Location. The Avenue Hotel Chicago is located one-half block from Michigan Avenue shops in Chicago, Ill. The 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. The Elephant and Castle Pub is the hotel's 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. 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 available in warm-weather months. The complimentary business center houses two computer stations and offers print, scan, photocopy and fax services. A total of 18,000 square feet of function space accommodates up to 220 people. Complimentary wireless Internet access is available throughout the hotel. Recreational amenities include a 24-hour, complimentary fitness center that contains cardiovascular and weight-training equipment. A seasonal outdoor pool is located on the 40th floor.

Guestrooms. The 40-story hotel offers 350 modern-style guestrooms furnished with zebra-print ergonomic occasional chairs and decorated with black-and-white architectural photography. Rooms include iPod stations, plasma-screen televisions, MP3 adaptors and complimentary wireless Internet access. Rooms contain pillowtop mattresses. Bathrooms feature granite vanities and rainforest showerheads. Rooms are located on floors 14 to 40 and offer panoramic views of the city or the lake.

Expert Tip. A rarity in Chicago, the hotel's seasonal, outdoor rooftop pool affords sweeping views of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan.