This hip and happening hotel is located in Chicago’s historic Carbon and Carbide building, a 1929 Art Deco skyscraper on the Chicago River. Inside, the lobby gives you a taste of what’s to come with its piped-in music, rock-and-roll memorabilia, and special exhibits (such as the famous Space Suit, Space Boots, and guitar of Styx’s James Young). The theme extends through the hallways up to your room, where zebra-wood furnishings are accented by artwork like a Beatles mural in the bathroom, a Kiss mirror above the desk, and a David Bowie print above the bed. But there’s plenty of comfort, too. The beds have down comforters and pillows, and each room has high-speed Internet access, a laptop safe, and an entertainment center with a 27-inch flat-screen TV and DVD/CD player with five-disc changer. And when you come back hungry at 3 am after having spent an evening at one of Chicago’s famed jazz or blues clubs, no worries: the Hard Rock offers 24-hour room service.

Hard Rock Hotel Chicago Amenities:

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