To be published in the upcoming issue of Entree Travel Newsletter.

When we arrived at the Intercontinental Chicago on the Magnificent Mile from O’Hare and paid the driver, one thing became extremely clear: It was the last time we’d have to deal with hailing a cab. I could see the Tribune Tower and Wrigley Building along the Chicago River, and the hotel’s location provided easy access to restaurants and the infamous Gold Coast shopping district.

The forecast predicted rain all weekend and that was certainly disappointing, but it’s not the worst thing in the world – it actually made it easier to slow down the pace, to dedicate our time to Chicago’s character (not to mention eat and drink all weekend).

Our two-room, two-bath suite was quite comfortable, the only downside falling on the shoulders of creativity as the suite was simply the obvious combination of two former single rooms.  But the view more than made up for any petty complaints we could come up with, the Tribune Tower and Wrigley Building directly in our line of sight.

Any long day of traveling deserves a good happy hour, and we decided on Eno, a modern wine, cheese and chocolate bar located off the lobby of the Intercontinental.  From there we warmly watched the people shivering on Michigan Avenue, sampling Midwestern cheeses and deep red wine.  It was a great spot to visit for an aperitif (they had many sparkling wine options).

The cheese-flight portions are light, deemed fit for tasting – a little disappointing given the price ($15/flight). There is no reason to stay in the hotel past happy hour (although an upscale Michael Jordon steakhouse is in the works), especially given the area’s many restaurants.  Bandera is only a five-minute walk and has a lovely atmosphere, with live music, a classy bar, and large windows providing views of the Magnificent Mile.

One place we were willing to waive our “no cab” policy to check out was Wilde Bar and Restaurant in Lakeview.  Inspired by poet Oscar Wilde and complete with a mock library, this neighborhood gathering spot gives off a classy vibe.  Be sure to try a pint of Goose Island Matilda, a local Belgian-style ale (the brewery recently partnered with Anheuser-Busch).

The rain discouraged us from taking an architectural boat cruise down the Chicago – but we couldn’t leave without getting a view of the buildings from the water.  For a few dollars, we hopped on a water taxi outside the Wrigley Building, and, rain or no rain, were treated to a humbling perspective of the city.  There are not many cities that can offer such a unique standpoint.

The Intercontinental Chicago, 505 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611, http://www.icchicagohotel.com, rooms starting at $250.  Call 312-944-4100 or write to general manager Edward Andrews at edward.andrews@ihg.com (ask him to join you for a glass of wine and to share some of his incredible travel stories).