The Loop in Chicago is up 76% in the past decade.

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The 339 modern rooms at the imposing, steel-and-glass Trump Hotel Chicago soar above the Loop, many with giant all-limestone bathrooms, fireplaces, kitchens and floor-to-ceiling windows with expansive city and water views.

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But losing the wheels can also save a tremendous amount of money, especially in places like Chicago, home of the convenient South Loop neighborhood, with a free ride program on buses and subways for residents age 65 and up.

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CHICAGO, Illinois (CNN) -- Thick black smoke poured from an underground electricity vault fire Thursday in downtown Chicago, forcing police to halt traffic in the famous Loop.

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The best way to learn about Chicago's impressive parade of buildings is through a tour with the Chicago Architecture Foundation, which operates a number of walking and bus tours in the Loop and other neighbourhoods.

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