Downtown Chicago, known also as "The Loop" business district, offers dozens of hotels, many of which exquisitely capture Chicago attitude with unmatched style. Whether you're looking for a historic stay in one of the downtown Chicago hotels built shortly after the great fire, or a stay in one of the sleek newer hotels in downtown Chicago, you're sure to find just what you're looking for. The Loop, famous home of the Sears Tower, is the second busiest commercial district in the nation, behind midtown Manhattan, and the hotels' competitive need to appeal to top-level executives and junior businesspeople alike results in a spectrum of great downtown Chicago hotels. You'll find the highest in expense-account-draining luxury here, but if you're vigilant, you can still score cheap hotels in downtown Chicago as well.

The Palmer House Hilton is probably the most historic of the downtown Chicago hotels. The world-famous Beaux Arts ceiling in the main lobby is something to behold. When I told a professor of mine I would be staying in the Palmer House, his eyes twinkled as he said, "The Palmer House is a great tradition in Chicago." I could tell by his voice that he had experienced unforgettable service, and so did I. Centrally located in the Loop business district, the Palmer house offers executive levels with unique and different styles for those who want to truly escape, even from the culture of the rest of the hotel. The Lockwood Restaurant in the Palmer House is a legendary fine dining experience you won't soon forget-among the nicest eateries available within hotels in downtown Chicago.

Another of the historic hotels providing spectacular Chicago downtown suites is the Silversmith Hotel & Suites. Built in 1897 to appeal to those in the jewelry industry, the Silversmith is something of a secret among hotels in downtown Chicago. High speed internet access and high ceilings, along with generously sized bathrooms, make the Silversmith a haven of comfort for any business traveler. And, consistent with the jewelry theme, there's a safe in each room for your valuables. The cleverly appointed upscale rooms are among the most functional and visually pleasing of Chicago downtown suites.

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For a much more modern twist on your visit to the Windy City, we recommend the Swissotel. Located in the heart of the Loop, this is a hotel that knows its market: it strives to be a savvy business traveler's dream. The sleek, triangular architecture and the cool lobby radiates an aura appealing to people who operate at the highest levels of business. But you don't have to be an executive to enjoy the Swissotel: they provide Chicago downtown suites that are perfect for to no-nonsense tourist as well. Upgrade to the business advantage rooms to enjoy high speed wireless, and executive level guests will receive complimentary breakfast and the use of an exquisite library. The Penthouse health club and spa allows sweeping views while you're enjoying the facilities.

For cheap hotels in downtown Chicago, you'll have to venture a bit further from the loop to find truly rock-bottom prices. But with Chicago's easy-to-navigate transportation system, you'll find yourself downtown in minutes from these less expensive choices. For a solid chain hotel standby, the Howard Johnson's downtown Chicago (5 blocks from downtown) isn't bad: you know what you're going to get, and they provide it consistently for the budget-minded traveler. This is important: when looking for cheap hotels in downtown Chicago you may want to go this route, so you don't find yourself surprised by the "quaintness" of your hotel, or, sometimes, its dangerous neighborhood. Another less expensive option is the Seneca Hotel. This historic building, over 75 years old, features nice amenities you'd expect in a more expensive setting. With two restaurants and a deli, whirlpool jets in the bathtubs, and sparkling chandeliers, the Seneca offers some budget-friendly style, and only two miles from The Loop.

Whether you're visiting downtown Chicago for that crucial business convention, simply enjoying an Illinois vacation to Millennium Park or A Taste of Chicago, you're sure to find hotels in downtown Chicago to suit your specific needs.