Cream together butter, white sugar and brown sugar until smooth.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
Dissolve baking soda in hot water. Add to batter along with salt.
Stir in flour and chocolate chips.
Drop by large spoonfuls onto ungreased pans. Bake for 8-10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until edges are nicely browned.