Hilton Garden Inn Champaign/Urbana

Begin the day with a freshly-brewed java from in-room coffeemakers, savor a delicious hot breakfast at the on-site Great American Grill restaurant or just pick up a snack at the hotel’s 24-hour convenience store. Get in an energizing workout at the 24-hour modern fitness center (complete with cardio equipment and weights) or relax in the heated indoor pool. In town for business? The hotel offers free fast Wi-Fi and 18,000 square feet of meeting and event space, which can accommodate up to 1,000 people. When it’s time to curl up, kick back in a spacious guestroom, all boasting flat-screen TVs, mini-refrigerators and microwaves. Ask about the complimentary airport shuttle!

The 6,000 acre University of Illinois campus offers plenty for visitors to do and see. One popular attraction: the Krannert Art Museum, a 48,000-square-foot space offering a permanent collection of more than 10,000 pieces, from ancient Egyptian stoneworks to Barbara Kruger collages. Families, meanwhile, should head to Staerkel Planetarium at nearby Parkland College to admire the starscapes. When it’s time to unwind, sample Illinois vinos at the family-run Mihe Alto Vineyards.