By Meredith Lyons

Nothing says romance like a night away, and with Chicago hosting some of the best hotels around, you don’t even have to leave town to get away from it all.

(Credit: hotel71.com)

Hotel 71

71 E. Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60601
(312) 346-7100
www.hotel71.com

Located right downtown at 71 East Wacker, Hotel 71 is easily accessible for those traveling on Chicago’s public transit system and cabs are plentiful. The hotel features several specials including a romance package that includes a one night stay, champagne, chocolate-covered strawberries (a must have) and breakfast for two that can either be enjoyed in the room or in Hoyt’s Restaurant.

(Credit: burnhamhotel.com)

Hotel Burnham

1 W. Washington St.
Chicago, IL 60602
(312) 782-1111
www.burnhamhotel.com

If you’re looking for a boutique-style hotel right in the heart of Chicago’s downtown, look no further than Hotel Burnham. The staff is incredibly friendly and ready to help you with any romantic plans, from a special proposal to simply a nice time away. There are always special packages and promotions available and the hotel is one of the few pet-friendly hotels around. Treat yourself to an in-room spa service and enjoy the fitness center while you’re at it. Or simply relax and meander out to State Street shopping just steps away.

(Credit: thedrakehotel.com)

The Drake Hotel

140 E. Walton Place
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 787-2200
www.thedrakehotel.com

Nothing says Chicago like the historic Drake Hotel. Its style and sophistication alone makes it ideal for a special event. The Drake’s suites are high class and there are several varieties available (click here for suite details) whether you want a lake view or a view of downtown. Right off of Michigan Avenue, the Drake is ideally situated to easily find shopping or fine dining, or you may choose to dine within the hotel itself. Have a romantic afternoon tea at the Palm Court and listen to the live harpist as you enjoy.

(Credit: theallertonhotel.com)

The Allerton Hotel

701 N. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 440-1500
www.theallertonhotel.com

Anyone who has spent anytime on Michigan Avenue will have noticed the Allerton Hotel’s “Tip Top Tap” sign. The hotel is historic, having opened in the 1920s, and could not be better located in the heart of downtown. Spring for an in-room massage in one of the hotel’s many suites (click here for details on all of the suite types) or have dinner at the M Avenue Restaurant. The hotel offers several special packages including its Fabulous Winter Getaway, so be sure to inquire and discover which one might suit your particular romantic needs. The hotel also features a top floor fitness center with great views to take in while you workout any residual stress.

(Credit: congressplazahotel.com)

Congress Plaza Hotel

520 S. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60605
(312) 427-3800
www.congressplazahotel.com

If you’re into historic locations, you can’t get more romantically historical than the Congress Plaza. Located right across from Buckingham Fountain and steps away from Millennium Park, the hotel was originally constructed in 1893. The lakefront suites have incredible views and are laid out like few other hotels, having been built in a bygone era when living in hotels full time was fashionable. Current special packages feature a winter sale, perfect for a fine hotel experience at a reduced price.

Meredith Lyons is an actor, competitive fighter and fitness instructor in Chicago who also owns an amazing cat named Jake. Meredith has been writing on Examiner as the Chicago Martial Arts Examiner since 2008. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.