Built in 1927, this landmark was for many years the world's largest hotel. Restored to its original splendor, however, the Hilton fuses historic luxury and contemporary amenities, such as Internet access, a full-service health club, and an indoor pool complete with palm trees, poolside food service, spas and sundeck.

Guests can enjoy fabulous fine dining at the Hilton's well-regarded Buckingham's, a classy steak-and-seafood place paneled in polished mahogany and featuring watercolors, paintings and drawings by Chicago artists of the restaurant's namesake - Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park. The casual Pavilion features Mediterranean- influenced pasta, seafood and chicken dishes. Guests can kick back in Kitty O'Shea's Irish Pub, which feels like an authentic Irish pub thanks to the Irish exchange students who work as servers. Meanwhile, the Lakeside Green Lounge offers a quite respite during the day but after the sun goes down transforms into a swank club where the martinis flow freely and the hip nosh appetizers.

The Hilton's 1,544 guestrooms come complete with antique-style oak furnishings, bathrobes, designer toiletries, premium bedding, minibars and separate sitting areas.

Upon entering the lobby, guests often stop to gawk at the frescoed ceiling of clouds and angels. Tourists snap pictures on the grand staircase while badge-wearing conventioneers socialize in the expansive, chandeliered lobby. With so many guest rooms and meeting spaces, this Hilton is one bustling place.