Best of the rest: key stops in the United States and Europe

Latin Trade, Feb, 2005

The major cities of the United States, along with Frankfurt, Lisbon, Madrid, Paris and Rome, were mentioned by LATIN TRADE readers in their survey responses. Here, with ample detail, are their top choices for the international business traveler.

ATLANTA

BEST BUSINESS NEIGNBORHOOD

Just a few miles from downtown Atlanta, the bustling Buckhead area is one of the nation's most complete and fastest-growing business districts. Buckhead has one of the largest concentrations of small businesses in the United States, and Atlanta officials expect the area to have tripled its 1992 size by 2007. Buckhead is a combination of southern hospitality and urban modernity that is reflected in a wide range of luxury hotels, including the Ritz-Carlton, Sheraton and Westin, and an array for award-winning restaurants. Choices include Brazilian, Ethiopian, Mexican, Japanese, Italian, French, Cuban, Chinese and Cajun restaurants. Shop at Bloomingdale's, upscale Phipps Plaza or Lenox Square, spend a day in the History Museum, or tour million-dollar homes and historic antebellum mansions in the region. www.buckhead.net

CHICAGO

BEST-HOTEL

The Park Hyatt is near the historic Water Tower Square in the center of Chicago's "Magnificent Mile" shopping and business district. Museums, four-star restaurants, bars, discos and jazz clubs are a short walk or cab ride away. The hotel is adjacent to the Water Tower Shopping Complex, home to Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale's and Saks Fifth Avenue. A boutique hotel, the 202-room Park Hyatt is designed for discriminating travelers. Each room has an Eames chair, a flat-screen television, four two-line phones with data ports, laptop rechargers, and DVD and CD players. Dine at the award-winning NoMI restaurant. Rates start at US$320. [1] (312) 335-1234. www.hyatt.com

BEST RESTAURANTS

Gibson's Steakhouse is one of the most popular restaurants in Chicago, so call for reservations before you go. The restaurant is a favorite among athletes, musicians, entertainers, and everyday Chicagoans who dine regularly in Gibson's polished but down-to-earth atmosphere, where friendly waiters serve some of the best steaks in the city. There are six private dining rooms that seat 12 to 220 people. The price of steak dishes range up to US$72. [1] (312) 266-8999. www.gibsonssteakhouse.com.

Jackets and reservations are required at Charlie Trotter's, long considered one of the best restaurants in the United States. Chef and owner Charlie Trotter, the author of ten cookbooks, has received several honors for his culinary artistry. The restaurant is one of only two in Chicago to receive a five-star rating from the Mobil Travel Guide. Three dining rooms seat about thirty people each. Per person from $100. [1] (773) 248-6228.

FRANKFURT

BEST HOTEL

The Frankfurt Marriott is a building worthy of its hometown. At 162 meters, it is Europe's tallest hotel in a city nicknamed Mainhatten (the city sits on the Main River) for its skyline of skyscrapers housing financial heavyweights. Conveniently located across the street from the city's convention center and trade-fair grounds, you just need to hop in a taxi for a quick 10-minute ride to the city's shopping and financial center. The hotel's extensive meeting spaces include state-of-the-art conference technology and Frankfurt's largest' ballroom, with space for 1,000 people. Rates start at US$258. [49] (69) 7955-0. www.marriott.com

HOUSTON

BEST HOTEL

The Hilton Americas Houston is a 24-story, 1,200-room, state-of-the-art convention and business hotel. Skywalks connect the hotel to the George R. Brown Convention Center. The Hilton is two blocks from Minute Maid Park, home of the Houston Astros baseball team, and a short ride from the theater district and minutes from the Museum of Fine Arts, Museum of Natural Science and the Contemporary Arts Museum. The facility has 30 meeting rooms and 3,700-square-meter ballroom. Nightly rates start at US$197. [1] (713) 739-8000. www.hilton.com

BEST RESTAURANT

Angus Beef is the specialty of the house at Taste of Texas, and you can choose your very own cut of meat from the restaurant's butcher shop. Pick the size of the steak you want and have it sliced thin or thick. Dine with your collar open and sleeves rolled up in a relaxed and down-home setting where you can mingle with owners Edd and Nina Hendee. Reservations are not required, and visitors are seated by order of arrival. [1] (713) 932-6901. www.tasteoftexas.com

LISBON

BEST HOTEL

Details matter at Le Meridien. Renovations at the luxurious hotel have made its 331 rooms that much cozier, with silk. velvet, marble and a touch of design in the bathrooms from Philippe Starck, as well as all of the accoutrements for the business person. The meeting rooms offer a la carte solutions, from small groups up to 500. The hotel enjoys a location in the sophisticated residential Parque Eduardo VII area, and its 18 floors provide one-of-a-kind views of Lisbon. It combines traditional Portuguese hospitality, the comforts of a first-class hotel and French style. From US$360. [351] (21) 381-8700. www.lemeridien-lisbon.com