The Palmer House Hilton, a smart hotel just off State Street, is enjoying its highest occupancy rate since it opened in 1924.

ECONOMIST: The state of the cities

An hour later D, a young, smart would-be politician, picks me up from my hotel in his little Saba, the chunky, clunky people's car that is an Iranian version of the Kia Pride.

ECONOMIST: Elections drive a man to drink

Hotel rates are not rising as fast as airfares so smart travellers can still score deals, even during peak season.

BBC: Deals to be found in May and beyond