The Thompson Chicago has built an impressive trophy case in just three years of existence; in 2015 it was voted the #2 hotel in Chicago by readers of Condé Nast Traveler and a New York Times review called it a “a stylish, splurge-worthy hotel with an excellent location.” The guest rooms are equal parts mid-century modern and urban-industrial. Picture windows look out to the tree-lined streets of the Gold Coast neighborhood or the cobalt waters of Lake Michigan. Chicago chef, Erling Wu-Bower, whips up contemporary Italian fare and seafood entrees at the onsite restaurant, Nico Osteria, which boasts an impressive Zagat rating of 4.7 out of 5.