The Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown
Modern upscale urban hotel with strong Midwestern personality. Refined without being stuffy. The hotel leans into Chicago lore — its mascot, 'The Countess of Chicago,' is a cow, a nod to the Great Chicago Fire. Floor-to-ceiling windows, custom hardwood finishes, and a loft-like restaurant. More polished business hotel than luxury resort.
Ask for a high-floor river-view room — floors 20+ give you unobstructed Chicago River and skyline views
Why It Matters
One of the few downtown Chicago hotels with direct Riverwalk access. The 39th-floor Penthouse Ballroom was used as Bruce Wayne's penthouse in 'The Dark Knight.' Some of Chicago's largest hotel suites, including full-kitchen Residence Rooms for extended stays. Renovated in 2022 and awarded 2024 Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice.
A 39-story tower built in 1958 and renovated in 2022, the Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown sits directly on the Chicago Riverwalk at the corner of East Wacker Drive and Michigan Avenue. River-view rooms look straight out at the water and the city's architectural skyline. It's not a boutique — 381 rooms across 39 floors — but the scale works in its favor: the views are genuinely impressive, and you can step off the lobby door right onto the Riverwalk. No pool, no spa. This is a location-and-views play.
Where You'll Stay
9 room types available
City Double Room
City-view double room with two double beds. Good option for families or friends sharing. Standard in-room amenities with city skyline outlook.
2 DoublesCity King Room
Standard city-facing king room with views of the Loop. Features floor-to-ceiling windows in many units. Refined decor with custom hardwood finishes and pillowtop mattress.
1 King
Junior Suite – Family
Family-oriented junior suite with extra space. Comes with kid-friendly perks including bunk room with popcorn and movies, milk-and-cookie turndown service (on request), kid-friendly books and games, and city itineraries for families.
1 King
Junior Suite – Fitness
A wellness-focused junior suite with an in-room Peloton bike in a separate workout area. Part of the 'Royally Suite Experience' wellness category. Comes with in-room yoga mat, stretching bands, roller balls, and weights.
1 KingLaSalle Suite
One of the flagship Residence Rooms designed for extended stays. Full kitchen, separate living and dining areas, and a proper home-away-from-home setup. Best-value suite for stays of 14+ nights (25% discount available). Includes VIP service and full pied-à-terre customization.
KingMichigan Avenue Suite
A premium Residence Room overlooking Michigan Avenue, with full kitchen and apartment-style layout. Part of the Downtown Residence Rooms collection for extended stays.
KingRoyal King River View Room
Upgraded king room with direct Chicago River views. Floor-to-ceiling windows make the river the focal point. The river-view premium is real — these look out at the iconic water-level architecture.
1 KingSkyline Suite
Higher-floor suite with panoramic city skyline views. Features the generous in-room amenities of the Royally Suite program, including flexible check-in/out times and in-room yoga mat.
KingState Suite
Another Residence Room designed for longer stays. Mix of one or two bedrooms with separate living and dining areas, full kitchen, and workspace. Part of the Downtown Residence Rooms collection.
KingThe Property
Eat & Drink
2 venues on property
Restaurant
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Step directly from the hotel lobby onto the Chicago Riverwalk, one of the city's most scenic pedestrian paths. Popular for morning runs, leisurely walks, and people-watching. Access is free and immediate.
24/7 access to the hotel's fitness center with Peloton bike, cardio equipment, strength training, and yoga mats. River views from the workout floor. Included in the daily destination fee.
Private dining room at Hoyt's Chicago for up to 50 guests. Available for birthday parties, anniversaries, retirement celebrations, and group events.
Interactive 360° virtual tour of the hotel available online before arrival.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
ADA-compliant rooms with roll-in showers, grab bars, accessible bathrooms. Braille and raised signage throughout. Lift to all floors. Wheelchair-accessible path of travel and designated parking.
18 modern event venues accommodating groups of 10 to 350 people. HD video conferencing, custom lighting, and catering available. Includes Penthouse Ballroom (39th floor, 2,085 sq ft), Penthouse Terrace (1,660 sq ft outdoor), and Grand Ballroom (6th floor, 4,361 sq ft). Fully renovated.
On-site business center with photocopier and business services for corporate guests.
Basic Wi-Fi for unlimited devices included in the daily $32 destination fee.
Direct step-out access to the Chicago Riverwalk from the hotel entrance. Perfect for morning runs, cycling rentals, or an evening stroll along the river.
A $32/day destination fee applies to all bookings. Includes 24/7 fitness center access, basic Wi-Fi for unlimited devices, 2 bottles of water on arrival, $10 F&B credit at Hoyt's, and preferred discounts at local restaurants and shops.
Pets welcome with no breed or weight restrictions, up to 2 pets per suite. $100 non-refundable fee per stay. Pet amenities include pet bed, bowls, waterproof mat, and treats. Fable pet products available in-room and for purchase.
Dry cleaning and laundry services available for guests.
Discounted self-parking available at nearby garages at 60 E. Lake ($53/night) and 111 E. Wacker ($58/night). Unlimited in-and-out privileges. QR code provided at check-in.
On-site valet parking. Rates: $47 for 0–4 hrs, $66 for 4–8 hrs, $80 overnight (includes 3 in-and-out privileges). Event parking $35. Note: Dodge Charger, Challenger, Durango, Ram, and Jeep SRT not accepted due to insurance. Garage height limit 6'3".
Round-the-clock fitness center with cardio and strength training equipment, including a Peloton bike. River views from the workout floor. Yoga mats available.
The Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown does not have a swimming pool. The sister property, The Royal Sonesta Chicago River North, does have a heated indoor pool.
BUILD YOUR THE ROYAL SONESTA CHICAGO DOWNTOWN PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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