Arrival/Check-In: I arrived at the hotel in the early evening after an uneventful flight to a warm welcome from reception, where check-in was handled in no time flat. Once all the paperwork was done, the affable receptionists came from behind the counter to hand me the room key. I think this lends a personal touch to the whole experience.

Guest Quarters: I had a luxury king room on the 28th floor with a view of the Hancock Tower and a narrow, skyscraper-bordered slice of Lake Michigan. The room included a king-sized bed, a large desk with desk-level outlets, a chaise, a dresser/credenza holding a large-screen TV and ample closets. The bedside table held a Bose Wave music system radio/alarm.

The bed featured SoBed, Sofitel’s feather-top and duvet sleep system, which I must say was comfortable. I slept like a log! The bathroom included a large vanity, a stand-alone shower and a tub with a handheld shower. Like the hotel itself, the toiletries were French: the luxury brand Lanvin.

Services/Amenities: Both mornings I took breakfast in the hotel restaurant, Café des Architectes, which I must say was excellent — perfect eggs and superb croissants. The attractive bar, Le Bar, seems to attract locals as well as guests. There is also a well-appointed fitness center.

The Experience: The hotel is located opposite a small triangle park in Chicago’s Gold Coast about two blocks from Michigan Avenue and the John Hancock Center. The Gold Coast is a great area to stay whether you are in town for business or pleasure. The area offers a huge selection of restaurants within walking distance of the Sofitel and great shopping on the nearby Magnificent Mile. The staff provides the best recommendation for the hotel. They are friendly, accommodating and seem to anticipate your needs. I will recommend the Sofitel to my friends traveling to Chicago.

GT CHECKLIST

[checklist]
[item check=yes]Doorman/valet[/item]
[item check=yes]Less than 10 minutes for check-in[/item]
[item check=yes]Separate tub and shower[/item]
[item check=yes]Large vanity[/item]
[item check=yes]High-quality towels[/item]
[item check=yes]Powerful, unattached hair dryer[/item]
[item check=yes]High-quality bed linens[/item]
[item check=yes]Large, flat-screen television[/item]
[item check=yes]Large desk with convenient outlets[/item]
[item check=yes]Large, complimentary laptop safe[/item]
[item check=yes]Complimentary in-room WiFi[/item]
[item check=yes]Complimentary bottled water[/item]
[item check=yes]Stocked minibar[/item]
[item check=yes]Ample lighting[/item]
[item]In-room coffeemaker[/item]
[item check=yes]Iron and ironing board[/item]
[item check=yes]On-site restaurant[/item]
[item check=yes]24-hour room service[/item]
[item check=yes]24-hour state-of-the-art fitness center[/item]
[item check=yes]Turn-down service[/item]
[/checklist]

Sofitel Chicago Water Tower

20 E. Chestnut St.
Chicago, IL 60611
tel 312 324 4000
sofitel.com