Sofitel Chicago Water Tower

The radical prism-shaped design of this 32-story building by French architect Jean-Paul Viguier is a striking addition to the Chicago skyline. The hotel opened in a plum Gold Coast location in 2002, with 415 sleekly designed rooms featuring spacious marble bathrooms. As French as the croissants baked daily on the premises, the Sofitel offers haute cuisine in a cool, modern setting at the stylish Café des Architectes. *High-speed Internet ($9.95 wireless in public spaces & in rooms).