Big cities are romantic. They typically evoke a lifestyle of extravagance, fine dining, late night dancing, shows and trendy art museums.

San Francisco, CA

Tony Nob Hill neighborhoods, the seedy Tenderloin District, the Castro Street district, and the Mexican Mission district all are woven together along the complex edges of this popular city. The Fitzgerald Hotel at Union Square is an opulently furnished hotel with decent rates in the winter months. For a trendier setting, check out Hotel Diva for high-style contemporary design interiors. Take a cab from your hotel and go dining. This city is rife with menus that will please all palates and purses (http://www.sanfrancisco.com/index.shtml).

Chicago, IL

A big-muscled city that charges the shores of Lake Michigan, Chicago has a history of Mafia corruption and architectural vistas galore. Stay at The Drake Hotel (http://www.thedrakehotel.com), and you are in the heart of downtown Chicago. Couples might choose not to leave the hotel for all its high-style amenities, including upscale club and restaurants. Or choose the uber-hip Sofitel Chicago Water Tower Hotel, a new jetsetters’ high-rise. Plan your trip to Chicago with a show in mind at the historic Chicago theater.
A stay in Chicago would not be complete without a musical trip to hear some good blues. Check with locals for the best venues and upcoming acts. Most of all, breathe in the architecture of this visually rich downtown.

New York City, NY

Since 9/11 this city, one of the greatest on the planet, has struggled to regain its stature in the tourism world. Enter some really good airlines fares which might save your money for the real big city style. Consider staying downtown in Greenwich Village at the acclaimed Washington Square Hotel (http://www.washingtonsquarehotel.com) right on Washington Square. This area of Manhattan is outside the glitz and glamour and affords a great view of downtown neighborhoods. There are historic boutique, designer, budget, and luxury accommodations throughout the city. For meals, search online for “The Best of” fares or see New York Metro’s picks, http://newyorkmetro.com/restaurants, including their “Cheap Eats” choices at http://newyorkmetro.com/restaurants/articles/cheap_eats/04/index.htm. Shopping and urban style are everywhere. Don’t miss the biggies of the art world—The Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Modern Art. The Guggenheim is here, too. Do not forget to duck into Grand Central Terminal one of the busiest subway and rail hubs in this corridor. The architecture is amazing, too, and there’s often an art exhibit here, too.