Opened as the Stevens in 1927, this was the biggest hotel in the world,with a rooftop golf course, private library and basement ice rink.While these amenities are long gone, others remain. There's 234,000square feet of meeting-room space, including the Grand Ballroom and Great Hall, which have kept their original luster, gold leaf and all.If the hotel name sounds familiar, it may be because it was the headquarters of the 1968 Democratic National Convention (then the Conrad Hilton).

As it's the closest hotel to the McCormick Place Convention Center,it's convenient for business travelers. Contemporary amenities include in-room high-speed Internet access, a full business center and a workout facility. Other amenities include hair dryers, ironing boards,cable TV and room service.