I have reservations at the Renaissance Chicago for January but a friend says it is a bad location away from shopping and restaurants on Michigan Ave. I know it will be cold but is it too far to walk to Watertower for instance. My friend recommended the Drake but it is much higher in cost. Is it that much better?

Hi -- where is the Renaissance? and yes, the Drake is expensive. If you want to be near Watertower, recommend the Talbott. Not too expensive, smaller, "European-style" place, with very nice service. Stayed there last spring and loved it. It's about a block from everything.

I've stayed at the Talbott twice in the last year, and I recommend it, too. Comfortable, but showing its age a bit (ask for updates on room renovation). Continental breakfast is above norm, but nothing to get excited about. (Take a cup of coffee with you while walking to Water Tower, then get a better cup there!) I'll be in Shy-town next week (Indianapolis to Chicago for business meeting), and debating if I'll spend the night; if I do, I will stay at Talbott.

Also, catch Second City or Blue Man Group if you get the chance. Dine at Bistro 110 for excellent French food, or the Sunday brunch at House of Blues for gospel rock, if that's your 'thang.

Also, for Chicago-only hotel discounts in, look up hotrooms.com. They give you a good idea on prices, discounts, location, etc.

The Renaissance is on Wacker near State Street. It's within a couple of blocks of shopping on State Street, the flagship Marshall Field's is located there. It's also close to the theaters-The Chicago Theater, The Oriental Theater, the Cadillac Palace and the new Goodman Theater (which should be open in Late November). It looks like a nice hotel, at least from the lobby.

It's a bit of a walk to the major shopping on Michigan Avenue, maybe 6 or 7 long blocks. I've walked it in the summer months but January can be quite cold and the wind off the Chicago River, which you need to cross, can be brutal. On the other hand, it's just a short cab ride, $4-5 each way, if the hotel price difference is huge.

And although I'm not into trendy eating, I've heard that the hot new area for restaurants is West Randolph Street which would be a bit closer to the Renaissance than the hotels on Michigan Avenue but would still require a short cab ride.

Hello, Another vote for The Talbott. Stayed there for a week in June. Great location, desk, bell and concierge services.

Nice bar..sidewalk seating weather permitting.

Never got up early enough for breakfast due to the nice bar.
Kal