Prime Downtown Location
Situated near the vibrant Magnificent Mile and Chicago River, the hotel offers scenic views and easy access to Chicago's top attractions.
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Chicago, US
The Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown
71 E Wacker Dr
4 stars · Guest score 9.4/10
About this hotel
Luxurious Accommodations with Stunning Views Experience the newly renovated Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown at the Riverwalk, just steps away from the vibrant Magnificent Mile. Enjoy breathtaking views of the city or the Chicago River from your room, equipped with modern amenities like a 48-inch flat-screen TV and a coffee maker. Delicious Dining Options Indulge in Midwestern-inspired dishes at the modern American tavern, Hoyt's, while taking in the scenic views of the Chicago River. Start your day with a delicious breakfast, grab a leisurely lunch, or enjoy a hearty dinner - all without leaving the hotel. Convenient Location and Amenities With a 24-hour fitness centre, on-site dining, and WiFi access, Royal Sonesta Chicago ensures a comfortable stay. Plus, take advantage of the business centre, ballroom, and meeting spaces available for your convenience. Ready to elevate your Chicago experience? Book your stay at Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown at the Riverwalk today!
Highlights
Exceptional Guest Comfort
Enjoy modern amenities, including a 48-inch flat-screen TV and 24-hour fitness center, ensuring a comfortable and convenient stay.
Unique Dining & Amenities
Savor Midwestern-inspired dishes at Hoyt's and take advantage of on-site dining, WiFi, a business centre, and meeting spaces.
Facilities
- Parking
- Valet parking
- Private parking
- Parking garage
All 48 facilities
- Fitness facilities
- WiFi available
- Free WiFi
- Non-smoking rooms
- Air conditioning
- Fitness center
- 24-hour front desk
- Restaurant
- Business center
- Heating
- Family rooms
- Pets allowed
- Lift / Elevator
- Laundry
- Bar
- Fax/photocopying
- Facilities for disabled guests
- Ironing service
- Meeting/banquet facilities
- Dry cleaning
- Non-smoking throughout
- Private check-in/check-out
- Concierge service
- Wheelchair accessible
- ATM/cash machine on site
- Toilet with grab rails
- Visual aids: Braille
- Staff adhere to local safety protocols
- Laundry washed per local authority guidelines
- Guest rooms disinfected between stays
- Cleaning standards that are effective against Coronavirus
- Hand sanitizer in guest room and key areas
- Cashless payment available
- First aid kit available
- Sanitized tableware & silverware
- Invoice provided
- Guests can opt-out any cleaning services during stay
- Smoke alarms
- Shared stationery like menus, pens are removed
- Key access
- 24-hour security
- Delivered food - securely covered
- Security alarm
- Key card access
Check-in & checkout
- Check-in
- 04:00 PM
- Check-out
- 11:00 AM
What's nearby
- Millennium Park (Cloud Gate / The Bean)0.6 km
- Art Institute of Chicago0.8 km
- Willis Tower (Skydeck)1.7 km
- The Magnificent Mile (North Michigan Avenue)0.5 km
- 360 CHICAGO at John Hancock Center1.2 km
- Navy Pier1.9 km
- Chicago Union Station2.0 km
- Shedd Aquarium2.3 km
- O'Hare International Airport (ORD)27 km
- Chicago Riverwalk0.2 km
Rooms & rates
Choose dates from search to see available rooms.
Guest sentiment
- Cleanliness9.9
Multiple reviews explicitly call the hotel and rooms 'clean' and note tidy rooms and housekeeping (clean rooms, early check-in and packages received without issue).
- Service9.9
Staff repeatedly described as friendly, helpful, and kind (helpful valet, bellmen praised); isolated service problems (parking app confusion, missing vouchers, occasional housekeeping timing) but overall strong service sentiment.
- Location10.0
Overwhelming praise for central location and river views — described as 'very central', 'amazing location', 'perfect for city exploring' and 'room view of the river was stunning'.
- Room Quality9.9
Many guests praise spacious, comfortable rooms and beds, quiet rooms and large bathrooms; isolated negatives include an incorrectly sized corner room for one guest and a non-functional shower in another room.
- Amenities8.5
Valet and parking available but guests reported parking booking complexity and high cost; some expected amenities missing (no minibar, no room service for some) — generally adequate but with gaps noted.
- Value for Money8.5
Mixed sentiment: guests found the location and rooms excellent but several mentioned high prices, breakfast not included and perceived price drops after booking; some felt loyalty perks (vouchers) were not honoured.
- Food and Beverage8.5
Limited mentions: breakfast not included and restaurant prices described as high; promised drink vouchers not always delivered — no strong positive F&B sentiment in reviews.
- Overall Experience10.0
Majority of reviews describe a 'fabulous' experience, intent to return, excellent stays for events and sightseeing — overall sentiment is highly positive despite some isolated issues.
Guest reviews
The view was amazing and in a great location and they gave us free drinks for my boyfriend's birthday
The view was amazing and in a great location and they gave us free drinks for my boyfriend's birthday
The fact that at check out it was only 1 elevator working which made elevator crowded.
location
location
my room
The Royal Sonesta was Fabulous!!! All the staff was excellent!!! The view was magnificent, simply stunning!
The Royal Sonesta was Fabulous!!! All the staff was excellent!!! The view was magnificent, simply stunning!
I had to leave!
Very bad service
Very bad service
I didn't like anything
Location.
Location.
But service fell short for the price. Front desk wasn’t friendly, robes shown in photos weren’t provided, and the AC wouldn’t go below 65°F. Our "city view" was blocked by the building next door and the dress and tv blocked the main window. We had a toilet issue that took 4 hours and an in-person visit to get fixed. The maintenance person who came was great and resolved it quickly. There are cheaper hotels nearby with similar views and free breakfast. We expected more from the Royal Sonesta for what we paid.
Great reception team, very cooperative and understanding. I loved how they deal with customers. The rooms were spacious and clean.
Great reception team, very cooperative and understanding. I loved how they deal with customers. The rooms were spacious and clean.
The bathroom door was bit sticky might require some adjustment
Locations and the staff except the lady who work the late shift at 2am when I was checking out. She brushed us off .
Locations and the staff except the lady who work the late shift at 2am when I was checking out. She brushed us off .
The location and the other staffs everyone was friendly and nice