I spent a night at a buzzy Hilton in Chicago. My $240 room was way more luxurious than I expected.

The glass strip is technically chartreuse, according to KOO, the architecture firm that gave theWit a makeover in 2023.

The firm said this defining exterior feature is meant to resemble the nearby "L" train tracks.

The lobby was so whimsical, it looked like a scene straight out of "Alice in Wonderland." Cartoonish pillars showcasing a variety of colors, textures, and patterns reminded me of the Hundertwasser House in Vienna (if you know, you know). The curved, striped couch was reminiscent of the funky knee socks I wore growing up.

The playful design also felt modern and luxurious, from the cozy, organically shaped seating to the marble check-in counter.

While I waited for my room to be ready, I poured myself what I thought was a cup of coffee from a self-service counter, but it turned out to be hot chocolate — how fun.

The hotel also has a spa, a gym, and a restaurant, State and Lake Chicago Tavern. There's a rooftop bar, too, though it was closed for a private event the night of my stay.

I booked a King Bed Spa Guestroom, a 445-square-foot corner room with a king bed, a pull-out couch, and all-around views of the bustling downtown streets.

Across from the bed was a TV on a spacious dresser and a desk facing floor-to-ceiling windows. I thought the furniture looked modern and felt high-end.

I never would have put those nightstands in the same room. They were different shapes, colors, and materials. Still, I loved how they looked together.

Maybe it was because the bed was simple enough to let them shine, or maybe it was the equally odd pairing of lamps on either side, but somehow it worked.

I saw a similar pattern on the far side of the room. The furniture was understated, and the light fixtures, in varying shapes and sizes, added playful pops of color to the space.

I was thrilled that the floor-to-ceiling windows continued into the bathroom. I spotted layers of buildings reflected in the giant, vibrant, and back-lit asymmetrical mirror above a marble sink.

Across from the mirror was a large soaking tub and a standing shower with products from the boutique toiletry brand Five Wits.

The bathrobe was one of the softest and most comfortable I've ever experienced at a hotel.

To me, the ultimate luxury of a room like this is seeing your destination surround you without sacrificing comfort or privacy.

I've paid up to $1,000 for similar rooms sitting in high corners with windowed walls. So I was pleasantly surprised that I could get such a high-end experience on a budget at theWit.