Chicago hotels -- recommendations?

[eyesroll]

If you were staying at a hotel in Chicago (downtown or nearby) on a Friday night, and you weren't concerned with just getting the lowest price (within reason -- I'm not talking about $500 a night, but if the difference between the really gross Red Roof Inn and a much nicer property is $40, we'll take the latter), where would you stay?



Thanks.

[XNASA]

1. The Allegro on Randolph is hip and funky.

With an excellent bar downstairs.

[eyesroll]

2. That looks pretty cool!

I'll bounce that off J tonight (there appear to be several rooms available, so I'm not in any hurry).

(We're thinking of doing a last-minute Friday-to-Saturday change of scenery/see Chicago at Christmas, yes I know Saturday is Christmas Eve but we're doing it anyway-type thing...)

Edit: Thanks.

[xultar]

3. The Hotel Monaco

[AngryAmish]

4. Hotel Burnham

great place and goof food downstairs

[eyesroll]

5. I'm seeing a pattern -- you, xultar and XNASA all suggested Kimpton hotels

I'll have to seriously check these out...thanks!

[Ron Mexico]

6. The Raphael Chicago on E. Delaware Place.

It's small, quiet, reasonably priced, has a good restaurant, and my wife LOVED it. Their number is 312-943-5000. It's the perfect way to avoid the Michigan Avenue chains, it's got that romantic feel to it, the weekend package inclides free wine and discounts on food, and I wholeheartedly recommend it.

[Lex]

7. About 2 years or so ago, we stayed at "The Allerton" in downtown

Chicago and it seemed to be close to everything.

http://www.allertonchi.crowneplaza.com/

[Beausoir]

8. The Allerton. Very nice smaller property.

Fantastic location. I have a girlfriend who is a corporate travel agent in Chicago. She books all her clients through the Allerton. I stayed there last May and it really was a terrific hotel.

[greatauntoftriplets]

9. Amalfi Hotel in River North.

My company developed the building in which it is located.