The Gold Coast's long-standing Allerton Hotel - Michigan Avenue boasts both Historic Landmark Hotel status, designated by the city of Chicago, and a $60 million renovation that brought the hotel up to today's standards. It was built in 1924 and has served as a men's hotel for Northwestern University; at the time of its construction, it was the tallest building on Michigan Avenue. Today, business and leisure travelers are attracted to the ideal location on Chicago's Magnificent Mile, as well as to all-day dining on American cuisine at Taps on Two restaurant and a 25th-floor health club where guests gasp for breath over both exercise and the view of the city spread out beneath them. The hotel maintains its ties with its history; arched doorways, original elevators and crown molding, and old photos are found throughout, and no two guest rooms have the same layout or design. Wireless Internet access is available in the third-floor lobby.

The Allerton Hotel - Michigan Avenue Amenities:

• 443 rooms, 25 story. Pets accepted, some restrictions; fee. Check-in 3 pm, check-out noon. High-speed Internet access. Restaurant, bar. Fitness room. Airport transportation available. Business center.