What it is

A 33 floor skyscraper on tony Lake Shore Drive, with 494 rooms, two buzzing restaurants, and an indoor heated pool that’s heaven in frigid January.

What it isn't

Poorly serviced. Pampering here includes an in-the-know concierge, valet dry-cleaning, on-site car rentals and coffee constantly percolating in the lobby.

What we think

The Midwest’s unofficial capital of cool is a place to Live Large. W Chicago-Lakeshore makes it easy, starting with the guest rooms. Even the 350-square-foot starter rooms, dubbed “Wonderful,” have more than earned their moniker, thanks to graphic, architectural wallpaper; sculptural lighting fixtures; and ginormous channeled headboards behind the W Signature Bed. To spread your wings a bit further, we love the Wow Suite, with 951-square-feet, a separate living room that looks like it was made for Bond—James Bond—and a glass-walled shower with two rain showerheads. Whichever you pick, ask for a view of Lake Michigan—there’s no prettier girl next door.

You're here because

You’ve been on a bit of a health kick, and the 24-hour on-site gym is calling your name. Plus, there’s nothing like a post-workout dip in a heated indoor pool as the snow is falling.

The Moment

Three minutes at Current, and you can only describe it as Glitzy (not least because of the sparkling Lake Michigan view). But the menu is nothing less than soulful, thanks to locavore comfort food whipped up by Executive Chef Jonathan Meyer—including a reuben sandwich that’s so note-perfect you vow to come back tomorrow.

Restaurants & Bars

The Current Restaurant —  Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, CURRENT embraces European cuisine with a cosmopolitan flair.

The Living Room Bar — The Living Room is the social hub of W Chicago - Lakeshore - a place to mingle and play after a day spent exploring Navy Pier or relaxing on the waterfront.

Location

The beating heart of downtown Chicago’s Lake Shore Drive, within a couple blocks walk of some of the city’s best sights, including the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago—their answer to the Guggenheim.