The 192-room Kimpton is located inside a former hat factory in the Loop, and its stylish decor is a mix of Art Deco elegance and bright, quirky boutique flair. Solid freebies, including evening wine and beer hour with entertainment plus morning coffee and tea, help to create an intimate experience. All in all, it's one of the city's best boutiques, even with expensive valet parking and unexceptional bathrooms.

This 122-room boutique located in an 1895 building pays homage to its past with cool historic details, including wrought iron, mosaic tiles, and marble stairs. But as in many old buildings, the rooms are teeny tiny, starting at just 175 square feet. At least they come with 37-inch flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, CO Bigelow toiletries, and bold, but stately, decor. Freebies like nightly wine tastings and morning coffee also help compensate, but you can probably find bigger rooms for the price.

The four-pearl Radisson Blu Aqua opened in late 2011 as the brand’s first U.S. property, situated inside downtown Chicago's bustling loop. The stylish hotel has 334 streamline rooms, with Nespresso coffeemakers, flat-screen TVs, minibars, and spacious desks. Bathrooms have roomy walk-in showers and attractive vanities. The hotel has a solid lineup of features, including a chic on-site Italian restaurant, a huge fitness center, a seasonal rooftop pool and bar, and a game room, but breakfast isn't included in room rates. It's worth comparison shopping, as prices are competitive and not inexpensive considering the location. The four-pearl Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park across the street has similar rates and amenities, plus a spa. 

The upscale Silversmith Hotel is a sleek and modern boutique property in the heart of Chicago’s Loop. It’s within walking distance of many attractions and surrounded by dining and shopping options. Its stylish marble lobby and restaurant/lounge exude sophistication, and its 24/7 fitness center is roomy and well equipped. Valet-only parking operates 24/7, but it’s expensive. The 144 guest rooms are as chic as the public spaces, and come equipped with mini-fridges, Keurig coffeemakers, and free Wi-Fi. The large bathrooms are especially impressive, with marble floors and separate walk-in showers and tubs. Rates are competitive but not inexpensive, and they don’t include breakfast. A good alternative is the four-pearl Palmer House Hilton Hotel around the corner, with an opulent lobby from the 1800s, an indoor pool, and often better rates.

Opened in late 2010, this upscale hotel is housed in a historic neoclassical-style building with crystal chandeliers and a grand staircase in the lobby. But sophisticated rooms are thoroughly modern, and big, elegant bathrooms have separate showers and soaking tubs. The Loop location is convenient for business travelers, and the pool and 24-four fitness center is top-notch.

This 687-room luxury hotel — renovated in 2010 — is in the Loop neighborhood, near Millennium Park and Lake Michigan. Big rooms have separate soaking tubs and showers (which even pricier hotels like the Ritz-Carlton lack), iPod docks and 42-inch flat-screen TVs. Add a bar, a spa, and stunning design by David Rockwell, and you've got one of Chicago's most luxurious hotels in this price range. But you'll have to pay extra for just about everything, including parking, the fitness center, and Wi-Fi.

A good fit for business travelers, the Hyatt Regency Chicago is a huge, upscale, chain hotel with 2,019 rooms located in the northern part of The Loop within walking distance to Millennium Park. It has four restaurants, a business center, and fitness center; convention attendees may not even feel the need to leave the property. Rooms are modern and fresh with several conveniences including minibars and coffeemakers, and some offer views of the river or lake. Parking at the hotel is pricey, but throwing it on the company card may lessen the sting for those traveling for work. Guests may want to compare rates with the nearby Wyndham Grand Chicago Riverfront. There is a pesky fee for Wi-Fi. 

This 438-room Kimpton hotel is located in the heart of the Theatre District, and surrounded by the corporate offices of the Loop. Features are few (there isn't much besides the 24-hour fitness center), but the decor is bright and modern, and freebies include a nightly wine hour and in-room yoga accessories. Though some rooms are on the small side, all have modern amenities: 37-inch flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, Aveda toiletries and mini-bars. For bigger rooms and bathrooms (but fewer freebies), consider the nearby Fairmont.

This 1,639-room historic hotel in the Loop has a storied past, and a breathtaking lobby with a painted ceiling and glittering chandeliers. But room quality is uneven -- some rooms still have dated decor and tube TVs -- and all the extra fees can add up. If you don't mind sacrificing the history, it's worth considering the similarly priced Hotel Monaco or Fairmont.

Like other hotel's in Starwood's boutique-inspired luxury brand, commons spaces in W Chicago - City Center impress with a whimsical blend of Beaux-Arts architecture and trendy, modern details. The hotel has an on-site restaurant, a lively bar and lounge, a host of meeting and event rooms, a business center, and a modern gym. Its 369 guest rooms and suites can feel comparatively small and bland, especially the entry-level option, though they have nice amenities like 42-inch flat-screen TVs and minibars (but no coffeemakers), not to mention the W brand's signature comfy beds. Expect some hefty extra fees for things like parking, pet stays, breakfast, and even in-room Wi-Fi. The location in The Loop is exceptional. The JW Marriott Chicago is a nearby alternative, featuring more straightforward decor but larger rooms and an on-site pool and spa.

Housed in the Carbide & Carbon building -- a Chicago landmark supposedly inspired by the design of a champagne bottle -- the Hard Rock stands out among the rest of Chicago's hotels. Inside, the property is sophisticated, stylish, and fun, with some original art deco embellishments on the floor and, of course, the rock-n-roll paraphernalia. Each floor showcases a different recording artist -- from Prince, to John Lennon, to Madonna -- and each of the 381 contemporary rooms has theme-appropriate touches, such as notable quotes on the mirrors. Located in the heart of the Chicago's business district, this Hard Rock is a popular choice with business travelers, and consequently, many meeting spaces can be found on-site.