For fans of old-fashioned luxury hotels, Chicago offers no end of options; many of the city’s hotels feel like throwbacks to Chicago’s glory days as the business-and-industry capital of the Middle West. For the rest of us, however, Sax Chicago is a bit of a welcome departure, with soft, light colors and a clean-lined, almost European look taking the place of the mahogany and marble bathrooms of the classic business hotel.

Cabin rooms are on the cozy side, and will be familiar to boutique hotel connoisseurs — a queen bed, a flat-panel television, and just enough room to spread out a bit. From there they just get bigger and bigger, on up to the junior suites with their king beds and dual HDTVs, and the one-bedroom suites with sleeper sofas.

And the location is quite possibly Sax Chicago’s greatest strength: the Marina City complex, right on the Chicago River, is home to the legendary House of Blues as well as a number of bars and restaurants and even a bowling alley — which if you’ve never considered as a viable night-out option you’re in for a pleasant surprise. Chicago is a gourmand’s paradise, and everything from upscale steakhouses to classic street sausages is within easy reach — get a guest pass to the Crunch gym next door if you feel you may have overindulged.

How to get there:The Hotel Sax Chicago is located a few blocks from both the Grand Ave station on the Red "L" line or a few blocks from the Merchandise Mart station. It is approximately a 30 minute drive from Chicago O'Hare International Airport.

Hotel Policies:

-Valet parking available at the additional cost of 52 USD per night (includes in/out privileges)

-Parking garage cannot accommodate motorcycles.

-Formerly House of Blues Hotel.

Style: Contemporary Classic

Atmosphere: Lively

367 Rooms - Rates starting at US$ 97.00