The Chambers Hotel

"With more than 200 works of modern art on display and just 60 rooms, Chambers is either a hotel acting as an art gallery or vice versa—you decide. Whatever the verdict, it’s shockingly trendy, remarkably austere, and yet pleasingly comfortable. The arctic-cool tone of the place is established behind the front desk, where a Damien Hirst skinned bull’s head floats starkly in a tank of formaldehyde, and continues as you travel down a dim corridor to your room, past a video art installation showing the work of William Wegman and others on dozens of monitors. The service, though less than efficient, is delivered with unfailing Midwestern goodwill; rooms are spartan but have pampering touches such as heated bathroom floors and beds as soft as ermine. The excellent D’Amico Kitchen restaurant and the blue-flamed fire in the lobby delivers warmth and sustenance in the coolest venue of one of the country’s coldest climes."