Children allowed
Pets allowed

Facilities

Fitness facilities
WiFi available
Free WiFi
Parking
Non-smoking rooms
Air conditioning
Fitness center
24-hour front desk
Restaurant
Business center
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Central location and stunning river views
Friendly, helpful staff (valet, bellmen, front desk often praised)
Clean, spacious and comfortable rooms with good beds
Early check-in and package handling appreciated
Cons:
Parking is complicated/expensive and booking app issues
Perceived poor value in some areas (high restaurant/breakfast prices, price drops after booking)
Occasional room issues (shower problems, cold nights, room size mismatch vs. advertised)
Missing or unexpected amenities (no minibar, no room service in some cases) and some housekeeping timing complaints

Categories

Cleanliness
9.9
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).
Service
9.9
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.
Location
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 Quality
9.9
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.
Amenities
8.5
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 Money
8.5
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 Beverage
8.5
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.
Overall Experience
10
Majority of reviews describe a 'fabulous' experience, intent to return, excellent stays for events and sightseeing — overall sentiment is highly positive despite some isolated issues.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-07-03 08:07

Property Description

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!

Important information:

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.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Airport code: ORD

Property Policies

  • Internet

    WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.

  • Pets

    Pets are allowed. Charges may be applicable.

  • Groups

    No special conditions apply for groups.

  • Parking

    Private parking is possible at a location nearby (reservation is not needed) and costs USD 75 per day.

  • Children and extra bed policy

    Children of any age are allowed.
    Children up to and including 2 years old stay for free when using an available cot.
    Children up to and including 17 years old stay for free when using an existing bed.
    People no matter the age stay for US$30 per person per night when using an available extra bed.
    Any type of extra bed or child's cot/crib is upon request and needs to be confirmed by management.
    Supplements are not calculated automatically in the total costs and will have to be paid for separately during your stay.

Location

Guest Reviews

9.4
Based on 2441 reviews
Cleanliness: 9.9
Service: 9.9
Location: 10
Room Quality: 9.9
Amenities: 8.5
Value for Money: 8.5
Food and Beverage: 8.5
Overall Experience: 10
I
I7140BBmelissad Family United Kingdom
10
Amazing hotel! Highly recommend!!!
Pros:

We absolutely loved our stay at the Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown! From the moment we arrived, we felt so welcomed and comfortable. The hotel itself is beautiful, the atmosphere is lovely, and our room was spotless, comfortable and beautifully maintained.

What really stood out to us, though, was the staff. Everyone was so friendly, welcoming and genuinely lovely. A special mention has to go to Beyoncé and Synthia at the front desk, who were absolutely fantastic! They were always smiling, so helpful and always happy to have a chat. They went above and beyond to make us feel welcome and made such a positive impression on us throughout our stay.

It’s the little things like friendly faces and staff who genuinely make you feel at home that make a hotel stay so memorable, and the Royal Sonesta definitely got that right.

The bellman was also incredibly helpful, taking care of our luggage and making everything so easy for us.

We would absolutely stay here again and would highly recommend it to anyone visiting Chicago! ❤️

Location also handy to centre.

2026-08-08 via Tripadvisor
S
Stephanie extended_group us
10
Awesome! Would stay again!
Pros:

Great staff and service! Prime location! Beautiful scenery! Walking distance from a lot of different attractions and venues!

2026-08-08 via Nuitee
B
Babul couple gb
10
2026-08-08 via Nuitee
T
Tito couple us
10
Amazing night!
Pros:

The people in front were really helpful late at night and staff really friendly!

2026-08-08 via Nuitee
J
jenniferaV447GH Family
8
Nice visit
Pros:

I had nice dining experiences at the hotel restaurant. Sonya and Michael were professional and friendly. The hotel is lucky to have them!

2026-08-07 via Tripadvisor
2
27niraf Family
10
GREATEST PLACE IN AMERICA (Chicago and hotel by the way)
Pros:

Arturo and Dominique were help downstairs at the lobby and I really want to thank them a lot for their help!

2026-08-07 via Tripadvisor
M
maxrS6536TB Family
10
Jose at Royal Sonesta Restaurant
Pros:

It can often be hard to find great, personable service in hotel restaurants, but every morning during our stay Jose made our experience incredible! A great server, wonderful barista and most importantly a lovely human being!

2026-08-05 via Tripadvisor
A
A6673QLandrear Family
10
Great location & fabulous staff!
Pros:

Fabulous location! The restaurant food is great & Jose added his personal touch as our waiter. Our room service was top notch with Lynnette.

2026-08-05 via Tripadvisor
W
W8229EPellac Family
10
Great experience
Pros:

We had a great experience here. Jose specifically was amazing and took great care of us!

2026-08-05 via Tripadvisor
E
Elzbieta solo_traveller pl
8
2026-08-04 via Nuitee
D
Daron couple us
10
I will definitely let people know about my stay there.
Pros:

The best ever. I was treated like a king as I celebrated my Bday there.

Cons:

Nothing at all.

2026-08-04 via Nuitee
T
TavelingNurse Couples Portland, Oregon
8
Good shower but no sodas.
Pros:

For this kind of rates, one would expect some basic amenities in downtown Chicago but it was good overall. The location is amazing other than loud cars parked in front playing loud music at 03:00 am! But that is not the hotel’s fault. Try to get a higher room! Also, staring at the Trump sign across the river is also offensive! Just look down the river! But the people at the door were so nice (especially Lucas!!). The main lobby is small and crowded when check out occurs, everyone is waiting for their rides! Also, there was no ice machine on our floor so that seems not in line for the price one pays for a room each night! Also and most annoyingly, we like to have our own adult beverages at night. The little snack kiosk in the lobby never once had a Pepsi or Coke in stock for our entire visit. There are also NO vending machines anywhere close. My hubs had to put in clothes and go walk to a local 7-11! I know this sounds petty but when you get charged over $450 a night PLUS resort fees, one would think you could find a soda! Last, the beds and bathrooms were spotless and comfortable. Great shower! Would recommend but go shopping first!

2026-08-02 via Tripadvisor
G
GrahamGallagher Couples Cheltenham, Cotswolds, England
10
The BEST view of the river in Chicago
Pros:

Some hotels give you a room.

The Royal Sonesta gives you front-row seats to one of the greatest city skylines on Earth.
From the moment we opened the curtains, we spent far too much time just staring out of the window. Sunrise over the Chicago River? Spectacular. Sunset? Even better. Night-time, with the city lights reflecting off the water? It honestly looked like Gotham City had hired a better lighting designer.

One evening we were treated to hundreds of motorcycles cruising along the river, lights flashing in every colour imaginable. It felt like we'd accidentally booked VIP seats for Chicago's own parade... without leaving the room.

The location couldn't have been better. You're within walking distance of everything—Riverwalk, Magnificent Mile, theatres, bars, restaurants and enough deep-dish pizza to ensure your suitcase weighs more on the flight home.

The room itself was spacious, spotlessly clean and had one of the most comfortable beds we've slept in. Housekeeping kept everything immaculate, and the staff were friendly, welcoming and genuinely seemed happy to help whenever we had a question.

I also have to mention the windows. They are enormous. Every morning began with coffee in hand, watching the city wake up. Every evening ended with a drink by the window, watching the skyline come alive. We probably spent more time admiring the view than watching the television... which is saying something.

The only downside? Every hotel after this now has an impossible job. "Nice garden view" just doesn't hit the same once you've watched boats glide along the Chicago River beneath you while the Marina City towers light up the skyline.

If you're visiting Chicago, spend the little extra and ask for a high-floor river view. It's worth every single penny.

Five stars without hesitation. We'd return in a heartbeat... although next time I may pack binoculars, as people-watching from that window should probably be classed as an Olympic sport.

2026-07-31 via Tripadvisor
M
margaretmK5216OL Family
10
Friendly and Great Breakfast
Pros:

Very friendly staff. Jose our waiter went above and beyond to serve us.
Thank You.
Take Care.

2026-07-28 via Tripadvisor
A
AsesisH Friends getaway Highlands Ranch, Colorado
10
Simply AMAZING
Pros:

The lobby and atmosphere is a whole vibe! And Alexsia (sp?) was simply amazing and so incredibly friendly. The room was REALLY nice and we were pleasantly surprised at how good the restaurant was as well! I can’t wait to come back next year!!

2026-07-27 via Tripadvisor
L
L8478VMlindam Family
10
Pleasant experience
Pros:

Everyone was so pleasant and helpful. One of the wait-staff in Hoyt’s would get a map and show customers how to get to their desired site. Rooms were clean and spacious. Many places to visit are within walking distance.

2026-07-27 via Tripadvisor
P
Pioneer24468765127 Family
10
Great staff
Pros:

A special thank you to Jose, Sonya and Charles for making my stay exceptional.

2026-07-27 via Tripadvisor
G
gregeH7554TB Business
10
No time to waste.
Pros:

I ate at Holt’s twice and the food was exceptional and the service is impeccable. If you want a good dinner if breakfast with high quality and quick service, this is your spot.

2026-07-27 via Tripadvisor
S
Sean couple gb
10
First rate
Pros:

The location and views from the room were unbelievable.

2026-07-25 via Nuitee
A
amy couple us
9
Great location and comfortable stay
Pros:

Convenient location, large rooms, comfortable beds

Cons:

Ice machine on my floor didn’t work, bathroom smelled a little mildewy.

2026-07-25 via Nuitee