Fodor's Expert Review theWit

The atmosphere at this sleek spot, topped by ROOF, one of the Loop's most happening bars, is fun and youthful. Hanging in each of the moderately sized guest rooms is cheeky art meant to resemble puckered lips. The hotel announces itself with a massive lightning bolt out front and winged lighting sculptures in the lobby. You'd never guess this is a Doubletree (don't worry, warm chocolate-chip cookies are still presented upon check-in).

room

Punched up with fun, bright colors, rooms are full of little surprises such as a bright-orange fainting sofa. Smartly designed work areas feature easy plug-ins for laptops and other devices.

Ask for a room with a view of the Chicago River.

bathroom

From the magnifying mirror to a tub deep enough for a true soak, the baths are spa-like sanctuaries.

lobby

Columns and walls are backlit in this open-air space, with plenty of comfy sofas and armchairs to chill.

YOU SHOULD KNOW If you like to hang out in hotel lobbies with a drink, this isn't your place as bar service does not exist in the lobby. You have to zip up to the rooftop for drinks.

spa

Touting seasonal ingredients (like cranberry and cinnamon in winter), [email protected] is popular with locals. Treatments are what you'd expect (massages, facials, wraps and body polishes). Get to your appointment early enough to hang out in the Whisper Lounge, a super-calming space.

YOU SHOULD KNOW Far from full-service--there's no pool or steam room--if you're looking for a pampering spa day you'd be better off at another downtown Chicago hotel.

gym

Pump up your adrenaline levels at the 2,500-square-foot fitness center, open 24/7, with state-of-the-art machines.

There's no extra fee to use the gym (rare for downtown Chicago hotels) so long as you're a hotel guest so don't be shy about taking advantage of this perk.

dining

Service at State and Lake Chicago Tavern's gastropub environment never stops, starting with melt-in-your-mouth malted pancakes in the morning and steak at night. To beat the rush to the rooftop bar ROOF, have pre-dinner drinks at ROOF then head to the tavern.

Love live music? Local musicians perform Friday and Saturday nights at the tavern.

drinking

Drinks at ROOF, the hotel's rooftop bar, are matched with panoramic views of Lake Michigan and Chicago's stunning architecture, making the place feel more like South Beach than the Windy City (that's a good thing!). Guest DJs perform on weekends.

YOU SHOULD KNOW Being a hotel guest doesn't mean you can bypass the line at ROOF, nor does it let you in for free. You're basically competing with the general public and receive no special treatment. But to avoid a wait, book a table through the hotel's website.