
Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown
Best for meeting planners, families and travelers who want easy access to the Riverwalk and flexible event space.
Prices in other currencies are estimates. You’re charged in USD.
Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown is a 39-story, approachable downtown hotel on the Chicago Riverwalk aimed at business and family travelers who want easy access to the Loop. The Langham, Chicago is a high-end five-star riverfront luxury hotel for travelers seeking refined design, a full-service spa and upscale dining.
Updated · about 0.5 km apart

Best for meeting planners, families and travelers who want easy access to the Riverwalk and flexible event space.

Best for travelers seeking a refined five-star stay with a full-service spa, indoor pool and Michelin-level dining expectations.
When Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown wins: choose Royal Sonesta if you need lots of flexible meeting/event space, want direct doorstep access to the Chicago Riverwalk, are traveling with family or pets, or prefer a more approachable, meeting-focused hotel in the Loop.
When The Langham, Chicago wins: pick The Langham for a high-end, design-forward riverfront stay with a full-service spa, an indoor pool, a single signature restaurant (Travelle) and quieter luxury service levels.
Bottom line: both hotels sit on or very near the Chicago River and put you within easy walking distance of Millennium Park and Michigan Avenue. Royal Sonesta is the practical choice for meetings, events, families and pet owners; The Langham is the choice for guests who prioritize a full-service luxury hotel experience with spa and pool facilities.
| Category | Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown | The Langham, Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Approachable, meeting- and family-focused downtown hotel | Refined five-star riverfront luxury hotel |
| Location | On the Chicago Riverwalk at 71 E Wacker Drive (Loop) | Riverfront on 330 North Wabash Avenue, steps from Michigan Avenue |
| Size | 381 rooms, 34 suites (39-story tower) | 316 individually decorated guestrooms |
| Audience / age policy | All ages welcome; reservation holder must be 21+ | Family-friendly (reservation/check-in min age 21 per supplier policy) |
| Pools | No on-site pool | Indoor pool (number of indoor pools: 1) |
| Restaurants & bars | Hoyt's Chicago (onsite all-day American restaurant) + Market Place bar/lounge | Travelle (Mediterranean/restaurant) + 1 bar/lounge; room service available |
| Spa & wellness | No spa listed; 24/7 fitness center with Peloton | Full-service spa, steam room/sauna, health club and fitness facilities |
| Meetings & events | 16,000+ sq ft, 18 meeting rooms, Penthouse & Grand Ballrooms | 15 meeting rooms, ~15,000 sq ft of conference space |
| Known for | Event space and the Penthouse Ballroom with skyline views (movie set tie-in) | High-design luxury rooms, Travelle restaurant and riverwalk access |
| Wi‑Fi / fees | Mandatory daily Destination Fee ($32) covers basic Wi‑Fi, fitness access, arrival water and a dining credit | Complimentary wired internet listed; breakfast and valet parking are surcharge items |
Royal Sonesta sits where the Chicago River meets Michigan Avenue, directly on the Riverwalk.
Royal Sonesta is a practical Loop address for sightseeing, runs along the Riverwalk and places you in the middle of downtown activity.
The Langham occupies a prominent riverfront position at 330 North Wabash Avenue, minutes from Michigan Avenue and Millennium Park.
The Langham offers a quieter, luxury riverfront setting within easy reach of the same downtown sights.
Royal Sonesta offers 381 rooms across 26 named room types, including family- and themed suites.
Choose Royal Sonesta for more room-type variety and family-oriented suite options.
The Langham has 316 individually decorated guestrooms and a strong focus on refined details.
The Langham emphasizes high-design finishes and classic five-star room amenities.
Royal Sonesta’s on-site dining centers on Hoyt's Chicago and an on-site bar/lounge.
Royal Sonesta offers a solid all-day American restaurant and casual bar for most guest needs.
The Langham’s signature restaurant is Travelle with Mediterranean-influenced cuisine, plus a bar/lounge.
The Langham focuses on a single high-quality restaurant experience and quieter dining service.
Royal Sonesta does not have an on-site swimming pool; the Riverwalk is the nearest outdoor activity.
If an on-site pool is essential, Royal Sonesta is not the right choice.
The Langham provides an indoor pool alongside a full-service spa and health club.
The Langham is the clear pick for travelers seeking pool and spa facilities at the hotel.
Royal Sonesta emphasizes a 24/7 fitness center and proximity to active outdoor routes.
Royal Sonesta supports active travelers and offers a casual nightlife option onsite.
The Langham pairs a full-service spa and indoor pool with quieter bar/lounge options.
The Langham suits guests who want in-house relaxation and quieter, upscale evening service.

Royal Sonesta — more than 16,000 sq ft of flexible meeting space, 18 meeting rooms and multiple ballrooms including a 39th-floor Penthouse Ballroom.

The Langham — full-service spa, steam room/sauna, health club and an indoor pool (1).

Royal Sonesta — family suites, children welcome and a pet-friendly policy allowing up to two pets per suite (fee applies).

The Langham — individually decorated guestrooms and design-forward, five-star room amenities.
Royal Sonesta is set up for larger meetings and weddings with 16,000+ sq ft, 18 meeting rooms and multiple ballrooms; The Langham offers substantial conference space too but positions itself as a luxury meeting hotel.
The Langham has an indoor pool (1). Royal Sonesta does not have an on-site pool.
Yes. Both properties welcome guests of all ages, though the primary guest checking in must be at least 21 at both hotels.
Both are within easy walking distance of Millennium Park and Michigan Avenue; Royal Sonesta sits directly on the Riverwalk at 71 E Wacker Drive, while The Langham is steps from Michigan Avenue at 330 N Wabash.
Explore how Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown stacks up against other hotels nearby:
vs. sites like Expedia, Hotels.com and other OTAs ·