The Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown
71 East Wacker Drive, Chicago
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About
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!
Amenities
Good to know
Check-in after 4:00 PM · Check-out before 11:00 AM
No pets · Children welcome · Parking: paid
Sonesta Hotels
When booking more than 3 rooms, different policies and additional supplements may apply and will be communicated by the property.The Pet Fee is a Non-Refundable $100 per stay fee. A maximum of two dogs per room are permitted.Please note that breakfast-inclusive rates are for 2-people maximum and do not include tax and tip.Please note, our garage height measurements are 6‘3“. If your car has cargo storage on top of the hood it cannot exceed 6’3”. Motorcycles are not permitted in the garage. Our valet provider is also unable to provide parking for the following models of cars due to insurance coverage: Dodge Charger, Dodge Challenger, Dodge Durango, Dodge Ram and Jeep SRT. Self-parking is available at 60 E. Lake or 111 E. Wacker.$32 Destination fee per night. Nonrefundable. Authorized at the time of check-in.Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.Please inform of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation.A deposit may be required at the property.Location
71 East Wacker Drive, Chicago
Reviews
Review highlights
- Cleanliness9.9/10
- 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).
- Service9.9/10
- 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.
- Location10.0/10
- 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 Quality9.9/10
- 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.
- Amenities8.5/10
- 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 Money8.5/10
- 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 Beverage8.5/10
- 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.
Summary written by Anywayr from 2,584 guest reviews.
BrendaSeptember 2026 · Solo traveller
Birthday celebration The view was amazing and in a great location and they gave us free drinks for my boyfriend's birthday
Didn't like: The fact that at check out it was only 1 elevator working which made elevator crowded.
AshleeSeptember 2026 · Extended group
location
Didn't like: my room
SherylSeptember 2026 · Solo traveller
Fabulous Stay at The Royal Sonesta! The Royal Sonesta was Fabulous!!! All the staff was excellent!!! The view was magnificent, simply stunning!
Didn't like: I had to leave!
Nancy DeniseSeptember 2026 · Couple
expected more from the Royal Sonesta for what we paid. Location.
Didn't like: 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.
KhaledSeptember 2026 · Couple
Great location, great rooms, and great people Great reception team, very cooperative and understanding. I loved how they deal with customers. The rooms were spacious and clean.
Didn't like: The bathroom door was bit sticky might require some adjustment
PhilippaSeptember 2026 · Couple
Great!! Locations and the staff except the lady who work the late shift at 2am when I was checking out. She brushed us off .
Didn't like: The location and the other staffs everyone was friendly and nice
JohnSeptember 2026 · Solo traveller
Location is perfect.
paulSeptember 2026 · Couple
Great location Location was great. Staff were very friendly and helpful.
Didn't like: Wi fi was very poor kept going in and out. More off than on!
ElisaSeptember 2026 · Solo traveller
Not a 4 stars hotel
Didn't like: People at the front desk were rude. Dirty. Loud. Definitely overpriced.
lucasjC1382KGAugust 2026 · Couples · Tripadvisor
Wonderful stay with breathtaking river views We had a wonderful experience at The Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown while visiting for the Serna wedding. Our room overlooking the river had a most unique view that took our breath away every morning. The entire staff went above and beyond to make us feel welcome, but Arturo truly made our 5-night stay unforgettable. He was always around with a warm smile, ready to help, and even remembered all of our names from day one. That kind of personal touch really stands out and made our family trip so special. Thank you to everyone at the hotel, especially Arturo, for making our visit so memorable and comforatble!