design, but the central area should be avoided during rush hours.

Sights nearby

Several months’ holiday in Chicago still wouldn’t give enough time to take in all its offerings. World-class museums, architectural delights both new and old, huge oases of green parks holding lakes, statues and peaceful walks, vibrant ethnic districts with markets and quaint stores and the beautiful lakeside beaches and surrounding wilderness areas are all part of this amazing city. Navy Pier
Chicago’s number one family attraction, Navy Pier on the lakeshore, boasts everything from lovely gardens, parks, carnival-style rides, a ferris wheel, restaurants and boat trips on the lake to shops and an IMAX theatre. It’s a huge entertainment centre especially popular for its events at Halloween, Christmas and the Fourth of July as well as for its art shows. The Art Institute of Chicago
This world-renowned art museum is famed for its magnificent collection of works by Monet as well as for its non-European galleries and strong modern American section. Located in the heart of downtown, it’s family-friendly, and offers interactive activities for kids as well as gallery games. The Field Museum
Featured in the Indiana Jones movies, the Field Museum’s collections are as inspiring as its magnificent exterior. Set in the Loop, the museum’s displays include Egyptian treasures, dinosaur skeletons, a room full of diamonds and ethic displays covering the whole of human history and the fascinating story of our home planet. A captivating treat for adults and kids alike, the originality of the exhibits makes the Field a must-see.

Eating and drinking and shopping nearby

The variety and quality of Chicago’s foodie offerings has won the city a reputation as one of the world’s finest restaurant cities. From celebrity chef-owned fine dining in the Lincoln Park district through authentic international eateries in the city’s many immigrant districts to the typical Chicago delights of Italian meat sandwiches, deep-dish pizzas and original Chicago hot-dogs, it’s impossible to eat the same cuisine every night. Nightlife in the city’s trendy bars, pubs and clubs is as good as it gets, and many pubs serve locally-brewed beers and boutique ales. Shopping along the Magnificent Mile in its upscale malls and stores is a delight, and for cool, quirky local designer fashions, Lincoln Park is the place. Unique art and design stores are found in River North.

Public transport

Chicago offers a comprehensive rail and road transport network fanning out from the Loop CBD to all areas of the city. Managed by the Chicago Transit Authority, it gives the option of subway, fast electric elevated rail services and overground rail. It’s easy to use, and has a single low fare covering each journey and allowing transfer between train and bus. The bus network is extensive, but road congestion can put extra time on your journey.