The Raphael Hotel is easy to miss, tucked away in a quiet corner of the historic and ritzy Gold Coast surrounded by towering glass structures. But shopping fans and sightseers looking to avoid the Michigan Avenue chain hotels are drawn to this small, red-brick hotel built in the 1920s as a nurse dormitory. Just two blocks from Lake Michigan's vibrant recreational opportunities, the Raphael sits in downtown's center of excitement, arts, museums and galleries. The 17-story hotel is one block from the businesses, restaurants and condos of the 100-story John Hancock Center and Michigan Avenue's upscale shops, restaurants and nightclubs.

Guests can enjoy daily continental breakfasts of coffee, juices, Danish pastries and fresh fruit - for a fee. The Raphael skips having its own restaurant, but guests will find plenty of dining options in the area. Among them are Mike Ditka's, the restaurant named after the hard- nosed former coach of "Da Bears," and Tavern on Rush, where former Bulls' star Michael Jordan occasionally hangs out.

Different from the large hotels brimming with conventions and crowds, the Raphael is quiet, unobtrusive and quaint enough to offer Old World charm and European amenities. The Raphael's small, high-ceilinged lobby features wood beams, wrought-iron chandelier, large arched windows, floods of natural light and tables topped with fresh flowers. Guests can use the fitness room, sauna and massage treatments at the Raphael's companion hotel, the Tremont, two blocks away.

Spacious guestrooms feature classical décors and furnishings, high-beamed ceilings, floral-print fabrics, data ports, safes and other modern conveniences.

For guests who prefer a smaller hotel in the middle of everything downtown Chicago offers, the Raphael is a fine choice for a Windy City vacation.