How to get to Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown from O'Hare and Midway
From O'Hare: take the CTA Blue Line to the Loop (about 40–55 minutes), get off near State/Randolph and walk roughly 4 minutes to 71 E Wacker Drive; taxis or rideshares to the hotel are also common. From Midway: take the CTA Orange Line to the Loop (about 30–40 minutes) and walk to the hotel from State/Randolph, or use a taxi/rideshare directly to 71 E Wacker Drive.
In this guide
Arrival overview
Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown is at 71 E Wacker Drive, on the Chicago River in the Loop. The property sits one block from rapid transit stations that connect directly to both O’Hare and Midway airports.
The hotel does not provide airport shuttle service, so the typical options are CTA 'L' trains, taxi/rideshare, or private car service. Valet parking and off-site self-parking options are available for guests who arrive by car.
- Address: 71 E Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60601
- No airport shuttle provided by the hotel
- Valet parking available; self-parking options nearby
| Feature | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Check-in / Check-out | 4:00 PM / 11:00 AM |
| Airport shuttle | Not offered |
| Front desk | 24-hour service |
Getting to the hotel from O'Hare (CTA Blue Line)
Take the CTA Blue Line from O'Hare toward Forest Park. Trains run 24 hours and the trip to downtown takes about 40–55 minutes for a flat fare (no airport premium).
Exit at a Loop station that leaves you within a short walk of State/Randolph (the hotel is about a 4-minute walk from State Station). From the station follow signs toward the Chicago River/State Street and walk east to E Wacker Drive.
- Board Blue Line at O'Hare station (follow 'Forest Park' trains)
- Typical ride time: about 40–55 minutes
- Exit near State/Randolph or Clark/Lake and walk ~4 minutes to 71 E Wacker Dr
| Step | Tip |
|---|---|
| Buy CTA Ventra fare or use contactless payment | Blue Line is a flat fare; validate before you board |
| Get off in the Loop | Follow station signs to the river/Michigan Ave direction |
| Walk to hotel | Hotel is along the Chicago Riverwalk at E Wacker Drive |
Getting to the hotel from O'Hare (taxi or rideshare)
If you prefer a direct vehicle from O'Hare, hail a licensed airport taxi or request a rideshare. Times vary with traffic; typical downtown fares are commonly listed around $40–50 for rideshares, though prices fluctuate.
Taxis and rideshares will drop you at the hotel's entrance on E Wacker Drive; the hotel offers valet parking for guests who arrive by car.
- Follow curbside airport directions for taxis or designated rideshare pickup areas at O'Hare
- Provide driver the address: 71 E Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60601
- Valet parking is available at the property
| Option | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Taxi | Metered fare; airport pickup points regulated |
| Rideshare | Estimated fares commonly $40–50 to downtown (variable) |
| Private car service | Prebooked flat-rate options available from many providers |
Getting to the hotel from Midway (CTA Orange Line)
From Midway, take the CTA Orange Line into the Loop; the ride typically takes about 30–40 minutes at the standard CTA fare. The Orange Line brings you into downtown stations within walking distance of the hotel.
Exit at a Loop station such as Harold Washington Library–State/Van Buren or LaSalle/Van Buren and walk north or east toward E Wacker Drive; State Station is about a 4-minute walk from the hotel, depending on your exit.
- Board Orange Line at Midway Towne Centre (Midway Airport station)
- Typical ride time: about 30–40 minutes to the Loop
- Walk from your Loop station to 71 E Wacker Drive (about 4 minutes from State Station)
| Step | Notes |
|---|---|
| Buy CTA fare | Use Ventra card or contactless payment |
| Exit in the Loop | Follow signs to street level toward the river/Michigan Ave |
| Walk to hotel | Hotel is adjacent to the Chicago Riverwalk |
Getting to the hotel from Midway (taxi or rideshare)
Taxis and rideshares from Midway provide a direct option to the hotel. Rideshare fares are typically lower than from O'Hare; many sources list typical Midway–downtown rideshare fares around $25–35, though fares change by demand.
Have your driver drop you at the hotel's entrance on E Wacker Drive where valet service is available for guests.
- Pick up rideshares at Midway designated pickup areas or use airport taxi stands
- Give driver the address: 71 E Wacker Drive
- Valet parking available at arrival
| Option | Typical fare range |
|---|---|
| Rideshare | $25–35 (variable) |
| Taxi | Metered fare; depends on traffic and route |
| Private car | Prebooked options available from car services |
When you arrive at Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown
The hotel's front desk and concierge operate 24 hours. Standard check-in is 4:00 PM and check-out is 11:00 AM. The reservation holder checking in must be at least 21 and present photo ID and a credit card.
Valet parking is offered; the property also supports discounted off-site self-parking at nearby garages. The mandatory daily Destination Fee covers basic Wi‑Fi for unlimited devices, two arrival waters, fitness-center access and a $10 Hoyt's Chicago credit.
- Front desk open 24 hours
- Bring photo ID and credit card; main guest must be 21+
- Destination Fee includes Wi‑Fi, fitness access, bottled water and $10 Hoyt's credit
| Service | Notes |
|---|---|
| In-room dining | Hoyt's Chicago delivers to rooms 6:30 AM–11:00 PM |
| Fitness | 24/7 fitness center with Peloton bike |
| Parking | Valet available; off-site self-parking with discounts |
Transit tips and nearby stations
State Station and Randolph-Wabash are the closest rapid-transit walking options; both put you within a few minutes of the hotel. Millennium Station (Metra) is roughly 800 feet away if you arrive by commuter rail.
If you plan to use CTA for airport transfers, carry a Ventra card or use contactless payment on board, and allow extra time during peak travel hours.
- Closest CTA stations: State (about 4-minute walk) and Randolph-Wabash (about 4 minutes)
- Millennium Station (Metra) is about 800 feet from the hotel
- Blue Line = O'Hare connection; Orange Line = Midway connection
| Station | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| State Station | Short walk to hotel; good for north/south access |
| Randolph-Wabash | Also about a 4-minute walk; central Loop connections |
| Millennium Station | Metra commuter rail hub about 800 ft from the hotel |
