W Chicago Lakeshore

Location. The W Chicago Lakeshore, located in Chicago, Ill., rises 33 stories above the scenic shores of Lake Michigan. This hotel stands two blocks from Ontario Beach, Navy Pier and Northwestern University. The W Chicago Lakeshore is positioned less than two miles from the Magnificent Mile and vibrant nightspots along Rush Street.

Hotel Features. The lobby features a mirrored waterfall located behind the reception desk and behind conversation areas clustered throughout the living-room area. Dining venues include Wave Restaurant that prepares full breakfasts and serves Mediterranean-inspired cuisine during lunch and dinner hours. The Living Room Lounge serves morning continental breakfasts for a fee, and evening drinks. Whiskey Sky lounge affords 33rd-floor city and lake views, and serves cocktails. A business center houses four computer stations. Wireless Internet access is complimentary in public areas. The hotel provides complimentary shuttle service within a five-mile radius. A complimentary, 24-hour fitness center overlooks the lake and contains cardiovascular and weight-training machines, and free weights. Bliss Spa offers a wide range of massage techniques, facials and nail services. A sky-lit, heated indoor lap pool and an outdoor sundeck are located on the 7th floor. This property welcomes pets.

Guestrooms. The 33-story W Chicago Lakeshore offers 520 contemporary guestrooms equipped with high-speed wired and wireless Internet access for a fee, 32-inch flat-panel televisions and MP3 adaptors. Beds are dressed with pillowtop mattresses, down duvets and 350-thread count Egyptian-cotton linens. Wooden shutters open between the bedroom and bathroom areas. Bathrooms contain bathrobes and are stocked with Bliss toiletries. Rooms include minibars and coffeemakers. Use of laptop-compatible in-room safes is complimentary.

Expert Tip. What are the odds that guests can chat with the hotel's General Manager and work out with a personal trainer at the same time? Early risers can consider their chances very good at 6 a.m. on Tuesday and Thursday mornings when the General Manager and a personal trainer meet guests for sunrise summertime workouts at nearby Ontario Beach.