Royal Sonesta Chicago: Elevating a Flagship Urban Hotel Experience

The Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown Riverwalk

RMR transformed The Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown Riverwalk through a comprehensive renovation that reimagined more than 30 floors of guest rooms and common areas. Delivered in 2021, the project enhances one of the city’s premier riverfront hotels, elevating the guest experience while strengthening the property’s position in the heart of downtown Chicago.

Strategy & execution

Our goal was to refresh and modernize a high‑profile hospitality asset steps from Michigan Avenue, the Chicago Riverwalk, Navy Pier, Millennium Park and the Magnificent Mile. We designed the renovation to amplify the building’s strengths - unmatched views, central location and strong brand presence - while updating functionality, comfort and operational efficiency.

Renovation scope

We executed a full refresh across guest rooms and public spaces, modernizing the hotel’s aesthetic and infrastructure to meet evolving traveler expectations. Key enhancements include:

• Guest rooms: Updated finishes, lighting, furniture, fixtures and upgraded MEP systems to improve comfort and energy performance.
• Common areas: Enhanced architectural lighting, refreshed lounge areas and upgraded meeting spaces to support business and leisure guests.
• Efficiency upgrades: Installed vacancy sensors and improved mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems to support sustainability and long‑term operational resilience.

Guest experience & amenities

The renovation strengthened the hotel’s full suite of amenities, providing guests with a more elevated, seamless experience. Hotel amenities include:

• Sky Lounge with dramatic skyline and river views.
• Indoor heated pool with outdoor sundeck.
• Flexible meeting and event spaces.
• Lounge seating and communal gathering areas.
• Fitness center.
• Chef‑driven dining.

These enhancements help the hotel compete at the top of the downtown market and appeal to both corporate and leisure travelers.

The renovation revitalized a well‑located hotel into a contemporary urban destination, positioning it as a standout along Chicago’s iconic riverfront. By modernizing guestrooms, elevating amenities and upgrading building systems, RMR strengthened the property’s long‑term value, improved the guest experience, and enhanced operational performance, ensuring The Royal Sonesta remains a preferred choice in one of the city’s most dynamic hospitality markets.