The hype
Travelers are obsessed with the river views and location but annoyed by the nickel-and-diming on fees.
The Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown
$180-350/ noche
Reserva esto si You want the quintessential Chicago river view without the $600 price tag of the Langham next door.
Por qué a la gente le encanta
- Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Chicago River and bridges
- Prime location where the Loop meets the Mag Mile
- Hoyt's Tavern is surprisingly solid for a hotel restaurant
Resumen rápido: A renovated corporate hotel that leans hard on its killer views to distract you from the destination fees.
Reseñado por @TravelWithMae: I stayed at the Royal Sonesta right on the river and it was a total dream. Waking up to that skyline view made me feel like I was in a movie. If you want that classic Chicago experience, this is the spot. Highly recommend the river view room!
Lo que dijeron los huéspedes que se hospedaron aquí
Reality check
Rooms ending in '01' (like 3501) suffer from significant elevator mechanical noise.
- You live for a room with a view
- You want to walk to both Millennium Park and River North
- You appreciate a Peloton in the gym
Limpieza y Mantenimiento
9
- Housekeeping: Consistent and thorough; daily service is reliable.
- Bathroom hygiene: Generally sparkling, though some reports of dusty vents/shower heads.
- Maintenance: Renovated in 2021, so fixtures are modern, but watch for elevator mechanical issues.
- Linens & towels: Crisp, white, and high quality.
- Odors & scents: Neutral and fresh; no lingering smoke or mustiness reported.
Sleepability™
7MODERADO
0-4RUIDOSO
4-7.5MODERADO
7.5-10SILENCIOSO
- Sirens and traffic from Wacker Drive (lower floors)
- Elevator shaft mechanical noise (rooms ending in xx01)
Antes de reservar
Es bueno saberlo
- The $32 destination fee includes a $10 daily credit for Hoyt's Tavern—use it or lose it.
- Luggage storage is available but verify if there's a fee; some guests report a charge.
- There is no pool, but the gym is open 24/7.
Qué llevar
- Earplugs for the downtown siren symphony
- Walking shoes (you are centrally located to everything)
Genio de Habitaciones
Mejores opciones
- River View King (worth the upgrade cost)
- Corner rooms for dual-aspect city/river views
Habitaciones a evitar
- Rooms ending in xx01 (elevator noise)
- Low-floor City View rooms (often dark with alley/building views)
Genio de Solicitud de Habitación – copiar y pegar
“I am requesting a high-floor room away from the elevator shaft (avoiding rooms ending in 01). If available, a River View would be appreciated.”
Preguntas frecuentes y consejos ocultos
Todo lo que realmente quieres saber antes de reservar.
Is there a pool?
No, there is no pool on the property.
How much is parking?
Valet parking is approximately $75-78 per night with in/out privileges. Self-parking is available off-site for less.
What is the destination fee?
A mandatory daily fee of ~$32 that covers Wi-Fi, gym access, water, and a $10 food/beverage credit.
Is it pet friendly?
Yes, pets are allowed for a fee of $100 per stay.
Does the hotel offer breakfast?
Not included in standard rates, but available at Hoyt's American Tavern on the ground floor.
How close is the Riverwalk?
Ideally located—you step out the front door and you are essentially on it.
Consejos de Insiders
- ✨
Use the SpotHero app to find cheaper parking garages on Wacker or Lake St instead of paying hotel valet rates.
- ✨
The 'City View' rooms often face the Tribune Tower, which is actually a stunning architectural view, not just a 'street view'.
- ✨
Request a room with a renovated bathroom; some suites have older 'open' showers that flood the floor.
5 cosas que debes saber antes de ir
💡The shower design in some renovated suites lacks a full door, leading to a wet bathroom floor.
💡Elevator wait times can be long during morning rush hour due to the building's height.
💡The 'Destination Fee' food credit doesn't roll over; you must spend it daily.
💡Strict enforcement of early check-in fees ($75) even if the room is ready.
💡The lobby can get chaotic with wedding parties on weekends.
Guía Local
Mapa
Descubre dónde se encuentra The Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown y qué hay cerca.