Avenue Crowne Plaza Chicago

Located one-half block from Michigan Avenue shops in Chicago, this hotel is three blocks from Lake Michigan and four blocks from Water Tower Place. The Sears Tower rises one mile from the hotel.

Hotel features include the Elephant and Castle Pub, a full-service restaurant located on the lobby level. British favorites include bangers and mash, fish and chips, shepherd's pie, roast beef and Yorkshire pudding, whilst American-style fare includes steak, grilled fish, and chicken and pasta dishes. The restaurant also features imported beers, ales and single-malt scotches. Outdoor seating is also available in warm-weather months.

Complimentary wireless Internet access is available throughout the hotel and recreational amenities include a 24-hour, complimentary fitness center that contains free weights, and cardiovascular and weight-training equipment. A rarity in Chicago, the hotel's seasonal, outdoor rooftop pool affords sweeping views of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan, and is located on the 40th floor.

There are 350 modern-style guestrooms spread over 40 floors, all furnished with zebra-print ergonomic chairs and decorated with black-and-white architectural photography. Rooms include iPod stations, plasma-screen televisions, MP3 adaptors and complimentary high-speed Internet access. Bathrooms feature granite vanities and rainforest showerheads, and rooms located on floors 14 to 40 even offer panoramic views of the city or the lake.