The wedge-shaped Sofitel is visually stunning, starting with two-story atrium lobby appointed with copper-colored, chenille couches and vases stuffed with fresh flowers and peacock feathers. Illuminated glass blocks embedded in the slate floor change colors, while optic wall fibers create starry backdrops.

Not to be outdone, the hotel's swanky, candle-lit Le Bar attracts guests and locals with appetizers, extensive wines and champagnes, and shaken-at-the-table martinis. The hotel's Café Des Architectes tempts tastebuds with French-inspired eggs Benedict, poached eggs, roasted pork tenderloin, cheese gnocchi and filet of beef.

What's more, the Sofitel features a 24-hour health club and gift shop that carries chocolate truffles, French bath products and food-and-art magazines. Corporate travelers will love the hotel's 10,000 square feet of meeting space, ballroom and floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the Hancock.

Guest rooms feature comfy feather mattresses, décor of light-wood furnishings and photographs of Chicago architecture. The rooms also include perfumed French bath products, robes, slippers, candles, laptop safes, and treats and chrome- plated bowls for Fido and Morris.

With its ultramodern design with a French flair, the Sofitel Chicago Water Tower is great for business and leisure travelers seeking style and a great location. Fido and Morris will want to know when they're coming back.