BookResorts™ is an independent travel network offering over 100,000 hotels worldwide.is an independent travel network.

Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown Chicago, Illinois
Book Now Or call, 24/7+1 (888) 605-1350
Rooms & Suites Dine & Drink Activities Gallery FAQs
Ready to book?Lowest online rate, free perks and upgrades.Book nowCall 24/7 · 888-605-1350
Hotel comparison guide

Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown vs Loews Chicago Hotel

Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown is a 39-story, family-friendly hotel on the Chicago Riverwalk with river-view meeting rooms and an on-site American restaurant. Loews Chicago Hotel is a modern upscale property nearer Navy Pier and the lakefront for travelers wanting a polished downtown stay.

Updated · about 0.9 km apart

Chicago River and downtown skyline view from Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown room window at dusk

Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown

Riverwalk · Meetings & events · Family-friendly

Best for riverfront access and meeting or wedding space with skyline views (Penthouse Ballroom).

Loews Chicago Hotel, Chicago, Illinois

Loews Chicago Hotel

Lakefront/Navy Pier · Upscale · Contemporary

Best for travelers who want a contemporary, full-service downtown hotel nearer Navy Pier and the Magnificent Mile.

Quick Verdict: Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown vs Loews Chicago Hotel

When Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown wins: choose Royal Sonesta if you want immediate access to the Chicago Riverwalk, sizable and varied meeting/wedding venues (Penthouse and Grand ballrooms), family-oriented room options, and a hotel restaurant with river views.

When Loews Chicago Hotel wins: pick Loews for a polished, upscale downtown stay with a larger-property feel, a rooftop terrace and 24-hour fitness, and a location slightly closer to Navy Pier and lakefront attractions.

Bottom line: Both are solid modern downtown choices. Royal Sonesta is the better pick for riverwalk access and event-driven stays; Loews is the pick for a contemporary, full-service downtown hotel experience nearer the lake and Navy Pier.

Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown vs Loews Chicago Hotel – At a Glance

Side-by-side facts for Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown and Loews Chicago Hotel
CategoryRoyal Sonesta Chicago DowntownLoews Chicago Hotel
Overall vibeRiverfront, meeting- and family-orientedModern upscale, polished downtown hotel
Location (neighborhood)Chicago Loop — on the Chicago Riverwalk at Michigan AvenueNear the river and Navy Pier area (455 North Park Drive)
Size (rooms)381 rooms (34 suites)400 guestrooms (suites available)
Check-in / Check-out4:00 PM / 11:00 AM4:00 PM / 12:00 PM
PoolsNo on-site swimming poolWheelchair-accessible pool on property
Restaurants & barsHoyt's Chicago (American) + Market Place bar; in-room dining from Hoyt's1 restaurant + coffee shop/cafe, bar/lounge and seasonal rooftop terrace
Spa / wellnessNo on-site spa (hotel notes no spa in listings); 24/7 fitness center with PelotonSpa: Not published
Known forRiverwalk access, Penthouse Ballroom (39th floor) and meeting/wedding spacesUpscale downtown location near Michigan Avenue and Navy Pier, large meeting space
Accessibility & family policyFamily-friendly; children welcome, reservation holder must be 21 to check inAll-ages property; reservation/check-in age policy not published in supplied listing
Wi‑Fi & businessMandatory Destination Fee includes basic Wi‑Fi and fitness; 24-hour business centerComplimentary wired and wireless internet in parts of property; 24-hour business center

A Look Inside Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown

See all photos →

Location: Riverwalk vs Navy Pier

Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown – Location

Royal Sonesta sits on East Wacker Drive where the Chicago River meets Michigan Avenue, steps from the Chicago Riverwalk.

  • Direct access to the Chicago Riverwalk; good for jogging and riverfront strolls.
  • About a 4–7 minute walk to Millennium Park and the Art Institute.
  • Magnificent Mile shopping is roughly one block away; Navy Pier about a 15-minute walk.

Choose Royal Sonesta for immediate riverwalk access and very central Loop location.

Loews Chicago Hotel – Location

Loews Chicago Hotel is positioned nearer the river-to-lake corridor closer to Navy Pier and the Magnificent Mile.

  • Centrally located at 455 North Park Drive near Michigan Avenue and the Riverwalk.
  • About 0.9 km from Millennium Park and roughly the same distance to Navy Pier per supplier highlights.
  • Easy access to downtown attractions, shopping, and lakefront promenades.

Choose Loews if you want quick access to lakefront attractions and Navy Pier while still being central.

Rooms: layouts and who they suit

Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown – Rooms

Royal Sonesta offers 381 rooms with 34 suites and themed suite options (Family, Fitness, Skyline).

  • Room lineup includes Premier Room (river view) and multiple suite types such as Superior Suite (River View) and Suite, 2 Bedrooms.
  • Family-friendly room options and policies: children 17 and under stay free with existing bedding.
  • Some rooms provide skyline or river views; in-room amenities and bedding options vary by room type.

Royal Sonesta is strong for families and groups who need varied suite or multi-room configurations.

Loews Chicago Hotel – Rooms

Loews lists about 400 guestrooms across a broad set of room types, including lake-view suites and specialty suites (Chicago Suite, Navy Pier Suite).

  • Room types range from Superior Room, 1 King Bed to multiple suite options including Suite, 1 King Bed, Lake View and Navy Pier Suite, 1 King Bed.
  • Many rooms advertise premium bedding and designer toiletries; room accessibility options are available.
  • Loews emphasizes polished, upscale room finishes suited to business and leisure travelers.

Loews is a good choice for travelers who want upscale, contemporary rooms and lake- or city-view suite options.

Dining & drinks: Hoyt's vs Loews outlets

Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown – Dining & drinks

Royal Sonesta's on-site restaurant is Hoyt's Chicago, an American restaurant with river views and in-room delivery.

  • Hoyt's serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with specific posted hours and accepts reservations.
  • Market Place bar provides cocktails and local beer; in-room dining available 6:30 a.m.–11:00 p.m.
  • Destination Fee includes a $10 food & beverage credit toward Hoyt's.

If river-view dining and a single full-service American restaurant suit you, Royal Sonesta delivers convenient on-site meals.

Loews Chicago Hotel – Dining & drinks

Loews has a restaurant, a coffee shop/cafe, a bar/lounge and seasonal rooftop terrace service.

  • On-site dining and snack options include a restaurant and cafe; to-go breakfast option is offered for a fee.
  • Bar/lounge and rooftop terrace provide evening drink options (seasonal rooftop lounge open summer–fall weather permitting).
  • Room service is available during limited hours; breakfast to-go runs 7:00–11:00 AM for a fee.

Loews provides a broader set of outlets, including a rooftop terrace and late-night bar options.

Pools & signature amenity

Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown – Pools & signature amenity

Royal Sonesta does not have a swimming pool on-site; its signature location is the riverwalk and rooftop event spaces.

  • No on-site pool — guests use the Riverwalk for exercise and outdoor time.
  • Penthouse Ballroom and Penthouse Terrace on the 39th floor provide notable skyline event spaces.
  • 24/7 fitness center with Peloton bike provides indoor exercise alternatives.

Pick Royal Sonesta when riverfront location and ballroom/rooftop event spaces matter more than an on-site pool.

Loews Chicago Hotel – Pools & signature amenity

Loews lists a wheelchair-accessible pool and a rooftop terrace as key recreation amenities.

  • Property features a pool (wheelchair-accessible) and a rooftop terrace.
  • 24-hour fitness facilities complement pool access for active travelers.
  • Rooftop terrace operates seasonally and may be weather-dependent.

Loews is the better option if an on-site pool plus rooftop terrace are priorities.

Wellness & nightlife

Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown – Wellness & nightlife

Royal Sonesta offers a 24/7 fitness center and immediate riverwalk access for outdoor exercise.

  • 24/7 fitness center with cardio and strength equipment, including a Peloton bike.
  • No on-site spa listed; nearby city spas are accessible off-property.
  • On-site bar hours include late-night weekend service for evenings out without leaving the hotel.

Royal Sonesta covers basic wellness needs and lets you use the Riverwalk for outdoor activity; there is no on-site spa.

Loews Chicago Hotel – Wellness & nightlife

Loews provides 24-hour fitness and a rooftop terrace for evening drinks; supplier listing does not publish a specific spa name.

  • 24-hour fitness facilities available.
  • Rooftop terrace and bar/lounge serve as on-site nightlife options.
  • Supplier listing does not publish a named spa (Not published).

Loews offers more on-property social spaces (rooftop, bar) and 24-hour fitness; spa details are not published in the supplied listing.

Who Wins? Best Pick by Travel Style

Best for river access & walking routes
Hotel lobby seating area with long linear fireplace at Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown

Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown

Royal Sonesta — steps from the Chicago Riverwalk and very close to Millennium Park and the Art Institute.

Best for event space & weddings
Hotel front desk and concierge area with decorative art at Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown

Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown

Royal Sonesta — multiple ballrooms including the 39th-floor Penthouse Ballroom and large Grand Ballroom.

Best for lakefront/Navy Pier access
Loews Chicago Hotel, Chicago, Illinois

Loews Chicago Hotel

Loews — positioned nearer the lakefront and Navy Pier attractions.

Best for on-site pool and terrace
Loews Chicago Hotel, Chicago, Illinois

Loews Chicago Hotel

Loews — lists a wheelchair-accessible pool and a rooftop terrace for views and drinks.

Frequently asked questions

Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown vs Loews Chicago Hotel: FAQs

See all FAQs →
Which hotel is closer to the Chicago Riverwalk?

Royal Sonesta is on East Wacker Drive with immediate access to the Chicago Riverwalk; Loews is a short walk from the river but not directly on the Riverwalk.

Do either of these hotels have a swimming pool?

Royal Sonesta does not have an on-site pool. Loews lists a wheelchair-accessible pool on the property.

Which property is better for meetings and weddings?

Royal Sonesta has extensive event space, including a 39th-floor Penthouse Ballroom and a large Grand Ballroom; it’s the stronger choice for weddings and meetings.

Are both hotels family-friendly?

Royal Sonesta explicitly welcomes children of all ages. The Loews supplier listing indicates the property is not adults-only; families are commonly accommodated at Loews properties.

Pool table in a bright game room at Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown
Book your stay

River-View Dining Credit Included

  • Lowest rate guarantee
  • Complimentary perks & upgrades
  • 24/7 concierge
Offer terms

Price comparison & offer terms

These terms apply to the price comparison, Lowest Price Guarantee, free perks and concierge service shown on this site.

How we compare rates

The nightly rate shown is the lowest nightly rate we found for Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown after searching every available night up to 12 months in advance, based on single occupancy (one guest). We compared that rate with publicly available rates on other online travel agencies (OTAs), such as Expedia, Hotels.com and similar sites, and show the price difference we found. We don't name the specific site each comparison came from.

Rates and availability change constantly. The rate for your dates, room type and number of guests may be different. The full price, including taxes and fees, is shown before you confirm.

Lowest Price Guarantee

Free perks & upgrades

24/7 concierge

General

BookResorts may change or end these offers at any time. These terms are in addition to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy. BookResorts is an independent travel agency and is not affiliated with Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown.

Legal

Terms & Conditions

Last updated: January 1, 2026

Please read these Terms carefully. They contain important information about limitations of our liability and the resolution of disputes through binding arbitration and a class action waiver (Section 16), and our right to change these Terms (Section 18).

1. Acceptance of these terms

These Terms & Conditions (the “Terms”) govern your access to and use of BookResorts and any booking you make through us. By using the site or making a reservation, you agree to these Terms. If you do not agree, please do not use the site.

2. Definitions

“We,” “us,” and “our” refer to BookResorts, operated by SVH Tours & Travel Services, Inc. “You” refers to the person using the site or making a reservation. A “Supplier” or “Travel Provider” is the hotel, resort, or other provider that supplies the travel services. “Travel Services” means the room stays and related services made available through us. “Content” means text, descriptions, images, reviews, and other material on the site.

3. Who we are

BookResorts is an independent online travel agency that acts as an intermediary between you and Suppliers. We are not a hotel, and we are not owned by, affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any hotel or brand featured on the site. When you book, your reservation is made with the Supplier through us as agent.

4. Eligibility & use of the site

You must be at least 18 years old (or the age of majority where you live) and able to enter a binding contract. You agree to use the site only to make legitimate reservations for yourself or for someone you are authorized to act for, to provide accurate and complete information, and to inform any other traveler of the terms that apply to their reservation.

5. Bookings & confirmation

All reservations are subject to availability and to the rate rules, restrictions, and policies shown at the time of booking. A reservation is confirmed only when you receive a confirmation from us. You are responsible for reviewing the rate rules (including cancellation terms) before you book.

6. Prices, fees, taxes & currency

Prices are shown in the currency indicated and include applicable taxes and fees unless stated otherwise; the total is displayed before you confirm. Our price may include a service fee and may differ from the rate offered directly by the Supplier. Currency conversions, where shown, are estimates. Certain taxes or resort fees may be collected by the Supplier at the property.

7. Cancellations, changes & refunds

Each rate carries its own cancellation policy, shown before you book (for example, non-refundable, or refundable up to a stated deadline). Refund eligibility and timing follow the policy attached to the rate you select. Service fees may be non-refundable. Failure to check in (“no-show”) may result in forfeiture of the amount paid, per the rate rules.

8. Your responsibilities

You are responsible for having valid identification and any required travel documents (such as a passport or visa), and for complying with the Supplier’s policies, including minimum check-in age, occupancy limits, deposits, and identification requirements. You are responsible for the accuracy of all guest information you provide.

9. Suppliers & third-party services

Suppliers are independent third parties. We are not liable for the acts, errors, omissions, representations, warranties, or negligence of any Supplier, or for the quality, condition, or safety of the travel services they provide. Any dispute regarding your stay or the services delivered is between you and the Supplier. Supplier terms and policies apply in addition to these Terms.

10. Third-party links

The site may contain links to third-party websites provided for your convenience. We do not control and are not responsible for those sites, and a link does not imply endorsement. Your use of any linked site is at your own risk and subject to that site’s terms.

11. Intellectual property

The site and its Content (excluding third-party trademarks) are owned by BookResorts or its licensors and are protected by law. Hotel names, logos, and trademarks are the property of their respective owners and are used only to identify the property being booked. You may not copy, scrape, or reuse any Content without permission.

12. Prohibited conduct

You agree not to use the site for any unlawful or fraudulent purpose; not to make speculative, false, or fraudulent reservations; not to use automated tools to access or scrape the site; and not to interfere with the site’s operation or security.

13. Reviews & user content

If you submit reviews or other content, you grant us a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use, display, and distribute it in connection with our services. You are responsible for what you submit, and we may remove content at our discretion.

14. Disclaimers

The site, its Content, and the travel services are provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis, without warranties of any kind, whether express or implied, including as to accuracy, availability, or fitness for a particular purpose. We do not warrant that listings, prices, or descriptions are error-free.

15. Limitation of liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, BookResorts will not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, punitive, or consequential damages arising out of or connected with your use of the site or any booking. If we are found liable, our total liability will not exceed the greater of (a) the fees you paid to BookResorts for the booking at issue, or (b) US$100. This limitation reflects the allocation of risk between us.

16. Dispute resolution

We want to resolve any concern quickly and fairly. Before pursuing a formal claim, you agree to first contact our support team at 888-605-1350 or support@bookresorts.com and give us 60 days to resolve the matter informally. If we are unable to resolve it, any dispute will be handled by the state or federal courts located in California, as set out in Section 17 (either party may still bring qualifying claims in small claims court).

17. Governing law & venue

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of California, USA, without regard to conflict-of-laws rules. Any permitted court action will be brought exclusively in the state or federal courts located in Los Angeles County, California, and you consent to their jurisdiction.

18. Changes to these terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. The version in effect at the time of your booking applies to that booking. Your continued use of the site after changes take effect means you accept the updated Terms.

19. Force majeure

We are not responsible for any failure or delay caused by events beyond our reasonable control, including severe weather, natural disasters, pandemics, strikes, government actions, or Supplier closures.

20. Miscellaneous

If any provision is found unenforceable, the remaining provisions stay in effect. Our failure to enforce a provision is not a waiver. These Terms are the entire agreement between you and us regarding the site.

21. Contact

Questions about these Terms or a reservation? Call our support team, available 24/7, at 888-605-1350.

Legal

Privacy Policy

Last updated: January 1, 2026

This Privacy Policy explains how BookResorts collects, uses, shares, and protects your personal information when you use our site or make a booking. For the purposes of applicable data protection law, the data controller is SVH Tours & Travel Services, Inc. (operating as BookResorts).

1. Information you provide

When you search, book, or contact us, we collect information such as your name, email, phone number, billing and payment details, the names and details of other guests, your travel dates and preferences, and the content of your communications with us.

2. Information we collect automatically

When you use the site, we automatically collect technical and usage data such as your device and browser type, IP address, approximate location, pages viewed, referring URLs, and interactions with the site, using cookies and similar technologies.

3. Information from other sources

We may receive information about you from Suppliers, business partners, fraud-prevention services, and (if you choose to connect one) social media platforms.

4. How we use your information

We use your information to process and manage bookings; communicate with you about reservations; provide customer support; personalize your experience; send marketing where permitted (with the ability to opt out); analyze and improve the site; prevent fraud and secure our services; and comply with legal obligations.

5. How we share your information

To complete a booking, we share necessary details with the relevant hotel and room Suppliers and with payment processors. We may also share information with service providers who support our operations, with advertising and analytics partners, with our corporate affiliates, in connection with a business transfer, with authorities where required by law, and with your consent.

6. Cookies & tracking

We use essential, performance, functional, and advertising cookies and similar technologies. You can manage non-essential cookies through your browser and through our cookie settings. For more detail, see our Cookie Policy.

7. Your privacy rights

Depending on where you live, you may have the right to access, correct, delete, or restrict the use of your personal information, to data portability, and to opt out of marketing.

EEA/UK (GDPR): You may access, rectify, erase, restrict, or object to processing of your data, withdraw consent, and lodge a complaint with your local supervisory authority. We process data based on your consent, the performance of a contract, our legitimate interests, and legal obligations.

California (CCPA/CPRA): You may request to know, delete, or correct your personal information, and limit the use of sensitive personal information, without discrimination. We do not sell or share your personal information as those terms are defined under California law, so no opt-out is necessary. To exercise any of your rights, contact us at support@bookresorts.com; we verify requests before responding.

8. Data retention

We keep personal information for as long as needed to provide our services and to meet legal, tax, accounting, and dispute-resolution obligations.

9. Security

We use reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect your information. However, no method of transmission or storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

10. International transfers

Your information may be processed in countries other than where you live. Where required, we put appropriate safeguards in place (such as standard contractual clauses) for those transfers.

11. Children’s privacy

The site is intended for adults and is not directed to children. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18 without appropriate consent.

12. Third-party links & social features

The site may contain links to, or features from, third-party services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those third parties; please review their policies.

13. Changes to this policy

We may update this policy from time to time. The “last updated” date above reflects the current version, and we will provide notice of material changes where required.

14. Contact us

Questions or privacy requests? Reach our support team, available 24/7, at 888-605-1350 or by email at support@bookresorts.com.

About BookResorts · Independent since 1993

A better way to book your hotel

BookResorts is a full-service, independent travel agency connecting travelers to unforgettable stays since 1993. Detailed hotel information, competitive all-in rates and 24/7 concierge support, all in one place.

Est. 199330+ years
100K+Hotels & resorts
200+Countries
24/7Concierge
This is not the official website of Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown. BookResorts is an independent travel agency and is not owned by, affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown or its parent brand.

Why travelers choose BookResorts

Best available rates

We compare rates from top suppliers. Taxes and fees included, no hidden charges.

100,000+ hotels & resorts

200+ countries and 2,000+ cities, from all-inclusives to boutique stays.

24/7 concierge

Real travel specialists to build, change or help with your reservation anytime.

Full transparency

Honest details on every property: rooms, amenities and policies.

Trusted since 1993

Three decades as a full-service, independent travel agency.

Secure & protected

Every booking is handled securely and your information is protected.

How booking with us works

Questions about a reservation? Our team is here 24/7 at 888-605-1350.
Full details in our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Lowest Price + Free Perks

UsOthers
Nightly rate
Price guarantee✓
No hidden fees✓
Perks & upgrades✓
24/7 concierge✓
Check availability

vs. sites like Expedia, Hotels.com and other OTAs ·

Book by phone888-605-1350
Book nowLowest rates Call usAvailable 24/7
Photo viewer