The Sutton Place Hotel, located at the corners of Bellevue & Rush in the heart of Chicago's Gold Coast, is one of the finest places to stay in the Windy City. From the moment you get out of your car, the excellent service begins. Gary the doorman is the best in the business. He has a photographic memory when it comes to names. And make sure to ask him where to get good cigars. (I've found that tipping Gary with $5 or $10 gets him to walk you in the front door and announce to the registration desk that you are a returning "preferred" customer. That's there signal to give you the best room available.) The lobby is small but comfortable and the registration staff courteous.

The rooms are what impress me the most. For the business traveller, all the necessary amenities are included: a large desk, two-line phone, cable TV with a VCR, a stereo with a CD player, and a mini-bar. On the fourth floor is the video tape library that guests may use to rent movies of their choice. For those who enjoy being pampered, walk into any of the oversized bathrooms. Each contains a huge soaking tub and a separate glass-walled shower. The sink area is large, so you can spread out all of your toiletries. Don't worry, they have blow-dryers and styling mirrors as well. Of course, the hotel has a turn-down service to add the special "at-home" feeling. The only room on each floor that doesn't have the large bathroom is the one ending in "11." Otherwise, any room you get will be terrific.

Nothing beats the location of the Sutton Place. Downstairs they have a wonderful full-service restaurant and the infamous Whisky Bar with a full assortment of single malt scotch for even the most refined palette. Within one block of the front door, you will find such notable establishments as Gibson's Steakhouse, The Frog Bar, The Tavern on Rush, Carmine's and Mortons. If you want to shop, head east from the front door and the top of Michigan Ave is only one block away.

The only down-side of staying at the Sutton Place is that it will spoil your Chicago experience to the point where you might refuse to stay anywhere else. If you ever stay at the Sutton Place, make sure to say hi to Gary. If you do, only good things will come to you.



Recommended: Yes