The Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown

The Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown, a Michelin Key Selected property, consistently earns high praise for its prime location and attentive service, offering a sophisticated base for exploring the Windy City.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown generally receives exceptional customer reviews, boasting an overall rating of 8.7 on platforms like Agoda and an "Excellent" rating of 8.7 out of 10 based on over 1,500 reviews on Booking.com. Guests frequently express high satisfaction, often stating they would choose to stay again.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud the hotel's impeccable location, friendly and helpful staff, stunning views (especially of the Chicago River), and elegant, modern design. The property's cleanliness and state-of-the-art facilities, including a 24-hour fitness center, are also frequently highlighted. The ability to step directly onto the Chicago Riverwalk is a significant advantage for many visitors.

3. Room Quality

The rooms at The Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown are described as surprisingly spacious, even in standard categories, and are designed with a modern, pared-down aesthetic featuring ample natural light and earth tones. Colorful accents like emerald-green headboards and abstract artwork add a touch of vibrancy. Many rooms and suites offer impressive city and river views. Guests often commend the comfortable and clean rooms, which include cozy seating areas and coffee stations. Bathrooms feature white subway tile and flattering in-mirror lighting. Amenities typically include a 48-inch flat-screen TV, a small refrigerator, and a coffee maker. Some guests have specifically praised the high-quality beds, including pillowtop mattresses and hypo-allergenic bedding, ensuring a comfortable stay.

4. Dining Experience

The hotel's on-site restaurant, Hoyt's American Tavern, serves Midwestern-inspired American cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. While the restaurant is generally considered pleasant, some guests have noted minimal staffing during breakfast, leading to extended waits for service. The hotel also offers a $10 food & beverage credit at Hoyt's as part of its resort fee.

5. Service & Staff

The staff at The Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown receives widespread acclaim for being super nice, friendly, helpful, and accommodating. From valets to front desk agents and cleaning staff, many guests report exceptional hospitality, making their stay feel welcoming and like home. However, a few isolated instances suggest some inconsistency, with one guest mentioning having to request housekeeping service multiple times.

6. Location & Accessibility

The hotel boasts an "exquisite" and "superb" location directly on the Chicago Riverwalk, at the intersection of the Chicago River and Michigan Avenue. This prime urban real estate places guests within easy walking distance of major attractions such as the Magnificent Mile (just 4 minutes away), Millennium Park, the Chicago Loop, and various shops, dining, and entertainment options. It is also well-connected to public transport, with Randolph-Wabash Station a short walk away.

7. Value & Pricing

The Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown is often considered to offer outstanding value for its luxurious experience, with an overall value rating of 8.4 on Agoda and 8.3 on Booking.com. While the average room rate can be around $278, which is slightly higher than the city average, many guests feel it is worth the cost due to the exceptional location and amenities.

8. Common Complaints

Despite overwhelmingly positive feedback, some recurring criticisms include additional fees such as a destination fee (approximately $32 tax-inclusive per night) and high valet parking costs (around $75-78 per night with limited in-and-out privileges). Occasional noise from elevators has been reported in rooms located nearby. Minor issues with room design, such as a standing shower without a door causing water to spill, and inconsistent water pressure or temperature control, have also been mentioned in some reviews. While rare, some guests have experienced slower service in the hotel restaurant during breakfast.

Sources

1. agoda.com
2. booking.com
3. booking.com
4. momondo.com
5. hotels.com
6. choosechicago.com
7. michelin.com
8. guestreservations.com
9. travelocity.com
10. priceline.com
11. milestomemories.com
12. youtube.com