The Royal Sonesta Chicago River North

Hotels
Sonesta Hotels
9.4 (2260 reviews)
505 North State Street , Chicago , us

Children allowed
Pets allowed

Facilities

Fitness facilities (surcharge)
Parking
Non-smoking rooms
Air conditioning
Swimming pool
Restaurant
Terrace
Pets allowed
Lift / Elevator
Luggage storage
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Friendly staff
Great location
Comfortable rooms
Clean facilities
Cons:
Issues with cleanliness
Parking problems
Occasional noise issues

Categories

Cleanliness
8.49
Several reviews noted issues with cleanliness, such as hair in the bathroom and a dirty tub.
Service
9.96
Many reviews highlighted the friendliness and helpfulness of the staff.
Location
10
Numerous mentions of excellent location within walking distance to major attractions.
Room Quality
9.45
Guests appreciated the comfort of the rooms and the good shower pressure.
Amenities
8.98
Decent amenities provided, but some improvements suggested like better access to teapots.
Value for Money
8.94
Overall value perceived positively but some concerns about parking fees.
Food and Beverage
9.49
Guests enjoyed the food and drinks at the hotel restaurant.
Overall Experience
9.87
Most reviews reflect a very positive overall experience.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-08 19:42

Property Description

Chicago's Finest Boutique Hotel in River North

Historical Inspiration: Immerse yourself in the elegance of the Chicago World’s Fair with our intricately designed rooms and chic décor. Enjoy entertainment on the 37-inch flat-screen TV or pamper yourself in the large designer bathrooms with plush bathrobes.

Wellness and Dining: Take a dip in the indoor pool, soak up the sun on the sundeck, or stay active in the 24-hour fitness center. Indulge in complimentary morning coffee and tea before savoring regional cuisine at CBR. Don't miss the delectable brunch menu on weekends.

Prime Location: Just steps from the CTA Red Line, our eco-friendly hotel is a stone's throw away from Navy Pier and Millennium Park. With both airports within easy reach, your journey to luxury begins as soon as you land.

Book now to experience the epitome of Chicago luxury at The Royal Sonesta Chicago River North.

Important information:

Please note: The property's cancelation policy includes any applicable taxes.

The hotel considers 10 or more rooms a group. The hotel reserves the right to cancel 10 or more rooms booked online. Please contact the hotel directly if you are booking 10 or more rooms.


A $32 Tax-Inclusive Resort Fee Includes:
- Coffee and tea in the lobby each morning.
- WiFi
- Two bottles of water.
- Access to the fitness center including a Peloton bike.
- Access to the Fresco Terrace (seasonal).
- Use of our indoor pool.
- Use of our bicycles to explore the city (seasonal).
- Seasonal water refresh station in the lobby
- $10 credit for use towards the on-site restaurant CBR.


The Pet Fee is a Non-Refundable $75 per stay fee. A maximum of two dogs per room are permitted.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.

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

Property Policies

  • Pets

    Pets are allowed on request. Charges may be applicable.

  • Internet

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

  • 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 free 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.

  • Groups

    When booking more than 6 rooms, different policies and additional supplements may apply.

  • Parking

    Private parking is possible on site (reservation is needed) and costs USD 75 per day.

Location

Guest Reviews

9.4
Based on 2260 reviews
Cleanliness: 8.49
Service: 9.96
Location: 10
Room Quality: 9.45
Amenities: 8.98
Value for Money: 8.94
Food and Beverage: 9.49
Overall Experience: 9.87
D
Dominique family_with_children us
9
2026-06-13 via Nuitee
T
Tom extended_group nl
9
2026-06-11 via Nuitee
B
Brent family_with_children us
9
A great place to stay if you would like to be close to the heart of Chicago.
Pros:

The staff were very helpful and professional. the location was great as it was near the L line. In addition there were many little touches such as bottles of water left in our rooms every day.

Cons:

the only improvement I would suggest is the breakfast prices at the hotel restaurant. I thought the prices were a little high for the food served.

2026-06-11 via Nuitee
T
Tom solo_traveller nl
9
2026-06-11 via Nuitee
H
Harris solo_traveller us
10
Birthday Celebration Extravangza
Pros:

Junior suite very comfy and had beautiful sights of Chicago.

Cons:

None

2026-06-10 via Nuitee
M
Marlene extended_group us
6
It was fine, clean, friendly, over priced.
Pros:

Staff was friendly and helpful. Beds were comfortable. Restaurant was good as was happy hour and staff.

Cons:

Thought rooms were overpriced. Need microwaves.

2026-06-10 via Nuitee
S
Sarah family_with_children us
9
Great stay at cozy hotel! Would return and recommend if you will be staying in the Dowmtown Chicago area.
Pros:

The location is top tier and staff were the absolute best at providing good customer service! The rooftop is a view you can’t beat.

Cons:

The room could have been cleaner and sheets were put on wrong. My room wasn’t even stocked properly with towels and such.

2026-06-10 via Nuitee
M
Mark solo_traveller us
10
2026-06-10 via Nuitee
S
Sherry family_with_children us
8
Hotel decent but area not that cool
Pros:

Location was ok close to restaurants if you walk 3 blocks away from hotel and close to the Magnificent mile

Cons:

The area was next to an office plaza and at nighttime - many homeless hanging around and sleeping at 7-11 across from the hotel, . I did not feel safe to be outside after 1100 PM. My original booking was for arrival 6/3 - my flight from Japan was cancelled due to Typhoon and my flight was changed to arrival in Chicago 6/5. I spoke to the hotel front desk on 6/4 and notified them of the situation. The nice young lady advised me since I already prepaid for 4 nights the room will still be available when I arrived on 6/5 - she send me an email advising of the situation. When I arrived at the hotel around 8pm 6/5-the front desk advised me I have no reservation and hotel does not hold room for 2 days. Unfortunately I had to argued with the front desk and they go have to check with a supervisor and I showed them the correspondence I got from the hotel,
After 20 minutes later he goes we can assigned a room for you. This was totally unprofessional and unnecessary headache it cost me and my family, Better notes should had been taken in the hotel system

2026-06-09 via Nuitee
N
Najeeb couple us
10
2026-06-08 via Nuitee
P
Paola couple it
8
2026-06-08 via Nuitee
H
Haley couple ca
9
Excellent staff! Clean and comfortable hotel
Pros:

Spacious rooms, very clean, pool was very nice. Above all else staff were ever welcoming and helpful.

2026-06-08 via Nuitee
L
Lynn couple gb
10
2026-06-08 via Nuitee
R
Rob couple gb
5
Comfy but very overpriced for what it is
Pros:

Smart comfortable room and decent location.

Cons:

The facilities are so basic. The pool is very average - shallow and small. The terrace looks like a nice rooftop bar on the ad but it’s not. A small bar-less terrace you will never set foot on.

2026-06-08 via Nuitee
H
Haruhisa couple jp
7
良かったです
Pros:

部屋が広く朝食が美味しかった

Cons:

ベッドメイクとタオル交換を忘れられていた

2026-06-07 via Nuitee
G
Giannina solo_traveller us
10
2026-06-07 via Nuitee
7
714krisv Friends getaway Strasburg, Colorado
2
You will not be a valued customer
Pros:

I stayed at The Royal Sonesta Chicago River North Easter weekend for a volleyball tournament. I turned my SUV into the hotel's valet when I arrived, and didn't use it again for most of the weekend. When I got it back and went to get fuel before checking out, I noticed that my rear bumper had damage to it that was not there when I turned it in. I went to the front desk to tell them, and they directed me to the valet stand. The valet service at this hotel is contracted out to another company. The supervisor for the valet company took my information, filed a claim, and told me they would get back with me. The valet's insurance company emailed me a few days later to tell me that they were not at fault, and that I had to turn it in to my personal insurance. I contacted the hotel directly, sharing my experience. They refunded me the cost of the valet service ($270) and told me they would submit it to their claims department. The claims department then emailed me and told me they were not responsible, and that I would need to contact the valet company. So I'm left to choose between paying for the repairs out of pocket, accepting that the value of my vehicle is now substantially lower than before I turned it over to the hotel's valet, or submit to my personal insurance and risk my premiums increasing for years to come. This hotel review is not about the quality of the rooms, or location, but about the fact that their customer had a bad experience with a service provided by the hotel, and when the hotel was presented with an opportunity to make their customer whole, they chose to defer responsibility and point fingers.

2026-06-06 via Tripadvisor
Z
Zachary couple us
10
2026-06-06 via Nuitee
A
Ahkila extended_group us
10
2026-06-06 via Nuitee
I
I5926MOmadisonl Friends getaway
10
PHENOMENAL
Pros:

1000/10 best experience I have ever had. I am staying at the royal sonesta here in chicago and CBR is attached. We went the restaurant every single day we were here. Nate has been an absolute angel. Super tentative made the experience feel personable and even remembered us when we came back in. His recommendations were on point and we did not have a single thing that was disappointing. Any time I come to Chicago I will be staying here again. Mainly because Nate is an absolute wonderful human being along with everyone else that works here!

2026-06-05 via Tripadvisor