Good option just off the Magnificent Mile
Contemporary in style and service, the Affinia Chicago is a great "home base" for visitors to Chicago. Within walking distance of most of the Magnificent Mile stores and attractions — it's three blocks from Water Tower Place, for example — the hotel is ideally located. Clean, stylish and comfortable rooms, plus there's a bar/restaurant on the first floor, plus a Gino's East right next door. A nice surprise was the lounge on the 22nd floor... we were there during winter, and it was still nice, with some scenic views. In summer the lounge expands to a rooftop deck area. There's an exercise room, but it doesn't offer much beyond a stack weight machine tower and a couple of treadmills.