5 big, flashy hotels in Chicago

Set in a grand Victorian building with all the trimmings, this luxury landmark hotel is famous for hosting presidents and celebrities. Inspired by early-1900s French architecture, its polished marble interiors are accented with gilded, neoclassical beaux-arts flourishes, lending a grand and important air to virtually every room. Modern works from local artists keeps things current.

The city’s largest hotel by far, existing on a Vegas-like scale. More than 2000 generously large rooms are scattered throughout its twin towers’ 228.000 square feet, which include several dining options, common spaces for meeting and lounging, and amenities including a game room.

The roaring twenties are alive and well at this beautifully revived hotel. Home to the largest crystal chandelier in the country and a swimming pool to die for, the building has undergone a series of expensive and extensive rehabs including mural restorations completed by an art historian that previously worked on the Sistine Chapel.

The present-day Palmer House is the third version of Victorian-era developer Potter Palmer’s dream hotel, which became more opulent with each rebuild. This dazzling building with many art deco-era details hosts more than 1600 guest rooms.

Tucked just off of Michigan Avenue inside a tastefully simple, bellhop-flanked entrance is the city’s Ritz-Carlton. Take the elevators to the 12th-floor lobby: the newly refreshed, decidedly modern space offers a teaser of the soaring views.