Located just a block from the glitzy House of Blues hotel, River North's Westin hotel offers a quality, low-key alternative without the leopard-couch-lounge aesthetic. Its 400 well-appointed, robustly understated rooms and suites each feature a mini-bar, work area with a data port, marble bathroom and free use of a Sony PlayStation. Plus, as its name suggests, the luckiest guests enjoy picture-perfect views of the Chicago River and architecture along Wacker Drive. Room rates constantly fluctuate, with baseline prices ranging anywhere from $229-$529 per night.

One thing's for sure: It's a Westin World. Guests awake on their Westin Heavenly Bed in a smoke-free Breathe Westin environment, drop the offspring at the Westin Kids Club, hit the treadmill for a Westin Workout and clean up nicely in the Westin Heavenly Bath. A hard-working consierge aims to please, doing everything from securing theater tickets to locating running routes. Business travelers are free to host meetings in various rooms in the hotel, from boardrooms to ballrooms.

The modern, wood and marbled-decked Hana Lounge offers a sushi and maki menu from the adjacent Kamehachi restuarant, served in the lounge area. Guests looking for a more substantial meal head to the Ember Grill for flat-bread sandwiches and fire-roasted American cuisine.

Centerstage Reviewer: Justin Sondak