Hi. Husband and I will be taking first trip to Chicago for New year's Eve. Objective: romance and relax. Not party time. I had made reservations at House of Blues because it sounded fun, but am having second thoughts as it may turn into a loud evening on the holiday. Made second set of reservations at the Fairmont for a lake facing room.(I wanted to be able to watch fireworks from room while having champagne. Cheesy I know--but we will like it. Also, I am an art teacher and dying for a trip to the Art Institute and I know it's close.)I have made dinner reservations at Geja's for one night and also at Spiaggia for the holiday evening itself. Was planning on going to the Signature Room for drinks one night. Anything else we should do? I know it will be cold, and our hotel is not super close to Michigan ave, but I don't mind taking cabs.

House of blues is great, but for your objectives, you'll probably be happier at the Fairmont facing the lake. Geja's is wonderful and romantic, plus great food. Haven't been to Spiaggia, but hear good things. Signature room for drinks is great - view is amazing, drinks are pricey. You can also take a carriage ride - pick one up right across from Water Tower. Michigan Ave. with all the holiday lights is beautiful. Have fun!

Go to Everest or Charlie Trotters to eat. Signature room is fab.

Your plans sound great. I would definitely take lake view at the Fairmont over the House of Blues. Everest can be very romantic with stunning city views from its 41st floor location. Very elegant and understated service. I would not pick Charlie Trotter's for a romantic dinner, too much attention to the food required, just sort of tootoo IMHO.

I personally do not find Geja's at all romantic - I felt sick when I left from cooking the entree in oil and my clothes smelled from the oil too. I could never understand the appeal of that place. As for HOB - when they show it on tv for New Years eve it looks like the crowd is a bunch of college kids gone wild. Not sure of your age - I am 33 and would feel ancient there. The fairmont is a beautiful hotel - I work across the street from it and have also stayed there - so I vote for champagne in your room. Signature room is great for drinks -I got engaged there six years ago. For dinner I like Roy's, Coco Pazzo and Harry Carey's is good. Pompeii bakery on Taylor street is a great place for lunch.

The Goo Goo Dolls are playing the House of Blues New Years Eve in conjunction with a local radio station, so probably will be quite loud! Can also agree with doing drinks at the Signature Room. Very romantic!

I would go for the Fairmount.

I love Geja's. We go to Chicago three to four times a year and always eat at Geja's. The food is wonderful.

If you like to shop, definetly do not miss Michigan Avenue.

Not sure how much time you have for doing things, but don't overlook the Terra Museum of American Art. It's at 664 North Michigan and if it's not stormy, it would be very walkable from your hotel. Nice smaller collection including Copley, McNeill, Whistler, Cassatt, Homer, and O'Keeffe. Check the website: http://www.terramuseum.org it's a sister museum to Musée d'Art Américain, in Giverny, France. The Art Institute is spectacular - you'll love it!

Fairmont is a better choice for romance. If you want a panaramic view of Navy Pier and fireworks, get a corner room at the Swissotel.
Narcisse is a sexy, romantic lounge. I like Le Coloniel also on Rush street. Check out Metromix.com PJ

Great advice. Keep it coming.

I live in Chicago. I vote for the Faimont. My husband and I went to Tru for our anniversary. I have been to Everest, and it's nice. But Tru was really special!!! It's expensive, but special.

I always loved Gejas. I used to go there with my girlfriends before I was married. When I took my husband to Gejas, he thought it was average.

How does Geja's compare to The Melting Pot?

Skip Geja's- it's not that romantic or even that good. I personally think Melting Pot is better and wouldn't even run to go there. There are so many other great restaurants in Chicago- here is a few. Topo Gigio- great Italian spot on Wells Street (you can head next door to the Fudge Pot afterwards for dessert), Le Coloniel- I echo what someone said above- I love that place, Carmines on Rush- great Italian food, fun neighborhood. Bistro Margot or Mon Ami Gabi for french. The restaurants on Randolph Street are also very good- Marche, Vivo, Red Light. Check out www.metromix.com. Have fun!