Anyone wishing for a sophisticated and calming approach to accommodation in Chicago should look no further than the Royal Sonesta which rates guests' well-being and comfort levels just as seriously as the stylish interior décor. The hotel offers just that little bit extra with personalised in-room Yoga sessions on the TV or perhaps you would prefer an early morning jog? Of course, you don't have to jog to be able to enjoy the sights and guests staying at the Palomar will be pleased to learn that River North, Navy Pier and the Magnificent Mile are all within walking distance. Further fabulous fitness facilities come in the form of the hotel's indoor heated swimming pool and 24-hour gym which are both guaranteed to help you work up an appetite just in time to check out the gastro-lounge dishes at the Sable Kitchen & Bar. What with in-room dining options and complimentary wine tasting sessions every day at 5.00pm, it's a wonder that you'll find the time to set foot outside however, it would be rude not to so this is your chance to give the Windy City a whirl.
Amenities
Bar
Fitness Centre/Gym
Internet Access
Laundry Service
Restaurant
Safety Deposit Box
Swimming Pool
Close to City Centre
Where is it
Situated at the intersection between East Illinois Street and North State Street, the Palomar is right at the centre of the action with a world of shopping, sightseeing, dining and good times right on your doorstep or just a few blocks walk away. Transfer time from Chicago O'Hare International Airport: 35 minutes.
Hotel information
261 guest rooms and suites. All with floor to ceiling windows, 37” HD LCD TV with cable and movies on-demand, in-room yoga TV channel and yoga mat, iHome docking station, alarm clock and safe. King Deluxe Rooms are 325 sq ft and have floor-to-ceiling windows with skyline views, with 1 king-size bed, sleeping maximum 2 adults.
Queen Queen Deluxe Rooms are 365 sq ft and have floor-to-ceiling windows with skyline views, with 2 queen-size beds, sleeping maximum 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children.
One Bedroom Suites are 630 sq ft and have a separate living room, floor-to-ceiling windows with skyline views and a Fuji jet soaking tub, with 1 king-size bed and sofa bed in the living area, sleeping maximum 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children. 4
Sable Kitchen + Bar (open for brunch, dinner and afternoon/late night drinks). 24-hour room service*. Hosted evening wine hour. Heated indoor swimming pool and sundeck. 24-hour fitness centre. Fitness classes*. In-room spa services*. Palomar Baby Butler* (baby amenities in-room such as bath tub, nightlight, humidifer and more). Complimentary morning coffee and tea. Laundry/dry-cleaning service*. Valet parking $62 plus tax, per day (payable locally, subject to change).
There is a resort fee of $32 (tax inclusive) per room, per night (payable locally, fee subject to change).
Resort fee includes:- WiFi access - $10 food and beverage credit at CBR - Access to fitness centre - 2 bottles of water daily. Resort fee inclusions are subject to change and availability. Please check with the hotel for the most up-to-date information.
*Denotes local charge.
Please note: One person must be aged 21 years and over in each room at check-in.
Based on 3685 reviews
Rating summary
Location
Sleep Quality
Rooms
Service
Value
Cleanliness
Traveller rating
Excellent (2761)
Very good (710)
Average (138)
Poor (48)
Terrible (29)
Good location, great service!
Jul 5, 2025briannaank
We had a great stay at the Royal Sonesta River North Chicago! The location was perfect — surrounded by tons of nightlife, restaurants, and things to do within walking distance. The front desk staff was very responsive and made check-in a breeze. Valet service was quick and efficient, which we really appreciated.
A special shoutout to Spiro, who…
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We had a great stay at the Royal Sonesta River North Chicago! The location was perfect — surrounded by tons of nightlife, restaurants, and things to do within walking distance. The front desk staff was very responsive and made check-in a breeze. Valet service was quick and efficient, which we really appreciated.
A special shoutout to Spiro, who went above and beyond helping us with the doors and holding our luggage. He was incredibly friendly and genuinely made us smile every time we saw him — such a great start and end to each day!
The combination of a friendly, attentive staff and a fantastic location would absolutely bring us back again. Highly recommend!
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Overall good but not great
Jun 30, 2025HuntingtonBeachHuntington Beach, CA
The hotel is located in a pretty decent area. From the room I watched some shady subjects hanging out across the street from the hotel, but it's a big city and that kind of thing is inevitable. We walked around the area in pretty much every direction, including at night, and never felt unsafe.
Pros:
-Excellent AC. We were there during a…
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The hotel is located in a pretty decent area. From the room I watched some shady subjects hanging out across the street from the hotel, but it's a big city and that kind of thing is inevitable. We walked around the area in pretty much every direction, including at night, and never felt unsafe.
Pros:
-Excellent AC. We were there during a heat wave and the AC did a great job. Also, the AC vent did not point at the bed, which is another plus (my sinuses get screwed up if the AC blows directly on me at night).
-Free coffee in lobby. Seems like some rooms have a Keurig and some don't, but the free coffee in the lobby each morning is better than what I get out of a Keurig. Bring your own coffee cups; the cups provided by the hotel are tiny.
-Excellent water pressure. Sometimes hotels have weak water pressure; not a problem here.
-Sound proof doors. Once we were in our room we rarely heard noise in the hallway (although when we were in the hallway we could hear at least one room near us with people yelling at each other)
Cons:
-Cheap toilet paper. Not sure why a hotel at this price point has such cheap toilet paper, but it was disappointing. Bring your own normal toilet paper and save yourself from having to deal with the hotel's supply.
-Terrible bed sheets. The hotel doesn't use fitted sheets for the bed, so every night the sheet comes out and needs to be tucked in around the bottom of the bed. I stayed at a Holiday Inn Express a few days later and they use fitted sheets; not sure why Sonesta can't match HIE's sheets.
-Sirens. There's a fire station down the street so we heard a lot of sirens. Probably unavoidable in a big city, but I think we got more sirens because we were so close to the station. Earplugs helped but didn't solve the problem.
Would we go back? Maybe. I'd think hard about paying a little more to get a quieter room with better TP and sheets.
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Great stay
Jun 30, 2025aopfellTustin, California
Our trip to Chicago was extra special by staying at the Royal Sonesta. Our suite well designed including a luxurious bathtub, and was well decorated.
Vania at the front desk was always cheerful and very helpful. Good location to nice restaurants and downtown. Looking forward to staying here again.
We will be back!
Jun 29, 2025E J
The room was amazing! It is very spacious and clean. The staff were very pleasant and welcoming. Speedy and Shaunda were very helpful
Chicago stay
Jun 28, 2025Eddie C
The breakfast was easily the best meal we had each day. It was a pleasure to be looked after by Edgar and his team each morning.
Good location, great service!
