The hype
Travelers love the spacious, well-equipped apartments and location, but often struggle with the impersonal app-based service.
Sonder South Wabash Apartments South Loop
$150-250/ night
Book this if You want a stylish, apartment-sized crash pad with in-unit laundry near Grant Park and don't mind being your own concierge.
Why People Love It
- In-unit washer/dryer and full kitchens in every room
- Walking distance to Soldier Field, Museum Campus, and Grant Park
- Modern, industrial-chic aesthetic with floor-to-ceiling windows
Quick Take: It’s a high-tech apartment rental disguised as a hotel, so bring your own earplugs for the L train and don't expect a mint on your pillow.
Reviewed by @monika_xoxo_: I booked the superior one-bedroom here and honestly, I didn't want to leave. The apartment was massive compared to standard hotels, and having a full kitchen was such a game changer. Plus, the night views of Chicago from my balcony were just magical.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'city noise' warning is real—the Green and Orange lines screech loudly nearby, and light sleepers consistently complain about it.
- You prefer cooking your own breakfast to paying $30 for a hotel buffet
- You need to do laundry during your trip without finding a laundromat
- You are tech-savvy and prefer avoiding human interaction at check-in
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.2
- Housekeeping: No daily service. Arrival cleaning is usually good, but missed dust in corners is common.
- Bathroom hygiene: Generally clean, though some reports of mildew smell and slow-draining showers.
- Maintenance: Modern build, but wear and tear on paint and scuffed floors is visible in some units.
- Linens & towels: Standard hotel quality, crisp and white. Extra towels usually found in the closet.
- Odors & scents: Neutral to slightly cleaning-product heavy. Occasional hallway odors from other units.
Sleepability™
6MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- CTA 'L' train screeching (Green/Orange lines)
- Street traffic on Wabash Avenue
- Thin walls between units
Before you book
Good to know
- Download the Sonder app immediately after booking; you can't get in without it.
- There is NO parking on-site; use SpotHero to book a garage spot at 1130 S Michigan or 1111 S Wabash.
- The building entrance is locked 24/7; ensure your phone is charged to access your digital key.
What to pack
- High-quality earplugs or a white noise machine
- Ground coffee (machines are provided, but starter pods run out fast)
- HDMI cable or login for your streaming accounts (Roku TVs provided)
Room Genie
Best picks
- East-facing rooms (back of building) to minimize direct train noise
- Higher floor units for better skyline views and slightly less street grit
Rooms to avoid
- West-facing rooms on lower floors (direct line of sight to the L tracks)
- Units near the elevator if you are sensitive to hallway foot traffic
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am a light sleeper and would appreciate an East-facing unit on a high floor, away from the Wabash Avenue side and the L train tracks.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there a pool?
No, there is no pool at this location.
Can I store my bags before check-in?
Yes, there are luggage lockers available, but access is digital and availability isn't guaranteed. Use the 'Bounce' app as a backup.
Is there parking?
No on-site parking. You must find street parking or pay for a nearby public garage (approx. $25-40/night).
How do I check in?
Entirely via the Sonder app. You will receive a code for the building and your room door. No physical keys.
Is it safe at night?
South Loop is generally safe and busy, but like any city center, stay alert late at night. The building itself is secure.
Is there daily housekeeping?
No. This is an apartment rental. Cleaning happens only before arrival and after departure unless you pay extra.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The 'rooftop' mentioned in some generic reviews doesn't exist here; some rooms just have balconies.
- ✨
Walk two blocks east to the pedestrian bridge over the tracks for a stunning, crowd-free view of the skyline.
- ✨
If the in-unit coffee sucks, The Spoke & Bird is a 5-minute walk and has excellent coffee and patio vibes.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'industrial chic' concrete ceilings look cool but amplify sound from neighbors walking above you.
💡The bathroom drains are prone to clogging according to multiple recent guests.
💡You might smell your neighbor's dinner (or other recreational herbs) in the hallway.
💡The elevator can be slow during peak checkout times (10-11 AM).
💡There is no cable TV, only streaming apps, so bring your passwords.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Sonder South Wabash Apartments South Loop is located and what's nearby.