The Four Seasons and Ritz-Carlton lobbies are discreet buffers and the pomo urge has plenty of permutations in the surge of boutiquery of the past several years. But the 1927-built Talbott Hotel, as cushy as a Victorian-era parlor or men’s club with two fabulous fireplaces, may be the closest to genteel luxe anyone who’s not a member of a downtown private club can experience with a quick hi-how-are-you. The Basil bar, in the hotel, also offers sidewalk seating in the outdoor café.
Best of Chicago 2005 was written by Dave Chamberlain, Brian Hieggelke, Melissa Lane, Tom Lynch, Ray Pride, David Witter, Michael Workman
With additional contributions by Mike Barr, Ted C. Fishman, Jessica Herman, Adrienne Hill, Mary Susan Littlepage, Nina Metz, Kathy O¹Neill, Trish Smith