The W Hotel Lakeshore lives up to its name. Located right on the lakefront, its rooms catch priceless views of the city's skyline and Lake Michigan. The lake inspires within as well; the lobby's plasma screens allow fish, waves and sea creature to drift along the walls. In-house restaurant Wave plays on the sea theme as well, from its name to the Mediterranean food it serves to its blue, red, and orange decor.

All 520 rooms ($199-$329 a night) come outfitted with W's signature "Heavenly Bed," which boasts 250-thread-count sheets. Guests can also make use of high-speed internet, a CD player, VCR and the hotel's CD library, should your own tunes start to bore you. Better still, by the end of summer 2006, all the rooms will have plasma screen TVs. Looking for even more pampering? Curl up in the complimentary terry spa robe and order an in-room massage.

If you can tear yourself from the comforts of your room, you'll do well to visit bottom-floor bar The Living Room, which is located to the left of the entrance. In true W style, the bar spills out into the lobby, where patrons can mingle over martinis on its chairs and couches. Those with higher aspirations can order a cocktail at rooftop lounge Whiskey Sky.

Like any other hotel, there's 24-hour maid service and room service, but there's also a 24-hour concierge who caters to guests' special requests and desires. The wishes vary from reservations for dinner at a popular restaurant to a chocolate bath, which yes, was requested and delivered. To top it off, the hotel offers a 24-hour gym as well as an indoor heated pool. Fear not if the frosty lake isn't up your alley; the hotel pool will provide a warmer, welcoming wet haven.

Centerstage Reviewer: Stephanie Sims