Arrival/Check-In: I arrived at the hotel in the early evening after an uneventful flight and was greeted warmly at reception. Check-in was efficient, and once the paperwork was complete the receptionist handed me the room key personally, which added a friendly, human touch to the welcome.
Guest Quarters: My luxury king room on the 28th floor offered a view of the Hancock Tower and a narrow, skyscraper-framed slice of Lake Michigan. The room featured a king-sized bed, a large desk with convenient desk-level outlets, a chaise lounge, and a dresser/credenza with a large flat-screen TV. There was ample closet space and a bedside table with a high-quality Bose Wave music system that doubled as an alarm.
The bed used SoBed, Sofitel’s feather-top and duvet sleep system, which proved very comfortable — I slept exceptionally well. The bathroom offered a generous vanity, a separate stand-alone shower and a tub with a handheld shower. Toiletries provided were from the French luxury brand Lanvin, consistent with the hotel’s upscale aesthetic.
Services/Amenities: Both mornings I enjoyed breakfast at the hotel restaurant, Café des Architectes, where the eggs were cooked perfectly and the croissants were outstanding. The bar, Le Bar, has an attractive atmosphere and appears to draw both locals and hotel guests. The property also includes a well-equipped fitness center suitable for a vigorous workout.
The Experience: Located opposite a small triangular park in Chicago’s Gold Coast and just about two blocks from Michigan Avenue and the John Hancock Center, the hotel sits in a convenient, desirable neighborhood for business or leisure travelers. The Gold Coast provides a wide range of restaurants within walking distance and excellent shopping along the nearby Magnificent Mile. Staff service stands out as friendly, attentive and proactive, consistently offering helpful recommendations and anticipating guest needs. I would recommend this Sofitel to friends visiting Chicago.
GT CHECKLIST
Doorman/valet — yes
Less than 10 minutes for check-in — yes
Separate tub and shower — yes
Large vanity — yes
High-quality towels — yes
Powerful, unattached hair dryer — yes
High-quality bed linens — yes
Large, flat-screen television — yes
Large desk with convenient outlets — yes
Large, complimentary laptop safe — yes
Complimentary in-room WiFi — yes
Complimentary bottled water — yes
Stocked minibar — yes
Ample lighting — yes
In-room coffeemaker — no
Iron and ironing board — yes
On-site restaurant — yes
24-hour room service — yes
24-hour state-of-the-art fitness center — yes
Turn-down service — yes
Sofitel Chicago Water Tower
20 E. Chestnut St.
Chicago, IL 60611
tel 312 324 4000
sofitel.com