• Spend a night in downtown Chicago's theater district.downtown chicago image by Gary from Fotolia.com
  
  The Ford Center for the Performing Arts, formerly known as the Oriental Theatre, has a tumultuous history. It hosted comedy and musical acts in the 1930s, was a movie theater in the 1970s and almost crumbled away into oblivion. It has been restored, renamed and now hosts musicals such as "Billy Elliott." Take in a show at the theater and retire to one of the many accommodating hotels, each less than a mile away.
  
  

The Wit

• Retire to your luxurious room at the Wit following a performance at the Ford Center for the Performing Arts. This boutique hotel by Doubletree in the middle of the business and theater districts offers guest rooms and suites with wireless and wired high-speed Internet access, touch screen telephones, high-definition television, iPod docking station, coffeemaker and spa-like bathroom amenities.
  
  The hotel has many recreational and dining options. The Wit is home to a health club and yoga studio and a spa. You can even rent their private, multi-media theater for a movie screening or business meeting. Guests can try an Italian dinner at cibo matto or enjoy a meal any time of day at State and Lake. If you are looking for a cocktail, try the Phoenix Lounge or the rooftop lounge aptly named The ROOF.
  
  The Wit
  
  201 N. State St.
  
  Chicago, IL 60601
  
  312-467-0200
  
  thewithotel.com
  
  

Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel

• Near both the Ford Center for the Performing Arts and Millennium Park, a mecca for fine shopping and dining is the Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel. The hotel offers guest rooms and suites with cable television, wireless Internet for a fee, work desk, coffeemaker and beds with pillow-top mattresses.
  
  Guests can swim in the indoor pool, work out in the exercise room or enjoy a spa treatment at the Renaissance Rejuvenation Center. Guests won't have to travel far for a good meal. Enjoy American classics for breakfast, lunch and dinner at the Great Street Restaurant, or a cup of coffee and light snack at the Renaissance Cafe. Guests looking for a libation and light meal can try Bar Novo.
  
  Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel
  
  1 W. Wacker Dr.
  
  Chicago, IL, 60601
  
  312-372-7200
  
  marriott.com
  
  

Hampton Inn Majestic

• Spend the night at the Hampton Inn Majestic in Chicago's Theater District. This new hotel in a recently restored historic building boasts guest rooms with flat panel cable television, high-speed Internet access, coffeemaker and upscale bath amenities.
  
  Guests can exercise in the fitness room or start the day with a free hot breakfast. The hotel is in close proximity to many dining options, such as seafood at Nick's Fish Market and reinvented American classics at the Custom House.
  
  Hampton Inn Majestic
  
  22 W. Monroe
  
  Chicago IL 60603
  
  312-332-5052
  
  hamptoninn.hilton.com
  
  

Hard Rock Hotel

• Enjoy the luxurious rooms at the Hard Rock Hotel, located in the Art Deco classic Carbide & Carbon building. The Hard Rock is near shopping on the famed Magnificent Mile and the famed collection at the Art Institute of Chicago. The hotel offers guest rooms and suites with high-speed Internet access, "iHome" docking station, pillow-top beds and flat-panel television. Pets are welcome to join you, but fees do apply.
  
  Guests can unwind with a massage at the spa or enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner at the on-site China Grill. If you would like to unwind with a cocktail, try the Globe Bar at the China Grill or the Base Bar.
  
  Hard Rock Hotel
  
  230 North Michigan Ave.
  
  Chicago, IL 60601
  
  312-345-1000
  
  hardrockhotelchicago.com