FEATURED LUXURY HOTELS & RESORTS Chicago

Luxé City Guide: Chicago

The Peninsula is nothing short of stupendous for its luxury accommodations and all-encompassing guest services. It also is just minutes from Chicago's finest sights and venues. There are four dining options onsite, a 15,000 square-foot full-service spa, and most of Chicago's must-sees are within walking distance from the Peninsula's lobby. Cultured hospitality is served up liberally throughout the establishment. The Far East-themed luxury hotel is a Midwest favorite. The Amalfi Hotel Chicago also has great proximity to the Miracle Mile as well as the Loop, the Merchandise Mart, and Michigan Avenue. Many patrons find the esoteric ambiance a refreshing change of pace from the status quo. The decorum is soothing and upbeat. Amalfi's concierge service is provided by personal "experience designers." The Sofitel Chicago Water Tower is a 32-story high-rise hotel of glass and steel offers. It, too, is located nearby many of the Windy City's favorite venues.

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Gibson's Bar & Steakhouse serves up large entrees and is renowned for its 10-ounce earth-moving martinis. Aside from succulent USDA prime beef selections, the menu also includes fresh seafood dishes, various sides, and great desserts. Gibson's has a restaurant in both Rosemont and Chicago. The North Pond is located at the edge of a pond in Lincoln Park that grants patrons a breathtaking view of the city. A glass-enclosed patio that provides "outdoor" access year round. The menu is Midwest seasonal, offering up specialties such as rabbit and scallops dishes. The wine cellar has an impressive number of boutique wines available. Chef Kevin Shikami is the owner of Kevin. The menu is a contemporary interpretation of Asian cuisine, as signature Japanese and Thai dishes are Kevin's specialties.

There are at least as many activities and events to check out in Chicago as there are nicknames for the Second City, Chi-town, or Chicagoland. Lovers of culture have plenty on their to-do list with the Art Institute of Chicago, the Museum of Science and History, and the Navy Pier. The Kingston Mines and B.L.U.E.S. are two the night spots that continue to cultivate and produce one of Chicago's greatest byproducts: the blues. Both clubs are bona fide houses of blues. Every Thursday night from 10 p.m. to midnight, the Kingston broadcasts a live audio stream. There are live shows daily. Wherever great blues is heard, jazz can generally be found too. Jazz, the town's other natural byproduct, flows freely at Andy's Jazz Club and Restaurant. The club features renowned headliners weekly. Catch a second wind at Second City. This is a most famous comedy club and a highly regarded academy of comedy. "Pupils" of the club have gone to become to become comedic luminaries. Many of the shows involve improvisational techniques that originated from another local hotspot for entertainment, the ImprovOlympics. It, too, is an entertaining nightclub and a valuable resource for young artisans seeking creative outlets to hone their talents.

See the city from 1,000 feet up at the renovated Hancock Observatory Tower. Tours are available from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. On a clear day visitors can see up to 80 miles away. The Sky Tour presents 16 recommended sites of Chicago while atop the tower. Windows on Chicago presents 80 favorite attractions, such as the Shedd Aquarium, the Art Institute of Chicago, the Lincoln Park Zoo, the Chicago Bulls' locker room at the United Center.

Start at the top and work your way down!

Written by the staff writers of JustLuxe.