Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown

Room was clean, check-in attendant was super nice and the location was amazing. The restaurant in the hotel however, was absolutely horrible. Bad service and out of everything. We arrived at the bar to get some cocktails before we went out for the night, 2 bartenders behind the bar….one stocking beers and one standing on the other side of the bar doing nothing. The one stocking was right in front of us and never made eye contact or told us he'd help us at all( he could clearly see us), the other bartender came over from the other side of the bar to tell us the stocking bartender would help us shortly. The stocking bartender continues to stock, making us wait until he did his side duties and after stocking about 5 cases of beer he got up and asked what we needed. I ordered vodka and lemonade. No lemonade, no soda, no juice beside orange juice and grapefruit juice. No sweet wine. And the only buttery Chardonnay they had was butter bomb which I tasted from meijer before and tasted like grocery store wine. So I decided I didn't want anything. My husband decided on a beer. He asked for a glass……..NO GLASSES!
We paid $300 per night to stay at this hotel and the restaurants at the hotel are a huge deal for me because I like to ease into the night at my hotel. This was horrible. It was the beginning of a busy Saturday night around 5pm, and unless I wanted to drink a beer from the neck or a screwdriver I was out of luck! For the amount of money I was charged I couldn't believe it. Such a shame for such a nice hotel.

Re: Room was clean, check-in ... Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown replied on Tuesday, December 21st 2021

Dear Guest, Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. While I wish you had a better experience, it is feedback like this that we learn from and use to improve. I have addressed your comments with our food and beverage director and passed along your information. Sincerely, Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown

A perfect hotel! Perfectly positioned for shopping on Michigan Avenue, going to Millennium Park, or taking a river walk tour. Had an issue with my room when I arrived (wasn't a big deal, just a missing pullout sofa), but they upgraded me fantastically! Could not be happier and will definitely come back!

Re: A perfect hotel! Perfect ... Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown replied on Tuesday, December 21st 2021

Dear Guest, Thank you for the great review of our hotel! We are glad that you enjoyed your stay and hope to see you again very soon. Sincerely, Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown

The hotel was super clean and very modern! The staff was very nice and helpful! View is amazing and the rooms were the biggest rooms I've stayed in, in the many times I've been to Chicago! This hotel is my go-to for any Chicago trip. We are impressed every single time!

Also, we noticed that Chicago fire was filming a scene at the hotel which was VERY COOL! My sisters got to meet the cast and take a few pics. Thanks to Brittany our new friend, she helped make it happen! Highly recommend this hotel!

I seldom feel compelled to leave a review, but this occasion seems warranted.
Excellent location by the river front with beautiful views, ideally located. The rooms are spacious and clean yet basic and poorly equipped.
Revamped after a takeover of the Wyndham which preceded it, it looks the part with cosmetic changes exceptional. But looks can be deceiving.
The staff are friendly but unhelpful because the infrastructure to help does not exist.
1. The shower was not hot, the toilet flooded,
2. The room had continuous banging noises echoing - this was a junior suite on the 37th floor
3. When asked to change room, this was not possible. When explained the situation at hand, zero apology, zero care , zero efforts to rectify it and 'computer says no' answers. The staff need better training
4. The room was not cleaned - if you want a fresh set of towels you need to book them 24hrs in advance- a covid restriction- because respiratory droplets are often spread by housekeeping changing the towels ? Im not sure. But frustrating given no-one told us on booking or at check-in , just simply expected omniscience
5. Lastly on leaving the bags after checkout in holding i asked if it would but under surveillance. Important to me after a previous mishap. They assured me it was - i walked in 2hrs later. Holding room unattended, unsecure- i walked through the open door to collect bags and walked out without a glance or question.
To summarise - wonderful location, great refurbishment, poorly managed. The place to come for IG pics but not for a comfortable or looked-after stay. Hopefully after the recent visit of the SF Sonesta team, there will be corrections made !

Great views

Positive: Location, cleanliness, great Covid protocols and staff were accommodating Negative: There were random charges on my card that were charged throughout the trip. I was assured at check out that these would be removed. They did that and then charged me the entire cost of the room again. There¿s no reason my card should¿ve been billed

Xristos Zarganis opted not to leave a text review of Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown

Positive: The room was clean and the staff was amazing. Negative: Two sets of towels for a 4person room, the parking garages nearby weren't exactly close in distance and were not clean. No free breakfast and the internet was off & on. The room we had did have heat until staff was called. Overall It was nice but lacking.

Edgardo Lopez opted not to leave a text review of Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown

Positive: After a 12 hour drive. TheRoyal Sonesta was very very clean with new and modernized furniture. My 4 day stay was excellent. I had a drink at the Royal Sonesta which was Hoyt's bar and had a great conversation with the bartender . Negative: The maid came onl once out of a 4 day stay but they sent extra towels which worked for us.