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The Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown

71 East Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL, USA, 60601
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About us

See Chicago from a whole new perspective. The fully renovated The Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown hotel welcomes you to the city’s intersection of work and play, where the Chicago River meets the famed Michigan Avenue. All of downtown Chicago is within easy reach, from Millennium Park and the Magnificent Mile to Lincoln Park and the Loop. With more than 16,000 square feet of flexible function space, The Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown offers 18 meeting spaces ranging in size from 350 to 4,300 square feet. The Penthouse Ballroom, located on the 39th floor, boasts floor-to-ceiling windows with 360-degree views of Chicago and a stunning 1600 square foot outdoor terrace. Our modern venues can accommodate groups from 10 to 350 people. Book a private meeting room for your C-Suite to strategize or bring the entire team together for coworking or a company-wide conference. Thoughtful amenities and attentive service ensure planning your next event is a breeze. Hotel Highlights - Spectacular Chicago skyline and riverfront views - 381 guest rooms and suites with riverfront and city views - Hoyt’s American Tavern with lofty 12-foot ceilings, a glass wall with streetscape views of downtown and patio dining - Over 16,000 square feet of meeting and event space in 18 meeting rooms - 24-hour fitness center - Steps from iconic attractions including the Loop, Magnificent Mile, Millennium Park and more - 30 minutes from Chicago O’Hare International Airport

Venue Details

ChainSonesta
BrandRoyal Sonesta
Built1958
Renovated2022
Total meeting space16,000 sq. ft.
Guest Rooms381
Venue typeHotel

Industry Ratings

AAA
Northstar

Venue Highlights

3D Event Space
Cvent Photo-realistic 3D Event Spaces give planners the ability to realize their vision down to the finest detail.

Amenities

Room features and guest services
  • Concierge services
  • Internet access
  • Laundry service
  • Luggage storage
  • View (ocean or water)
  • View (urban)
  • Voicemail box
Facilities
  • Onsite catering
  • Onsite restaurant
  • Onsite security
  • Pet friendly
  • Rental car service
  • Space (outdoor)
  • Space (private)
  • Space (semi-private)
  • Wheelchair accessible

Need dates

Priority windows that venues prefer for hosting events

Nov 11, 2025 - Mar 31, 2026

Seasonal Availability

Do you want to know if your event is during the high or low season? Check the season availability for this hotel.
High season
May 01 - Jun 30Sep 01 - Oct 31
Shoulder season
Jul 01 - Aug 31Apr 01 - Apr 30Nov 01 - Nov 20
Low season
Jan 01 - Mar 30Nov 21 - Dec 31

Meeting rooms

Total meeting space
16,000 sq. ft.
Largest room
4,361 sq. ft.
Space (private)
10,000 sq. ft.
Meeting rooms
18
Second largest room
3,033 sq. ft.
Exhibit space
16,000 sq. ft.
Space (semi-private)
2,100 sq. ft.
Space (outdoor)
1,600 sq. ft.
Standing capacity
350
Explore Meeting Rooms
Explore Meeting Rooms
Find the perfect room with setup charts and interactive 3D floor plans.

Meeting space

Meeting room floor plans

Penthouse Ballroom
Pre-Function D
Grand CD

Guest rooms

Total guest rooms
381
Single (1 bed)
143
Single (1 bed) rate
$109.00 - $349.00
Double (2 beds)
136
Double (2 beds) rate
$129.00 - $369.00
Suites
81
Tax rate
17.4%

Location

Getting Here

State Station - 4 min walk Millennium Station - 6 min walk Chicago O'Hare Intl. Airport (ORD) - 36 min drive
Distance from airport 12 mi
Parking in the area
Paid parking
( $58.00/day )
Valet parking
( $75.00/day )

Local Attractions

Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise
Recreation
0 mi
Voted “Chicago’s Best Tour” by Chicago Reader, the CAF River Cruise is a “must” for out-of-towners and Chicagoans alike. CAF-certified volunteer tour guides—called docents—interpret more than 50 buildings along the Chicago River, revealing how the city grew from a small back-country outpost into one of the world’s most important crossroads in less than 100 years. In 90 minutes, get the real story on Chicago architecture and its history.
Michigan Avenue
Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL, US 60601
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The Magnificent Mile
Recreation
3 mins
Just steps from Hotel 71, The Mag Mile district is home to 460 stores, 275 restaurants and a variety of entertainment options. Renowned retailers such as Nordstrom and Apple can be found on North Michigan Avenue home, as well as luxury good boutiques such as Cartier and Chanel.
North Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL, US 60601
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Millennium Park
Recreation
7 mins
Distinctive architecture, landscaping and design provide the backdrop for an array of concerts, exhibitions, festivals and family activities that take place throughout the year. A seven minute walk finds guests in the heart of all Millennium Park has to offer.
201 East Randolph
Chicago, IL, US 60601
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Navy Pier
Recreation
15 mins
A fifteen minute walk find you on Lake Michigan at Navy Pier--boasting of 50 of acres of parks, promenades, gardens, shops, dining options and attractions. Whether you're a child or a kid at heart, Navy Pier has something for everyone--dining cruises, tour boats, the Children's Museum and rides ranging from a carousel to a ferris wheel.
600 East Grand
Chicago, IL, US 60601
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Merchandise Mart
Business district
1 mi
With its unmistakable presence on the banks of the Chicago River in downtown Chicago, The Merchandise Mart is interwoven into the fabric of Chicago’s history and its role as a leading innovator in culture, art, business, fashion, media and more. The Merchandise Mart is the world’s largest commercial building, wholesale design center and one of Chicago’s premier international business locations. Encompassing 4.2 million gross square feet, The Mart spans two city blocks and rises 25 stories.
222 Merchandise Mart Plaza, Suite 470
Chicago, IL, US 60654
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McCormick Place
Convention center
3 mi
McCormick Place is the premier convention facility in North America. Located just minutes from downtown Chicago, McCormick Place attracts close to 3 million visitors each year. McCormick Place is comprised of four state-of-the-art buildings: the North and South Buildings, the West Building and Lakeside Center. Together, they form what many consider to be the economic engine that powers the entire convention and tradeshow industry. McCormick Place is committed to creating a great experience for every person, every time!
2301 S. Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL, US 60616
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John Hancock Observatory
Historical landmark
1 mi
Enjoy breathtaking 360° views stretching across 4 states, and Lake Michigan. Watch the spectacular sunset from 1,000 ft, or come up at night to see Chicago shining in lights. You'll see why John Hancock Observatory has been voted Chicago's best view.
875 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 2605
Chicago, IL, US 60611
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Water Tower Place
Shopping
1 mi
Situated at the pinnacle of Chicago's famous Magnificent Mile, Water Tower Place is Chicago's premier shopping destination and features the largest number of stores exclusive to Chicago.
835 N Michigan Ave
Chicago, IL, US 60611
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Willis Tower
Historical landmark
1 mi
A bustling community of business, tourism and culture, Willis Tower is so much more than North America's tallest building. It’s home to large well-known companies as well as hundreds of thriving businesses run by smart, passionate people. More than an office building, it’s a cultural landmark and iconic Chicago tourist attraction. Willis Tower is a pivotal point of reference – from across town, from financial centers on both coasts, and from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. It’s a building with retail and commercial office space at heart, but also inspires tens of thousands of visitors to take in the amazing views of the city and experience the breathtaking Ledge.
233 S Wacker Dr
Chicago, IL, US 60606
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Preferred vendors

American Guest
American Guest
Austin, multi-city
Our American Guest family builds generations of experience into every travel program. Since 2002, our mission has been to capture the imagination of your corporate guests with tailored incentives, events, meetings, and VIP travel experiences throughout the USA and beyond. From initial contact, through planning, sourcing, contracting, and on-site management, we treat your project as if we were the client. Our personal network of global suppliers helps us bring your vision to life. With genuine passion, an international team, and American hospitality, we deliver our promise: your business matters.
Activity
Transportation
Preferred staff
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Lip Smacking Foodie Tours
Lip Smacking Foodie Tours
Alexandria, multi-city
Lip Smacking Foodie Tours hosts award-winning dining experiences for individuals and groups up to 500. Experience top restaurants with VIP seating, chef greetings, signature dishes and cocktails while attendees network and sit next to a different person at every stop. VIDEOS: https://linktr.ee/VegasFoodieTours https://www.lipsmackingfoodietours.com/news/blog/corporate-event-planning-how-to-host-the-ultimate-event-with-lip-smacking-foodie-tours Lip Smacking Foodie Tours are both an entertaining activity and unique dining experience melded into one, that are sure to add new vitality to meeting events, from conferences to team building.   All-Inclusive Group Dining When meeting planners book a corporate group event through Lip Smacking Foodie Tours, the entire group is assured a top-notch dining experience with three to four signature dishes at each restaurant. Our affordable tours are priced per person with tax and gratuities included. The only thing not included are drinks. However, a beverage package upgrade is available, which provides guests a signature cocktail at various stops.   Build Your Network Our exclusive experiences provide the ultimate networking opportunities. At a typical sit-down dinner, you’re lucky to engage the person to the left and right of you. Because our tours take place at multiple restaurants, with walking in between, there are countless opportunities to interact with different people when you sit down at each venue and as you traverse along the way. Our experiences not only provide more ways to network, but a more convivial way to do so.   Large Groups Welcome Lip Smacking Foodie Tours is ideal for groups, small or large. Our experiences can accommodate groups from as few as 1 to as many as 500 guests, making us an ideal choice for any corporate group event.   Stress-Free Booking Process Booking a tour is stress-free and allows you to enjoy the company of your guests more easily. You’ll take comfort knowing that everything is taken care of from the moment the tour is booked to the minute it concludes. Since the menu is already set, you have nothing to worry about. Just remember to submit ahead of the tour date any dietary restrictions and food allergies for anyone in your group.   Feel Like a VIP at Each Stop With Lip Smacking Foodie Tours, you and your group members never have to worry about waiting in line to get into a top restaurant or being shown to a less than desirable table. On our tours, everyone is treated like a VIP with immediate seating upon arrival. What’s more, your group may receive a special warm welcome personally from the restaurant chef. Menus can be printed featuring your logo, too, which can be an added bonus for all those Instagram moments you share. For added ease, we can even arrange transportation pick-up and drop-off, as well as an event photographer. And for groups that desire an extra luxe experience, we can also arrange for an evening helicopter ride over the glittering lights of The Strip.   A Memorable Experience for All Lip Smacking Foodie Tours offers a way to gather and dine that few have experienced, and all are sure to remember. Our one-of-a-kind tours are special, from the first stop to the last. It’s an experience that attendees will reminisce about long after they leave.   Location, Location, Location One of the best reasons to book is the convenient and efficient way the experience is designed. All restaurants are within an easy walking distance of each other. The short stroll allows your group members a chance to engage in prime networking opportunities before heading to the next place on your tour itinerary.   You Get a Dinner and a Show Our tours offer an exquisite feast plus entertainment. All tours include a knowledgeable, professional guide who leads the group on a walking tour, offering engaging tidbits and fascinating stories. Several other interactive experiences are included along the way exclusively to our tours, ensuring there is never a dull moment.   Different Types of Cuisine Our experiences offer the ability to enjoy several renowned restaurants in one convenient outing, including ones you and your guests might not have discovered otherwise on your own or at a typical corporate dinner. We offer a way to try some of the finest spots in the city and dive into various cuisines and dishes. All the pre-selected dishes are curated to our high standards to ensure they will delight any palate.   Tours Available from Day to Night With any corporate group experience, booking flexibility is key. Whether you desire a tour during business hours or early evening right after work, we can coordinate with you to provide options that fit your needs.   Go for as Long or as Short as You Like Along with flexible scheduling, Lip Smacking Foodie Tours also provides a range of tour durations. Our shortest tour is about 2.5 hours; our longest is about 5 hours, with optional add-ons and incentives. We can host a Lip Smacking Foodie Tour in Chicago: Video 1: https://youtube.com/shorts/wvDQm-sPdX8 Video 2: https://youtu.be/odOEFAvVOR0 When planning a corporate event that knocks it out of the park for important clients or prospective ones, there’s only one clear choice for delivering guaranteed success – award-winning Lip Smacking Foodie Tours. The originator of the high-end, high-touch, custom dining experience, it has grown into the go-to for discriminating business groups that want to provide clients with a polished and unforgettable epicurean experience with complete VIP service at the most distinguished restaurants. Since its founding a decade ago in Las Vegas, it has expanded its reach far and wide beyond the Entertainment Capital of The World to provide unique tours in a myriad of cities, including Seattle, Denver, Chicago, San Jose, Scottsdale, and Vancouver, BC. In fact, its seasoned hospitality professionals can design a tour tailored to any needs in any city. Lip Smacking Foodie Tours does all the work to set up everything in advance, so that you and your clients are not inconvenienced in any way, shape or form. We can secure the best tables in the house at even the most in-demand restaurants that turn most others away. You don't even have to worry about transportation. We take care of it all with full transparency, as the price you see is all-inclusive with gratuities. There’s a reason why we’ve grown into the brand trusted by corporate groups, and why our tours have been highlighted in the Chicago Tribune, USA Today, Los Angeles Times, Forbes, and New York Times. It’s because we don’t just meet expectations; we exceed them time and time again. We understand that your clients’ time is precious, that every moment counts and must be meaningful. We take your clients to not one, not two, but three renowned restaurants in one experience that flows effortlessly from one to the next. It’s a rare chance for them to get out of their hotels during their jam-packed schedule, to explore a vibrant part of the city they’re visiting, and to enjoy a dining experience bar none at the most in-demand restaurants. That's why our events always garner the highest attendance RSVPs. At each restaurant, they’ll be escorted immediately to the best tables in the house, where they will be served a wide array of curated signature dishes, including decadent desserts at the last venue. It’s a true abundant feast in every sense of the word, with clients assured to leave happy and full, and with the lasting memory of this fun and unique time. An optional beverage package also can be arranged so that clients are served a craft cocktail or premium wine at each stop with no wait. Any dietary allergies or restrictions can easily be accommodated, too. There are no interruptions by servers wanting to take your order, as the menu has already been curated to feature each restaurant’s most special dishes. Indeed, while most sit-down affairs are hampered by the fact that clients can converse only with those seated on either side of them, our experiences allow them greater flexibility to sit next to different people at each restaurant. It provides a more natural, free-flowing exchange between more people when they’re most at ease over fabulous food and drink. Clients can even strike up conversations naturally with one another as they stroll from one venue to the next. Consider it the ultimate organic networking experience. This is an elevated, white-glove experience like no other by a company that is the recognized leading specialist in providing distinctive culinary tours for groups of 10 to 250. While the experiences typically last from 2 ½ to 3 hours, their duration, as well as their start times, whether daytime or prime-time evening, can be tailored to your exact needs. Getting a group from one point to another can be a job in itself. That’s why we provide deluxe shuttle transportation to pick up your group to take them comfortably to the restaurants, and back. There are numerous opportunities for company or sponsorship branding. Moreover, our experiences are led by professional guides with a keen eye for detail who are accustomed to working with C-suite executives in all industries.
Activity
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Meeting Tomorrow
Meeting Tomorrow
Chicago
We’re a group of 85 people who love coming up with the coolest ideas to make our customers happy. From the smallest equipment rental to the biggest event production, our values of staying kind, humble, and committed shine through everything we do. A portion of our team works out of our Chicago HQ, a 5,000-square foot warehouse, making sure that our equipment is quality checked and sent out on time. Outside of Chicago, we have partner warehouses, planners, producers, technicians, and our corporate teams stationed across the country to keep our operations moving at lightning speed. Being carbon-neutral means a company has balanced the carbon emissions it has generated through carbon offsetting. In 2022, we offset 473 tonnes of CO2 generated by our HQ’s gas and electricity usage, vehicle fuel, employee travel, and shipping. Our emissions were offset through donations to the Chicago Region Trees Initiative, specifically through trees planted on the Calumet River. We believe our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion requires deliberate, ongoing action, and are in the middle of a 4 year plan created by both our EDI Committee and outside experts. On top of our long-term plan, our team is continually evaluating our decisions through an equity lens so that all our actions and policies intersect and support our commitment to EDI. In 2020, we made a commitment to donate $1 million over 5 years to create opportunities in under-resourced communities in Chicago, partnering with local community leaders and organizations. So far as of mid-2023, we have donated over $400,000 in funds and equipment to 15 grassroots organizations based on the South and West sides of Chicago.
Logistics/Decor
Preferred staff
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Avital Food & Drink Experiences
Avital Food & Drink Experiences
Boston, multi-city
You need a more interesting and memorable experience for your clients, coworkers, family, or friends - we design interactive food & drink experiences to wow your guests! Avital Food & Drink Experiences has been designing and producing cutting edge dining experiences and foodie activations for 12 years and counting, with over 100,000 happy guests. From food tours, to interactive meals, to conference activations and even virtual events, we've got you covered. If it needs food or drink, and it needs to be memorable and unique, come to Avital Experiences. Choose from our library of options, or ask us about custom built experiences to suit your event. Food & Drink is the Ultimate Connector. We can't wait to strengthen your human connections via our interactive food & drink experiences.
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Atomic Hospitality Group
Atomic Hospitality Group
Chicago
Atomic Hospitality is an innovative, expanding, Chicago-based hospitality and event group representing vibrant concepts like Untitled Supper Club, Recess, City Hall, Tabú, Morgan MFG, and Artifact Events. Our venues span from the West Loop, River North, and Ravenswood, each embracing the spirit and liveliness of the neighborhoods they’re immersed in. Though each concept and brand is unique, they are all united in their bold design-driven aesthetics and undying commitment to providing a guest experience that is both memorable and unmatched.
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Jeff Stitely Music Productions, Inc.
Jeff Stitely Music Productions, Inc.
Chicago
Stitely’s well respected Chicago bands are passionate about bringing your vision to life with the right touch. Whether you’re looking for an awesome band, a DJ, a smaller combo, regal strings or a soloist, we’re here to tailor your event’s music to your day so that the vibe and atmosphere represent you and your reason for making memories!
Hired Entertainment
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Photography by Mesh
Photography by Mesh
Austin, multi-city
I am a seasoned lifestyle and branding photographer from the heart of Austin, Texas. With an impressive career spanning over a quarter of a century, I have mastered the art of encapsulating the essence of brands and the spirit of individuals through the lens of my camera. Photography found me over 30 years ago, and since then, I have honed my skills to craft visual stories that resonate with viewers. My intuitive understanding of light, color, and perspective, combined with a keen eye for detail, enables me to create compelling and emotionally engaging imagery. Born in India and raised in Texas, my work is a reflection of this dynamic and diverse backdrop, serving as a testament to my passion for embracing the unique City and cultures. My photography is not just about creating visually stunning images, but about showcasing the individuality and spirit that define the subject. From intimate portraits to expansive brand narratives, My photography transcends the traditional, instead favoring a style that combines my rich experience with an innovative approach. My portfolio is a captivating fusion of creativity, authenticity, and technical prowess. My commitment is not to recognition, but to capturing the ephemeral moments and translating them into a timeless piece of art. I am Passionate, dedicated, and artistically bold, I am not just a photographer – I am a visual storyteller based in Austin, Texas, ready to bring your story to life.
Logistics/Decor
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Dav El | BostonCoach
Dav El | BostonCoach
Boston, multi-city
Dav El merged with BostonCoach in 2013 to create the largest company in the high-end chauffeured car industry. BostonCoach was founded in 1985 when Ned Johnson from Fidelity Investments wanted to create an improved transportation service for his executives. Today, Dav El | BostonCoach is the largest privately owned chauffeured transportation company in the world and maintains its highest quality and safety standards through innovation, dedication to the customer, and personal, professional service. Dav El | BostonCoach offers the most comprehensive executive ground transportation services available, including deluxe limousines, luxury sedans, executive vans and buses, and a professional and knowledgeable staff of trained chauffeurs, reservations agents, and travel managers to meet every request and exceed every expectation. Serving business travelers for over three decades, Dav El | BostonCoach currently operates in over 550 metropolitan markets, across 6 continents, with a fleet of more than 25,000 vehicles.
Transportation
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Invited Clubs
Invited Clubs
Atlanta, multi-city
We are Invited. Invited reflects our proud history of inclusiveness and captures our welcoming spirit. Our unprecedented collection of 158 golf and country clubs and city clubs share a common goal- building relationships and enriching lives. The time has come to build on our traditions and write new chapters. We welcome you to join us. Invited. Where You Belong.
Restaurant/Bar
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Cafe ba ba Reeba!
Cafe ba ba Reeba!
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Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! is Chicago’s original tapas bar, serving authentic Spanish cuisine since 1985. The menu is designed to share, featuring tapas, pintxos (bite-sized tapas) and the classic Valencian rice dish, paella. Pair the meal with sangria, craft cocktails, Spanish wine and local beers in our lively Lincoln Park restaurant.
Restaurant/Bar
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Additional Information

Facility Restrictions

Our hotel provides a smoke-free environment. Our largest meeting space can accommodate groups of at least 250 attendees for meet/feed. Larger groups can be accommodated if the meal function can be split between meeting rooms.

Cancellation Policy

Cancel 24 hours prior to check-in time to avoid a penalty of one night room and tax.

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The Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown Frequently Asked Questions

Explore frequently asked questions from the The Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown regarding Health and Safety, Sustainability, and Diversity and Inclusion

Sustainable Practices

Please provide comments or a link to any publicly communicated The Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown's sustainability or social impact goals/strategy.
Many new strategies and daily initiatives will be introduced to run our hotels more efficient and earth friendly. We have reduced paper by introducing communication via electronic technology. Energy and water reduction will continue to be a top priority.
Does The Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown have a strategy that focuses on the elimination and diversion of waste (i.e. plastics, papers, cardboard, etc.)? If yes, please elaborate on your strategy of elimination and diversion of waste.
Yes, OUR PARENT COMPANY, THE RMR GROUP, FOCUSES ON REDUCTION OF EMISSIONS, ENERGY WATER, AND WASTE WITHIN ITS PORTFOLIO

Diversity and Inclusion

For US hotels only, is The Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown and/or parent company certified as a 51% diverse owned business enterprise (BE)? If yes, please indicate which one of the following you are certified as:
NA
If applicable, could you please provide a link to The Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown's public report on their commitments and initiatives related to diversity, equity, and inclusion?
NA

Health and Safety

Were practices at The Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown developed based on health service recommendations from public governmental entities or private organizations? If Yes, please list which organizations were used to develop these practices.
No response.
Does The Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown clean and sanitize public areas and publicly accessible facilities (i.e. meeting rooms, restaurants, elevator banks, etc.)? If yes, describe any new measures that are taken.
No response.
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