rjw_lgb_ca - I don't have an explanation, I just know I don't like old stuff. I don't like antiques. I don't like vintage clothing. I don't like turn of the century houses or new "rustic" lob cabins. Just not my thing. Those things just do NOT appeal to me.

Luzianne, that's perfectly reasonable-- I know lots of people like that. And in some things in life, I want new stuff too. When I'm traveling, however, I want to know where I am with each waking moment-- and that's my neurosis. The worst trip I ever made to Boston (a favorite town) was one where I had to stay in a Holiday Inn in Dorcester. I was mad about having to take the "T" into town instead of staying at the hotel where my meeting was-- but the motel itself was a dump AND so motel-generic it could have been Sheboygan. It felt like I was never in Boston.

I've stayed at the Sofitel twice - once when it first opened (for a "tourist weekend" in our own town) and once this summer (for a conference). You will not be disappointed in the hotel or the location. I live 10 miles outside of the city and will tell you being downtown in the middle of everything most definitely makes a difference. Enjoy!

Another new hotel is Hotel 71 on Wacker Drive - it's further south on Michican Ave. but very nice.