Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile

The Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile embodies the Sofitel brand's French elegance. It caters mostly to business travelers, though the location near Magnificent Mile, the stylish atrium lobby, the sexy Le Bar, and the good-sized, well-equipped rooms makes it a good choice for leisure travelers, as well. This luxury property pays attention to the details that make for a more intimate stay, from the warm "Bonjour!" at the front desk, to the fresh flowers throughout, to the free bottles of Evian water at turndown.

The Sofitel Chicago is located two blocks the Magnificent Mile, an iconic stretch of North Michigan Avenue known for its upscale shopping. However, it is not all about high-end department stores here. Art galleries, top-notch restaurants, and landmarks -- such as the Water Tower, John Hancock Observatory, and Museum of Contemporary Art -- and are within easy walking distance of the hotel.

• Five-minute walk to Water Tower Place
• Five-minute walk to John Hancock Center
• Eight-minute walk to Museum of Contemporary Art
• Nine-minute drive to the Theatre District
• Six-minute drive to Lincoln Park Zoo
• 10-minute drive to Millennium Park
• 10-minute drive to the Loop
• 10-minute drive to Old Town
• 11-minute drive to Art Institute of Chicago
• 12-minute drive to Navy Pier
• 12-minute drive to Chicago City Hall
• 15-minute drive or 20-minute subway ride to Wrigley Field
• 19-minute drive to Museum Campus (home to Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium, Field Museum, and Soldier Field)
• 32-minute drive to Midway International Airport
• 40-minute drive to O’Hare International Airport

Rooms here are bright, with large windows overlooking imposing skyscrapers and contemporary art on the walls. And, starting at 350 square feet, they're also big. The space is outfitted with blond-wood furniture and behind-the-bed wall panels, orange-red carpeting, and beige walls and curtains. Easy chairs with ottomans match the rusty tone of the carpets, closet doors double as full-length mirrors, and corner work desks face the room (not the wall). All rooms feature 32-inch flat-screen LCD TVs with dozens of channels (including premium ones), Bose alarm clocks, Keurig coffeemakers, minibars, and free Wi-Fi. Beds feature plush feather mattresses and duvets; note that they are not fitted with top sheets, but top sheets are available on request.

Marble bathrooms are a highlight. They come with separate walk-in glass showers and tubs, as well as ample counter space, magnifying mirrors, bathrobes and slippers, Lanvin toiletries, and loofahs. Turndown service includes free Evian bottled waters. Cribs and free newspaper delivery are available on request.

The chic lobby is the entryway to the hotel’s busy restaurant Cafe des Architectes, which serves French-inspired contemporary cuisine made with local ingredients; outdoor seating available. The stylish and intimate Le Bar offers a fantastic selection of French and international wines, as well as Champagne, cocktails, draft beers, and a short menu of comfort food,

Business travelers keeping odd hours (or acclimating to Chicago's Central Time Zone) can avail this hotel's several 24-hour features: fitness center, business center, and room service. They can also book the hotel's 10,000-plus square feet of meeting space, which includes a 4,592-square-foot ballroom. Valet parking is pricey, but hotel-wide Wi-Fi is free.