Thompson Chicago, by Hyatt

"The Gold Coast location is quintessential urban Chicago, and makes for the best possible introduction to the city. The best rooms look out over Lake Michigan, but the city view’s far from shabby, and all are framed by the Thompson’s typically sharp interior design." - The MICHELIN Guide

"Thompson Chicago , housed in a contemporary high-rise in the heart of the Gold Coast luxury dining and shopping scene, was overhauled in 2013 by British designer Tara Bernerd. It offers a winning combination of modern-retro style, a home-away-from-home ambience, attentive service, and value for money. (The building previously was home to the Sutton Place Hotel.) With Thompson Hotels’ arrival, the lobby, dominated by a huge shelved library cube filled with books, curios, and retro bull's-eye mirrors, now strikingly harmonizes industrial exposed brick and dark-wood beams with elements paying homage to Chicago architect Frank Lloyd Wright (think geometric tiles and a cantilevered staircase).Most guestrooms have astounding city and Lake Michigan views, and all are snazzily furnished with asymmetrical velvet sofas, enormous showers, and framed contemporary art by the likes of Wes Lang. It's a style that impresses without being intimidating."

"This boutique hotel feels at once like an urban loft and a cozy cabin, combining rich colors and exposed brick with stellar views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline. Its Gold Coast location means it's just a walk away from shopping and dining on the Magnificent Mile (and legendary pizza from Lou Malnati's), though the admired Osteria Nico downstairs means you don't even have to leave the hotel for Italian with a view. Just as enticing are the modern rooms themselves, featuring velvet seating and Brooklyn-made D.S. & Durga toiletries. If you do decide to change out of the insanely comfortable robes and venture outdoors, though, take advantage of the hotel's complimentary offsite car service."

"Forthcoming downtown hotel Thompson Austin is being accompanied by a second hotel from its parent company, Hyatt. The Thompson will feature second locations of lauded Savannah restaurants the Grey Diner Bar and Grey Market (which will provide pastries for the Tommie coffee shop) from chef Mashama Bailey and business partner John O. Morisano, as well as a new restaurant from the prolific Chicago group Land and Sea Department." - Nadia Chaudhury

"How did it strike you on arrival?Sleek with organic accents, it hints at Prairie School architectural homage. Follow the crowds to the on-site restaurant Nico Osteria. What’s that crowd like?Fashionistas and foodies. The good stuff: Tell us about rooms.Even the Cityview King, the least expensive room, has a great view of the skyline, but for a wee upgrade you get Lake Michigan, too. There's a slightly masculine color scheme of neutrals and rich browns contributes to a sense of ease. We’re craving some deep, restorative sleep. They got us?Lots of pillows, including decorative ones for propping up against the headboard while watching a movie on the big screen TV. Very homey in the best way. How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that worth mentioning?The quirky artwork hung in clusters warrants attention. Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.Nice, bright bathroom with subway tile hung vertically, super cozy terrycloth robes, rain showers, and REN bath products. Maybe the most important topic of all: Wi-Fi. What’s the word?Strong and free. Room service: What's it like here?You're in luck! You can get the seasonal, farm-to-table Italian fare the lobby restaurant Nico Osteria is known for. Anything stand out about other services and features?It's come up a couple times already, but don't miss the lobby restaurant Nico Osteria, an Italian seafood spot from One Off Hospitality, as well as its wine bar. Look for the art corridor in the stairway between floors two and four to take in the house collection. What was most memorable—or heartbreaking—about your stay?The European breakfast with La Quercia prosciutto was divine. Bottom line: Why are we booking here?Great location—and you don't have to leave to eat at one of the city's best restaurants." - Elaine Glusac