The Allegro Royal Sonesta Hotel Chicago Loop

171 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601, South Chicago, United States

4-star hotel

Guest rating: 4.2 / 5

Overview

The Allegro Royal Sonesta Hotel Chicago Loop occupies a landmark building that has served as a hotel for over a century, and Royal Sonesta has restored much of its original Art Deco character. Located at 171 W Randolph St in the heart of Chicago's Theater District, it sits directly adjacent to the Cadillac Palace Theatre. The 4-star property carries a strong public rating of 4.2 from over 3,000 reviews, reflecting its blend of historic style and modern hospitality.

Rooms

Guest rooms lean into a retro, Art Deco-inspired design with flat-screen TVs and Wi-Fi access, though several reviewers note the rooms themselves run on the smaller side given the building's age. Suites offer additional sitting areas, and some feature whirlpool tubs for a bit of extra indulgence.

Dining & Amenities

The on-site Legato Lounge serves cocktails and food in a sleek setting with a fireplace, and guests have praised both the bar program and the breakfast service, including detailed, friendly commentary from staff about menus and the hotel's history. Free coffee and tea are available in the lobby, and the hotel maintains a 24-hour business center and an exercise room. Pets are welcome, adding flexibility for travelers on the road with animals.

Location

The hotel is a 2-minute walk from the Washington/Wells subway station, making it easy to explore the wider city without a car. It's within walking distance of major attractions including The Chicago Theatre (498m), Skydeck Chicago and Willis Tower (648m each), Chicago Cultural Center (704m), Cloud Gate and Millennium Park (roughly 850-920m), and the Chicago Riverwalk (957m), with the Art Institute of Chicago, Grant Park, and the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago all within about 1.6km.

Best for

This hotel suits travelers who want a walkable, culturally rich downtown base -- theatergoers benefit from the direct proximity to the Cadillac Palace Theatre and The Chicago Theatre, while sightseers can reach Millennium Park, Cloud Gate, Willis Tower/Skydeck, and the Riverwalk on foot. It's also a good fit for history- and design-minded guests drawn to its restored Art Deco character, and for business travelers who need a 24-hour business center and quick subway access via Washington/Wells station.

Travel tips

Use the nearby Washington/Wells subway station, just a 2-minute walk away, to reach neighborhoods beyond downtown quickly and cheaply. Many of the Loop's top sights -- Willis Tower/Skydeck, The Chicago Theatre, and Millennium Park -- are all within roughly a 10-15 minute walk, so pack comfortable shoes rather than relying on cabs for short hops. If driving, ask about the discounted parking garage across the street, which guests have flagged as good value, and clarify any resort fee at check-in since it's charged separately from the room rate.

What guests say

Guests consistently praise the hotel's unbeatable Loop location, calling out easy access to theaters, shopping, parks, and lakefront attractions. Many highlight the restored Art Deco style and beautifully appointed interiors, along with attentive, knowledgeable staff and a well-regarded breakfast and bar experience at the Legato Lounge. Recurring complaints center on small room sizes typical of a century-old building, occasional elevator reliability issues, and inconsistent service from some reviewers who felt it fell short. A few guests also flagged that the resort fee wasn't clearly disclosed upfront, and noted a discounted parking garage across the street as a helpful workaround for driving guests.

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