The James Chicago Hotel

Location. Located in downtown Chicago, Ill., this boutique hotel is less than one block from Michigan Avenue and four blocks from the John Hancock Building, Navy Pier and Historic Water Tower. Tribune Tower and Wrigley Building are one half mile away.
Hotel Features. Designed by Deborah Berke, who blueprinted Calvin Klein's stores in the 1990s, The James features concise colors with a focus on intricate textures throughout the lobby. Locals flock to David Burke's Primehouse, a Chicago style steakhouse serving Kentucky Creekstone Farms beef, dry aged with Himalayan salt bricks lining the restaurant cellar. The adjoining J Bar lounge adorns the south end of Rush Street's nightlife. Banquet dining for up to 220 guests is accommodated in the hotel's 7, 000 square feet of event space. An on site complimentary business center is equipped with fax, photocopy and print services and wireless Internet service is available throughout the hotel. Copies of both Chicago Tribune and USA Today are complimentary at the 24 hour front desk.

A 2, 500 square foot exercise center toting design influenced by the founder of Equinox Fitness includes cardiovascular equipment, advanced weight systems and seasoned personal trainers available by appointment. Spa treatment rooms within the facility offer rejuvenating facials and relaxing massage therapies. In room restorative treatments are available upon request. The James also offers personal assistance services and 24 hour complimentary concierge services. Pets are pampered with the Pooch Spa Service, Primehouse Pet Menu, outerwear and training.

Guestrooms. Guestrooms feature custom designed furnishings, platform beds and commissioned art by local and nationally renowned artists. Separate dining areas include refrigerators and microwave ovens. Entertainment centers house plasma televisions, wireless Internet access ports and MP3 player docks. Bathrooms boast elevated sinks, marbled flooring and Aigner bath products.

Hotel Expert's Tip. The James' location placed me one block from Chicago's best shopping and nightlife on Michigan Avenue, and I was within walking distance of Lake Michigan's shore perfect for my morning run.