The Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown

The Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown

71 E Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60601, South Chicago, United States

4-star hotel

Guest rating: 4.2 / 5

Overview

The Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown is a 4-star upscale hotel set along the Chicago River at 71 E Wacker Dr, just steps from the Chicago Riverwalk and a short walk from Millennium Park and the Magnificent Mile shopping district. It occupies a prime downtown position that puts major cultural landmarks and the Loop's business district within easy reach on foot.

Rooms & Suites

Guest rooms feature hardwood accents, Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, minifridges, and coffeemakers for a polished yet comfortable feel. Upgraded rooms offer city or river views, while suites step up further with separate living areas, pull-out sofas, wet bars, and in some cases soaking tubs, suiting travelers who want extra space or a special-occasion stay.

Dining & Amenities

On site, guests can eat and drink at a cozy tavern serving classic American comfort food, praised by guests for its atmosphere, food, and attentive bartenders. The hotel also has a fitness center, a business center, and more than 16,000 square feet of meeting space, and it is pet-friendly for travelers bringing animals along.

Location & Surroundings

The hotel sits 236m from the Chicago Riverwalk and within a mile of Millennium Park, Cloud Gate, the Chicago Cultural Center, and The Chicago Theatre, with the Art Institute of Chicago, Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, Willis Tower/Skydeck Chicago, and Grant Park all reachable within roughly a mile and a half. Slightly farther afield, Navy Pier, Shedd Aquarium, the Field Museum, and Adler Planetarium are within about 2.5km, and Lincoln Park Zoo is under 4km away, making the hotel a strong base for sightseeing on foot or by short rideshare.

Best for

This hotel suits sightseers and culture-focused travelers who want walkable access to Millennium Park, Cloud Gate, the Art Institute, and the Chicago Riverwalk, as well as business travelers using its meeting space and business center. Guests who prioritize attentive service, comfortable rooms, and an on-site tavern for dining and drinks will also find it a good fit, and pet owners are accommodated as well.

Travel tips

Because the hotel is within a mile of Millennium Park, Cloud Gate, the Chicago Cultural Center, and The Chicago Theatre, many top attractions can be reached on foot without needing a car or rideshare. The Chicago Riverwalk is just 236m away and makes for an easy scenic walking route toward the Loop or Navy Pier. If your room faces away from the river, be aware some guests have noted the view can be underwhelming, so it's worth asking about a river- or city-view upgrade at booking.

What guests say

Guests consistently highlight friendly, professional staff, frequently naming individual employees for going above and beyond during check-in and throughout their stay. The on-site tavern draws praise for its atmosphere, food quality, and attentive bartenders. Reviewers also mention comfortable, spacious rooms and a convenient downtown location at a reasonable price. A recurring complaint involves minor maintenance issues, such as a loud refrigerator that wasn't promptly fixed, and occasional disappointment with room views.

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