For a taste of the real Chicago, guests can dine across the street at Harry Caray's, the restaurant named after the late and beloved announcer for the loveable Chicago Cubs. ("Cubs win] Cubs win] Cubs win]") Harry is as much of an institution in this sports-crazed town as Mike Ditka, the former coach of "Da Bears," as the football team is known around these parts, and owner of a restaurant that bears his name (pardon the pun).

In the Westin's sunken lobby, guests from throughout the world lounge on low couches surrounded by vases of orchids, Asian artwork and a gentle waterfall. Concierges can bag theater tickets and dinner reservations and arrange tours. For corporate travelers, the Westin features a business center with all the trimmings and for fitness gurus an extensive health club with massage therapy and certified trainers.

The Westin's 424 guestrooms feature the comfy and patented Westin Heavenly Beds, with all-white bedding, pillowtop mattresses, down comforters, duvets, triple sheeting and five down pillows. The rooms also include bathrobes, exclusive toiletries, minibars, and coffee makers with the omnipresent Starbucks Coffee.

The Westin Chicago River North Hotel provides a microcosm of Chicago vacationers: couples and families in sneakers coming and going, Armani-dressed business travelers reading newspapers, banging on laptops and talking shop.