Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago

Those who associate the Trump brand with gold and glitz will be pleasantly surprised with this tasteful luxury hotel. It's located in a soaring glass tower right on the Chicago river, and the contemporary decor — glossy wood, shades of white and purple, and floor-to-ceiling windows — is elegant and stylish. It's over-the-top luxurious, without being over-the-top.

The Trump is located on the Chicago River, within walking distance of many of the city's popular attractions, including the Magnificent Mile and Millennium Park.The hotel is technically in the southern section of River North, known for its thriving art scene (there are over 100 galleries here), its nightlife, and its restaurants.- 9-minute walk to the Magnificent Mile

• 11-minute walk to Millennium Park
• 17-minute walk or 4-minute drive to Water Tower Place shopping
• 4-minute drive to Museum of Contemporary Art
• 5-minute drive to Navy Pier
• 7-minute drive to Willis Tower
• 9-minute drive to Lincoln Park Zoo
• 9-minute drive to Shedd Aquarium
• 11-minute drive to Adler Planetarium
• 27-minute drive from Chicago O’Hare International Airport

Huge rooms start at 600 square feet, and feature glossy wood accents, luxury linens, and tasteful, muted decor (in shades of purple, cream and gray in the Tower Rooms, and in beige, green and cream in the Spa Rooms). Many rooms come with kitchenettes, and all have bathrooms with soaking tubs and separate walk-in showers.- 42-inch flat-screen TVs

• Floor-to-ceiling windows
• Limestone bathrooms with soaking tubs (no jets), walk-in showers, and TVs in the bathroom mirrors
• Kitchenette or kitchen with fridge, stovetop, microwave, and dishwasher (except in Spa rooms)
• iPod docks
• Free Wi-Fi
• 24-hour room service
• Minibar (can be stocked in advance according to your preferences)
• Overnight laundry and dry cleaning
• Pillow menu
• 500-thread-count Bellino linens

• The Spa at Trump: 23,000 square feet
• Big, bright 24-hour fitness center with views of the Chicago River and Lake Michigan; weight room; spinning room; cardio machines with personal TVs and iPod docks; yoga and Pilates; steam room; sauna
• 75-foot by 25-foot indoor heated pool
• Free Wi-Fi
• 24-hour concierge
• 24-hour business center
• Business cards and personalized stationary, in-room fax machine and in-room computer upon request
• Kid-friendly amenities including kiddie cocktails; kids robes and slippers; board games; Playstation and Xbox; children’s books and movies; MP3 players with kid-friendly music; backpacks with coloring books, and cookies available; cribs, bed rails, and baby monitors upon request; nanny services offered for a minimum of four hours
• Pet-friendly amenities include a pet room service menu, water bowl and fresh bottled water, dog bed and blanket, and toys; no pet fee (guests just have to sign a waiver); pets 25 pounds and under allowed
• Pricey valet parking
• In-room chef (with 72-hour notice)

• Rebar: Lounge with cocktails and Japanese cuisine on the mezzanine level
• Sixteen: Was rated by Michelin for its French-inspired American cuisine. Located on the 16th floor with 30-foot floor-to-ceiling windows offering views of Wrigley Tower and the surrounding Chicago skyline. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus brunch on Sundays
• The Terrace at Trump: An outdoor space overlooking the Chicago skyline, the Terrace is open seasonally. It offers a largely seafood menu, with raw bar offerings, tacos, and desserts.