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The Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown

71 East Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL, USA, 60601
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11/21/2025 - 04/30/2026
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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

Dec 6, 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

Ravinia Download PDF
Ravinia
Penthouse Ballroom Download PDF
Penthouse Ballroom
Pre-Function D Download PDF
Pre-Function D
Grand B Download PDF
Grand B
Daley Download PDF
Daley
Grand CD Download PDF
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
Visit website
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
Visit website
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
Visit website
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
Visit website
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
Visit website
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
Visit website
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
Visit website
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
Visit website

Nearby vendors

Bloomingdale's
Bloomingdale's
multi-city
Bloomingdale's is America's only nationwide, full-line, upscale department store and a division of Macy's, Inc. It was founded in 1872 and currently operates 35 Bloomingdale's stores in California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. Our tourism program is available for individual visitors/groups at our stores in New York, San Francisco, Chicago, Aventura, and Honolulu. All day savings certificate includes 10% off best fashion and home brands or all day cosmetics saving certificate with 10% off after $200 spend (includes fashion and home). Additionally, customers can participate in gift with purchase events, appointments with stylists, private events, and beauty masterclasses.
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Luxe Productions
Luxe Productions
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With a passion for creativity and an unwavering commitment to perfection, we are your trusted partner in providing top-tier video, audio, and lighting solutions for any occasion or environment. Whether you're planning a dazzling wedding, a corporate gala, a live concert, or any other memorable event, our team of skilled professionals brings innovation and expertise to every project. With state-of-the-art technology, a keen eye for design, and a dedication to customer satisfaction, Luxe Productions ensures that your event will be a visual and auditory masterpiece. Let us illuminate your moments, amplify your sounds, and capture your memories in the most captivating way possible. Experience the difference with Luxe Productions and elevate your event to new heights of luxury and sophistication.
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Recess
Recess
Chicago
Located in Chicago's West Loop, Recess (838 W. Kinzie St.) offers a vibrant, playful, escape to the daily grind. Home of Chica- go's largest patio, Recess encourages guests to adult...like a kid, while serving up delicious American food and drink.
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Big Hugs Photo Booth
Big Hugs Photo Booth
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Big Hugs Photo booth believes that you deserve the best for your special day. Our vision is focused on three values - Creativity. Fun. Quality. What makes us the best photo booth in Chicago? We don't just settle for standard design. We go the extra mile to customize designs based on your event's theme or color so your prints become creative artworks that are uniquely your own. Big Hugs photo booth is a multi awarded Photo Booth rental company based in Chicago, New York, LA, Texas and Manila that specializes in making your event memorable with lots of exciting extras, endless choices and unlimited print. We have an array of photo booths from, Open Airphoto booth, Classic photo booth, Vintage photo booth, Photo booth 360, Vogue Booth, Inflatable booth, Photo Mosaic, Mirror photo booth, Selfie Booth, Smart Photography and our newest to our arsenal which is Video Robot arms. We have done over 10000 events since 2012, from small events like birthday parties to big events like trade-shows, concerts and festivals. No matter what event you are planning, we have a perfect booth just for you!
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Hard Rock Cafe Chicago
Hard Rock Cafe Chicago
Chicago
Hard Rock Cafe Chicago Est. June 17, 1986 Hard Rock Cafe Chicago, marked by the giant iconic guitar that illuminates our parking lot, is located in the heart of the vibrant River North neighborhood, just blocks away from the Magnificent Mile. For more than 30 years, our cafe has been a one-of-a-kind dining, entertainment and shopping destination known worldwide for embracing funky styles and blending them with legendary food, beverages, live music and music history. Hard Rock International is the world’s largest curator of music memorabilia, and our cafe walls are lined with priceless pieces from musical legends like Billy Joel, Buddy Guy, Jimi Hendrix and Prince.
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The Berkshire Room
The Berkshire Room
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SPECIALTY COCKTAILS & WHISKEY One of Chicago’s most respected cocktail bars, The Berkshire Room is a craft cocktail lounge from The Fifty/50 Restaurant Group that is free of pretension while giving you, the guest, unparalleled service in sleek and refined surroundings.
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VU Rooftop
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VU ROOFTOP IS A 13,000 SQUARE FOOT CONCEPT LOCATED 22 STORIES HIGH NEXT DOOR TO MCCORMICK PLACE. HERE, YOU CAN ENJOY AN INGREDIENT AND LOCALLY DRIVEN BEVERAGE PROGRAM, TOP NOTCH NOSHING AND UNPARALLELED VIEWS OF THE LAKE AND DOWNTOWN WITHIN A MODERN DESIGNED SPACE.
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West Town Bakery
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1959 Kitchen & Bar
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Backdrop.com
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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.

Weblinks

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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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