This glass-and-steel hotel's soaring atrium lobby - with bamboo plantings and cascading granite waterfall - bamboo plantings and cascading granite waterfall - provides nightly settings for open-bar receptions. Fitness freaks will salivate at the hotel's fitness facility, indoor lap pool and spa, and discount passes to the adjoining European-style health club.

What's more, complimentary, cooked-to-order breakfasts are among the standards at all Embassy Suites throughout the country, and this one isn't an exception. This being Chicago, guests can find dining options serving everything from steak to sushi to Starbucks. At the hotel, P.J. Clark's Restaurant is the after-work scene for folks wanting to chill and nosh American comfort food, such as hamburgers, barbecued ribs, baked macaroni and cheese, chicken pot pie and meatloaf. For lunch and dinner, they also can order room service, choosing from porterhouse steak and rack of lamb to salads and burgers and children's favorites like grilled cheese.

Speaking of room service, the two-room suites, all with city or lake views, are awashed in olive greens and ivories. They include ceiling fans, kitchenettes, microwave ovens, refrigerators, coffee makers, video- game consoles and dial-up Internet access.

During the week, the Embassy Suites Lakefront buzzes with wheelers and dealers but weekends bring families that appreciate the 21-screen movie theater next door and the short walk to Navy Pier and the Mag Mile, which are also accessible via the free blue-line trolley that stops across the street from the Embassy Suites.