Location. Overlooking Grant Park in downtown Chicago, Ill., the Hilton Chicago Michigan Avenue Cultural Mile is one block from Buckingham Fountain and four blocks from the John G.

Shedd Aquarium and Chicago Loop business district. Lake Michigan, the Art Institute of Chicago and Millennium Park are within six blocks from the property. Due to its central location, the hotel's rooftop is commonly used in helicopter landing scenes for the television show ER. Complimentary shuttle service is available less than two miles away to Michigan Avenue's Magnificent Mile and one block away to the transit Red Line running throughout the city.

Hotel Features. Four dining areas within the hotel include an Irish pub with nightly live entertainment, a cocktail lounge, The Pavilion's all day American dining, and Buckingham's choice steaks, fresh seafood and fine wines. More than 234,000 square feet of meeting and exhibit space includes a grand ballroom with gilded ceilings.

The 24 hour business center offers notary public, office rental, and fax, photocopy and print services. A health club features an indoor pool and sundeck, cardiovascular equipment and running track, two spa tubs, and a pro shop. Lockers, saunas and tanning beds are available for a fee.

Guestrooms. Guestrooms at the Hilton Chicago Michigan Avenue Cultural Mile overlook Grant Park and the city skyline from 25 floors.

Classical guestroom furnishings present hues of gold and blue. Bedding boasts feather duvets and triple sheeting and armoires house 27 inch televisions and video game consoles. Wired and wireless Internet access is also available. Marble bathrooms are stocked with Crabtree & Evelyn toiletries. Hotel Expert's Tip. As a lover of artifacts, I stood awestruck at the hotel's original 1927 frescoed ceilings and ornate chandeliers. Marbled lobby corridors lead to droves of boutique shops within this hotel, including a museum with historical artwork and pieces from its original quarters.