Chicago, IllinoisNew Eastside
The Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown
Modernist riverfront tower
New Eastside Chicago, Illinois
Renovated
2021
Price
$$
Rated for
Design Social LocalOutside the door
The house
SonestaModernist riverfront tower
A communal lobby lounge opens onto Upper Wacker Drive, welcoming guests into an airy, residential living room set above the water.
What it’s good at
Listed
Lobby interiors feature curved drawbridge motifs, mixed-media artwork, and guest rooms with emerald-green headboards.
Listed
Hoyt's American Tavern pours Midwestern craft brews alongside an outdoor patio overlooking Upper Wacker Drive.
Listed
Perched directly above the Riverwalk, framing wide panoramas of the Chicago River and Tribune Tower.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
The look is modern and pared-down, with ample natural light, earth tones, framed black and white photography, and colorful accents...
In a lively part of town
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
The Chicago Riverwalk and DuSable Bridge sit right outside, leading directly onto the bustling shops of Michigan Avenue.
The rooms
Tufted emerald-green headboards and subway-tiled baths anchor rooms framing views of the Chicago River and the Art Deco Tribune Tower.
The gym
Cardio machines and free weights line wide windows looking out across the river and the city skyline.
Dogs stay too.
At the table
Hoyt's American Tavern serves Midwestern fare beneath lantern pendants, with street-level tables framing Marina City and the sidewalk.
How it began
Opened in 1960 as America's tallest reinforced concrete building, its 39th-floor penthouse later played Bruce Wayne's home in The Dark Knight.
Good to know
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The Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.