Name: The Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown
Address: 71 E Wacker Dr, Chicago, 60601, US

The Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown

Chicago - IL · United States

100 reviews shown

10/10

Exceptional

22 Jul 2026

Kelvin

Great will come back for sure

2/10

Poor

22 Jul 2026

Holly

The staff was friendly, but I had to leave after one day and was told I couldn't get a refund for my remaining days. The air conditioner was loud and didn't fully cool the room. I also didn't care for the ceiling rain shower head.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

21 Jul 2026

Joshua

I don't know why you'd stay anywhere else. You're smack dab in the middle of downtown on the river. If you're doing stuff downtown, everything is a 10-minute walk and the views from the front rooms are unsurpassed. The staff is awesome from the bellmen (I only use men because I saw them... they were men) to the front desk to the restaurant staff and cleaning personnel. It's my second stay in 5 years there and I will never stay anywhere else. The only drawback is that you have to look across the water at a building that says \"TRUMP\".

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

21 Jul 2026

Jackie

River view room well worth the upgrade. View was beautiful and entertaining. Room was quiet with Mimi fridge , coffee and bottled water. Bed and pillow so comfortable.
The staff were exceptional. Location great.
Shower a little small. Limited menu at hotel restaurant but food and staff were great.
Room super clean each day.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

21 Jul 2026

JEROME W

Like everyone else my issue was the same as there’s, the AC unit struggles to maintain a temperature below 77 degrees

10/10

Exceptional

20 Jul 2026

allison

Highly recommend!

Family

4/10

Poor

20 Jul 2026

Mercedes

Air did not work. They sent someone to change the filter and said that the air was on a sensor and since we just checked in it would take a while. After a while nothing changed and the front desk said they would send an engineer. Engineer never came. They sent a box fan that was missing a blade. Had to go back downstairs and they sent a new fan.

8/10

Excellent

20 Jul 2026

ELOISA

Excellent location excellent stuff beautiful rooms the only complaint is that their AC is not strong enough my room felt warm all the time day and night even though I had it setup at 65 degrees

Business

8/10

Excellent

20 Jul 2026

David

Very centrally located for major tourist attractions.

8/10

Excellent

20 Jul 2026

Julia

Overall great hotel, big rooms and quiet at night. Elevators take a second (5-10 mins) if you’re using them during the day, and they’re not the biggest but definitely not a huge problem.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

20 Jul 2026

Kiesha Holland

Great! The stay was amazing. Beautiful site and great location with great view. The only issue was they have a lot of fees that add up to about an extra $40 a night. Other than that not one single complaint .

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

20 Jul 2026

Cedric

Great views!

10/10

Exceptional

19 Jul 2026

Margaret

It was a great location, clean, awesome!

Family

10/10

Exceptional

19 Jul 2026

Nathaniel

Nice hotel on the loop. Very clean and comfortable.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

19 Jul 2026

Miyoshi

Perfect city view convent location to some of Chicago staples food locations and convenient stores. Restaurant had good quick eats

Partner

8/10

Excellent

18 Jul 2026

Tyliekia

One main concern with the room is the rainfall shower head. It’s not conducive to Black hair as we don't fully immerse out head in water during showers. Even pushing the head towards the wall offered minimal help. Breakfast at Hoyt is expensive and there isnt much variety on the menu. The location of the hotel is perfectly near the Riverwalk. Microwaves are available upon request. Early checkin is an option at a cost unless u are a rewards member. There is no pool plus a $30 a day non refundable resort fee AND a $100 a day deposit. My opinion, not much bang for your buck. The hotel was emailed 2 weeks prior to my arrival in order to plan something special however the email was never answered.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

18 Jul 2026

Joseph

65 for a robe?
7 for a water.
No breakfast.
Big tub was dirty.
Big tub was not able to plug. Maintenance did respond at 11pm at our request.
But I overall, for a suite purchase of 700+ for one nights stay; you would think you'd get these amenities for free and a cleaner tub. With complimentary robe /breakfast.

The \"river view\" included the river. And giant letters

T R U M P

Which, would have been nice to see in the picture previews for the \"river view\"

2/10

Poor

16 Jul 2026

Tom

-The lobby was packed and only two people at the check-in
-There were at least 5 GrubHub delivery drivers taking up the lobby and the entrance
-I wanted to have lunch in the bar but it was closed until 5PM (On a Saturday afternoon downtown) A 4 Star hotel with no place to eat
-If you wanted early Check-In it was $50. That's just cheap
-No ice on my floor
-No pool
-WiFi for only 1 day. The next day is $10

I'll never stay there again.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

16 Jul 2026

Michelle

Amazing hotel with kind staff and great location

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

15 Jul 2026

Marilyn

Stanek-Burgoon wedding reception was wonderful. Everyone pleased with food, rooms, staff.

Family

8/10

Excellent

14 Jul 2026

Michele

This is my second time staying here, although the air went out on our first night. It was up and running quickly and we were accommodated and kept up to date with everything. Great location, staff and overall experience

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

13 Jul 2026

Manoj

IT WAS CLEAN AND SPACIOUS.

Family_with_children

6/10

Pleasant

13 Jul 2026

Claire

Staff on the phone were not helpful. Would not give clear instructions about checking in early, but the room was nice and was clean.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

13 Jul 2026

Jasmine

I arrived at the hotel before check-in and was told around 1:00 p.m. that my room was almost ready. The front desk took my phone number and email and said they would notify me as soon as it was available.

Meanwhile, everyone else in my group was able to check in. Around 3:30 p.m., I went back to the front desk to check on my room and was told it had been cleaned and was just waiting for inspection. By the 4:00 p.m. check-in time, my room still wasn't ready.

Because of the delay, I had to change and get ready for a reservation in my friend's room. I went to brunch, and hours passed without receiving any phone call, text, or email, despite the hotel having all of my contact information.

When I finally returned to the hotel around 8:00 p.m., I had to ask yet again if my room was ready before I was finally able to check in.

I explained my frustration to the front desk staff, but instead of receiving an apology, they became defensive. I understand that delays can happen, but the lack of communication throughout the day was unacceptable. If check-in is advertised as 4:00 p.m., guests should reasonably expect their rooms to be ready by then, or at the very least be kept informed if there is a delay.

To make matters worse, when I asked for the customer service phone number, the employees again responded with attitude instead of professionalism. I remained calm and simply explained the inconvenience I experienced.

Unfortunately, based on this experience, I will not be staying

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

13 Jul 2026

Alexis

Great stay

10/10

Exceptional

13 Jul 2026

Jonathan

Beautiful hotel in downtown Chicago. Centrally located to the Riverwalk, the El, and some great restaurants. Room was spacious and the view of the river was amazing.

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

12 Jul 2026

Meshell

This property was the perfection location. It was less than a 10 minute walk to the Bean in Millennial Park, The Worlds largest Starbucks, The River walk, Hello Kitty flagship store and just steps off of Michigan Avenue!

Family

10/10

Exceptional

12 Jul 2026

Yolanda

Courteous staff. The hotel was conveniently located.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

12 Jul 2026

Carol

The location is great and within walking distance of the main parks, shoppiong and restaurants. The staff was extremely friendly and helpful. They went above and beyond. They approached to see if they could be of help before I even asked! Amazing! Definitely will stay here again!

Family_with_children

6/10

Pleasant

12 Jul 2026

Amy

Decent overall stay. Good value for the price, especially in that area. Checking in for a wedding weekend was a bit difficult. For a 5:00 ceremony, you should expect wedding guests to want to check in earlier than the allowed 4:00 check in, and you should be prepared for and accommodating to that.

Family

8/10

Excellent

11 Jul 2026

Mary

Not much to do on premise we have stayed at Royal Sonesta in New Orleans! The view was amazing the staff was also very nice restaurant just ok. Royal Sonesta in New Orleans a whole different league!!

10/10

Exceptional

11 Jul 2026

ANDRE

Nice Hotel!

10/10

Exceptional

11 Jul 2026

Meyling

Si personal muy amables hotel en una excelente ubicación

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

10 Jul 2026

Jill

The property was calming, clean and well kept but the real shining stars were the staff. Helpful, friendly and genuinely interested in our satisfaction with our stay. A big thanks to each of you!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

10 Jul 2026

Stacey

WE LOVED THIS PROPERTY THE STAFF WAS AMAZING TO THE PROPERTY MANAGER CHRISTINA THANK U SO MICH FOR TAKING CARE OF US AND MAKING SURE WE WERE COMPLETELY SATISFIED EVEN OUR CLEANING LADY WAS THE NICEST AND WE DEFINITELY LEFT A TIP WE WILL DEFINITELY STAY HERE EVERY TIME WE COME TO CHICAGO

Friends

10/10

Exceptional

10 Jul 2026

Brianna

This hotel was amazing, very clean, and a nice room with a view. On our last day the AC in the hotel went out and they did comp us for the trouble, but no complaints with that as it’s something that can’t be foreseen. I would absolutely stay at the royal sonesta again!!

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

09 Jul 2026

Tasha

This hotel is located in the heart of downtown Chicago. The river walk is directly across the street. If you don’t mind a 15 minute walk, you can also walk to Navy Pier. This hotel is also steps away from Hello Kitty Cafe, Michigan Ave, and plenty of restaurants and stores. If you’re u want to go to grab a cup of coffee at the World’s largest Starbucks, stay here because it’s a short walk to pretty much everything. The train station is about a 10 minute walk and Spot Hero is the best option if you have a car. The hotel is spotless and employees are nice. I would definitely recommend this hotel to friends and family.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

09 Jul 2026

Janet

The pillows felt lumpy but I have high pillow standards.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

09 Jul 2026

Mikhail

Good

Self

6/10

Pleasant

09 Jul 2026

Jose

Better a/c serculation needed

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

08 Jul 2026

Tae Hee

Room is very clean and spacious. Staffs are very friendly and helpful.
We would definitely come back again.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

08 Jul 2026

Kassina

Doormen could be a little more helpful. People were struggling with their bags and they just looking.

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

08 Jul 2026

Ana

The service we received upon arrival, the cleanliness, the security, and the comfort of the room—when I return to Chicago, I will stay at the same place.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

08 Jul 2026

Kassina

Doormen could be a little more helpful. People were struggling with their bags and they just looking. Especially the older black man. I didn't get his name.

Friends_and_family Friends

8/10

Excellent

08 Jul 2026

John

Good location .

Friends

2/10

Poor

07 Jul 2026

Pamela

The room wasn’t cleaned good at all. The toilet paper holder was broke. It had nasty sheets on the bed and we had to get housekeeping to change them. There was hair all in the tub. The front desk lady was extremely rude. We only booked it because it looked like a nice hotel based on the pictures and to be close to the river walk but we won’t be staying there again. We also paid for a city view. The view was another hotel and a dumper below. Not worth it!!!

Partner

8/10

Excellent

07 Jul 2026

Amanda

Room was very clean, especially bathroom, towels, dresser drawers and fridge.

The water pressure was excellent - shower had options to switch between handheld vs. shower head. Very satisfied with the room (they provide 2 free bottles of water in the room, upon arrival). Housekeeping staff were very friendly.

Things to note:
The air conditioning could be better (stronger) as it didn't cool the room enough (temperature ranged from 74 - 77 degrees fahrenheit). Had to fill the ice bucket to help cool down, even just a little.

The toilet paper holder could use some redesign (suggest replacing to a different design) as the toilet paper roll kept falling off when using. Looks nice but not functional. Gave up using the holder and just placed the toilet paper roll on on top of the water tank.

If you don't mind the room temperature, then this is in a great location and is a well-kept establishment.

10/10

Exceptional

07 Jul 2026

Lavell

I loved my stay here.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

07 Jul 2026

Sean

Everything was nice.

6/10

Pleasant

07 Jul 2026

Nadia

Rooms needed better cleaning, hair was found on the bed sheets and bath room. Staff was also not providing immediate assistant when needed, after multiple attempts. Shower drainage was clogged and the water would pool up. These areas can be improved for better service.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

07 Jul 2026

BARDO

Very cleaned hotel, with friendly staff. Hotel has an incredible breakfast and dinner restaurant.

Only thing they need to work on is there elevator situation. There will be a long line just to take the elevator to the room and only 1 elevator out of 4 would be working.

Partner

4/10

Poor

06 Jul 2026

LaTonya

I book through Expedia the photos of the property were different from what we thought we booked. The views were terrible as they had us looking over roofs and we were told that we would have a city view. I was told once I arrived to the property I would only need 96 dollars held on my card. They held 360 plus charged me 32 dollars a night for a destination fee that I was unaware of. The only nice staff member I encountered was Kiara and she was helping them out as she was from the Florida property. All the false advertising and extra fees I wasn't expecting due to be told I only owed 96 once at the property put my budget in a chokehold and caused a damper on our trip. The Amenities were mediocre at best and they didn't offer much but an inconvenience.

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

06 Jul 2026

RAJU

Centrally located

Family

10/10

Exceptional

06 Jul 2026

Rafat

We had a good stay at The Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown.

The room was clean, and the view was amazing. The hotel location is excellent and very walkable, close to many of the main attractions in downtown Chicago.

The staff was okay and helpful when we asked for assistance. I did expect the room to feel a little more luxurious, and the shower needed some maintenance.

Overall, it was a good experience because of the clean room, beautiful view, and great location. I would give it 4.5 stars.

Family_with_children

6/10

Pleasant

06 Jul 2026

Mark

The room was very clean. I was charged 32$ that I was not expecting for god only knows what. Locating was excellent and close to everything.

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

06 Jul 2026

Marc

Everything was wonderful

Friends

10/10

Exceptional

06 Jul 2026

Jose

Clean , amazing view

6/10

Pleasant

05 Jul 2026

Jermaine

Air in room didn't work well.

Business Family

10/10

Exceptional

05 Jul 2026

Tequila

We loved the location, promptness of staff when asking questions , our room was relaxing and the view was AMaZing!!

Family

6/10

Pleasant

04 Jul 2026

Andrea

Cons: I can’t highly rate this place in good faith because of how my trip began. You should be aware that while this hotel has been mostly renovated, some of the rooms still have outdated showers. Not only did the bathroom look completely different than the photos online, it had an extremely dusty vent which is at eye level and mold in the shower. I was not going out of my way to find issues with the room. I noticed because it was right in my face. This was unacceptable considering the price I was paying and for health reasons.
I booked a city view room which was supposed to be on a high floor. Once I looked at said view from the 8th floor, I decided to call the front desk. I voiced my concerns about the cleanliness and asked if I was placed in the correct room. One of the women I spoke with was very condescending and rude instead of offering apologies/solutions. She sent housekeeping to check it out.

Pros: Ryan from housekeeping saved my entire trip. I would have left to a different hotel if it wasn’t for him. Overall I felt safe going in and out of here. Housekeeping staff did a wonderful job I had no issues with our linens or towels. Arturo (bellman) and the other men are very friendly and helpful.

10/10

Exceptional

04 Jul 2026

Jorge

Great location!

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

04 Jul 2026

Jorge

Great location! Very helpfull staff, river view rooms are amazing.

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

04 Jul 2026

Kassina

Clean stay, friendly staff.

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

03 Jul 2026

Honey Kaye

Excellent service!!!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

03 Jul 2026

Paramvir

Candice front girl helped ys checked in she is wonderfull nice. She needs raise.
Room was wonderful, view was 100/10.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

03 Jul 2026

Melissa

Great location for exploring Chicago. The staff was very friendly and helpful and the room was clean.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

03 Jul 2026

Matthew

Fantastic view from room.

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

02 Jul 2026

Helen

Our first trip to Chicago downtown area and was recommended by a friend to stay here. The hotel is very beautiful. The room was spacious and clean and ours overlooked the river. The staff were very courteous and helpful. Would highly recommend hotel for all the above plus location to walking to sites centrally located.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

02 Jul 2026

Michelle

The room was very clean, the housekeeper was super kind and nice at all times. Front desk staff was friendly but when asking about late checkout several times they were not too helpful however the chat on Expedia with the hotel worked perfectly and we finally were able to get the late checkout via Expedia chat! I would in fact highly recommend this clean, conveniently located hotel.

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

01 Jul 2026

Roslynn

Great location !!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

01 Jul 2026

Vincenzo

Staff was very polite and helpful..

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

01 Jul 2026

Khem

Hotel and staff were phenomenal for the entire stay. Room was upgraded, views were the best I the city, highly recommend. Great locstion to everything.

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

01 Jul 2026

Mark

Great place
Walking distance to everything
Very professional staff

Family

10/10

Exceptional

01 Jul 2026

matthew

Great spot on the riverwalk in Chicago. Rooms were large and the view of the river was outstanding. Hope to come back soon!

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

01 Jul 2026

DeAngelo

Our stay at The Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown was absolutely incredible! You truly cannot beat this location—it is right on the Chicago River, steps away from the Magnificent Mile, Millennium Park, and the Theater District.

The highlight of our trip was definitely the spectacular floor-to-ceiling windows. Waking up to unobstructed views of the river and the city skyline was breathtaking. The guest rooms are extremely spacious, clean, and styled with sophisticated modern decor. Every staff member we encountered was genuinely warm, professional, and eager to offer helpful local recommendations.

Whether you are traveling for business, a romantic getaway, or a family vacation, this hotel provides the perfect home base for a classic Chicago experience. We cannot wait to return for our next visit!

Self

6/10

Pleasant

01 Jul 2026

Henry

My shower had only an overhead rain faucet head. No pressure. No way to shower without getting your hair wet. No way to rinse underneath surfaces. It was terrible.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

01 Jul 2026

Christopher

Wonderful!!

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

30 Jun 2026

Jessica

We loved the view out the window and love the corner room! However the room was too tight for two people with luggage. The room was warm despite turning down the AC. Our shower door needed repair and leaked water. The elevator was slow and one bay broke down with people in it.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

30 Jun 2026

Yanjie

wonderful stay. staff friendly and helpful. room clean and spacious.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

30 Jun 2026

Marquis Lamar

Clean room

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

30 Jun 2026

Felicia

I highly recommend this hotel. The staff is amazing! The location is perfect walking distance to the area attractions and the river side views are spectacular! I will definitely be a returning guest when visiting Chicago. Thank you for being a part of my first time visiting to Chicago.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

29 Jun 2026

Tyler

Right on the river walk walking distance to the pier the bean and the EL train so you can get anywhere from there without driving i had a high floor with river view it was very nice

Partner

8/10

Excellent

29 Jun 2026

Sarah

The view from our corner room was unbelievable. Day or night the skyscrapers, river, bridges scenery did not disappoint. The room was big and clean. The only downside we found was it was noisy some nights with all the cruising and honking on the busy streets below us. But that’s the price you pay to be in the heart of the city.

Friends_and_family Family

4/10

Poor

29 Jun 2026

Jeffrey

I wouldn’t stay here again. I was put next to the elevator it was loud dinging all night and morning. Ironically, being right next to the elevator but it would take at least 8-10 minutes for the elevator each time when it was busier in the mornings. At one point, we had to take the service elevator because the cleaning staff felt bad for us. Additionally, at least during the summer people were either protesting in front of the Trump hotel blocking the streets with cars, fireworks, and dance parties between 12-1am. If you don’t need to sleep, it was great! Never again!

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

29 Jun 2026

Christopher

All Team members were friendly and focused to help us in any way possible - starting when we pulled up to the property. Thank you for making our stay so special!

Partner

8/10

Excellent

28 Jun 2026

David

This hotel has a perfect location right near the river and fun things to do. An elevator was not working the entire four days we were there which really affected being able to get up and down to and from your room. One time it took almost 10 minutes to get an elevator going down while we were waiting for an Uber. The room was nice, clean and met our needs. The staff was friendly and helpful. The restaurant, Hoyt, always seemed. packed and crowded so we didn’t end up eating or drinking there. Overall, not as high rated as the London house, but certainly nice in a great location.

10/10

Exceptional

28 Jun 2026

Tommy

Staff was super helpful in my arrival

Pet

6/10

Pleasant

28 Jun 2026

Venkat

Excellent location and very good views from the hotel. The inside of the room is ok. Nothing over the top. Bathrooms were clean and well-maintained. Elevators had wait time at peak hours.

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

28 Jun 2026

Tobias

We enjoyed our stay very much and will definitely stay here again. The only complaint is the elevators were very slow all weekend long. The hotel was very busy so it was hard for them to keep up. Other then that we enjoyed our stay.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

27 Jun 2026

Chris

Jock was a gem! Very helpful and friendly.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

27 Jun 2026

Wade

Gorgeous hotel. Location is fantastic. Staff are very friendly and very helpful. Our rooms were clean and we had an awesome view. We will definitely stay here again.

Family_with_children

8/10

Excellent

26 Jun 2026

Cora

Good stay. Great location. Great room view.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

25 Jun 2026

Julie

Had a Fabulous time. Beautiful views. Perfect location.

Friends

10/10

Exceptional

24 Jun 2026

Anthony Gaddy

The staff was very helpful and accommodating, we arrived early and a room was available. Our room was very clean, a nice walk in rain shower with a bench. They have a nice restaurant the Hoyt that has good breakfast, lunch and dinner options. The location is optimal since so many things are within walking distance or a short cab ride usually $12-15 bucks. We loved Chicago and the Royal Sonesta and will definitely stay here again.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

24 Jun 2026

Mark

Great place to get away, unwind and enjoy the sights of downtown. Everything in walking distance, great location and great attentive staff. Valet was very much on point as well.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

23 Jun 2026

David Glenn

Excellent location right in the heart of everything. Staff was very friendly and helpful throughout my stay highly recommended when visiting Chicago

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

23 Jun 2026

Martika

Room was clean, hotel smells good, we had a great view ! Restaurant had a bomb breakfast sandwich! Staff were nice as well. Would stay again.

6/10

Pleasant

23 Jun 2026

David

We stayed here because of it's proximity to the children's museum and other attractions for our kids. The kids did really like the bunk beds in the family suite. However, for how expensive it is, it's a bit run down. It's pretty clear it needs an update. If you have a car, you have to pay for valet or self-park far away. We did valet and in general the valet guys were super nice and helpful, although you have to text for your car 20-30 mins before you need it, and there was one time when I brought the car back and had to wait for a valet to show up (but I get it, they're busy). There were large tour groups that took up the elevators and lobby a lot. And there's no room service. You have to go down to the restaurant to order and then bring it back to the room yourself. The first night the restaurant was closed, which is not ideal when arriving with small kids. All in all it's fine, but it's just not super family friendly.

Friends_and_family Family

6/10

Pleasant

23 Jun 2026

Colleen

Great location in Downtown, spacious rooms. However the outside noise of loud cars and emergency sirens were constant and often disturbing at night. Could hear neighbours talking on the room next door. Not a quiet hotel at all.

Family

6/10

Pleasant

23 Jun 2026

kristine

Good location
Outside dining was never open /available

Family