There's a certain glamour associated with drinking in hotel bars; it's a wonder that so few locals take advantage of the luxurious environs of downtown lobby lounges. Situated in prime Loop real estate—on Wacker, near where the river meets Lake Michigan—the Swissotel's Lobby Lounge is an ideal locale for a rendezvous of any sort.

Despite its outstanding central location, the Lobby Lounge maintains a cozy, comfortable vibe that makes it a great escape from the bustle of downtown. Many Loop executives have already discovered this hideaway as the perfect destination for happy-hour drinks or casual business meetings. Stark, almost reflective, white walls are full of enormous windows, providing generous glimpses of Chicago's architectural offerings. Brightly colored geometric carpet covers the floor and a gargantuan double-sided fireplace acts as the lounge's centerpiece. Cozy modern furniture is situated into clusters, forming many intimate seating areas inside of the huge space.

In the mornings, the beautiful room fills with sunlight, and guests can fill up on European pastries and fresh fruit. Freshly brewed coffee and espresso drinks are also available, making the Lobby Lounge a great place to start your day. Those that come here in the evening tend to embrace the fantastic wine list and carefully crafted cocktails. Is there anything more cosmopolitan than sipping a dirty martini and making small talk with strangers in a downtown hotel lobby? Since most patrons of the Lobby Lounge are Swissotel guests who are paying top-dollar for the privilege of staying in the center of the city, opportunities for casual conversation abound.

Centerstage Reviewer: K. Tighe