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Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago sits in the heart of the Second City — all you have to do is step out the front door to find an abundance of activity. However, there are five things we love right inside the luxury hotel:

1. The view. Trump Chicago’s idyllic locale along the Chicago River left us transfixed by the gorgeous views over the water and across the city. Since the luxury hotel is on a corner, the hotel utilizes all of its sides to create views from its gym, spa, restaurants and, of course, all the guest rooms.

2. Spa guest rooms. What makes the Chicago hotel unique is that its Four-Star Spa at Trump features its own special guest rooms, filled with amenities fit for a health-conscious stay. The rooms strategically sit on the same floor as the spa, so you can walk straight from your room to a treatment in your cozy robe and slippers.

3. Trump Kids. Even though Trump Chicago is a luxury lover’s paradise, the hotel still creates a unique experience for its youngest guests. The Trump Kids program provides kiddie cocktails, children’s menus, a special gift package upon arrival and even cute business cards printed with your kid’s name.

4. Sixteen. Perched on the 16th floor, Trump Chicago’s signature restaurant, Sixteen,has floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the Chicago River and the rest of the city. As if we weren’t impressed enough by the view, the Four-Star restaurant’s food is knock-your-socks-off good and features a sophisticated presentation that’s among the best in the biz.

5. The bathrooms. In designing the bathrooms, Ivanka Trump pulled her inspiration from various hotels in Asia, where you’ll usually find a large soaking tub and a glass-enclosed shower in the same space. We also love the TVs built directly into the mirrors, just in case you want to catch-up on the latest breaking news while you’re getting ready.

The pool at The Umstead Hotel and Spa is as beautiful — and unique — as the rest of the property. It’s modest in size, but massive in personality, with Ipe wood decking, padded deck chairs, glass water dispensers (with delicate slivers of cucumber floating inside) and peaceful views of the surrounding woods and lake. You can lounge in a naturally shaded area or move into the sun to catch some rays.

There’s no snob scene here like you might find at other upscale hotels — instead, The Umstead’s pool is relaxed and serene. A mostly adult crowd lounges poolside, reading magazines or playing with smart phones, though you’ll occasionally see kids playing in the water. At night, the pool at this luxury hotel glows with underwater lights, transforming it into a romantic centerpiece for guests who want to linger on the terrace.

Therapists at Spa at The Broadmoor offer several options for massages. You can book a classic Swedish massage, a deep-tissue rubdown or the combination of both that make up the spa’s signature massage for 50, 70 or 90 minutes (prices range between $140 and $265). Or go for the gusto with the Ashiatsu Deep Therapy Massage - thereby placing yourself in the feet, rather than the hands, of your therapist for an intense 70-minute session ($215). Gentle pre-natal massages of 50 or 70 minutes are available for expectant mothers ($145 to $190). And for couples, there’s a sumptuously appointed private room at the Five-Star spa where you can receive your choice of all but the ashiatsu massages. Either way, you’ll find the right massage to knead out your knots.

Meritage presents its desserts in “trios” meant for table sharing. Your options include three different cheese trios and five different “sweets” trios, which include a chocolate tasting plate — such as a dark chocolate caramel mousse, a milk chocolate ginger tart, and a white chocolate and passion fruit macaroon — a nut tasting plate, a red fruit or white fruit tasting plate, and a citrus tasting plate, such as lime sour cream cake with vanilla crumb topping, lemon custard with cornmeal cookie, and a mascarpone cream tart with grapefruit marmalade. Each tasting plate features three different riffs of one main ingredient. Desserts cost $12, except for the dessert tasting plate for two, which costs $18.

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