
Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown
Best for meetings, weddings and straightforward downtown stays with direct Riverwalk access and flexible event space.
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Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown is a practical, meeting-friendly riverfront hotel for business travelers and families who want direct access to the Riverwalk and flexible event space. LondonHouse Chicago, Curio Collection is an upscale riverfront lifestyle hotel in a landmark building aimed at travelers who prioritize rooftop views, nightlife and a stylish downtown stay.
Updated · about 0.1 km apart

Best for meetings, weddings and straightforward downtown stays with direct Riverwalk access and flexible event space.

Best for skyline-and-riverfront views, rooftop atmosphere and a fashionable downtown stay in a landmark building.
When Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown wins: choose Royal Sonesta if you need lots of meeting or wedding space, a predictable business-friendly stay, family-friendly policies, and easy access to the Chicago Riverwalk and transit.
When LondonHouse Chicago, Curio Collection wins: pick LondonHouse if you want an upscale lifestyle hotel with a high-profile rooftop presence, strong riverfront identity, and an emphasis on design and nightlife.
Bottom line: both hotels put you on the river near Michigan Avenue; Royal Sonesta is the practical, events-focused choice, while LondonHouse trades on landmark character and rooftop-focused guest experience.
| Category | Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown | LondonHouse Chicago, Curio Collection |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Meeting-forward, practical downtown hotel | Upscale riverfront lifestyle in a landmark building |
| Location | On East Wacker Drive at the Chicago Riverwalk (71 E Wacker Dr) | |
| Size (rooms) | 381 rooms (34 suites) | 452 guestrooms |
| Audience / age policy | All ages welcome; primary guest must be 21+ to check in | All ages welcome (not adults-only); main listing shows 21+ check-in requirement |
| Pools | No on-site swimming pool | Not published |
| Restaurants & bars | Hoyt's Chicago (on-site restaurant) + Market Place bar/lounge | Two restaurants and two bars/lounges (Bridges is one on-site restaurant) |
| Spa & wellness | No on-site spa listed; 24/7 fitness center with Peloton | Full-service spa on site (massages and facials listed) |
| Event & meeting space | 16,000+ sq ft across 18 meeting rooms, rooftop Penthouse Ballroom | Conference space ~25,000 sq ft (2,323 m²) including ballroom(s) |
| Known for | Meeting space, Penthouse Ballroom (used as a film set), Riverwalk access | Prominent rooftop and riverfront identity; landmark building |
| Nearby highlights | Steps from Michigan Avenue, Millennium Park, Cloud Gate and river cruises | |
Royal Sonesta sits directly on East Wacker Drive where the Chicago River meets Michigan Avenue, giving easy access to the Riverwalk and downtown attractions.
Choose Royal Sonesta for straightforward, convenient access to the Riverwalk and downtown sightseeing.
LondonHouse occupies a landmark building on East Wacker Drive with a strong riverfront and rooftop identity in the same stretch of downtown.
Choose LondonHouse if you want a landmark riverfront address and a rooftop-focused downtown experience.
Royal Sonesta offers a mix of standard rooms and themed suites with options geared toward families and meetings.
Royal Sonesta is a good pick if you need suite configurations for families or event blocks.
LondonHouse provides 452 guestrooms in a landmark property; rooms emphasize river and skyline perspectives.
LondonHouse suits travelers who want roomy guest counts and designer bathroom touches in a landmark building.
Royal Sonesta's food-and-drink focus centers on Hoyt's Chicago and the Market Place bar.
If you prefer a reliable American tavern and an on-site bar for post-meeting drinks, Royal Sonesta fits the bill.
LondonHouse lists two restaurants and two bars/lounges, with Bridges identified as an on-site American restaurant.
LondonHouse is a better pick for guests who expect multiple dining outlets and a rooftop-bar focus.
Royal Sonesta doesn't have an on-site swimming pool but offers direct Riverwalk access and a 24/7 fitness center.
Pick Royal Sonesta if you prefer fitness and Riverwalk access over an on-site pool.
LondonHouse is best known for its rooftop presence and riverfront identity; supplier listing does not publish on-site pool details.
LondonHouse favors rooftop atmosphere and river views; pool specifics are not published in the supplier listing.
Royal Sonesta focuses on fitness and practical services with extended meeting-hours support.
Royal Sonesta keeps wellness simple and reliable—good gym, no spa, easy evening dining.
LondonHouse lists a full-service spa on site and multiple bars, supporting both daytime relaxation and an active rooftop nightlife.
LondonHouse is the stronger option if you want on-site spa treatments plus a rooftop nightlife focus.

Royal Sonesta — extensive, flexible meeting space (16,000+ sq ft) and rooftop Penthouse Ballroom for ceremonies and receptions.

LondonHouse — landmark building with a prominent rooftop identity and multiple bars/terraces.

Royal Sonesta — family-friendly room types (Family Suite), children 17 and under stay free with existing bedding.

LondonHouse — supplier listing includes a full-service spa with massages and facials.
Royal Sonesta is the practical choice: it advertises 16,000+ sq ft of meeting space across 18 rooms plus a penthouse ballroom and rooftop terrace used for events.
Both sit on East Wacker Drive with river and skyline views; LondonHouse is specifically positioned as a landmark with a prominent rooftop identity, so expect a stronger rooftop-focused experience there.
Royal Sonesta does not have an on-site pool. LondonHouse's supplier listing does not publish pool details.
Yes. Both properties welcome guests of all ages; note that the primary guest checking in must be at least 21 at Royal Sonesta per its policy.
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